Thursday 19 December 2019

Christmas Is Close, No Fail Recipes, A Goodbye Too

Out my kitchen window, 7 am this morning, -21 C/ -6 F, no wind, thank goodness!
 Brimming with emotions and feelings here at the wooden house.
Christmas is so close! I've been shopping and tomorrow is Wrap Day.  I play Christmas music and enjoy sorting the gifts and making sure I have what I want for everyone.

Do you have no fail recipes? Ones you've had for ages and always work out just the way they always did.  I never could keep to that sort of regime in any of the many kitchens I've inhabited down through the decades.  I wanted to try new ingredients and enjoyed searching out new recipes all the time, with varying degrees of success and the detrimental side effect of that is I have no no- fail recipes. Well, I do have one. My gravy, but it was my mother's no fail recipe that she shared with me and since she no longer cooks big dinners anymore, technically it is mine. Oh as I'm thinking about this, I realize I have another. My pastry- which is the Crisco can recipe that I've used all my married days. So I guess I do sort of have no- fail recipes after all. Any you are trotting out for the Christmas dinner?

Speaking of recipes, I tried to make a mostly green smoothie and added plant protein powder to the mixture. I think it is an acquired taste.  I had to eat something to get the taste out of my mouth... I've read when you need to do that, you shouldn't have eaten whatever it was in the first place. No kidding! Luckily for me, Daughter had given me some Christmas marshmallow chocolate.  It was just the ticket but I no doubt undid whatever good was in the smoothie. :)
My Christmas tree is really a bird tree.  Here are some of the ornaments I stitched in years past...starting to show their wear. Lost an egg somehow here.

Thankful and So Sad
As many of you know, our German Shepherd, Rex, has been failing gradually in health for months now. Our concerns deepened last weekend when he refused to eat. He slipped away peacefully on Monday, December 16. I was so happy that we had taken him for a little walk around the trails that morning, something he loved.
It was Hubby who originally rescued Rex but from the time I first met him ten years ago, he became my dog. He was with me where ever I was and I will miss his large, loyal and protective presence very much. As I write this through tears, I am also feeling so thankful we were able to give him a good life, full of love and comforts, after his unfortunate start.

Linking as always with Not Afraid of ColorWendy's Quilts and More and My Bijou Life.

37 comments :

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

so sorry to hear of Rex passing - I love German Shepard's and he was a beauty for sure and looked so gentle.
I hate those "healthy" smoothies and can not drink them - if you need to get the taste out of your mouth it probably isn't for you :)
The scene from your kitchen window is so pretty - but so very cold! I love your tree ornaments - there is a pattern for a set for the 12 days of Christmas that look fun to make - I keep telling myself to order them - but when would I fit in one more project?

Terri said...

So sorry for your loss!! Hugs!

Home Sewn By Us said...

Oh Jocelyn! I am so, so sorry to hear about Rex. I had to take a few moment to compose myself to be able to type. {{Hugs}} a bunch for you. Pets take such a large place in our hearts for so many reasons. Mostly because we are theirs - we are their whole life. So I hope you take comfort in being Rex's peep. You know he adored you and you did the best for him. I wish I say something that would make you feel better, and I also wish I could deliver this {{hug}} in person. Roseanne

Mary in Peoria Handmade said...

I'm so sorry for our loss. He obviously was very close to you. Beautiful, too.
What a pretty 'bird' tree. Take care. mary

Jenn Jilks said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. It isn't easy, I know.

He's had a good life, I am sure. Hugs from away.

LA Paylor said...

Oh Rex... good boy.... I'm crying now feeling the loss. He was such a gentleman wasn't he? I hope he's playing with Cole in Heaven. Love, LeeAnna

Nancy J said...

You will both miss Rex so very much, but you gave him love, a home filled with warmth in winter, walks together, and remember that last walk, just one last special time as you strolled along so slowly. This will be our first Christmas without Felicity, after 20 years .I look at the flowers in our new garden here and always hope that nature provides some comfort, as all your blog friends are doing right now for you . Hugs from a very wet and cool morning down here in NZ.

PaintedThread said...

Rex is beautiful. That sudden downturn is so hard to witness. I am very sorry for your loss.

I can't say any recipe I have is no-fail. lol. I'm digging out some kind of decadent tart for dessert and looking for the fondue pot for Christmas dinner (everyone gets to pick what they eat - that's definitely no-fail). :-)

Julierose said...

Oooh i am so sorry to hear bout your loss--but it is wonderful that you gave him a loving home and a great life,,,and all the love he gave to you should warm your hearts....hugs, Julierose

Joanne in Massachusetts said...

My sincere condolences on losing Rex, especially at the holiday season.
I make "blasts", aka smoothies in my NutriBullet. I start with veggies I like (salad greens, carrot, broccoli, celery etc), then a mixture of frozen and fresh fruits, sometimes chocolate flavored protein powder, and a mixture of milk and water. Occasionally I've had some "too green" tasting but mostly the fruit makes the difference.

Siouxzq64@gmail.com said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Rex had a good life with you and hubby, while the beginning wasn't auspicious. Love the pic out the front early in the morning, not enjoying the frigid cold lately though. Your ornaments are lovely.

Out To Pasture said...

