Busy...busy...busy Holidays

I have been remiss in blogging since Christmas I know; however, I have been very, very busy. First, my crowd didn't leave until Tuesday afternoon. Then Wednesday, I was sharing Christmas brunch with a friend. Part of yesterday was spent with Kendra and Clay traveling to Don's brother's home, then to another afternoon appointment. Finally, today, my 2 sisters and I had the opportunity to spend the day together and exchange our Christmas gifts. We went out to eat together, shopped awhile, then returned to my sister's for our Christmas celebration. (We still have other friends whom we have not had our time together but that we look forward to spending time with them soon).

While shopping today, we experienced an evacuation of Belk's which had a trash compactor fire; then, on the way home, we saw an 18-wheel oil tanker roll over as it approached an exit ramp too fast. Fortunately, we arrived home safely.

I can hardly believe that 2006 will soon be pushed out of the way by 2007! We always have a few friends over to celebrate the new year. Actually, all we do is talk, eat dinner, talk some more, sometimes play a game if we run out of things to talk about. (That doesn't happen too often though). I really didn't plan anything this year; the time just slipped up on me. I always think there should be more time between Christmas and New Year's. I don't have time to properly plan for the next holiday.

I hope all my readers had a blessed and wonderful Christmas, that you received all the gifts you had wanted, that you will enjoy each and every one of them, and that you will remember what you received from everyone. I know when I was still teaching school, it was difficult to remember who gave me what. Two or three months after Christmas, some little child would ask me where their gift was or if I was still using it, or some other embarrassing question. I would have to go to my list and discern what was what or what was where! Now that I'm not so young as I was then, I have an even more difficult time remembering. Making a list is still a good idea if I could just remember where I put the list! Ah well...I'm just thankful for all of my gifts and will enjoy all of them. Even more important, I love the friends and family who took the time to think of me and to spend some time making me feel special.

Now, to each of you...Happy New Year! May it treat you well. Be healthy...Be happy...Be thankful for another day, another week, another year.

Trust Me!!

Well, my family has arrived and believe me, I know it! They have brought laughter, yelling, screaming, games, and nonsense into the house! And...I love it!!! We are all trying to talk at once; we have snacked all evening, played this really neat game, Remote Possibilities, and just kidded everyone about anything! We don't get to carry on such foolishness but twice a year: Thanksgiving at Marty's and Christmas here. I look forward to it, believe me. I haven't laughed so much in such a long time. It is getting a little quieter right now because the youngest grandson is getting his air mattress ready for bed. Since we only have 3 bedrooms and a loft, we have people sleeping all over the house, that is, everywhere except in the den where Santa Claus may come (if people do get still long enough and Santa can stay awake long enough to visit here).

We don't open our gifts until Christmas Day because Kendra and her family have to go to Mark's house for their gathering. The 2 granddaughters insisted on opening one gift tonight. I offered to go wrap a present for them and let them open it. Can you believe they didn't trust their own grandmother? (I didn't tell them that I had one already wrapped and waiting just for this begging, so guess what...they are still wrapped and waiting for them to say they trust me. If I had known they didn't trust me I wouldn't have wrapped a Wal-Mart gift card for each of them. Instead, I would have just wrapped a Wal-Mart bag!! heehee) Do you think they will say they trust me enough to get this gift tomorrow or will it still be here next year awaiting their trust? (You may not believe me but those gifts may very well still be here next year and I think that will be funny if they are!)

Healthy Snacks

Kendra came by the other day after taking the children to the dentist and told me that both of them had cavities. It seems that I am having to take a lot of the blame for this problem because I have given them unhealthy snacks. (Some of you know how it is being a grandparent: you want to make them happy and sugar can do that. Of course, there are others who like to treat children to not-the-best snacks). The dentist wants them to have only healthy snacks and I want to provide that kind. Doc says they should have little or no sticky candy, no hard candy, no lollipops, no jelly beans, no gummi bears, gum, and little sweets. If you have to give them sweets, make it something that will not linger on the teeth. When Clay and Livvy leave my house, they want a snack bag with just a little something in it to take home with them. I had been giving them maybe 4 jelly beans each in their bag. Now, I'm trying to think of healthy snacks to provide and I need help. I try to keep the cheese sticks handy but I need more ideas. Hmm...what kind of variety can I provide? Personally, I'm going to miss those gooood snacks myself!!

