EIGHT PM

Leland and I made the very big mistake of going to Walmart and Belks on Thanksgiving evening. Our first stop was at Walmart to get some additional garland for our tree. We stood in line in the garden center for a very long time. It was old home week for a lot of the people, greeting one another and catching up. I felt very skinny! And, I assure you, I am far from skinny. One couple told their "long lost friends" that the baby they had with them was their fifth child in a little over five years.  Their last name had to be Rabbit!  People were buying big TV's for $97.00 and toys etc. It was to say the least, a madhouse.  Sadly, the garland turned out to be the wrong one and had to be exchanged today. No problem! The store was not crowded, probably because the night owls were home sleeping.

We next, fools that we were, went to Belks to purchase a phonograph that Leland had his eye on. We arrived at 7:30pm and the store opened at 8pm. The line was around the block. After they let the people in that had stood in line we eventually were allowed to enter. People that I am sure were normally polite turned into monsters, pushing and shoving.  Very unnerving! They wouldn't take the coupon we had because the item we wanted was a "door buster". What's that? We left empty handed!  Needless to say it was not a successful outing. Lesson learned - we will stay home next year!

Shopping on line and gift cards just might save our sanity. We learned a lot about human nature that evening and it was, in some cases, sadly a disappointment. Conversely, a couple with oodles of stuff offered us the chance to go ahead of them. We thanked them over and over again for their kindness.  But I imagine that the people on line had sons' and daughters' at home who wanted that special item from Santa and so they made the effort to get it for them. Some stores were complimented for not opening on Thanksgiving, i.e. my favorites TJ Maxx and Marshals. Bravo to them!

Our tree is all decorated and lit.  Now Leland has to do the Christmas letter and then we will get our cards out. I want to cherish and savor this Christmas celebrating with family. Life is very precious to me.  I thank God every day, for every day.  Leland and I find such joy in one another and the life we lead. I wish it could go on forever.

Remember I wrote that Leland dresses like Nanook of the north when he walks the dog. With the extremely cold weather of late I now look like Mrs. Nanook of the north. We are a pair!

SHRIMP AND ARTICHOKE CASSEROLE: Serves four

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon chopped garlic
One -1 pound bag largest-sized frozen cooked shrimp, peeled and cleaned
Two- 6 ounce jars marinated artichoke hearts
1 cup shredded mozzarella
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 lemon, if desired
Heat oven to 450 degrees
Drizzle the baking dish with olive oil and garlic. Place in oven for 2 minutes then remove.
In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp and artichokes together; add to the baking dish. Sprinkle with mozzarella and bake 5 to 7 minutes if the shrimp are already cooked or for 15 minutes if the shrimp are raw. The cheese should be bubbly and golden.
Sprinkle with parmesan and lemon (if desired).
Serve immediately
DO NOT OVERCOOK
This is a fast and easy throw together meal. Serve with rice.

UGA won against Georgia Tech this afternoon so Leland is quite happy.
Have a great weekend and for those of you that reside in a cold weather area (like Georgia) stay toasty warm.