12/24/2025
We worked all day long to get ready for Bob & Robin and Eddie & Dianne. It was a work of love! Everyone showed up around 5:00 pm with Robin and Bob being first so we began with champagne complete with glitter!!
Robin brought some
drink glitter which we added to the champagne (read more about it below).
Late in the evening we called Colleen, Joe, Zack, and others to wish them a Merry Christmas .
Mary plans to be cool today!!
Let the fun begin!!
We were calm and cool and ready to get ready!
How we started the day! Relaxed and ready to go to work!
Mary made the mulled wine using Jeff-provided oranges!
The mulled wine is ready to be heated!
Did You Know? - Mulled wine's history dates to ancient Rome, used for health and flavor, evolving through the Middle Ages as "Hippocras," and becoming a Christmas staple linked to Dickens' "Smoking Bishop" (named for its bowl shape and steam). It has many names like German Glühwein or Swedish Glogg, uses spices like cinnamon, cloves, and orange, and was even used as a medieval plague remedy, with recipes found in 14th-century English texts.
We found this "receipe" on a Christmasmagazine and Mary decided she wanted to give it a shot. Paul ended up doing the slicing and dicing. We sliced up some licorice for the mouth and eyebrows.
We found a Grinch made of veggies!
It's coming together!
Volia!
Mary works with garnishes! We had to go out in the rain to get
the greenery!
"Watch those scissors Dr. Mary!"
The cheesy garlic bread is ready to go!
Did You Know? - Cheesy garlic bread is a popular, easy-to-make side dish that is crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and loaded with flavorful garlic butter and melted cheese. A simple recipe involves combining a few key ingredients and baking it until bubbly and golden.
Browning the onions for the string-bean casserole!
They will be tipsy in a few minutes! They are floating in Fireball!
Did You Know? - Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey started in Canada in the 1980s as Dr. McGillicuddy's Fireball Whiskey before rebranding in 2007, marketed as a fiery, sweet cinnamon shot with a Canadian whiskey base, known for its grassroots popularity via social media and bartenders, though it's technically a flavored whiskey liqueur with lower ABV (around 33%) and is certified gluten-free, with its dragon logo signifying its fiery kick.
Paul's workstation where we slice and dice and count fingers
after every operation!
Ready, set, go!!!
We were hoping that Jim and Vicky would join us but the rain was coming down too hard to risk long distance travel!
We checked on the internet!
Christmas movies were on all day!
The landing spot for guests!
Did we say rain!!!
Looking good guys!!!
Champagne is served!
Did You Know? - Edible Glitter in Drinks Trivia
What is it?: Edible glitter, such as Brew Glitter or DiamonDust, is a food-grade color additive made from FDA-approved ingredients.
How it Works: To add shimmer, you simply pinch a small amount of the glitter into your beverage and stir gently to activate the swirling effect.
Safety: When properly designated as "edible" and "food-grade," this glitter is entirely safe for consumption.
Creative Names: Cocktails made with edible glitter often have playful names like "Unicorn Blood," "Glitter Bomb," or "Black Magic Cocktail".
Cocktail Sparklers: In addition to edible glitter, "cocktail sparklers" (small, food-safe sparkling candles) are used as garnishes to add a fireworks effect to drinks.
Now it is red!
The drink glows as we will be doing in a few minutes!
Right out of the oven!
Hot hot hot!!
Fast Eddie approves!
STAND BACK, chefs at work!!!
Time To Eat!!
Stories of yesteryear are told and retold!
Bob is not too sure about this!
W.C. Fields will make corrections if necessary!
Mae West can fill in the blanks!
Paul keeps the Vodka on ice and nearby!
Fast Eddie regals us with stories!
The secret ingredient for the Jello Shooters!!
Robin follows the recipe carefully!
Bob keeps his eyes on the fire extinguisher!
Cool Whip topping required!
Did You Know? - Despite Christmas Vacation being set in the Chicago area, the movie was filmed in Burbank, California at Warner Bros. studios. Some outdoor scenes were shot in Breckenridge, Colorado, chosen for its usual heavy snowfall during that season. However, upon arrival, the production team faced a snowless situation and had to bring in a convoy of trucks to transport snow to specific locations. Ironically, after the snow delivery, Breckenridge experienced a massive snowfall of ten feet in just three days, causing challenges for filming as the crew had to use snowcats to reach their shooting locations.
We settle down for a long Winter's nap!
Dianne found a pillow and a lap!
The movie was funny!
We teased Fast Eddie about being Cousin Eddie!
We all found comfortable chairs
All smiles!
Saving the last of Dianne's wonderful salad!
Remember this, Eddie working!!!
We sat for a while just gabbing and sharing stories!
Eddie told us of his watch collection!
Good Night All!
We walked to the car with everyone even though it was snowing!
Time for bed!
