The Chit Chat Chit Chat Thread

[MinnieM123]

Yesterday's pork chops meal came out great! My sister brought over cupcakes and cookies for dessert, and they were delicious, too. Got some nice gifts including Maleficent DVD (I'll watch that this weekend, haven't seen the movie yet), and some gift cards.

My big present from hubby is a new computer. Well, it's not "new" per se, but he knows electronics, etc., and got a very good deal on a quality used one. (Sometimes, he'll build a computer, but he said that this one had all the bells and whistles and was good just the way it came.) My old computer had the old Windows, and this one has Windows 7 (I have Windows 7 at work as well). All I use the computer for at home is for this forum, internet searches, and email. I never do anything like online banking or whatever. So this newer computer probably has way more than what I need on it, but it's fun to have something newer, after about 8 years of the older computer.

 

[MinnieM123]

Apparently the theme of this years Christmas was nursing homes and killing people. One might think that's is depressing conversation and it is. But it was funny at the same time. And cousin bashing!!!

My cousin wore this Christmas Eve. And it was horrid. She cannot wear this. She is way too big for this. She always wears clothes 5 times too small. I have a picture I showed my friend and she had a good laugh.

Ha ha ha . . . I laughed out loud over this post. Aren't family get-togethers a hoot??!! Loved the topics of conversation, so uplifting

As for the "fashion statement" worn by your cousin, that was a classic!

 

[MOXOMUMD]

Happy Kwanzaa to any who celebrate it.

 

[MOXOMUMD]

6 days until 2015.

 

[Gabe1]

Boy, this isn't the hour to try and learn more about this laptop. Keyboard is so much farther to the left because of the number keypad.

Also I hope you all had a great christmas!

My mom's turkey unfortunately, turned bad ( I think they sold her a bad turkey).
Anyway, we "countered" the issue with some insanely delicious Bacalao a la Vizcaina.
So In general, this Christmas was ok (so bad not many people in as other years)

That looked so yummy. Thinking I'd like better than Turkey.

 

[willtravel]

May is less hot than July. The great thing about dry heat is that you get under shade and you get a lot more relief than in humidity. Thunderstorms are less common in May since July is our "monsoon" season. Layers in clothing is the best way to go.
My family recommended you come in September to Albuquerque for our International Balloon Fiesta. People love it.

I thought of September but I am going to Delaware mid Sept./Oct for fall color. Thanks for the info.

 

[Gabe1]

Ha ha ha . . . I laughed out loud over this post. Aren't family get-togethers a hoot??!! Loved the topics of conversation, so uplifting

As for the "fashion statement" worn by your cousin, that was a classic!

Topics are generally light for family gatherings with my family unless my Sis is in town, even more intense if my BIL is in town too. He tends to drink more than he should during the holiday gatherings so it just fuels the hot button topics.

We do not do Christmas or holidays with my DH family any longer. Woot! My one BIL and his wife are still intense and she is LOUD. He is the type that will correct peoples grammar and interrupt a conversation to correct others. My kids never liked him, he'd bark orders at them or give them chores when my MIL & FIL still had their home. At MIL 90th he barked at my DS because he didn't move quick enough to take a picture when was so ordered to do so, DS was finishing a conversation with a cousin from Texas. DS was so tempted to just head back to Ohare early. His comment being 3 more years would be great not seeing them.

We were raised to not launch controversial topics at social events since someone is bound to have an opposite view and of course there will be debate. This year only my niece came in and left Christmas Eve. She is 17 and a hoot. She tells stories of her Cleveland family and she is quite the story teller, she was our entertainment. Good time.

 

[Gabe1]

Yesterday's pork chops meal came out great! My sister brought over cupcakes and cookies for dessert, and they were delicious, too. Got some nice gifts including Maleficent DVD (I'll watch that this weekend, haven't seen the movie yet), and some gift cards.

