Saturday, December 6, 2008

Sunday Dinner, December 7, 2008

First of all, in the interest of full disclosure, I have a confession of sorts to make.

Remember the last 2 Sundays when I've said I was going to make homemade chicken and rice and stewed potatoes and white sauce? And Sunday before last we ended up eating barbecue sandwiches instead of me cooking?

Well, this past Sunday we ended up eating out so I didn't make the chicken and rice or potatoes and white sauce last Sunday either.

I finally gave up on the chicken and rice so I froze my broth and the chicken for some other time. After 2 failed attempts I figure it's time to just give up on it until a later time.

And so we arrive at this week's Sunday Dinner. It's cold and windy in my little corner of the world right now. Our high for Sunday is forecast to be only 39F so soup and cornbread sounds good to me.

I'm making my tried and true standby, MY HAMBURGER SOUP and HOMEMADE BUTTERMILK CORNBREAD.

What's on the menu at your place for this Sunday's Dinner? Just share your plans/menu in the comments if you'd like to participate this week.I got most of my monthly shopping as well as my Christmas shopping done on Monday. I forgot a few household necessities Monday so had to pick up toilet tissue (!), trash bags and Kleen*ex Friday when I did my monthly grocery shopping.

Friday was December 5th and I was amazed at the crowds in Wal*mart when I was there. I'm telling you, a person is taking their life in their hands just to do his grocery shopping! People were ramming into grocery carts and pushing and shoving. I was never so glad as when I got done and got out of that milling crowd of crazed shoppers.My vet friend has asked me to make 4 batches of my homemade dog biscuits for her so I need to get that done either this week or next.

Sometime in the next couple of weeks I'm going to make several batches of MY HOMEMADE BUTTER SHORTBREAD cookies to eat and to give away as gifts. I also make savory seasoned, toasted pecans, and I usually make glazed pecans and meringue pecans to have on hand and also to give as gifts.

Usually I make multiple batches of marshmallow fudge, white chocolate fudge and peanut butter fudge, not to mention vanilla cream bon bons, coconut, pecan, cherry centered and peanut butter bon bons. But I think this year I'm going to give those a miss.This Christmas season I'm feeling the need to simplify and not just because I'm feeling the pinch of higher prices at the grocery store. We've never had the money to be extravagant with gifts but this year we're being even more frugal than usual.

It just feels right and necessary to simplify and draw family and faith close this Christmas season. After all, they are the most important things anyway, right?Friday night I finally mustered up the gumption to tackle all the clutter in my spare room closet and drag out all my Christmas decorations, wrapping paraphernalia and most importantly, the tree. I also pulled out the wreath that I hang on my front door. It was a little worse for the wear but I fiddled with it a bit and decided that it would do for another year.

After I got everything out and then got everything else put back to rights in the closet, I discovered that the plastic feet that attach to the bottom of the artificial tree and hold it upright weren't in the box with the tree.

Argh! By that time I was exhausted and disgusted so I just quit for the evening. Which means that I still have to turn that closet inside out and find the feet for my Christmas tree before I can actually put it up and decorate it. So I hope to do that sometime this next week, among all the other things I need to do. I also have to wrap the few gifts I've gotten for family and friends. I like to light some of my scented Christmas candles, turn on the lights on the decorated tree and have some of the classic Christmas shows playing on the VHS player. A nice cup of eggnog or hot spiced cider, or maybe some hot Christmas tea is another good thing I usually have on hand when I start my wrapping marathon.

But last year when I tried to watch some of my classic Christmas shows like "Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer", "A Garfield Christmas" and "A California Raisins Christmas", for some reason my VHS tape died. I can't imagine why. It was only about 20 years old and was one I'd recorded myself. I loved that tape!

So this year I guess I'll be at the mercy of whatever Christmas shows I can find when I get ready to do my Christmas wrapping.As you can see I still haven't found time to work on my Christmas header yet, but I hope to get it done this week. I really don't have a particular graphic I want to use so I'll have to work on several and make up my mind.It's nearly 11 pm and I still haven't made my hamburger soup so I suppose I'd better get after it if I don't want to be up all night.

Y'all have a great Sunday. May God bless you with all you need and enough to share.

