One thing I'm doing at my Xmas Morning Breakfast party is-every guest will be asked to share their 'most remembered Christmas, as a child'. If you are looking for a little game to 'spice up the night'? It's called "She's My Gal" You get as many couples as will participate. Then you have all the men leave the room-where they are asked to put on blindfolds. Meanwhile the 'gals' all take off their shoes & stand on a dining room chair (all placed closely, in a row). Someone guides the men back into the room-and they have to get down on their knees in front of the chairs. They have to guess which is their gal..by only touching them up to their KNEES! When they're positive they have found their gal..they are guided to behind her chair & wait until all the others are done. They all remove their blindfolds at the same time. This is so cute-especially if you have a tape recorder going-their comments are hysterical! It's ok if more than 1 guy picks the same woman. Good for some laughs!

Annellis, it will get better. Hope you get well quickly. Ann, you sound like you're in great shape. I bet you're happy with how things have gone. My kitchen floor needs mopping, I probably should be doing that right now instead of this. Okay, I'll do it *next*. There. When they announced the hard freeze I went out and cut every single rose and rose bud so there is a nice vase of flowers in front of the mirror. In between the Christmas teddy bears. Gifts need wrapping. There's just the three of us so that won't take long, I plan to do it while dh and dd are out shopping tomorrow. One more trip to a different grocery store for some things I couldn't get at the first one today. I think I'm done with stocking stuffers. I spent some time today baking gingerbread men for the family. Got them iced and here came dd with friends. When the icing hardened I put them on a plate and set them out for them to eat - I can make more cookies for us tomorrow and I'm happy she's comfortable enough to invite her friends here (they're all 18). But you know how that sort of thing sets your plans aside is my point. I love it that she has a living room full of friends watching a movie when they could all easily be out somewhere getting into trouble, know what I mean. I think my main gripe is decorating. I am still in the hauling out the mish mosh phase and I wish I were in a color coordinated phase. I even didn't put out nearly everything we have and the place still gets that cluttered feeling. I need to go through the living/dining area tomorrow morning and just grab some things and put them away. Those Christmas teddy bears - grrrr. You know the stuff that comes home with other family members and it gets saved and saved and saved? Ick. I wonder - will anyone complain or notice if I put them away? But, I am pleased to have time off. Got my mammogram today and need to call for the dr appt. Need to make a dental hygiene appt., stuff like that. Need to pay for dd's dual credit (college) classes by 1/3. And it got COLD even way down here, so I guess tomorrow I ought to go get some covers for those pipes outdoors. Okay, two trips tomorrow: groceries and pipe covers at HD. I'm rambling. I'm in pretty good shape this year and I credit Jamie's Christmas by the Month with most of it, she really helped me get organized - things like family addresses etc. Gonna go mop this floor now. Thanks a lot! LOL

I've decided to give this one a try....I've never brined meat before, but it sounds easy enough to do. Fortunately it's cold enough here that I can just park it outside and not take up the entire fridge with the pot.... Here is a link that might be useful: Fresh ham with cider glaze

Spinach Madeleine\ Spinach Madeleine, the most famous recipe from the River Road Recipes cookbook series, has undergone a makeover! Kraft Foods has discontinued making its jalapeno cheese roll which is an important ingredient in the original Spinach Madeleine recipe. As a result, River Road Recipes has developed a substitute for the jalapeno cheese roll. We believe your family will never know the difference! Ingredients: 2 packages frozen chopped spinach 3/4 teaspoon celery salt 4 tablespoons butter 3/4 teaspoon garlic salt 2 tablespoons flour Salt to taste 2 tablespoons chopped onion 6 ounces Kraft Velveeta 1/2 cup evaporated milk 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh jalapeno peppers 1/2 cup vegetable liquor 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce Red pepper to taste Cook spinach according to directions on package. Drain and reserve liquor. Melt butter in saucepan over low heat. Add flour, stirring until blended and smooth, but not brown. Add onion and cook until soft but not brown. Add liquid slowly, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until smooth and thick; continue stirring. Add seasonings, peppers and cheese which has been cut into small pieces. Stir until melted. Combine with cooked spinach. This may be served immediately or put into a casserole and topped with buttered bread crumbs. The flavor is improved if the latter is done and kept in refrigerator overnight. This may also be frozen. Serves 5 to 6. Spinach Madeleine is an extremely versatile dish. It can be served with crackers as an appetizer, as a side dish or even as a main course when stuffed in a tomato!