Christmas Season 2024/2025: The Eighth Day of Christmas - New Year's Day

 Wednesday, January 1, 2025

Brunch with Julie and Regina this morning at a restaurant called Book Club over on 54th and Penn.  They took a road trip to North Carolina and spent Christmas there. We told them about our Christmas in. Arizona. 

First cigar of the New Year.

Lit up around 3:30 while Dale was at the gym.

Finished up at 4:00 pm. The cigar would've lasted longer but it was just too cold outside and it's supposed to get colder and remain cold for the next few weeks. 

Leftover spaghetti from last night for dinner. Left over chocolate Bundt cake and ice cream too. Laid back New Year's Day. 

Christmastide 2021/2022 - 8th Day of Christmas: New Year's Day

Saturday, January 1, 2022

Happy New Year!

Particularly enjoyed lounging around with morning coffee since vacation is winding down. 

Dale and I went to the gym downtown after breakfast. 

By the way it was very cold this morning. 

Dale and I had Julie and Regina over for dinner tonight; so nice to see them. Dale made chili and Regina brought over a pear and brandy pie she made. My gosh it was delicious. 

Dale and I bought Sylvester a scratching box while shopping at Target today. The label says it has "catnip infused technology." He seems to like sitting in it for short periods. He gets mildly loopy and will flip over on his back. 

Julie and Regina, like other guests we've had over since we've had him, were impressed with his outgoing nature and friendliness. He laid on his back and was more than willing to let them scratch is tummy. 

Holiday Season 2016 - A Holiday Gathering

Julie and Regina had us over for a holiday gathering tonight. It also served as a celebration of their 8th anniversary. Christmas carols were sung.

Christmas Season 2015/2016 - Odds 'n Ends: White Christmas

Dale and I watched it this year. It was just as fun as always. Dale and I have seen Rosemary Clooney perform a holiday show two times. Both times at Orchestra Hall and both times with our friend Noel, and one of those times with our friend Julie.

Christmas Season 2014/2015 - New Year's Eve

Dale and I went to Julie and Regina's for dinner last night. Phyllis joined us. The gathering was a low-key affair with appetizers and drinks as a start (Julie made me a martini) and chili, which was quite delicious, for dinner.  Jupiter was his usual neurotic self but not nearly as bad as on other visits we've made there. After dinner we watched This Is Where I Leave You starring Jason Bateman, Tina Fey, and Jane Fonda. Quite good. We had originally planned to watch Houseboat with Cary Grant and Sophia Loren but Julie had a very difficult time getting the movie to load. Dale and I were home by 11 pm and watched what was left of Anderson Cooper and Cathy Griffin on CNN. We actually stayed up until midnight to see the new year. It's been a few years since we've done that.

Christmas Season 2013/2014 - Holiday Brunch

Dale and I invited Phyllis and Julie & Regina over for our holiday brunch this year. Dale made the egg-bake, I made the rum cake, Julie and Regina brought cinnamon rolls, and Phyllis brought the makings for mimosas. 

Top left: Athena smelled lots of good smells coming out of the kitchen.
Top right: My martini.
Bottom left: Dale serves up the egg-bake.
Bottom right: Stairs leading to the front door. Yes, our holiday brunch occurred at night time (long story). 

Christmas Season 2013/2014 - Holiday Brunch Egg-Bake

Left: Dale made the egg-bake (recipe below).
Top right: Sauted vegetables for the egg-bake.
Middle right: Cinnamon rolls brought by Julie and Regina.
Bottom right: What was left of the pistachio rum cake pudding.

Brunch Egg Bake

"Here's an easy, tasty dish to make for company that still allows you to spend plenty of time with your guests. I grew up in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, and food was always the center of attention at our family get-togethers. We think brunch is the best meal of the day to gather and enjoy. -Gloria Rohlfing, York, Pennsylvania"

Ingredients:

3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 (4.5 ounce) jar sliced mushrooms, drained

1/3 cup sliced green onions

1/2 cup chopped sweet red pepper

2 tablespoons butter or margarine

2 cups diced fully cooked ham

8 eggs

1 3/4 cups milk

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions:

Combine cheeses; place 3 cups in an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish and set aside. In a medium skillet, saute mushrooms, onions and red pepper in butter until tender; drain. Place over cheese; top with ham. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. In a bowl, beat eggs. Add milk, flour, parsley, basil, salt and pepper; mix well. Slowly pour over the cheese. Bake at 350 degrees F for 35-40 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand 10 minute before cutting.