I have one of those frames, too, Donna... somewhere!?!! 🤔 Used it for a funeral once. I agree, they are wonderful with the cycling photos.
It's kinda creepy that AI can replicate people's voices....I know that some will/do use that technology for scams etc. But never really thought about how it could be used as a way to remember a loved one who's passed. I am sorry to hear of your SIL's sudden death. Those are always the hardest ones.
I, too, have many photos. Especially in my younger years, I took SO many family photos. Some family members used to make fun of me and my hobby....now others want my photos because they have none. Luckily for them I have thousands (both digital and film) and have them (mostly) organized. Recently got a scanner as an early Christmas gift and I'm hoping in the new year to make the effort to get collections together for them. 📸

Sounds like an awful experience, K!
Really surprised you made it this long without getting it. I think the at home tests are generally unreliable these days. Even brand new ones.
Glad you're feeling a little better.

Thank you Linda and Summerbee. DH has OCD when it comes to Covid. He always wears a mask and wipes down everything that comes into the house. He does most of the errands, stores. He needed to go to the dentist and about or within a week thereafter, he was sick. So that's where I'm thinking he got it. But who knows really right?

Then just googling on average how long symptoms last, I came across that pets can get covid and to not cuddle with them or let them lay with you etc. I really didnt know. I've been giving her treats without first washing my hands. And when I first came down with a fever, she layed next to me all morning, didn't budge. She has sneezed a few times and on a couple of occasions looked to have a runny nose. Just so naieve, which I dont know how to spell. I certainly could have and should have been more cautious.

Ok, to not be a total debbie downer, I posted before that early on in covid, everything was closed and my parents couldn't go away for there anniversary. I knew they were bummed. So I thought I would bring the place to them in a painting.

Quick back story, I had gotten a couple of those adult paint by numbers on Amazon. I painted one and was impressed by how it came out. Sent to my father with look at what I painted. His response "ha, ha, nice paint by numbers"

So, I was on a mission to paint by hand their anniversary place and to hopefully have it recognizable. I had left over acrylic paint from the paint by numbers kits and blank canvases I had for abstracts I occasionally do.

So, without much adieu, here it is, my first non-abstract painting.



Showed up outside there house with a big cardboard Happy Anniversary sign and the painting. Made their day. The look on their faces was priceless. Also made sure to tell my father that it wasn't a paint by numbers.

An acorn to the first to guess where this is.

No guesses but what an amazing piece of artwork, K! I am a horrible painter so really appreciate those who can paint! Thanks for sharing. Loved the story. Your dad is too funny!

Don't be so hard on yourself about the covid stuff. Unfortunately sort of a way of life these days. I don't think we can avoid it anymore. It's just like a new version of the common cold. Still sucks but try not to let it consume you. I know that can be hard. Hopefully you both make a full recovery. GG too if that's what she has as well. 💖

K. I hope you feel better soon. I have been lucky and have not had Covid. I did have that bad cold for Thanksgiving and still haven't gotten my voice back, but tested neg for Covid and flu. I am going to echo SummerBee and say, "Don't beat yourself up." Drink lots of honey-lemon tea and rest. Sorry this happened to you at Christmas. I do like your painting. I can't guess the subject, though.

Good job on the painting K and making your parents happy. Sad you and husband are ill at this time. Hopefully today will be a better day for you both.

I'll throw a question out there - where and with whom will you spend Christmas day?

Hubby and I will be up long before dawn (maybe we will catch a glimpse of Santa?), and drive 60 miles to care for my parents in hospice on Christmas day. Our sleigh will be loaded with deli trays, fruit, and chips for the staff at the care facility where they live. Hopefully, one of my sons will come visit with us at the facility as well. Caring for my parents on Christmas day is something hubby and I have done for at least a decade (initially in their house, then in assisted living). We will catch up with our other children and grandchildren later in the week for more festive celebrations. Christmas culminates later in January with a visit to my brother and his family in Florida.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone; may you all have a wonderful holiday! And to those of you still feeling unwell, may you soon be healthy, safe, and warm!



Some of the grandkids' decorated cookies from last year:


And one of my favorites:

Lori, Wow, what a lovely, and busy, holiday you'll have!

Family gathers here for Christmas dinner; younger daughter will be here for dinner this evening. Since she was very ill last week with food poisoning, Cookie Day was postponed to next Friday. As my older daughter said "Cookies never go out of style", so it doesn't matter much when we bake them.

Added: Beautiful banner @Zoia!

