COLD DARK ROOM

[Kristoff]

I took in a pair of ornate box turtles and a male and two female Texas tortoises a couple years ago. The lady had to give them up because she was getting to be too infirm to go out into the back yard to tend to them. Because of the species, I told her I was going to keep them in my collection.

Every month since then I've received a $25 Walmart gift card in the mail to handle the food and supplies for the animals. I've told her many times she doesn't need to do this, but she insists. She was very committed to the animals and cried very hard when I came to get them.

Today there was a card from her in my P.O. box, and inside the card it says, "I hope this money makes it. I'm so blessed to have found you for my "babys". I will be 87 this 26th and my time is running out. The day will come when you won't hear from me.

Please, since the familys are sleeping, I want you to buy yourself something from me to you.

Thank you again!"

And there were three $10 bills in the envelope.

It's sad to think that she's feeling she's near the end. I think, in the Spring, when the tortoises wake up, I'll take one of them over to her house so she can see it.

What a sad, beautiful story. Hope you can really take one to visit her. [emoji173]️

 

[Kristoff]

I’m cleaning and made cupcakes for my sons 15th birthday!
Tonight we will have a birthday dinner out.
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Happy 15th to Kathy’s son! [emoji170]

 

[Kristoff]

I need help guys!!

My sister in law who had breast cancer at 26 was free and clear for a few years just found out that it has moved to her bones!
They said it’s not an “aggressive” type and will pump her full of drugs.

Well, I heard that she is keeping to herself for now.
I want to send my brother an encouraging text. We don’t ever talk on the phone.

I just don’t know what to say. Can you help me?
I’m not good with words.

There are no good words in such situations. But it’s good to let them know you’re thinking about them. [emoji173]️

 

[Kristoff]

Happy Friday all.

@Kristoff gets to celebrate Yalda day during her trip..

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Not in Izmir; I don’t know if one of the many ethnic groups in Turkey do celebrate it, but it’s not common.

Having said that, I celebrated privately the fact that the Sun set in Turkey after 5:30, not at 3:30 like in Denmark!

 

[Kristoff]

Good morning! Happy Friday Y’all!
Last day of work for 2 wks for me.. YAYYY ! Today is Hubbys bday. December is really breaking my poor piggy bank. We did a light tour in Tyler last night (Santa land). It was gorgeous but I couldn’t get photos because I was driving:-(. I did run into this guy though...
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Looks a bit more comfortable than the one in my corner here. [emoji23]

 

[Kristoff]

Happy Friday all.

@Kristoff gets to celebrate Yalda day during her trip..

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P.S. My sister-in-law’s name is Yelda, meaning the longest night, I guess. So, not a celebration, but people are named after the phenomenon.

 

[Kristoff]

Sorry for being late but I must work unplanned. I thought the T.O.R.T.O.I.S.E. parcel opening was canceled because two of us haven`t got their parcels but then I saw that it was already over.
Now I opend my parcel. It is from Florida, from Anne. @Pastel Tortie , The parcel contains a bag and in this bag there are these useful things. Thank you !
Btw. Are you working for the Department of agriculture ?

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Lovely. Lots of useful goodies!
Hope Heather and Carol also get to open their presents before I finish with catching up. [emoji8][emoji23]

 

[Kristoff]

Good mornooning all.

I have had a rather frantic 24 hours.

Daughter drove home yesterday and we went straight up to London to watch Mathew Bourne's Swan Lake at the Sadler's Wells theatre. It was brilliant! The swans are all male rather than the traditional female so the story is not the traditional one, although the music is as expected. It's actually quite funny in places and I would recommend this version to those who have never seen a ballet before.

Our journey home was problematic. A lineside fire meant all trains were suspended. "Please use an alternative route" There is no alternative route! A taxi home, yes we did look, would have cost £180! Fortunately a train to Sevenoaks appeared which would at least get us into Kent so we caught that. The train limped down the line and got held at Orpington. Daughter spotted a train for Tonbridge was leaving from another platform so we sprinted over the bridge and caught that finally getting home after 1am!!

This morning's madness has been my swim, a hasty breakfast, my Governor school end of term carol service, a hellish trip to the supermarket to buy the last of the groceries this side of Christmas, making a large pan of soup which is currently simmering on the hob, submitting claims for refunds on the train tickets for yesterday... and finally sitting down with a cuppa and catching up with the CDR!

Here are a couple of pictures of the interior of the church where the carol service is held. It is so pretty!


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Wow, quite an adventure! Good there’s always a cuppa and the CDR to help you relax.

