Author Archives: ~~Rhonda

Living in a small town, I share my life with my husband Russell (married in 1977), five children (one still at home), and six cats (one indoors, the others outside).

I teach an online class called “The Christmas Notebook” which is about all things holiday prep. The many facets of celebrating Christmas comprises one of my favorite hobbies. Other favorite things include gardening, reading, cooking, and scrapbooking.

dinner party, punch recipe

Last evening’s dinner party was wonderful. The menu included: crackers and cheese spread (I left out the chicken.) pear/walnut salad roast beef (Delicious! Got rave reviews.) boiled red potatoes carrots and parsnips stir-fried sugar snap peas with cherry tomatoes almond cake for dessert Three of the guests came at 7:00, and the others about 7:30, […]

shopping day

I spent the day shopping. Hope that’s the last of it! DH was swamped at work (even though it is his “day off”), so I went by myself. Got a lot done and could pick up a few things for DH that will be a surprise, which is always nice. I do need to top […]

Candy Jumble

Several people who saw a picture of this candy on my flickr site asked if I would share the recipe. I am always happy to share, so here you are. 🙂 The ingredients list is short and it is very easy to make. Candy Jumble 24 oz. pkg. vanilla almond bark 2 c. mini marshmallows, […]

sledding ~ her way…his way…

On Saturday, we had ice, then snow. Yesterday, DH, DD#3, and DD#2 went to our friends’ home to try the hill behind their house. They had a great time. I stayed home where it is warm and cozy. 🙂 Last night, DD talked DH into going outside around 7:00 and DH pulled her all around […]

Oreo Truffles

18 oz. package Oreo Cookies, crushed (reserve 2 T.) 8 oz. package cream cheese, softened Crush the Oreo cookies. I put them in a zippered storage bag and hit them with the rolling pin. 🙂 Stir together the cookie crumbs and the softened cream cheese until well blended. Form into small balls. Cool them in […]

Raspberry Truffles

Raspberry Truffles 12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips 2 T heavy cream 1 T butter 2 T seedless raspberry jam In a heavy saucepan, combine chips, heavy cream and butter. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until smooth. Stir in raspberry jam. Cover with plastic wrap; freeze 20 minutes. Drop mixture by teaspoons onto foil lined […]

Christmas Mice

Each year, for our annual Christmas open house, we make these very cute Christmas mice. They are a great addition to a cookie tray. I think more of them are taken home wrapped in napkins than are actually eaten at the party. 🙂 The bodies of the mice are made from maraschino cherries dipped in […]

house concert

Nathan Clark George and two fellow musicians presented a beautiful concert this evening. You can sample their work at nathanclarkgeorge.com. Their Christmas album is my very favorite. They played the songs from that album as well as other songs. Everyone had a wonderful time! We got rave reviews on the music, the food, the entire […]

dining room ~ the window sills and the “Snow Tree”

The dining room is decorated with silver and white and a touch of cobalt blue for Christmas. The deep window sills are covered with batting, snow and silver ornaments. The inexpensive blue vase came from Wal-Mart and it and others like it were used at a friend’s wedding to hold bouquets on the reception tables. […]

sweet dreams

Our grandbaby, one of the twins.