Prep Genrl Weekly Prep Thread: Nov. 23 - Nov. 29, 2025

[Wildwood]

Today was good. We all met at a restaurant in the city. DDIL's family is as small as ours. DH and I and both grandkids, DS, DDIL and her mom and stepdad. Her grandmother passed a few years ago and her grandfather spent the day with his lady friend's family. To be fair, they spend most holidays with us.

My other son and his wife spend it with my shut in family member but found out he's staying with someone right now so, at the last minute, she'd planned to cook for her parents who just moved back to the area but got a migraine and had to cancel. I never dreamed when we had those holidays with an overflowing house that we'd end up with so few.

I'm hoping I will feel mentally up to the task of hosting my extended family and anyone else interested in coming again but it won't happen this year. I'm just not there yet and at this point, I'm not sure I will ever feel up to the pressure again. I spent the biggest part of my life under a never ending deadline or undertaking be it family or business and I was always that person who could pull themselves up by the bootstraps and face every challenge head on...I always pulled it off one way or the other until that one day when I just couldn't tolerate the pressure one more time.

My living room and dining room have product on every surface just waiting to be labeled, priced and taken to my booths in the next few days. That's my priority for now...making a living.

This is the recipe for the pecan cream pie I made to take to DS's and DDIL's after we ate lunch. It was easy to make, looked just like the picture and was a huge hit. The only two things I changed was I used Mrs. Butterworth's syrup and Creamy style Cool Whip instead of the whipped cream. It still had that maple flavor.

*****edited to add...I used cool whip instead of whipping my own cream. The powdered sugar in the recipe is to sweeten the whipped cream. Since I didn't use the cream and the cool whip is already sweet, I left the powdered sugar out. Sorry, but even if you put the powdered sugar in, I don't think it would be too sweet. It's a small amount and the recipe without it was not overly sweet like some of the ice box pies.

Pecan Cream Pie

Pecan Pie. But make it creamy.

12tomatoes.com

 

[anna43]

It's really funny how grandparents can get along better with the grandkids than the kids they actually raised.

They can overlook perceived shortcomings in a grandkid where they'd hold anyone else's feet to the fire. I suppose that's the way it is suppose to be. My sons and nephews never saw the side of my mother that us daughter's did. You can tell they don't believe a thing we say.

That is so true. My sister, younger by 11 years, doesn't believe the beatings my sis 13 months younger than me and I got as children or understand how poor we were. She was raised completely differently which was due to parents having money and only one child to provide for instead of two. I'm very glad that she got a good life with them, braces when she needed them (other sis and I needed braces but did not get them), private lessons, quality clothing, trips and college. She was in kindergarten the year I graduated. Her life hasn't been all roses, but her foundation was much stronger and allowed her to be much more successful financially and socially. I guess I'm no longer in her "class" as I haven't heard from her in four years.

 

[thompson]

This is the recipe for the pecan cream pie I made to take to DS's and DDIL's after we ate lunch. It was easy to make, looked just like the picture and was a huge hit. The only two things I changed was I used Mrs. Butterworth's syrup and Creamy style Cool Whip instead of the whipped cream. It still had that maple flavor.

Pecan Cream Pie

Pecan Pie. But make it creamy.

12tomatoes.com

Wildwood, thanks for posting a link to the pie. It looks and sounds scrumptious! I will be making this soon.

 

[WanderLore]

Today was good. We all met at a restaurant in the city. DDIL's family is as small as ours. DH and I and both grandkids, DS, DDIL and her mom and stepdad. Her grandmother passed a few years ago and her grandfather spent the day with his lady friend's family. To be fair, they spend most holidays with us.

My other son and his wife spend it with my shut in family member but found out he's staying with someone right now so, at the last minute, she'd planned to cook for her parents who just moved back to the area but got a migraine and had to cancel. I never dreamed when we had those holidays with an overflowing house that we'd end up with so few.

I'm hoping I will feel mentally up to the task of hosting my extended family and anyone else interested in coming again but it won't happen this year. I'm just not there yet and at this point, I'm not sure I will ever feel up to the pressure again. I spent the biggest part of my life under a never ending deadline or undertaking be it family or business and I was always that person who could pull themselves up by the bootstraps and face every challenge head on...I always pulled it off one way or the other until that one day when I just couldn't tolerate the pressure one more time.

My living room and dining room have product on every surface just waiting to be labeled, priced and taken to my booths in the next few days. That's my priority for now...making a living.

This is the recipe for the pecan cream pie I made to take to DS's and DDIL's after we ate lunch. It was easy to make, looked just like the picture and was a huge hit. The only two things I changed was I used Mrs. Butterworth's syrup and Creamy style Cool Whip instead of the whipped cream. It still had that maple flavor.

