Emptyknitster

Hosting The Nutcracker in Billings has been a 30 year tradition. For several years I have wanted to go with the granddaughters. Either Hubby and I are celebrating Thanksgiving in North Dakota or by the time we think of reserving tickets the theater has sold out. This year we thought the timing was right, the NorDakFam were coming to town, and the tickets were bought. But sadly the NorDak Family unexpectedly had to return home early. I called in the reserves, Jo and her Grandkiddo Mia. We attended the ballet last night. The San Diego Ballet Company danced with our local children. Humor was tucked into every scene for an observant viewer. And the Plum Fairy impressively seemed to fly through the air. It was outstanding! I wore my new shawl and felt very festive. Pattern: BLT Scarf/Shawl Yarn: Wollmeise Sockenwolle 80/20 Twin Colorway: Ruby Needles: US 4 Beads: 44 grams My good friend, Darlene,  bought this yarn last July while in Germany. She was lucky enough to visit this

Thanksgiving break was extra long for me this year, I took Monday and Tuesday off to be with the NorDak Family. They arrived on Sunday and the first thing I did was give The Tiger his bigger and better New Blue. He loved it! We played lots of Ticket To Ride...   and worked on a gingerbread man. We tried new recipes and ate all the time! Carmel Stuffed Apple Cider Cookies   (from the Cooking Photographer ) Ingredients 1 cup unsalted butter, nearly melted 1 cup granulated sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 (7.4 ounce) box Alpine Spiced Apple Cider Instant Original Drink Mix *Not sugar free* 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 (14 ounce) bag Kraft Caramels Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line rimless cookie sheets with parchment paper. It has to be parchment this time. 2. In a stand mixer, cream together butter, sugar, salt, and all 10 packets of apple cider mix until smooth and fluff