Yesterday we did a hair raising amount of cooking.
That’s one way to keep warm.
First we boiled the Turkey carcass for hours and made stock. It was roughly the size of an ostrich so we needed our biggest pot. It’s like a caldron no offense to the cook!!
Once it was deemed done Ma peeled all the good bits of the bones. That was fun as Jaws and me got some bits that fell by the wayside.
We proceeded to make copious quantities of soup that will keep us going till spring and then Turkey satay
and then Turkey curry and when that was all done we made scones.
Joint publication called for today disaster has befallen us!
You know there is a line in an old song that goes « the Christmas we get we deserve »? Well we must have done some horrible things because our Christmas was unbelievable.
Shortly after Santa stopped and left us our toys under the tree our heating stopped working.
Everyone tried to stop and restart it but to no avail. Gave us some exercise though running up and down to the basement.
We turned on the gas fire but it is literally hot air.
Since the house was warm we weren’t immediately cold especially as the oven was on and pots were boiling to make our Turkey dinner.
We called the people who installed the system during summer and their emergency number too but no one answered or returned our call.
Only one company Atlas Butler were able to send a technician on Christmas Day. Hats off to them.
He arrived two hours ahead of schedule at six pm and diagnosed the problem. It will require parts that need to be ordered and that will need to come through the warranty.
Fortunately our neighbors Karen and Mike had two space heaters they loaned us as the bros expedition to find stores open to buy some was fruitless.
Karen and Mike and Denise and her Mike offered us rooms at their inns but we felt it better to stay home and monitor the situation.
Since it’s still -18C outside we have all the taps dripping.
Dad spent the night on the sofa guarding the fire while we dogs worked hard keeping our humans warm.
It’s a little challenging at first to find the good in all this except when you do begin to think about it you realize how fortunate you are that you have kind neighbors and each other and power and gas and clothes and blankets and food and so much that so many don’t have at all
We were slightly concerned that given the weather conditions Santa may have had some issues.
He’s the main man though and he made it.
He even brought Jaws presents. She’ll no doubt be showing them off to you soon!
I should get more than her shouldn’t I because I’m always good.
Ma says that it’s not about brownie points Christmas is all about love. Even if you’re naughty and you chew up stuff you still get goodies on one condition……..
All you need to do is believe and be about your business!
We have moved on from Austen to Dickens in the British Classic TV binge watching epic.
Funny though how all the same people pop up.
Jane Bennett has been reincarnated as David’s dear Mama. Sweet that she’s always so sweet but that’s not the funniest thing.
David’s Auntie Betsy Trotwood is really Lady Violet the Dowager Countess from Downton Abbey and wait for this…………
Mrs Micawber is no one other than the dear departed Queen from the Crown.
Now if I wasn’t a very very very smart Scoob I might have been just a little confused but a change of costume can’t fool a cocky canine like me!!!!
All was going well yesterday. After our car ride we made enough pea and ham soup to feed us till Christmas and then had a siesta.
When we woke up though there was a text from the tenant of the apartment at the tearoom to say the power had gone out!
This is the second time this has happened so of course it got Ma all stressed out which is not fun. She gets all fussy and sad!
Each time such an event occurs she laments the day she ever saw this ancient piece of real estate.
While she waited for the electricians to arrive and see if they could resolve the issue she had to watch Pride and Prejudice. It’s her go too for times of trouble.
I know the words by now.
That Lizzy Bennet is just like jaws.
As for Mr Collins doesn’t he remind you of something. She sure chewed him up and spat him out didn’t she?
By the time we got to the elopement of Lydia the lights were back on.
Does anyone know a redcoat like Wickham that might induce Jaws to take a hike.
I’m reporting from the car today. Getting last minute things posted.
I got a ride yesterday too.
That was an unexpected pleasure. Got to see the lights downtown.
I’m loving this Ulster Radio station. Great mix of retro music and Christmas jingles.
It’s making me feel quite festive.
I might even be nice to jaws when I get home but she did eat my collar this morning so maybe I’ll just be grumpy as I’m forced to wear my predecessor harness instead.
If you thought ugly sweaters were funny you ain’t been to one of Ma’s themed Christmas parties.
This year Shepherds and Wise Men.
The PIT and I were shepherded into the bros bedroom because Ma said she couldn’t cope with us and the merry throng.
Not fun. Door bell ringing all the time and we knew they were munching on crunchies and birthday cake.
Before we went though we saw the state of our humans as we all watched the cup final.
Little boy blue at least gave us hugs before dumping us but see that wisest of good shepherds he’s just a plain old party pooper for not needing a sheep dog or two.
Booming Banter 