My big present from hubby is a new computer. Well, it's not "new" per se, but he knows electronics, etc., and got a very good deal on a quality used one. (Sometimes, he'll build a computer, but he said that this one had all the bells and whistles and was good just the way it came.) My old computer had the old Windows, and this one has Windows 7 (I have Windows 7 at work as well). All I use the computer for at home is for this forum, internet searches, and email. I never do anything like online banking or whatever. So this newer computer probably has way more than what I need on it, but it's fun to have something newer, after about 8 years of the older computer.

How do you make your crock pot pork chops? Sound yummy.

So glad you have a new computer too.

I am struggling. I only played a few minutes yesterday. My DD needed to launch a virus protection before I could play and it was late already. She is the one that told my DH that Mom needed a new laptop. Love my child advocate! The touch screen is pretty cool.

Before she left for work I had questions. How the heck do I scroll? Who knew that needed to be 2 fingers, not one, not 3. How does it know? Then I'm scrolling in the wrong direction. Ha! Also I couldn't spell check. So I learned 2 more things. Then I locked up something. I must have tapped the ALT GR button vs the space bar. I don't know what that is, last laptop didn't have it, only an ALT. She showed me what I did.

So please forgive me as I learn.

 

[JenniferS]

For me, Christmas is divided into fourths: Christmas Eve, Christmas morning, Christmas dinner, and then Hubby's family's annual Boxing Day get-together.
Three down. One to go.

Boxing Day used to be so awesome. For many years, we used to rent the Kiwanis Centre out on a nearby nature preserve. The facilities were wonderful. We had two wood-burning fireplaces; a full industrial kitchen, including use of their dishes and cutlery; many couches and comfy chairs; a separate room with a t.v. for the kids to play their newest video games (and the big boys to watch the Canadian Juniors play); a huge hall, big enough for dining, games, hockey for the kids, cards; walking trails through the nature preserve; two perfect hills for tobaggoning; and a play area (climbing aparatus, swings, slides) at the bottom of the hill.

Sadly, the facilities were sold five years ago to a private organization. They are no longer willing to rent the Centre on Boxing Day (big problem) and they have prohibited alcohol (BIGGER problem).

So, now we rent the Knights of Columbus Hall. One smallish room - attached to a licenced bar, so no outside beer can be brought in.
No hills, no play equipment, no kitchen facilities, no fireplaces ... no fun.
What used to be an all day affair (noon until 10:00 p.m.) is now a three hour snoozefest.

Also, the family has grown. Seven original kids, their spouses, 13 grandchildren, (10 of whom are married or engaged), 14 great-children, and one cousin and her family.
That's a lot of "personalities" in one confined room. And not everyone gets along.
There was a huge fight last year which carried over to this year, resulting in one entire family pulling out. (Hubby's brother, his wife, both their kids and spouses and two grandchildren).

A lot of people secretly (and not so secretly) want to wind it down. It's our turn to host next year, which will bring the third 7-year cycle to an end; after which I see major changes coming.

Honestly, it should just revert to the original 7 (and possibly spouses) and it should become a no fuss, no muss Boxing Day brunch, held at a proper restaurant.

Time to put on my happy face, engage with those I like, smile and be nice to the couple of difficult ones, and bank more Karma.

But first, I need more coffee.

 

[Gabe1]

A young fan from Chicago....

 

[donaldtoo]

Hope you all had a blessed and wonderful Christmas!!!!!
Ours was AWESOME!!!!!!!
2.5 more days off, and then back to the grind. Although, not really too much of a grind. There'll be a skeleton crew of us for the first 3 days of next week and then the rest of it is paid holiday time. Not much works gonna' get done anyway. I shoulda' just used 3 more vacation days and took the whole 2 weeks off.
We'll see how it plays out...

 

[MinnieM123]

Topics are generally light for family gatherings with my family unless my Sis is in town, even more intense if my BIL is in town too. He tends to drink more than he should during the holiday gatherings so it just fuels the hot button topics.