Now, That's A Ham

My sister and I went to the big city nearby to do a little last-minute shopping and to pick up my Honey-baked ham. Traffic was pretty bad, I would say. And when we arrived at the shopping center, I noticed how the city has changed the traffic pattern making many of the 2-way streets into one-way. The problem for me was that all of these new one-way streets were going the wrong way! It seemed that I had to go way around my elbow to get to my thumb! I have yet to figure out the logic in this madness. I need to talk to an engineer who understands traffic patterns. I also noticed that for many others, the streets were the wrong direction. In fact, one car (other than mine) decided to turn down a street the wrong direction. Fortunately, no one was in the way and no one was coming. By the time I get used to this, they will probably rearrange the pattern...isn't that usually the case? I know that's true in Florida.

The best event of the day was picking up that delicious-smelling Honey-Baked Ham! My family loves them! Last Thanksgiving, I decided to get something cheaper which was supposed to be just as tasty...NOT! The family strongly suggested that I not cut that financial corner again. So, now I'm prepared with a $55.00 ham-now, that's a ham! We don't plan to waste a single bite of this; in fact, Don loves to freeze the bone until he gets ready to make a big pot of homemade veggie-beef soup! It does add the flavor the pot!

Santa, Bring a Little Bit

I have done nothing all day but wrap gifts, that is, until this evening when I met with my church friends and we went caroling. I'm not sure how many there were of us but we were in 4 vans. I was glad that the weather turned a little cooler tonight; otherwise, it would not have seemed like caroling weather. We stood outside at many of the homes but a few of the people invited us in where it was warmer (for them and us). After making our hour-plus trip, we went to one of our church members' home where we were treated to all sorts of foods! Now, I feel like the turkey that Don and I are going after tomorrow! And, to think that I was down a whole 2 pounds this morning! I blew that, I know. I can hear Curves calling me now!

Kendra brought the children over tonight and they helped put the gifts under the tree. Clay kept bringing me one and asking whose it was. Wheneve I said that it was Clay's, he became so excited! I can only imagine how they will be on Christmas morning! The little children are so precious during this season. Mine are saying nothing they want. I remember that I always had a list. I noticed that Dennis the Menace had his out his list in yesterday's paper. He was sitting on Santa's knee and Dennis stopped him by saying, "Let's look at last year's list first and see all the things you didn't bring then." Were you disappointed like that when you didn't get what you asked for? I was a blessed child; my parents did the best they could to give us what we asked for (of course, we didn't ask for these big, expensive gifts like today though and we only asked that he bring a little bit). We always ended our short list with..."nuts, fruit, and candy."

Over-Spent & Spent Out

Today, I met my son, one of his business partners, and my recently retired friend who all live near each other. We decided to enjoy a meal at the Olive Garden. This was a lot of fun for all of us except for my son when I pointed out to him how cute our waitress was. He then told the folks, "I can't couldn't take her anywhere". I think I embarrassed him (perhaps the way I may have done to the pastor Sunday night at our Christmas cantata). I told him that it was just the good old country girl coming out in his mom.

Later we went to the Big Lots store (upon the suggestion of my friend, Frannie). I had one of the few buggies, but when I turned my back for a few minutes, the buggie and all the things inside disappeared! That's right! I walked all over that store looking for my buggy with my stuff in it, but it wasn't to be found. I even asked a couple of ladies nearby who had a guilty look on their faces. I told them someone had taken my buggy and that I wasn't interested in getting the buggy back, only the gifts inside of it. They said they didn't blame me but they had not seen anyone taking it. Well, someone did, and someone must have hidden all the things I had gathered because nothing was visible anywhere. I had just been talking about the Christmas spirit, how friendly and nice everyone was acting, then "Speedy Fast-grabbing Fingers" zipped in and away. That was the end of my shopping in this store. Since it was Tuesday morning, I decided to leave and go to Tuesday Morning where I had some success shopping but not very much. The day was a lot of fun anyway and that person may have saved me a lot of money that I didn't have to spend anyway. I have really over-spent and spent out!

Celebrating 39!

Yesterday was Don and my anniversary, our 39th! A lot of water has gone over the dam in those years. I read my daughter's blog, who celebrated her 12th anniversary yesterday. She did a recap of those 12 years. I'm not sure that I could do 39 years worth but I suppose I can do a little, so, because of her blog, here goes:

We began our life together in 1967, in my hometown, in a 3-bedroom home we purchased for our family. Don, a military officer, had 2 children whom I later adopted; therefore, they are mine, mine, mine!! (Don't ask me how Don's kids are or I may insult you. They are ours!). After being married 9 months, we were transferred to the country of Panama where we had some major trials adjusting to a foreign, under-developed land. Things were just not safe at that time. We were living in the city during the military coup of the late 60's and were unable to leave our apartment for weeks because of the shooting, etc. One year later, we were able to move on Howard Air Force Base. While there, our son was born. I will always remember the neighbor's parrot that loved to curse at the little children in the neighborhood; however, when we brought Thom out, the bird would become so nice and polite. He loved our little boy. Then as soon as we left, his cursing would start right back!

