Fish Fry in December

Hello, again. A sincere thank you to everyone who left comforting posts. They really meant a lot to me. I don't often have really, really bad days. However, this time I really hit bottom. Having the kids here yesterday, the kind comments from you guys, and getting a lot of rest for the past few days all served to pick me up. I'm still sad but realize that life goes on. I did talk to my sister and she could respond. Time will tell what's next. She's still in Eisenhower Hospital in Palm Springs, CO.

We did have the fish fry yesterday. I pulled my big fish fryer out of storage, washed her, filled her with peanut oil and fired that baby up. I did batter some of the fish but I also fried some of it "nekked" as one son said. The hush puppies were things of joy to hear the kids tell it. I made them with beer and they were really crusty. I learned many years ago that if you have the oil hot enough when the food goes in the food forms an instant seal and doesn't soak up the oil. The trick still works. Harry and I strained and returned the oil to its original container and very little was missing. Now I have a large container of used peanut oil to dispose of. Minor detail. I might add that clean-up was a breeze. Oh yes, we had our usual green salad but with lots of add-ins for those who wanted them. Big yummy M&M cookies were dessert. No one went away hungry. Even the 4 year old sat up at the table and insisted on "spectin' for bones" under my watchful eye. Bones weren't an issue but the little ones are always encouraged to be mindful of possible bones anyway. Enough about fish fries.

I asked the grandsons if they would be really disappointed if I didn't put up a tree this year. They understood and said it was OK if I didn't. I'm so very glad about that. Everyone will be here Christmas Eve for the traditional "breakfast for dinner" and the children will get their gifts from us then. Santa will make his delivery later that night. Harry and I intend to have a very quiet Christmas Day together. We are very content to have it that way as long as we know the rest of our little family is happy. We'll just sit and hold hands like the two old farts that we are. . .maybe watch the Rose Bowl. . .maybe not.

Again, thanks to everyone for the kind words. Everyone get comfy, curl up, and dream wonderful dreams until morning calls. I intend to try.