It's a Gomer Pyle moment... surprise! Surprise! Surprise!
(Spoken with the inflections and twang that only Jim Nabors could do as Gomer. Yeah... do I ever feel really old right now. Thanks for that, Pat!)
I knew it was coming... I just couldn't remember when. Soon. Later. Huh? Now? You mean today? Yikes!
(See... I knew there was something about January in there.)
Here's the most important thing you need to know - go here to enter to win a Holiday package from moi. Pat Sloan's Place. You have until New Year's Day to enter to win.
Now I have to explain a little bit about the rest... Pat likes to ask us these questions and sometimes the answers come easily, and other times... not so much. Maybe it comes easily but it's kind of like an avalanche of 382 possibilities. Or maybe that's just me. Yeah, yeah... it's me.
So here's what Pat asked:
What's your favorite drink?
Maybe it had been a long day... maybe it was the time of day... whatever the reason, my first thought was something "adult". Age-wise, not necessarily behavior-wise.
I love a really good Bloody Mary. I've never been a fan of fruity drinks or sweet drinks. A Chocolate Martini? Uh, no thank you. Unless you can add a healthy dash of Tabasco or some wasabi, I'd rather not.
No, I do not add Tabasco or wasabi to my lattes. I love Cappuccinos - especially the very traditional kind served in a small cup with just a little bit of milk added to the single shot of good espresso. Love those. But when I go to Starbucks - I live about three blocks away from one - I get a Triple - that means one more extra shot of espresso - Venti Sugar-Free Cinnamon Dolce Latte made with 2 Percent milk and no whip cream. If the barrista isn't incredibly busy, I ask for extra foam. And because you're not already shocked enough, I occasionally have a Quad - two extra shots of espresso... and hold the Cinnamon Dolce, please.
More than you wanted to know, huh?
What is your favorite food to eat, make or buy?
This was hard - I come from a family that loves to eat. And it's the time of year for baking and cooking. And have you seen the Williams-Sonoma, Zingerman's, or Dean & Deluca catalogs lately?
My Mom is of German descent so the holidays have always meant Stollen. My Mom used to make it and I've made it but I confess that I much prefer buying it - especially when what I can buy is much better than what I can make - especially when you figure out that I probably spend more on the ingredients! Our two favorites are from Zingerman's in Michigan and Big Sur Bakery in California. (The picture is from Big Sur Bakery.)
As for baking, that's on my schedule for today! I'm going to make just a few kinds of cookies - Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Raisin, these Walnut Bars my Mom likes, and I think that's it. Oh, and Lemon Bars! We picked the last of the lemons this past week and we've still got about 50 pounds of lemons that need juicing and freezing.
On Monday, I will also make White Christmas Pie. My Mom first made this recipe about 40 years ago and it has been our family "Christmas Eve" pie ever since.
My favorite Christmas picture...
Rosie would prefer this...
Rosie loves snow. And she loves walks in the snow. Since I would love walking in the snow here, we'd both be happy. Joyeux Noel!
Every year I get one of these from Sur la Table - every year, the design is a little different. They're always pretty. And there might be one in the box... that you could win... if you enter.
Favorite Christmas Song.
This one always makes me happy.
Another favorite.
I love The Christmas Song. I have always believed - and still do - that Nat King Cole's version is far and away the best. But this one comes close.
And since it's Christmas...
Santa. I've been good. Really.
Okay, mostly.
Good enough?
Go say Hi to Pat - and remember, enter to with HERE.
As in over there... not here.
Thank you Pat!
Hi Carrie!!! Boy Christmas is coming fast...so, because I'm hurrying to an appointment I just wanted to tell you really fast, I don't have any clout with George Clooney, but Hey, if you'll pay shipping, I'll send you my husband..."Surprise, Surprise, Surprise" ! If your interested, I'll email you photos...HO HO HO!!! Hugs to all and Merry Christmas..... ;o)
Posted by: Nancy in Utah | December 20, 2012 at 11:23 AM
Love the picture of the eiffel tower in the snow
just beautiful.
have to save that one
and rosie looks adorable! not happy but adorable
Kathie
Posted by: kathie | December 20, 2012 at 12:40 PM
Well, I'm always checking in over at Pat's but still had to say hi, cuz I like checking in here also!! It's not that I'm a scrooge, but I really haven't listened to too many carols this year, so thanks for that little treat. White Christmas Pie - I might have to try... wonder if it's good with Bloody Mary!
Posted by: Linda P | December 20, 2012 at 03:16 PM
BIG FAT SMOOCH to you!!!! LOVE this.. I've now ordered a tea towel and I'm thinking about ordering stollen... because it looks so dang yummy.. oh yeah.. asked Santa for one of those items in your last photo too.. maybe with a tux... mmmmm....
And what IS White Pie? never mind.. I see I'm supposed to click the lint.. off I go!
Posted by: Pat Sloan | December 20, 2012 at 03:48 PM
George is EXACTLY who i needed to see right now - thank you!!!
Posted by: dianne | December 20, 2012 at 05:51 PM
Great blog, love the photo of the eiffel towel,
Thanks for the giveaway.
Posted by: Diana | December 21, 2012 at 12:35 AM
Well, it didn't take much prodding to get me to enter at Pat's. I know all about your Mystery Gift Boxes and they are WONDERFUL! Mostly because you are so generous and fun. Gabby says "Hi!" to Rosie (even though she's sleeping). Merry Christmas and Happy New 2013 to you both. I pray your household is greatly blessed next year!
Posted by: Kd Brown | December 21, 2012 at 06:48 AM
Happy Holidays!
Just had to wish you, Rosie and your Mother too a wonderful holiday season and lots of happiness and good health in 2013
Karen M
Posted by: Karen M | December 21, 2012 at 09:01 PM