 

[Kristoff]

Dear roomies. Here is a little Christmas present for you all:
I hope you enjoy it.
Merry Christmas.

https://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/a-little-christmas-story-for-all-members.172063/

I have to stop here with my catching up. Thank you for your voice, Bee! [emoji173]️

 

[JoesMum]

Hey Lyn! I hope all is well for you! Did you have the traditional black eyed peas, cabbage & pork?

Where is that traditional? I haven't heard of it as a tradition in the UK... or Wales (Mum is Welsh)

 

[JoesMum]

Rubber boots are all craze here...

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Posh wellies.

In common with most British households we have the traditional wellie heap. A variety of outgrown sizes kept as spares plus ones to fit the family.

 

[JoesMum]

Good mornooning all. Today is the big return to work for many. Most schools return next Monday so not everyone is back yet.

Today I have cleaning and tidying to do. The decorations will be removed gradually over the next few days.

 

[Bee62]

Happy New Year, Sabine.

Happy new year for you, wifey and Tidgy too.

 

[EllieMay]

Where is that traditional? I haven't heard of it as a tradition in the UK... or Wales (Mum is Welsh)

Good morning Linda! You inspired me to google. It was something that was just ‘done’ around me all my life. Here is the simplest answer I found..

Lucky New Year's Meal. ... According to Southern traditions, you will have good luck for the entire year if you have the traditional New Year's Day supper. That means a meal of greens, hoppin' John, black-eyed peas, cornbread, and pot likker soup. According to popular folklore, if these foods are eaten on New Year's Day, they guarantee good luck throughout the year. Peas or beans symbolize coins or wealth. Choose traditional black-eyed peas, lentils or beans to make a dish seasoned with pork, ham or sausage. Greens resemble money, specifically folding money.

 

[JoesMum]

Good morning Linda! You inspired me to google. It was something that was just ‘done’ around me all my life. Here is the simplest answer I found..

Lucky New Year's Meal. ... According to Southern traditions, you will have good luck for the entire year if you have the traditional New Year's Day supper. That means a meal of greens, hoppin' John, black-eyed peas, cornbread, and pot likker soup. According to popular folklore, if these foods are eaten on New Year's Day, they guarantee good luck throughout the year. Peas or beans symbolize coins or wealth. Choose traditional black-eyed peas, lentils or beans to make a dish seasoned with pork, ham or sausage. Greens resemble money, specifically folding money.

As luck would have it ( geddit? ) we had an adapted version of this for lunch yesterday
https://www.copymethat.com/r/GJWH3dg/hairy-bikers-diet-cassoulet/

Cannellini beans, chorizo ( contains pork), onion, carrot, garlic, leftover turkey, tomatoes, mixed herbs, a pinch of crushed dried chillis, smoked paprika. I think that covers most of the important bits

 

[Maro2Bear]

And....Corned Beef and Cabbage used to be popular up here in the Northeast..

Corned beef and cabbage on New Year's is associated with the fortune you should hope for in the coming year. Beef or pork is the meat of choice because unlike chickens these animals do not scratch in the dirt for their food.Dec 31, 2013

 

[EllieMay]

As luck would have it ( geddit? ) we had an adapted version of this for lunch yesterday
https://www.copymethat.com/r/GJWH3dg/hairy-bikers-diet-cassoulet/

Cannellini beans, chorizo ( contains pork), onion, carrot, garlic, leftover turkey, tomatoes, mixed herbs, a pinch of crushed dried chillis, smoked paprika. I think that covers most of the important bits

Ooh Yummy!!! Fate decrees Your on the right track and luck is already coming my way because I have an awesome new recipe to try ) We are starting 2019 off right!

 

[EllieMay]

And....Corned Beef and Cabbage used to be popular up here in the Northeast..

Corned beef and cabbage on New Year's is associated with the fortune you should hope for in the coming year. Beef or pork is the meat of choice because unlike chickens these animals do not scratch in the dirt for their food.Dec 31, 2013

Even better! I chopped and cooked a fresh head of cabbage in with ground beef. I added pieces of sweet onion and some garlic for flavor while browning and then added my pre-cooked black eyed peas in the skillet with it all.. it made a very yummy mixture. We had the pork earlier in the day in a pulled pork sandwich. ( it was a left over loin that I had smoked a couple days ago) So, I may have went round-about, but I covered all my bases. [emoji16]

 

[Bee62]

Not yet.... I sent you some of that requested
Candy with your card but you may have to throw it out. I still have the tracking receipt in my wallet so I may run it and see where it’s at..

I have the very bad idea that the customs had confiscated the parcel. I am so sorry ! I swear I have send it on it`s way on the 23. of November

 

[Lyn W]

I have to stop here with my catching up. Thank you for your voice, Bee! [emoji173]️

Welcome back Lena and Happy New Year to you and your family!