We later moved into larger quarters there when our daughter, Kendra, was born. We were fortunate enough to have a live-in maid who was wonderful with the children. I taught school there but, since we had no cafeterias and no PTA meetings, I was home for lunch, and home early in the afternoons. Thom had to go to the air field every afternoon to see the airplanes. That was a real treat! Then Kendra just loved to be with her older siblings.

In the 70's, we moved to Oklahoma for several years. While there, we did try to do some traveling in nearby states. It was a real treat for us when family came to visit. Our favorite places to show them were the Cowboy Hall of Fame, Will Rogers' home, the oil wells on the State capitol grounds, etc.

Later we moved to North Carolina, then to South Carolina, teaching in colleges and working for the state. We were so fortunate that we never had to put our children in daycare. While teaching in college, Don and I were able to make our teaching schedules, so we arranged them in a way that allowed one of us to be with the children at all times.

Now we are both retired, doing all the things we love to do: traveling, camping, being with family, meeting new friends and enjoying old ones, or just doing absolutely nothing. It has been a wonderful 39 years. In fact I gave Don an anniversary card which I will share the words written thereon (of course, there are really neat pictures included on the card as well):
"Marriage begins with 2 people promising to love, honor, and adjust to each other's peculiar sleeping habits. The first few weeks are referred to as the Honeymoon. After that, togetherness usually involves televised sports or dirty dishes. Marriage demands a spirit of equality and sharing, except for toothpaste and closet space, in which case separate is definitely better. Marriage improves the appetite and energy of most people, especially visiting relatives. Married people keep romance alive with little remembrances, like remembering to write the amount in the checkbook and pick up the dry cleaning, not to mention which way the toilet paper goes! After a number of years, married couples often decide it was the BEST MISTAKE they every made!"

Wrapping Gifts

This has been a day filled with gift wrapping. I've had some difficulty getting much wrapped, however. First, our snowbird friends from Ohio, called from Florida begging us to come on down. Now, that I will not do. I just cannot miss Christmas with my family and friends. We will go after the first of the year but not now. I can't understand how some can give up being with family.

Second, the little grandchildren came running in and I knew that was the end of wrapping for awhile. They want to help but it would just slow me down. I will let them put the presents under the tree tomorrow when they come by after church.

Yesterday, we had to keep them while Mark and Kendra went to their Sunday School party. We read books, drew on chalkboards, put puzzles together, brushed teeth, said prayers, and tucked in the little sweeties. That was so much fun! They are so sweet. Clay has the cutest room! His mom has papered it like a pirate ship and when he is lying in bed, it looks like he's on board! When I went in to Livvy's room to kiss her goodnight (PaPa put her to bed), I asked it I could turn her light on and see what her room looks like. She said okay. While I was admiring her dainty room, she looked at me and said, "This is not the time to play!" I got the hint, turned out the light, and slipped out before laughing aloud!!

Christmas Survey

Kendra responded to this survey and I thought it was neat so I would fill you in with my choice responses:

1. Egg nog or Hot Chocolate? I love home brewed Hot Chocolate so how could I choose any other? I do like home made egg nog and used to make it on New Year's Eve but it's a lot of work and very high in calories.

2. Does Santa wrap presents or set them under the tree? He places the gifts in assigned spots around the living room. My mom did this and I continued the tradition. We always received 5 gifts each, unwrapped; my children always received probably 8-10 gifts when they were small.

3. Do you decorate with white or colored lights? All white. It reminds me of snow.

4. Do you hang mistletoe? Not usually but we did when I was a child. Sometimes we have but we never really needed a crutch to show affection.

5. When do you decorate? Usually the weekend after Thanksgiving, but not the day after. That's my sisters' and my shopping day.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? No problem with this one: dressing!

7. What is your favorite holiday memory as a child? Getting up early, running to the French doors to the living room and peeking in, then running back so excited to tell my parents some of the things I saw! We were not allowed to go into the living room until all my siblings and parents were ready to go in (another tradition we have continued with my family)

8. When and where did you learn there was no Santa? Read Kendra's blog. My Mom and Dad said once I stopped believing, he would stop coming. I never questioned it anymore and so long as Santa came to my house, there was and is a Santa (He just doesn't wear a red suit...usually...heehee)

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? As a child, no. As an adult, we had to when we lived away and had to travel to my parents for Christmas. Now, we usually do not because Kendra has to go to her hubby's family. Sometimes, we have opened 1.

