catching up....

There has been a bit of a rush in my days this past week.
Having to ship all the Christmas gifts north, and in a timely manor, can be a bit hectic!
I think more than one package will arrive just in time for Boxing Day.

Boxing Day, London 1927

Which isn't all bad, everyone likes a good Boxing Day gift....maybe some gloves?

Last weekend, we went to dinner at a strip mall Chinese food place.  Sounds yummy, huh?
It was YUMMY!  This has to be the nicest Chinese food place I have even been too.
The decor was lovely;  beautiful lighting, wall treatments, and art.  Seriously!
The food was very good as well!

lovely decor

Orange chicken

Bob's pepper chicken

We will definitely dine at Jade's Bistro again.

Bob has a new ride!  Nice huh! It's a Honda S2000.
Bob says that it will be a collectable one day.
He wasn't going to get it because it isn't practical.
I told him he should definitely get it, and we would be practical in the CRV.

Ivan has been into skateboarding lately....loads of it.
"Mama, come watch this trick".
The word of the day is EPIC!

He also has been golfing with "the papa"
The child has a knack for fashion!

An unexpected package arrived in the mail. I love packages!!!!
It was from my lovely Beach Bosom friend Karen....She's such a HOOT!
Thanks Karen!!!!!!!

I do love me some owls!

Also, I have been busy making up some merriment.
The house is decorated, and the presents for the most part are wrapped.
My family has been asking for some of these! Can you just taste them???

the frosting is so light;  the cake not to sweet!

I even made some peppermint ones!

Here's the recipe!
Whoopie Pies!!!!!!!

WHOOPIE PIE SHELLS

4 cups flour, sifted 

2 teaspoons salt 

2 teaspoons baking soda 

1 cup cocoa 

2 cups sugar 

1 cup hot water 

1/2 cup butter 

1/2 cup shortening 

1 cup sour milk 

2 large eggs 

1 teaspoon vanilla

WHOOPIE PIE FILLING

6 tablespoons marshmallow cream 

4 tablespoons vanilla ( this is not a typo) 

4 tablespoons flour 

4 tablespoons milk 

4 cups confectioners' sugar 

1 1/2 cups shortening

Directions

1. Shell: Mix together shortening, butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla. 

2. Sift together dry ingredients and set aside. Add milk, cocoa and hot water. 

Then add the dry

ingredients.

3. Scoop large rounded spoonfuls of batter onto a greased cookie sheet and space at least 2-inches apart.

4. Bake at 350° for 10 minutes.

5. Frosting:  Beat all ingredients well.




I will leave you all with a few happy photos....