What have you been doing today?

[Katiej]

I love the day before Xmas, all the last minute organising, cooking and putting the hampers together.

My DH and I always have a special Xmas Eve dinner (just the two of us) and then we open our Xmas presents to each other.  We are always so busy on Xmas morning, that we like to open these presents on Xmas Eve so we have time to appreciate them. 

This morning I'm roasting a duck, which this afternoon I'll turn into duck ragu with fresh pasta for our dinner.  Dessert will be raspberry souffles.  I'm also baking mini cakes and dog biscuits today.  Have a great day everyone! 

[Amy :-)]

Wow Katie, it sounds like the two of you will have a lovely dinner

[goldfish]

katie - you're a whizz!  And what a special and lovely way to spend your Christmas Eve!!

[judydawn]

It is special Katie and such a lovely tradition you have started.

I'm just making the conserve part of the strawberry liqueur recipe - I love this recipe, you can't taste the alcohol at all (I used vodka like Karen).  I had some over my ice-cream last night, mmm.  Whenever I see cheap strawberries I am going to grab them and make more of this for others - this first lot was all mine  

Going around to pick Mum up in a short time and the family will be here by 11.30 for our Christmas get together.  I think I am ready for them

[obbie]

Office work, and now going home soon..


Hope all is well, Merry Christmas to all

[Aussie Brenda]

Katie you are such a sweetie, I wish you a wonderful special night tonight , JD your guests will be arriving soon have a great day, I better get off here and go over and help my daughter set up for tomorrow. I hope everybody is ready for tomorrow and has a great time.

[astarra]

Wow everyone has been so busy - us included... BIl has finally got the keys to his new (as in BRAND new) house, not yet finished but enough to start moving a few things in, were there pretty much all day Sat, Ladies cleaning, men lifting furniture etc. Sun was spent with friends and family...a very long day but extreemly relaxed and fun. DH at work today, I am meant to be doing cooking for at BIL's new place so there is something to snack on and we don't end up with kids having melt-downs like on Sat night.    Am exhausted but think it is to be expected!! Another week and a half of hard out busyness before any sense of normality can be expected, then it depends on when BIL moves as to how much longer we are busy for!! 

Hope your G'pa is OK Amy. Sending hugs. 

[Amy :-)]

WOW astarra, what a hectic time of year for BIL to be moving! It sounds like you will be very busy for a while yet

Thanks for the hugs

[Kimmyh]

Wow everyone is busy. Great hamper Maddy. Handy having a policeman in your street. 
Cleaning and some prep for the big day here. Have jamies get ahead gravy cooking in oven atm and the smell is awesome.
Have a lovely day Judy and wishing everyone a merry Christmas for tomorrow.

[deedub]

Went to friends for xmas drinks last night - had 2 glasses of red bubbles which triggered a migraine that lasted until this morning. Haven't had a migraine for years, wonder if it was the sparkling shiraz that did it? Headache mostly gone now, but still feel a bit queasy and washed out.
We walked to the local shops this morning to pick up fruit & veg and run some errands - absolute mayhem, I hate to think what the big shopping centres are like today! Walked home via the park - nice to be outside after the stinking hot day we had yesterday. I'm just pottering around today, getting things together for our trip. Might make some goodies to take with us a bit later.
Going to MIL's for xmas lunch and she doesn't want me to take anything, she's so excited about having lunch at her place for a change! So not much need for cooking today - I'll just take some bubbles (not red this time  ) and some spiced nuts, can't go empty handed!

[Nikkit]

Went and did my last minute fruit and veg shopping before I head north-ish for Christmas. Drovers was crazy at 8am thismorning. (Note to self: leave earlier next year - they open at 7am!)
Off to a good start (not!) as I walked in the door with my wonky trolley and a lady ran into the back of my heels with hers. It is pretty hard to smile nicely when there's skin off. She did apologise, but it took all my strength not to swear out loud. At least there was no blood!
Cherries were cheap , mangoes were not.
Couldn't find asparagus for my SIL...hope it wasn't important!
Have dipped the cherries in chocolate and then crushed pistachios, I should take a photo for you, but if I open the lid there's sure to be at least 3 or 4 that jump out and just have to be eaten. 
Made all the salads, just need to pack the car, feed and water horses and chooks and hit the road.
Have an awesome Christmas everyone.
 

[obbie]

went to work for 2 hours, did office work, came home...

[djinni373]

Things have been pretty hectic lately so I was out doing some last minute shopping with many thousands of other disorganised  late shoppers. No organic chickens left so turkey it is, my first ever attempt. Feeling a little stressed so I have just opened the champers.

[Greyhoundmum]

Lovely to hear what everyone is doing!! My DD turns 18 today, she has to work so we went to the hair salon where she works to drop off 30 cupcakes and some chocolates, will look forward to seeing her later when she finishes work.  Just baking the ham, love that smell. Will Skype the family later and look forward to sitting down to dinner before taking friends out to the international airport later.

[Amy :-)]

Happy birthday to your DD GHM