Pecan Cream Pie

Pecan Pie. But make it creamy.

12tomatoes.com

Oh absolutely. That's where I am this year. Christmas party on the 14th. After this year, will see if one of the other kids will host.
My two girls were supposed to cook stuff to bring, but didn't?? I guess it worked out as I had so much did already that I cooked, we had plenty.

I have to go out and tend animals, then go get coal. Possibly hay this afternoon.
My son was called in for a 48 hour shift due to the heavy snow starting tonight I think.
Sciatica is better. I have 3 chiro appts next week. It's working.
Son said if I can get hay, he and his partner will drive the rig over and unload it.
I think we are set with everything else though. We'll see what we get as far as the snow. Everybody please take care be safe.

 

[kyrsyan]

I wrote last night's post just after I had pulled a heated throw over my lap. 2 hours later I woke up. I was definitely wiped last night. And so was son.

And it's time to get the heated blanket on my bed.

Today I plan to do some cleaning, work on the van issue, and maybe get some work on the next raised bed done.

 

[Meemur]

Heading out to Aldi and Menard's when I finish coffee. Neither should be swamped with shoppers: it's still before 9:00 out here.

There's also a loose dog hanging around, some sort of beagle mix, and it has a collar, so no one should shoot it (pit bulls are shot on sight, collar or not). If I can get it to come to me, I'll call the owner if there's a number. If not, it goes to the police station (they have a place for strays).

 

[SouthernBreeze]

We're not expecting snow, but a lot of rain, tomorrow. It's supposed to be raining just about every day next week. High temps only in the low 40's starting, Sunday. 52 for our high, today. It was 26 last night. We got a hard frost that looked like snow on the ground this morning.

I'm doing laundry, today. Plenty of left overs from yesterday's meal, so no supper to cook, tonight. Home fellowship this Sunday, so I'll be doing a bit of house cleaning, today, too. Next week is going to be very hectic with 2 different doctor appointments, grocery shopping, and a trip to Alabama.

I made it through our Thanksgiving meal without gaining any weight! I'm so proud of myself. I only had one piece of pecan pie that was off my eating plan. I actually lost almost another pound, instead. 8 more pounds to lose to reach my goal. Once, I reach my goal weight, I will stay on my eating plan, but begin to incorporate a bit more whole wheat breads and maybe a few potatoes back in. I don't want to look like a walking skeleton again by continuing to lose too much weight.

 

[Meemur]

Quick update: "Jake" (the dog) had a phone number on his collar, so he's back with his family. They were visiting from Sioux City and Jake took off after a rabbit. A happy ending!

 

[Wildwood]

Quick update: "Jake" (the dog) had a phone number on his collar, so he's back with his family. They were visiting from Sioux City and Jake took off after a rabbit. A happy ending!

Good for you for being kind enough to help that poor dog. I don't like taking animals on trips for that very reason but sometimes you have no choice.

 

[Wildwood]

Wildwood, thanks for posting a link to the pie. It looks and sounds scrumptious! I will be making this soon.

I put in the whole tub of that cool whip. I figured that was equal to a cup of cream after it was whipped and a lot more stable if you had left overs. It could not have been any easier to put together.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

I put in the whole tub of that cool whip. I figured that was equal to a cup of cream after it was whipped and a lot more stable if you had left overs. It could not have been any easier to put together.

If you use cool whip instead of whipping cream, do you just use the mixer to mix up it and the powdered sugar? Or, do you just blend the powdered sugar into the cool whip? What size tub of cool whip? I have got to try this recipe!

 

[Meemur]

Good for you for being kind enough to help that poor dog. I don't like taking animals on trips for that very reason but sometimes you have no choice.

They're in a rental and Jake barks for hours on end when left alone, plus he's part beagle, so he had to come, too. There's more, but that's the short version. He's run off before, so that's why there's a phone number on both the tag and collar itself. It saved him today.

He was quite friendly, once he decided that he had lost the scent of the rabbit.

 

[Wildwood]

If you use cool whip instead of whipping cream, do you just use the mixer to mix up it and the powdered sugar? Or, do you just blend the powdered sugar into the cool whip? What size tub of cool whip? I have got to try this recipe!

I use the 8 oz. tub and let the cool whip thaw and the cream cheese come to room temp. I just put the cream cheese, cool whip, syrup, salt and brown sugar in the bowl and mix it with my little hand mixer. The powdered sugar is to sweeten the whipped cream. Since cool whip is already sweet, I left the powdered sugar out. I'm so glad you called me on that because I forgot to add that I left it out and why. I also added a teaspoon of vanilla even though the recipe didn't call for it.