We do not do Christmas or holidays with my DH family any longer. Woot! My one BIL and his wife are still intense and she is LOUD. He is the type that will correct peoples grammar and interrupt a conversation to correct others. My kids never liked him, he'd bark orders at them or give them chores when my MIL & FIL still had their home. At MIL 90th he barked at my DS because he didn't move quick enough to take a picture when was so ordered to do so, DS was finishing a conversation with a cousin from Texas. DS was so tempted to just head back to Ohare early. His comment being 3 more years would be great not seeing them.

We were raised to not launch controversial topics at social events since someone is bound to have an opposite view and of course there will be debate. This year only my niece came in and left Christmas Eve. She is 17 and a hoot. She tells stories of her Cleveland family and she is quite the story teller, she was our entertainment. Good time.

I am glad to hear that you had such a nice time this year. Frankly, I don't know many people who look forward to gatherings with their relatives . . .

 

[MinnieM123]

View attachment 77459

6 days until 2015.

Ha! I knew you wouldn't disappoint us! Looking forward to the rest of the N.Y.'s countdown pictures, too!

 

[Gabe1]

I am glad to hear that you had such a nice time this year. Frankly, I don't know many people who look forward to gatherings with their relatives . . .

It was a real nice couple days of Christmas. Sounds like you had a good time with your Sis too.

 

[MinnieM123]

How do you make your crock pot pork chops? Sound yummy.

So glad you have a new computer too.

I am struggling. I only played a few minutes yesterday. My DD needed to launch a virus protection before I could play and it was late already. She is the one that told my DH that Mom needed a new laptop. Love my child advocate! The touch screen is pretty cool.

Before she left for work I had questions. How the heck do I scroll? Who knew that needed to be 2 fingers, not one, not 3. How does it know? Then I'm scrolling in the wrong direction. Ha! Also I couldn't spell check. So I learned 2 more things. Then I locked up something. I must have tapped the ALT GR button vs the space bar. I don't know what that is, last laptop didn't have it, only an ALT. She showed me what I did.

So please forgive me as I learn.

Hahahaha . . . I can relate. Can't stand computers; they're a necessary evil, and that's all I can say that's positive about them. It's good that you have your "child advocate" to help you out. I think we all have someone like that in our lives. My theory is that people either like computers or they hate them. Don't see much middle ground on the subject.

As for pork chops, anyone can easily make this recipe. Key is condensed soups, and not to dilute them. So, 1 can of cream of mushroom condensed, 1 can of cream of chicken condensed, and 1 packet of Hidden Valley Ranch powder ranch dressing. Combine those in a bowl. (Throw in a small package of cut-up mushrooms if you want--I like mushrooms.) Take 6 thinner-sliced pork chops and place on bottom of crock pot. Pour the soup/Ranch dressing mixture over the chops. Cover. Cook on low for 8 hours. Serve over brown rice. Comes out awesome!

 

[donaldtoo]

Hot, dry, and sometimes thunderstorms. When I say dry, I mean dry like a fish out of water. The dryness affects people the most so have lots of lotion and hydrate.

Yep, when we were hiking in the Sangre de Cristo in early to mid summer, those afternoon t-storms were like clockwork. And, yes, when it dried up, it really dried up. So much more pleasant than the humidididididity 'round these parts, though.

 

[MinnieM123]

For me, Christmas is divided into fourths: Christmas Eve, Christmas morning, Christmas dinner, and then Hubby's family's annual Boxing Day get-together.
Three down. One to go.

Boxing Day used to be so awesome. For many years, we used to rent the Kiwanis Centre out on a nearby nature preserve. The facilities were wonderful. We had two wood-burning fireplaces; a full industrial kitchen, including use of their dishes and cutlery; many couches and comfy chairs; a separate room with a t.v. for the kids to play their newest video games (and the big boys to watch the Canadian Juniors play); a huge hall, big enough for dining, games, hockey for the kids, cards; walking trails through the nature preserve; two perfect hills for tobaggoning; and a play area (climbing aparatus, swings, slides) at the bottom of the hill.

