What a mild December we're having!

      It's really amazing that in December, I can go outside and work in the yard in a short sleeved shirt! If the sun was shining, I would probably have on shorts as well! It's overcast with rain in the forecast, so that's one reason for the warm temps. We have only gotten rain once a week for a few hours this past couple of weeks! It is a very dry season, too! Usually this time of year, we have lots of rain, but the weather patterns are different now. Maybe it will turn cold in January! Two years ago, we had snow at Christmas, then again in January! That was a fluke thing, as we never get snow here! I just want it to be Spring again! I've been bagging leaves and working in the garden cleaning out the beds. I even decided to empty four of the beds of all the dirt and put in better dirt! I got a half bed done today! That headache wouldn't let me do anymore! I guess I need to take another headache pill today like I did yesterday. I'll be glad when this season of my life changes, if you know what I mean!

      As time races toward Christmas Day, we have gotten all the kids a little something for Christmas. The things just need to be wrapped and put under the tree! I don't like to fight last minute shopping crowds, so we were better prepared this year, shopping a little in advance. I can't say I have all my Christmas shopping done, but most of it is. Do ya'll shop early, or wait to the last minute? Some people like the adrenaline rush of shopping on Christmas Eve! I would only be in the store if I absolutely couldn't do without the item, on Christmas Eve! 

      Since I've been inside this afternoon, I decided I'd cook some things. Nothing major, just marinara sauce and tuna dip. I used the leftover pack of cream cheese for the dip and two cans of tuna. I poured in some liquid smoke and stirred real good. I hope it tastes good. It reminds me of the chicken ball I make. I've also been shelling more pecans. I want to have my freezer full as I can afford since we love to eat them sugared with cinnamon. They are delicious! I used the recipe in the Calling All Cooks recipe book. It's the telephone cookbook for Alabama. Ya'll have a great week! Blessings from Bama! (What about that TIDE!)

I couldn't resist the blue eyes, cheeks, smile, and one sock!

Such delicious pecans!

The making of a good dip!

The cinnamon-sugared pecans. The one on the left is Skylar's. He' says they taste better, but I made them the same!

Marinara sauce made from home-grown tomatoes.