 

[WanderLore]

Went got 20 bags coal. Unloaded. Then went for hay. These are 600-800 lbs each. I put tow straps on it and pulled the truck forward and off it came.
Fixed the broke horse fence. Tarped up the mower and brought the 6 bikes in barn. Burnt trash. Other stuff. Ran to store real quick.
Made myself a nice dinner. Shared with the dogs.
Hunkering down for when the storm hits. I'm done for the day. Son was called in for a 48 hour shift due to storm.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

I use the 8 oz. tub and let the cool whip thaw and the cream cheese come to room temp. I just put the cream cheese, cool whip, syrup, salt and brown sugar in the bowl and mix it with my little hand mixer. The powdered sugar is to sweeten the whipped cream. Since cool whip is already sweet, I left the powdered sugar out. I'm so glad you called me on that because I forgot to add that I left it out and why. I also added a teaspoon of vanilla even though the recipe didn't call for it.

Thank you for clearing it up for me. Pure vanilla extract makes everything taste better! I can't wait to try it, and I'm sure Mom will want a copy of the recipe, too. She's always scouring her local newspaper for new pie and cake recipes. She bakes a lot for her church.

 

[Meemur]

It was a productive afternoon. I lined up shoveling help, got a few groceries, and changed the porch light. I think the majority of the "snow angels" are out of town, so I didn't want to count on them. I have a feeling anyone who didn't get home today to Central Iowa isn't going to make it back until next week.

Added (7:54 CST): ISU up in Ames just closed the campus for Monday, both in response to the snow and faculty and students trying to return, and the new problems with whatever airplane it is that is having the computer problems (Air Bus? I just hear that earlier on the news).

I'm posting that fact because it's rare for them close this far in advance. I hope that other area colleges follow suit. It's literally the perfect storm of problems.

And I'm thankful that I pushed myself and got a few extra groceries. I think trucks will have a hard time making it to the distribution centers this weekend.

 

[anna43]

A friend was running to Dollar General so I asked her to pick up a ½ gallon of milk for me. I have shelf stable but like fresh when possible. The milk I purchased at Fareway had a use by date of December 1 and was sour this morning ... glad I sniffed before pouring on my oatmeal!

It started snowing here around 3:30 p.m. and I'd guess we have half an inch or so. It's started snowing a bit heavier now and supposed to continue until tomorrow evening. Glad I can stay home.

I took the day off and read a book. I'd put the house back in order and did a load of laundry last night so guilt free day off.

 

[Meemur]

I think home is the best place for Iowans to be this weekend, unless they have essential jobs.

 

[summerthyme]

We've had heavy snow and wind since mid morning...woke up to everything white, and its been pretty steady since. Plus, for fun, we've had thunder and lightning!

Thankfully, the 95 mile (one way) trip yesterday to our daughter's was clear and dry, both ways. I detest night highway driving, but its awful in heavy snow!

Had a nice, peaceful holiday at our daughter's. They are politically compatible, so the discussions were peaceful, if lively and punctuated by periodic outrage!

I was able to educate SIL on several details going on he hadn't been aware of. I noticed he's taking me more seriously (he's always been polite, but i sensed some reservations about some things I've mentioned) since I sent out an "APB" to all four grown kids and the two fiances... mentioning that if any had nVidia or a couple other AI/Data companies in their portfolios, it might be a good idea to reevaluate...quickly.

DSIL said he had doubled his original investment, but was beginning to feel uneasy about where it was going from here, so he sold the afternoon I sent the text. And hes quite happy.

All the cooking (1 pumpkin pie, one keto raspberry cheesecake, 1 large batch of coleslaw, and a single batch of crescent rolls... thats pure vacation compared to what I used to cook for 25 people!) and driving stress must have wore me out! I did a few "extras" I've been trying to get done. One biggie was digging out the old shock collar systems...it MAY be possible I'll have one working combination (collar and control) when I'm done. I decided to not count on it, discovered Amazon has the top quality SportDog brand on amazing sales for Black Friday, and ordered another.

Here's the thing! When I bought the identical model (SportDog 875) over 10 years ago...omg, TWENTY years ago, because Bandit was born in 2007!...I paid $389 for the exact same model!

And when I got them out today, after having not been charged for...probably ten years, because I never had to use a shock collar on another dog!... both controls, and one collar, at least have LED lights showing they are trying to charge.

I just bought a new one, same model, for $128, before tax.

THIS is the kind of thing that Trump's tariffs will change...I THINK the collars may have been made in US, in some way. Obviously, today they aren't. I fully expect if we can bring manufacturing back to this country, I won't get able a replacement set for that collar for under $500.