10. Snow. Love it or dread it? I love snow! I would love to live where there is more than we get here in the South. That's the reasong I don't like going to Florida, afraid I will miss it. (That's why this year, we are not leaving until Jan. 29 and hope we get lots of snow before then)

11. Do you ice skate? As a teenager, we had an ice skating rink nearby and I did skate then, could even turn and skate backwards. Now? Never.. We always roller skated (I was very, very good at that, even won contests...excuse me, that wasn't very modest was it?)

12. Do you remember your favorite gift? As a child, I think I was most excited over my ukelele! I couldn't play it enough! (Well, I'm sure my mom thought I could and shouldn't)

13. What is the most important thing about Christmas? The most important thing is that it is the birthday of my Lord and Savior. Without His birth, there would be no need for Christmas. Giving gifts to family and friends is the way He wants us to do, I believe, in remembrance of
Him. My family makes Christmas meaningful and my heart aches for those who have no one to share the joys of the season with.

14. What is your favorite holiday dessert? As a child, I loved my aunt's Japanese Fruit Cake but since her death I have never had any (No one seems to make them). I love pumpkin pie.

15. What is your favorite holiday tradition? I think it's sitting around with my family, watching them open their gifts. (I number their gifts from smallest to most important) and it's fun watching them sort through the gifts to find the appropriate number. Sometimes I mis-number them and that makes it even funnier, especially when they have 2 #2's. I will even go so far as to wrap a hankie separately so that they will have more to open.

16. What tops your tree? Nothing. In fact, Clay told me I needed a star on top. I asked for his but he said they needed theirs. (He's so cute!) One year I had nothing on top, but I didn't have it set up straight enough and it "toppled" over! (Heehee). It broke quite a few of my crystal ornaments too!

17. Which do you prefer: giving or receiving? As a parent and a friend, it has always been giving. I love to watch expressions and I enjoy the "oohs and aahs". Don't stop giving to me since I said that though...I love to receive too!

18. What is your favorite Christmas song? I love most of them. I like "The New Pair of Shoes" but it is so sad; I also love "White Christmas" by Bing Crosby and all of Karen Carpenter's; I also love many of the carols such as, "Hark, How the Bells", "We Three Kings", "Little Drummer Boy".

19. Candy canes: Love them or leave them? Leave them! I have never, ever liked candy canes. I used to hate it when that was the only candy we received at school or if that was my gift. It was something I would give away. I don't care for sticky candy and never have.

20. What is your favorite Christmas movie? The old version of "Little Lord Fauntleroy" starrying Ricky Schroeder as a child, which I cannot find on DVD. This is something I have wanted for years. I also like "It's a Wonderful Life" and "Miracle on 34th Street". I love the Home Alone I and II also.

If you read this, email me your responses to the above survey. I would love to know how you would respond to these. Come on, Frannie, Mary, Rob, and Jackie. Let me see your answers. And, Pastor, I'm waiting for yours too!! And, everyone else, let's see those responses!!

We are Family

After waiting several days, we finally heard from Don's niece. They have decided to have a very private service in the assisted living place now; then, in the Spring, they we bring her ashes to be buried in the family cemetery.

My 2 brothers, my younger sister, and I went to the wake of my cousin last evening. The occasion was a very sad one and we regret the loss of a special cousin. It was very nice for the 4 of us to be together as a family. We enjoyed each other's company so much. Afterwards, we stopped at a Texas Roadhouse for dinner; we felt as though we were celebrating Christmas together once again. When we were ready to leave, the waiter asked if we wanted the checks 2 and 2 (I was sitting with one brother and my sister with the other). When we told him separate, he said, "You're kidding, right?" We tried to assure him that we were not kidding. I laughed and said that will be 4 checks. He said, "Ah ha, you gave the joke away when you laughed. You guys are not going to make your wives pay, are you?" They said, "no, but we want separate checks." Is that confusing? We told him then that we were family and I asked him if he didn't think we favored. He turned and walked off, mumbling something under his breath. I really don't think he believed us even though people do say the 4 of us favor a great deal. The waiter didn't see it at all!

A Warm Heart

We're just sitting and waiting to hear from my brother-in-law about the details. I'm getting a bit anxious because plans will have to made on this end prior to our leaving to drive out of state for the memorial service.

