Catching up on a bit of business....

Remember this?

This is the giveaway celebrating my three years of blogging.  I had published this post earlier several days ago, and just this past Monday announced the winner - Sara1025!  At this point I've not heard from Sara, and there was no apparent way for me to contact her when she left her comment.  If I don't hear from her by Sunday, December 14th, The Husband will draw another name.  I will keep you posted about developments.

Also, on some of the blogs I follow, there has appeared a verification box asking for numbers to be entered when making a comment.  I have learned that it is possible for me to skip that box and go ahead and press "publish."  I don't know if such a box is appearing on this blog when  you make your comment.  If it is, try skipping that step and going ahead to press "publish."  That might work!

That's all for today!  

December surprises....

....are the very best!

First, the handiwork of someone whom I have never met except through the Weight Watchers Message Boards.

These fit right in with a kitchen that has a predominant strawberry theme.  Didn't she do a marvelous job?

Next, a surprise from a friend of many years, a mother of a student at a school where I once taught, and a sometime bridge-playing friend.

Also, an example of her fine handiwork!

Have  you plans in mind to surprise someone during this season?

For Wednesday....

There are these other Betty Crocker cookbooks that receive use throughout the year, but the most recent one I've used is this one:

This has been in my cookbook library for many, many years!  It is the source of the recipe for the Molasses Crinkles that were pictured on the past post.

Wonderfully flavored cookie for this season - or any season!  Enjoy!

I'm still waiting to hear from Sara1025.  If you are reading, Sara, you won the giveaway!  Contact me with your mailing address so I will be able to send you the calendar!  

On a rainy day....

....what is a better choice than baking some more cookies for the cookie tray?

Here they are, ready to go into the oven....

....and here they are, off the pan and cooling on the rack.  No, no!  Musn't snitch a cookie before it's completely cool.  Ha, ha!  Not much chance of that!:-)

These are Molasses Crinkles, and there will be more on that in the next post!

I announced that Sara1025 is the winner of the blog giveaway.  Please contact me, Sara, with your information so I will be able to get the calendar in the mail to you.

Announcement....

Remember this?

Today is the day the winner of this giveaway is announced!  

The winner is - Sara1025!  Congratulations, Sara!  Please contact me by email to give me your mailing address, and I will put this calendar in the mail to you!

Thanks to everyone who left a comment!

Sunday, December 7, 2014 - Second Sunday in Advent

"He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High...."

                                                                         Luke 1:32a

          - Gabriel's words to Mary.

From the United Methodist Women Prayer Calendar for 2014 we find today's Mission Focus is Rust College, Holly  Springs, Mississippi.

May this day be one in which you are surrounded by love, joy, and peace.

Finding pink....

What better place to find pink for the season than at the local Mary Kay sales office?

This Santa would receive a welcome here!

There was this tree....

....and then there was this one!  Lovely in pink!  Perfect for Pink Saturday!