Which won't bother me a bit...IF it means Americans have well paying jobs again.

Summerthyme

 

[Wildwood]

Thank you for clearing it up for me. Pure vanilla extract makes everything taste better! I can't wait to try it, and I'm sure Mom will want a copy of the recipe, too. She's always scouring her local newspaper for new pie and cake recipes. She bakes a lot for her church.

You are welcome. Those refridgerator pies get me in trouble. I also love the Millionaire Pie...OMG! I sometimes make DH that Lemon Icebox Pie with the Eagle Brand milk. I'm not a huge lemon fan but I can't resist that one. I really have to do my best to not get in pie making mode because they are hard to resist.

 

[thompson]

We're not expecting snow, but a lot of rain, tomorrow. It's supposed to be raining just about every day next week.

Same for us here in east central Texas. Low for tomorrow night and Sunday night forecast to be 35°.

I grew up and lived in the midwest for 50 years before moving to Texas and put up with bad winter storms just like some of y'all are having. I DO NOT MISS SNOW or EXTREME COLD, and especially do not miss ice storms. Much of my working life was spent having to "dress well", meaning hose/heels, nice suit or dress, etc., hair done, y'all know the drill. Having to dig out a car to get to work, only to have my hair ruined, or having to dig out after being parked at the office during an all-day snow storm, or arriving at a business appointment when it's just starting to spit snow and coming out after it's over with ice to scrape off the windshield when I was all decked out is NOT my idea of fun.

Being tucked away inside at home with a full pantry with plenty of books or projects to work on and a roaring wood stove is good, occasionally. A little of that goes a very long way for me. I have a great deal of compassion that is born from experience for those who live in the snow regions. Spring and summer were always my favorite seasons and still are. Yes, I'll bitch about the heat (and humidity), but usually only when we have long stretches of 100+ days for a month, and that's not every year.

I also love the Millionaire Pie...OMG!

Yes, indeed! I used to always have that on the dessert table when I'd host big Thanksgiving dinners and I always got raves and requests for the recipe. Maybe I'll make one for Christmas Eve supper or New Year's.

 

[WanderLore]

I think I might try making this for the Christmas party. It looks easy enough and sounds delicious.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

We woke up with sad news early this morning. Mom's older sister passed about 5 this morning. 89 years old and was in a nursing/rehab facility. She had been going down hill for a while, but it was still quite unexpected. Her heart just stopped. So, I have no idea, yet, what the weekend is going to bring. Mom will be keeping me updated on all the arrangements.

 

[WanderLore]

I'm sorry Sherre, sending prayers for all of you

 

[WanderLore]

Meemur: what's your report on snow?

 

[Meemur]

My condolences, SB!

We're under a winter storm warning until 6 am tomorrow. I think there's around 4" on the ground. The real problem is the layer of ice under it. I haven't been out, yet. I'll go clear around the garage door in a bit. It's snowing fairly hard, again.

Lots of places, including the libraries, are closed. From what I can see, if it's not a grocery, gas station, or drug store, it's probably closed or will try to open this afternoon. I've got the local news running in the background right now. The roads look awful.

I'm staying in today! I'll probably deep clean my bedroom and watch a movie or two.

WanderLore, do you have another round of snow going through or is that it for you?

 

[WanderLore]

It hasn't started yet. The worst will be this afternoon. They keep changing the totals I just don't know

 

[connie]

We had great few day s with family. Didn't think I was that tired but I slept long and hard last night. Stiff all over this am. We will have hard freeze next few nights.

 

[WanderLore]

Gave horses much extra pay and thawed their water. Cats out there watered put their food in their little cubby so it doesn't get wet and they won't eat it. Dogs are all fed and watered everybody is hunker down in front of the coal stove.
I'm listening to Ryan Hall on YouTube about the storm

 

[Meemur]

It hasn't started yet. The worst will be this afternoon. They keep changing the totals I just don't know

That happened here and got as high as 15."
9" - 12" is more reasonable, looking at the data this morning.

That's still a lot to have to clean up. It was heavy and wet. It's gotten a little finer over the last hour.

 

[WanderLore]

I think I'm as ready as can be. I'm here by myself as son was called in for 48 hour shift at FD due to weather. He'd walk out and come home if I truly needed him. I think I'm ok.

 

[patriotgal]

Hugs and prayers SB. DH and I have no living aunts or uncles now.

Huddled in front of fire place. Freeze and light snow expected Sun and Mon night. Crazy week coming up. 40 hour schedule, Grands in court for custody hearing, and packing for KC. Really glad rig has heated seats. That morning school run could be brutal. Our 48th anniversary coming up next week. Will be hard to choose where to eat out. Lots of good choices in KC.

