I find holidays a little stressful myself...so I completely understand, Lori.
We are going to my sisters house in Lebanon tomorrow for dinner...I am cooking a turkey to take and she is doing the ham. My sister-in-law and kids are coming down from Milton, so it will be nice to see them. It is Heather's birthday today, so we will have cake for dessert tomorrow. Neil went to work late morning today, so it has thrown his day way off...I don't have to make dinner...he can have some leftovers when he gets home. I did do a little cleaning and made a 4oth birthday card...
Happy Birthday Richard...where ever you are lately!

Patti, I think it's the opposite in Avi's family. They see each other TOO much, so then they get into each other's business too much. It's definitely not a problem of being polite and reserved--more a problem of one person thinking he's right and the other's wrong and telling that person how he should do this or shouldn't do that, basically how he should live his life. Get the picture?!

I'm glad you're feeling better about things Lori! I wonder if sometimes holidays are a pain because we don't get together often enough and so we get on each others deserves too easily. Sometimes I find our family feels like guests more than family. Polite, reserved, uncomfortable.........

That's okay, Patti, you can still wish me a Happy Passover! Now that it's over, I'm able to laugh about it more. I think that's nice that Obama had a Seder at the White House. Well, I'm back to the kitchen. Today the group will be here again for Kiddush, our Friday night meal, but I'm used to that. I don't get stressed about that anymore.

Well I was going to wish you a Happy Passover Lori but now I'm not sure I should. Sorry it went badly for you last night. I thought it was pretty great that there was a Seder supper at the White House.

Dave's dad arrives today and will stay through the weekend. Should be fun though I wish the boys were here too.

The yard is drying up well and I can see an over abundance if there can be such a thing; of iris, a couple of tulips, and some crocus. Next year there will be an abundance of other spring flowers, both out front and back of the house. I'd love to come and help you rake and weed Kathi, just think of me as there in spirit!

A blessed Good Friday to you all. - Pat

I'll volunteer Karen and Patti to help you in the garden. How's that?! They seem to be into gardening. I'm recovering today from having the Passover dinner here last night. We usually go to Avi's sister's house, but she didn't feel like doing it this year--so I sort of got volunteered. It was a little hectic and tiring, and we finished really late so now I'm just kind of grumpy and wondering why we need these damn holidays. They seem to bring out the worst in people. Sorry. Just letting off some steam. I'm okay.

Can everyone say...Spring Fever, Spring Fever....the kids were wild and crazy today. It is cold here, upper 30s and windy...I guess it would be kite flying weather if you had mittens on to hold the string. Oh well, it will get warmer soon!
I went for my follow up appointment for my elbow and hand. He said it was healing nicely but to keep my activities limited for another six weeks. The ligament holding the tendion together was pretty shot and it will take up to 3 months for it to heal...slow but sure he said. Guess I'll need to have my friends come over and help garden!!! Any volunteers??? lol....
Have fun Karen...think you should put a bet down for me!!!

that's a beautiful Azalea Karen. the setting is great. Do you enjoyed the races?

I look forward to having blooms in the area here. In the meantime I bought a magnificent Hydrangea which I am keeping in my living room. so far I see Iris starting and maybe lilies but its too early for them so probably not.

I didn't say it was low calorie! But it is pretty tasty!

Wow, thanks Kathi, I especially like the 2 parts butter!

HASH BROWN POTATO CASSEROLE BY Kathi

1 (26 oz)thawed shredded hash brown potatoes 1/2 stick melted butter
1 (15 oz)can cream of chicken soup 1/2 tsp. onion powder
1 (8 oz) sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1. Melt butter, add soup,sour cream, onion; mix well.
2. Add Hash Browns and stir into soup mixture.
3. Add cheese, saving some for the top.
4. Put into greased 13x9 baking dish.
5. Top with remaining cheese.
6. Bake at 350, uncovrd 45 minuts to 1 hour....until golden brown.

Adapt to however you want...different cheeses, salsa,chopped onion.. etc.