35 comments:

the voice of melody said...

Diane, your soup and cornbread sound good. It's perfect comfort food for your chilly weather too. Hope you enjoy it and your family as well. :)

Our Home Schooler and Jen said...

have a good week my friend
Jen

Pug1 said...

The weather here is a bit chilly too we had chili for dinner tonight! have a blessed Lords Day! CHEERS! Michele

MightyMom said...

getting ready to heat up the last of mimi's gumbo right now!

and thanks for reminding me to put eggnog on the shopping list!

Hootin Anni said...

Good happy Sunday Diane. Boy howdy girl....you've been so busy! And to think of all the stuff you have planned. I'm curious about the meringue pecans. They surely do sound yummy! Of course, pecans are my favorite nut anyway. Anything pecan....and you got me tagging behind you 'til you offer me a snack. LOL

I know just what you mean about shopping this time of year. Bud and I make it a point of going to Wal Mart way early in the morning. To avoid the crowds. It's a mad house.

You have a terrific Sunday. Stay warm and enjoy the homemade soup.

Hootin Anni said...

PS....you have an email from me with a special attachment.

Linds said...

Hi Diane - well, lunch was egg and bacon on toast. Just perfect. I came in from church this morning and thought I want something quick and easy, and apart from forgetting to a) switch on the extractor, and b) open a window, so I am now sitting in a fog, I was right. Perfect.
I do hope you find the feet! Your week sounds as if it is going to be a busy one. Have fun making your goodies! I wish I was near so I could also sample them!

Lucy Stern said...

Diane, your soup and cornbread sound wonderful....We are celebrating my brothers birthday here today, so I am busy trying to get things in order and Oh not, I better get the chicken out of the freezer....YEKS! Ok, Ok, we're having chicken, baked potatoes, steamed veggies, cake and ice cream. My sister is bringing a salad and my other sister is bringing the cake and ice cream.....I am glad I can delegate some of that out.

TF is in Florida this weekend visiting his parents. We found some good airfare and I told him to go....They are getting up in age and I don't want him to miss a chance to go visit. I stayed home because of meetings, church Christmas party, shopping, cleaning and my brothers birthday party.....I found a fresh turkey at HEB for 29 cents per LB. so I bought it and am putting it in the freezer for later.

I know what you mean about WalMart, I was in there last night....I did find some nice shirts for my grandson marked down, so I got them......

Our Christmas, this year, will be tight. The family decided to draw names for the adults to save on the shopping....One of my sisters is barely living, paycheck to paycheck....It's just different this year.. You were right when you said that faith and family come first. I still have to make my gingerbread dough....Have a great week.

Anonymous said...

Good mornin' Miz Diane!

We have 2 inches of snow...the temp is 16º with the wind chill making it 2º!!!

Yep, I'm staying in and having "hillbilly comfort food" a pot of soup beans in the crock pot and will make a skillet of corn bread later to go with it...mmm-mmm!

I've got a tree up and some presents wrapped...I hate that chore myself...I'd much rather open them ;~D

I'm gonna make fudge~~chocolate and peanut butter closer to Christmas...your shortbread and bon bons sound great!

You are right we should all simplify and draw family and faith close this Christmas season! They are the "most" important things!

(((Hugs))) to you!!

Brenda said...

I so felt your frustration about having to go thru your closet again! Bummer.
We're getting and decorating our tree tonight, now where is that darn Christmas tree stand?!
I just told my SIL yesterday that I was feeling that exact same way about Christmas. Just simpler. No rushing, no getting trampled in Walmart. I know people complained about online shopping "Support the locals" they said. But I'm not in the mood to brave risking my life. If I'm gonna do that, I'll do it for a more worthy cause!
Your goodies sound yummy. I tried the choc./PB covered Chex mix this year. Super easy to make.
We're having the last of our (frozen) turkey soup leftovers today.
Have a great week, Diane.
Brenda :)

Lib said...

Hi Diane,
Your dinner sounds good.We had BLT's and tossed salad left from last night.
Our temp is 39 today also.
Your so right we all should focus more on a simple Christams Faith and Family!
With so many laid off in my Family we're just getting together for a meal.
Hope you have a great wk.
Hi to Jess and I send my Love!Miss her!
L,H,B,Lib

Minx's Den said...