Work schedules are set in 15 min increments so adjusting for school run will be easy. Grand just went to work for same company. She has lost 2 jobs in 3 months due to hospitals cutting contracts. Now she won't have to worry about staying employed while managing fact that kids are in school only 4 days a week. Wish I had found this company a few years ago.

Enjoyed our Thanksgiving leftovers yesterday. Had to brave town to sign insurance papers so splurged on another Turtle pie. Quick trip into wally world for final attempt at computer adapter, pie and hair color. Colored my hair in Sept for last KC trip and I already have a white line glowing at part.

Store was not black Friday crazy at noon. Clerks said it wasn't that busy. After months of going through stuff I am not into shopping at all, lol. Adapter worked so when I get back from KC I will be able to use 3 monitors. Only because I am lazy. I mainly use 3 windows. Can have each on their own screen, open all the time. I have accidentally closed main screen a few times while in middle of something. Now that won't be an issue.

Mom's insurance agent is 82 and still running a one woman agency. I think it is what keeps her going.

Stay warm and safe everyone.

 

[WanderLore]

What happened to my post? I posted a hug and condolences to SB. I probably didn't hit the reply button. I'm sorry SB, its rough.

 

[summerthyme]

What happened to my post? I posted a hug and condolences to SB. I probably didn't hit the reply button. I'm sorry SB, its rough.

Post 144...


Summerthyme

 

[WanderLore]

oh geesh i'm sorry yall.

 

[WanderLore]

I've been up most of night as they said this storm was going to start last night, then at 4 am, then at 7. They hype these sometimes. I can deal with up to 6 inches snow. After that, have to wait it out.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

I have 2 aunts left. Mom's baby sister in Alabama and an aunt by marriage. She was married to Mom's older brother. She still remains in our close knit family. No uncles left. I don't have any aunts or uncles left on Dad's side. Lots of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd cousins scattered all around on both sides of the family, but none of us are as close as we used to be. The only time we really see each other is at funerals. It's sad, really. Neither side of the family has had family reunions, since both sets of grandparents passed.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

A high of 51, today, with rain moving in. Tomorrow and through next week, highs only in the low 40's. That's winter temps for us down here, especially with the wind chills factored in. 20's and low 30's at night. Not conducive for snow, just lots of cold rain.

I'm trying to get all the laundry washed and dried, even though, I don't have full loads. I don't know when the next time I'll be able to do it. Full week this coming week, and a memorial service that has been added which will probably be on Monday. It might be tomorrow afternoon. Mom and my aunt's oldest DS and DW are making all the arrangements. My aunt and Mom got together before she got so bad and told Mom what all she wanted as for the memorial service , once she passed. Mom wrote it all down. Her son will more than likely abide by her wishes.

 

[Wildwood]

A high of 51, today, with rain moving in. Tomorrow and through next week, highs only in the low 40's. That's winter temps for us down here, especially with the wind chills factored in. 20's and low 30's at night. Not conducive for snow, just lots of cold rain.

I'm trying to get all the laundry washed and dried, even though, I don't have full loads. I don't know when the next time I'll be able to do it. Full week this coming week, and a memorial service that has been added which will probably be on Monday. It might be tomorrow afternoon. Mom and my aunt's oldest DS and DW are making all the arrangements. My aunt and Mom got together before she got so bad and told Mom what all she wanted as for the memorial service , once she passed. Mom wrote it all down. Her son will more than likely abide by her wishes.

I'm so sorry for the loss of your aunt. Hopefully her son will abide by her wishes. I've lost every single family member who was older than me except for distant cousins that I am not close to and it's a lonely feeling.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

I'm so sorry for the loss of your aunt. Hopefully her son will abide by her wishes. I've lost every single family member who was older than me except for distant cousins that I am not close to and it's a lonely feeling.

I have a lot of 1st cousins that are older than me, and a lot that are younger on both sides. I lost a couple from Covid. One older, and one younger. My aunt that just passed lost a DS from Covid. He was a couple of years older than me. She has one son and one daughter left. The daughter and I have always been really close. We grew up together on our grandparent's farm. Mom and Dad had a house on one end of the farm, and my aunt and uncle had a house on the other side. We both stayed on the farm, until we both got married. We were all one big happy family. Aunt's oldest DS owns the whole farm, now. He bought Mom and Dad's home, once they decided to move back to the nearest small town when Dad retired. The old farmhouse burned, before my grandmother passed. She sold the farm to my cousin, and moved back to her and Grandpa's second home in town when the farmhouse burned down.