Sadly, the facilities were sold five years ago to a private organization. They are no longer willing to rent the Centre on Boxing Day (big problem) and they have prohibited alcohol (BIGGER problem).

So, now we rent the Knights of Columbus Hall. One smallish room - attached to a licenced bar, so no outside beer can be brought in.
No hills, no play equipment, no kitchen facilities, no fireplaces ... no fun.
What used to be an all day affair (noon until 10:00 p.m.) is now a three hour snoozefest.

Also, the family has grown. Seven original kids, their spouses, 13 grandchildren, (10 of whom are married or engaged), 14 great-children, and one cousin and her family.
That's a lot of "personalities" in one confined room. And not everyone gets along.
There was a huge fight last year which carried over to this year, resulting in one entire family pulling out. (Hubby's brother, his wife, both their kids and spouses and two grandchildren).

A lot of people secretly (and not so secretly) want to wind it down. It's our turn to host next year, which will bring the third 7-year cycle to an end; after which I see major changes coming.

Honestly, it should just revert to the original 7 (and possibly spouses) and it should become a no fuss, no muss Boxing Day brunch, held at a proper restaurant.

Time to put on my happy face, engage with those I like, smile and be nice to the couple of difficult ones, and bank more Karma.

But first, I need more coffee.

The festivities you had years ago sounded like so much fun. But, sometimes things change (not always for the best), and trying to get back, or relive, what happened before, might not work now. It really sounds like the whole extended family needs to rethink this, and maybe break up into smaller groups to make it more manageable. I think this is what you prefer as well, at this point. Changing the way things are done, moving forward, may actually create "new" traditions.

This reminds me a little of a phone conversation I had with my eldest brother (who lives in N.C.) on Thanksgiving. I mentioned how I missed our parents and how our family was all together years ago and had wonderful family Thanksgivings at home. I said it was still nice how hubby, my sister and I celebrated Thanksgiving at a restaurant, yet, I also missed the old days. He told me that there's nothing wrong with making new traditions, and going out to a restaurant was fine. Sometimes you have to go with the flow, and find the silver lining, by observing the holidays in a different way. Just thought I'd share what he told me.

 

[MinnieM123]

Hope you all had a blessed and wonderful Christmas!!!!!
Ours was AWESOME!!!!!!!
2.5 more days off, and then back to the grind. Although, not really too much of a grind. There'll be a skeleton crew of us for the first 3 days of next week and then the rest of it is paid holiday time. Not much works gonna' get done anyway. I shoulda' just used 3 more vacation days and took the whole 2 weeks off.
We'll see how it plays out...

So happy to hear that you had a wonderful Christmas! I'm off from work today, myself (I took a vacation day; we don't actually get the day off, only Christmas, because even Scrooge gave that day off . . . ). So I went to a few stores this morning, looking at things on sale. I also did an exercise walk in the woods. It was really fun getting out in the woods today on a Friday! Oh, I love to be free!!!

 

[MinnieM123]

It was a real nice couple days of Christmas. Sounds like you had a good time with your Sis too.

Heh, heh . . . I like that. So I was thinking. Since most people can barely tolerate the lion's share of their rellies, do you think that since families are bound together by blood lines, that the DNA gets all messed up, the more it gets spread around?

In other words, we all like "some" rellies, and we all have our friends, outside of the family. Hence, are we meant to be attracted to just a few people who are, in the same blood line, and similar to us; but then the rest of the blood line relatives all seem crazy to us, and we want to run for the hills??!! So, we seek friendship and "normal" people outside of the family, who have completely different DNA? Is this thought of mine goofy? See what happens when I take a day off from work?

 

[donaldtoo]

Also I hope you all had a great christmas!

My mom's turkey unfortunately, turned bad ( I think they sold her a bad turkey).
Anyway, we "countered" the issue with some insanely delicious Bacalao a la Vizcaina.
So In general, this Christmas was ok (so bad not many people in as other years)

Sorry about the turkey, but, the alternative is darn mouth-watering, too...!