My sincere sympathy, Jocelyn, on the death of your wonderful family member, Rex. Handsome and loyal to the end, a real star. Rest in peace, lovely boy! I do have at least one no-fail recipe -- my late Mom's ginger cookies. Made with brown sugar, butter and molasses, they are an old fashioned treasure. I love your bird-themed ornaments.

Jenny said...

Oh Jocelyn, so sad today to read of poor Rex passing away. He was such a handsome boy, and so devoted. You both gave him the best of lives with his rescue and he repaid you with years of love and companionship. He will be remembered with love.

Shelina (formerly known as Shasta) said...

Your bird ornaments are so cute. My sympathy for your loss. Rex looks like a handsome and protective dog. May he rest in peace.

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

Oh no, Jocelyn, I'm so sorry to hear about Rex. It's so hard to lose our furry friends. I know he was well and truly loved! Your handmade bird ornaments are so pretty - I bet you enjoy getting them out each year. Wishing you comfort in the routines and traditions of the season!

Magpie's Mumblings said...

I'm so very sorry about Rex - I can tell he was well-loved and special in your life. It's so hard to lose a family member that has loved you unconditionally, no matter what. I'm sure he will be waiting for you and you'll see him again one day.

Brian's Home Blog said...

Oh no, I'm so sorry to hear about dear Rex, it's always so tough. Thank you for giving him such a special life.

Lynn said...

Oh a heavy heart for you and tears as I heard about Rex. My small white Jack Russel cross Abby is a similar faithful shadow. But your sentiments about his life are spot on. Your ornaments are beautiful and your comments about the smoothie and marshmallow chocolate made me laugh- such is the variety of life! All the best to you and yours this season.

Yvonne said...

So sorry, Jocelyn, I am in tears for the loss of Rex. I loved reading about him. He always reminded me of our beloved Rowan. We still miss him after more than a decade. Wish you and your husband strength in this difficult days, you must miss him so much!

Michele McLaughlin said...

Oh Jocely, I am so sorry. Sending you love and hugs. It's so hard after we lose them and I will be thinking of you through the holiday. (((HUGS)))

Brian's Home Blog said...

Thanks for joining the Thankful Thursday Blog Hop, we appreciate you hopping in.

MissPat said...

Like a broken record, I will echo the thoughts of many others and send you hugs of sympathy on the passing of Rex. Even though we know they can't live forever, we are never ready when they leave us. You will miss him very much, but will remember the good days you gave him and the companionship he gave to you.
While I like smoothies with fruit, yogurt and almond milk, I just can't imagine drinking a green smoothie. I'd rather eat my greens as salad.
Enjoy your Christmas as much as you can and remember that Rex is at peace and not suffering.
Pat

Nana said...

Loosing an animal is like loosing a good soul next to you. It´s so sad and it´s always good to remember, that the animal had a good live with you. If he could have said some last word, he probably would have said thank you and I love you.

Nana, sorry with you too, writing it through tears

Chopin - A Passionate Quilter said...

You gave Rex a great 10 years and I know that you will be missing him here at Christmas! I love your bird ornaments. Will you be getting a Rex Jr soon?
It is hard to replace one that you were so attached to! Hugs

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

I am so sorry Rex has passed, but also glad the left on his own terms. Nothing can ever take his place.
Much love.
Carol

Cathy said...

My heart goes out to you and your DH for the loss of your fur kid Rex. What a handsome boy! I’ve always loved German Shepherds. It’s so hard that these animals that we love like children have shorter lifespans than us. xo

PKBrandon said...

I love your blog so much and an so sad for your loss of Rex. As an animal rescuer, I can empathize and so happy he was love. RIP Rex.

Snickelfritz said...

Sorry for the loss of your precious dog. We sure do love them, don't we? My solution for being sad is to get a puppy as soon as I can. Doesn't replace your dog, but brings smiles to your face. I just wish dogs' lives weren't so short.

Rosemary Dickinson said...

I am so sorry to hear about Rex. You can be so happy to know you gave him the best life ever. He'll always be in your heart. I hope you can still enjoy the holiday. I'll be thinking of you. Hugs to you!

Jocelyn said...

So very sorry for your loss. It is hard to say goodbye to our furry friends. They are part of our family. But we have peace knowing they aren't suffering. Wishing you a peace filled Christmas.

Nancy said...

I'm so far behind in my blog reading.... I'm so very, very sorry to hear that your beautiful Rex is gone, most especially because he adopted you as his person and was always so near you. It is always a sorrow to lose a beloved pet but it seems like a double sorrow during the Christmas season. It was a blessing that you didn't have to make the choice to end his life. Blessings to you and your husband.

Linda said...

I'm so sorry about Rex. He looks like a wonderful companion. Our pets are our family. Sometimes I think I feel more deeply for animals than humans!

Jenn Jilks said...

It's so tough. I am sorry for your loss.

Rose said...

Oh, I am so sorry to hear this...just now reading it. Have had your blog open for a day or two and could not concentrate enough to get to it. Again, so sorry for your loss...we carry a piece of them in our heart. There are a few animals I would give anything I own to hold again.

K Reeves said...

I've just read the sad news about Rex, what a loyal and faithful companion he has been. I know you will miss him dreadfully! Are you considering getting another dog? A new friend does help take some of the edge off the sadness. Sending hugs!

Allie said...

Oh Jocelyn I'm so sorry about your Rex - gentle hugs, sweetheart.

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