Well..on a whim, K, I just googled the first place that popped into my head... Foxwoods Casino. A place I have never been and don't even recall seeing a photo of (especially not lately). Seem to hear more about Mohegan Sun.. another place I've never been. 😎

Judging by the Google review photos.... your painting looks dead on.

Unrelated personal note here.
I really want a rumball but I think it's too early in the morning.🥃

Lori, sorry to hear about your parents. That's an honorable thing you're doing by spending the day caring for and visiting with them. 💝 So wonderful that you are also thinking of the staff and bringing food for them, too.

Donna, lovely photos. I have some dough chilling in the fridge to make some sugar cookies later. Might make some chocolate chip too just because they're some of my favorite. 🍪 What are the ones in the last picture called? They look so good!🍫

I was going to make a "Thanksgiving #2" for dinner on Christmas day but have decided to make it today instead. I'd rather relax on Christmas. 🎄

Charley

EmmaROCallis said: Unrelated personal note here.
I really want a rumball but I think it's too early in the morning.🥃

Never too early - or too late - for a rum ball! Especially with coffee!

SummerBee - Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies; happy to share recipe if folks want it. They are dead easy to make.

Charley, love the Christmas Tree!

I was going to make some Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies this morning, however when I gave Hubby his choice of those, Ginger Creams, or Applesauce Raisin he picked the Applesauce Raisin. May make Ginger Creams tomorrow morning; those are a favorite with my SIL.

Yes, please do share Donna! 😁

Ooooh, thanks K! 💖

Summerbee, you guessed right, Foxwoods.

Feeling bit better today.

Lori, that's wonderful how you spend Christmas. The joy you bring to your parents and the staff is priceless.

Donna, cookie day, such a great Christmas tradition you share with your girls.

Summerbee, I'm with you. I may try to cook Thanksgiving No. 2 today, well sort of. I defrosted a turkey breast. I always get the breast as I don't like the dark meat. Trying to get myself to just throw it in the oven. Then throw some left overs and veggies in crock pot for turkey soup for tommorrow.

Yup, my father's a wise guy. But it spurred me to try my hand at painting. And since then, I try to make something unique as a Christmas gift each year. I'm teaching myself, no natural talent here, but I enjoy doing it. So one takes me months to do.

Last year I had alot of fun doing one for my elderly aunt. She's housebound now which is really hard on her being such an (independent and stubborn) person. We both hate the cold so I always joke around with her in the winter about being outside sunning herself in her bikini. She always chimes back," yup, my yellow polka dot bikini"

I had some ideas, and enlisted my son to help. We had a lot of laughs coming up with things and at my attempts to paint it. Thinking about posting it, just for laughs. It's such a silly painting but it really made her so happy.

But this is the paint by number one I mentioned. I liked it.



And the only one I have finished for myself. My favorite place outside the garden.

Nice, K, those are beautiful! I've played both Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun, both places run shows that use musicians.

Cool Xmas tree, Charlie!


Jay Daly, ace trumpet player and personnel manager for North Shore Music Theater gave everyone this lovely framed photo of us. It has a magnet on the back so it's proudly displayed on my fridge



I tested again, this is not Covid, just a cold. It's already a lot better!

Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies

1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup baking cocoa
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
16 to 18 large marshmallows

Icing:
6 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
2 tablespoons baking cocoa
1/4 cup milk
1-3/4 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Pecan halves or maraschino cherry halves (optional)

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add egg, milk, and vanilla; mix well. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt; beat into creamed mixture.

Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 minutes. Meanwhile, cut marshmallows in half. Press a marshmallow half, cut side down, onto each cookie. Return to the oven for 2 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool.

For icing, in a small saucepan, combine butter, cocoa, and milk. Bring to a boil; boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Cool slightly; transfer to a small mixing bowl. Beat in confectioners' sugar and vanilla until smooth. Spread over the cooled cookies. Top each with a pecan half, if using.

Yield: about three dozen.

Note: No one in my family is a fan of nuts in or on cookies so I omit those. Have never tried the maraschino cherry halves; we like the cookies "as is".

K, glad you're feeling better! I like the gift painting and have to say I think you have lots of talent!! Like your paint by number painting as well, recognize that one though don't remember the name or artist. Always liked it. The beach scene is so serene.

Zoia said: Nice, K, those are beautiful! I've played both Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun, both places run shows that use musicians.

Cool Xmas tree, Charlie!


Jay Daly, ace trumpet player and personnel manager for North Shore Music Theater gave everyone this lovely framed photo of us. It has a magnet on the back so it's proudly displayed on my fridge



I tested again, this is not Covid, just a cold. It's already a lot better!

What a neat gift! And glad it's not COVID!