Hey there Diane!

I know exactly what you mean about the walmart crowds! My hubby and I now go early in the mornings, just so that we can breathe in there while grocery shopping...For my Sunday dinner, my hubby made breaded chicked tenders with his own homemade breading mix, and some yellow saffron rice, it was yummy, hope your sunday was good, love ya! Have a wonderful week babe!

Love,
Lauren (minx)

Aunt Jenny said...

Our lunch was quesadillas with sour cream and green taco sauce and tonight I am making hamburger gravy over fried potatoes with a big green salad. I really need to sit down and figure out a menu for the week..it is a crazy busy one coming up and I do better with planning ahead.
Have a great week!!

Mary said...

Diane,

It is cold and windy here. Your soup and cornbread sounds delicious.

I make chocolates at Christmas - my grandmother's recipe. For as long as I can remember, we've made these at Christmas. When Grandma made them, she shaped each flavor differently so you could tell them apart. I'm not sure if you can do it with the bon bons, but I'm going to try making them and see how they turn out. They sound delicious. Thanks for the recipe.

Hope you had a wonderful day. How are Jessica and Jason doing?

Blessings,
Mary

Dawn said...

WE had chili and corn bread for lunch, because we were taking the two girls (Sema and Kristen) out for their mutual birthday (today, Monday) in the evening - we had a great time together with Aunt G taking care of the 4 girls so we could have some actual conversation at the table!

Hope you found the tree stand. I haven't shopped yet, but know what I'm getting - all practical stuff this year!

Unknown said...

Diane: Last December, when I moved to Arizona, "Larry King Live" accidentally mailed me a Holiday Card addressed to "Father Michael Manning" (Google Father Mike). So, having heard your "confession", here is my response. KEEP HITTING US WITH YOUR GOD-GIVEN TALENT OF COMBINING THESE WONDERFUL DISHES WITH PLENTY OF LOVE AND SMILES, AS ONLY DIANE J. CAN DO"!

Amen and Amen!
MIchael :D)

The Old Gray Mare said...

I'm also feeling the need to simplify and focus on faith & family.

I'll definitely be baking my mom's Colonial Carrot Cake, a batch of Big Soft Ginger Cookies, and maybe a few other cookies. My bunch likes cookies more than candy.

I'm still debating with myself on whether or not to bake some things to give as gifts.

Have a great week!

kkryno said...

I tried to comment late Saturday night, but somehow I lost my comment. Probably a blessing, as it was long-winded and rambly (it WAS late after all!) :0)

Anyhoo; Sunday I made a nice batch of home-made meat balls and marinara, green beans with bacon ends and onions; along with som fresh rosemary rolls. I was thinking of you; so instead of loaves, we had the rolls. Of course there was enough for an army, so I saved some in the freezer for K. to have while I'm in New Mexico (come on Dec. 16th!)

Have a good week and give Miss Emmy a hug for me; also know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Rachel said...

Hi Diane! Hope you found the feet for the tree!! I need to get some decorations out but they are in the outside storage building and it's too cold!! I'll wait until a sunnier day! Have a wonderful week!!!

Jess said...

Michele said the soup was good...sorry just not my thing..lol

See you sometime this week probably...love you,
Jess

Linda said...

Hi Diane,
Your posts always make me smile. I can just imagine how you felt when you realized those silly feet were missing!
I have come from Jessica's blog. I didn't realize there was so much going on. I haven't kept up with my blogging the way I used to. The days seem so full.
They are certainly in my prayers. I'm so glad Emmy is doing well. She is such a sweet little girl.
Have a blessed week Diane.

violetlady said...

Read my blog to check out my Sunday dinner. Yours was WAY better.

Cecil said...

Hey... The soup was good!!! Hope we don't drown tomorrow.. but the water is needed here... Love y'all.. Cecil

Anonymous said...

Imagining what it would be like if Christmas trees really had feet...

Jay and Sweetums took me to Cracker Barrel for my birthday. Yum.

Mountain Mama said...

Hi Diane. It's long past Sunday but I had fried chicken, baked potato and cream corn for dinner that day.
I also baked cookies which I haven't done in ages! My daughter Patty gave me a recipe for oatmeal raisin cookies that are so good I just can't quit eating them!
My niece came tonight with her boys. We had a nice visit and she helped me with some computer things. She is a real sweetheart.
She had been at Walmart to get an electric blanket and picked up one for me too. She also got me a Symphony chocolate bar so now I can not only keep warm but I can have a happy tongue too!
I pray your week is going good and you have Christmas under control.
Love, Hugs & Prayers.

Hootin Anni said...

Hi Again Diane!

I just popped back over to let you know that I did a blog today about one of my crochet projects that I did last year for the holidays.

If you'd like to stop by to view it it's here

Holiday Afghan

Hope your week is treating you well, here it was blustery, wet and cold this morning, but the sun is out now. Hope it warms up!

Sue Seibert said...

Hey, gal, it seems to me you need to SLOW DOWN!!!

Love xoxoxoxoxo

auntpearl said...

I so hope you had a wonderful Sunday dinner with your family.
I know what you mean about the lack of kindness when you are out shopping. You couldn't tell the economy is bad by the crowds at the store.

Good luck finding your feet for the tree.
Sending you hugs,

Pyjama Diva said...

Sunday dinner? I can't remember what I had for dinner yesterday, let alone Sunday, so we'll just skip right on to the Christmas bit!

We could actually afford to splash out this Christmas, for a change, but we're not going to. In fact, this is the year when we're pulling back more than we ever have. Enough of the greed, and being sucked into doing things that we don't want to do, just because it's "the done thing". I am so over the keeping up appearances bit, and really don't give a flying whatsit if others don't like it. So yes, do what feels right to you, and that alone will make it a very special time. :)

Speaking of Christmas, I really like your festive layout. Gorgeous header, and you know how I feel about green. ;)

Have a great rest of the week, my friend!! xxoo

Sam said...

Hi Diane,

You really were an entire month past your due date with Jess?! Wowie. You must have gone crazy. Thank you SO much for not telling me this when I was waiting to go into labor! :-)

In case I'm not around before then, I hope you have a wonderful Christmas! I hope it will be a special, magical day for you and your family.

Our Hanukkah plans? I think we'll prop Khai up next to the menorah, take a picture, and call it a day. :-) Next year we'll do it right. This year I'm just too tired!

Take care, my friend!

Love,
Sammy

Barb said...

Is it too late to tell you we had spaghetti for Sunday dinner, five days ago? :-)

I hear you about Wal-Mart. From now until after the first of the year, I refuse to go to that store except extremely early in the morning. It's crazy.

Thanks for the reminder - I think I'll make Chelsea some dog biscuits, for Christmas.

We always pack the tree stand with the tree itself, but this year we discovered one of the bolts is stripped, so the tree leans just a little. I'm afraid we'll have to bite the bullet and get a new stand - hopefully in an after Christmas sale.

I see you got your Christmas banner installed. It's so,so pretty.

I usually say I hope you have a nice week, but I'm so late this time, I hope you HAD a nice week. LOL

xoxo

Nashe^ said...

Usually I make multiple batches of marshmallow fudge, white chocolate fudge and peanut butter fudge, not to mention vanilla cream bon bons, coconut, pecan, cherry centered and peanut butter bon bons.
OMG. And the butter shorttgread sounds completely tempting!!!!

Digging the new blogskin,$ btw!

Hope said...

Hi Diane,
It's really me!! :) I've been MIA for a while and I'm trying to catch up with everybody.

I hope things are good with you and your family. Come see me!!

Love and Hugs,
Hope

Dick said...

I think we had a roast last Sunday for dinner and I don't know yet what tomorrow will bring. Our weather has turned very cold and there may be snow today or tomorrow, followed Monday by a low temp of about 10. Those are almost unheard of temps for our area, so I am pretty sure that we will be staying home. Where it is warm.

Nancy said...

Soup and cornbread on a cold day...it can't get any better than that! Diane, you should open a restaurant! You like to cook and bake, and your recipes all sound so good! Or at least bake and sell your baked goods at holiday time. Wish I lived closer...I would be the first one in line!

(((((( HUGS ))))))