I was a good girl yesterday; I finally renewed my membership to Curves and plan to start back very soon. Don thinks it is a good idea, that I need to get more exercise than I do. Of course, he is right. I get some around the house but planned exercise other than my treadmill will probably work better and make me get involved.

Last night, our Baptist Women had its annual Christmas meeting which included an invitation to the men in our lives. They seemed to really enjoy all the heavy snacks. We even got brave and allowed them to fill up their plates first! Wow, were we gutsy or what! Maybe we decided that it was okay for them to go first since there was no much delicious food there! While we had our meeting, however, I noticed many of them returning to the table several times (as if we couldn't see them sneaking back and forth). And yes, I even saw our dear pastor sneaking food that was not on his acceptable menu (not on mine either, but I also indulged). Despite the cold outside, we were all filled with warmth in our hearts for each other. God, family, friends, and church family: that's what life is all about! I'm glad I have such a big, happy family!

Distressing News

Today, Don and I received some distressing news. His brother from VA called to let us know that his wife passed away this morning. Jimmy is doing fair but, so far, is facing everything alone since his two daughters haven't arrived yet. One is flying in from Utah and the other one will be driving in today. We feel that we must attend the service; as soon as we have details we will be driving north for a day or two. I request prayers from all of you for this family. Losing a loved one is difficult at all times, but losing someone during the Christmas season is especially hard. This man and his daughters need our prayers.

I hope that you are closer to being ready for Christmas than I. Last night, when I decided to do some wrapping of Christmas gifts, Don decides, at 7:15 PM mind you, that our pantry needed cleaning right then. We had been talking about it and I had just mentioned that it needed doing before we stocked up much for the holidays. In a flash, he was up and going through the shelves! Needless to say, I had to do my share; thus, that's what we did from 7:15 until 11:30 PM! I was so tired that I couldn't sleep very well and Don slept even less. I hope the next time he gets these "urges" to tackle a necessary project, he will choose a better time to begin! At least the pantry is spic and span with room galore for new additions! I'm so glad that chore is behind us so I won't complain to him about this "spur-of-the-moment" major task!

"Stick-to-it-ness"

I have one additional thing to say about my previous blog that occurred Friday night. If you will pull up the comment, you will have to agree with me that preachers always have to have the last word (heeheehee). They have the best answers for everything and that's the truth; they really do. Our preacher certainly lets no rust gather on his sharp wit and wisdom!

My friend and I had a great Children's Church session this morning (thanks, Rob). We only had 4 children present, but precious they were. The youngest one had "sticky" candy from a lollipop all over her. When I told her how sticky she was, she said, "I'm always sticky." I thought, I hope you are not so sticky that we can't get you out of that chair or your hands off the table. I've heard of candy-coated ants and other inedibles as far as I'm concerned, but this child was the biggest inedible sugar-coated cutie I've ever seen!

The children were very interested in the story of Jesus' birth, how God wanted His Son to become the Savior of all people. The world needed a Savior 2,000 years ago and they also need one just as badly now. How can we possibly let those in the minority continue to remove all things Christian from our daily lives? I don't understand and neither would these little children who are so excited about the season. Thank God for young believers. Let us make sure His Word "sticks" to us just as that sugar did to Emily this morning.

Happy Birthday to a Very Special Friend

I just have to take a moment and blog about a dear friend of mine who had a birthday this week. Jackie has been my friend since we were in grade school, my very best school friend. But she did upset me when we were in the sixth grade; that's the year that she and her parents moved away from our hometown. That just wouldn't do! She had come to my house and spent many nights with me, and I had spent nights with her. I recall one day in particular, when I went home with her. At that time, Jackie lived in the country. One of our favorite pasttimes was playing on the jumpboard. For those of you who don't know what that is, it is similar to a seesaw but closer to the ground. We would stand on either end of the board and when one jumped it caused the other to fly through the air, come back down on the board, and cause the other to go airborne. Well, when I was jumping with her brother, Bill, he literally sent me through the air, so far that I didn't land anywhere near the board! Yes, the breath was knocked out of me. No problem, however, after I got my wind back, I soon got up and tried again. (Her brother later became a doctor; perhaps seeing my need for CPR had something to do with his choosing that field. heehee).

Back to the story about my birthday friend. I missed Jackie for several years but one day, I received a phone call. It was Jackie calling to tell me she was moving back here and asked if I would be her best friend again! Of course!! And we were the best buddies all through high school. We even chose to attend the same university. Thanks to her encouragement, I decided to further my education. We didn't see each other there as much as I wanted to, however. She had her friends from her dorm, but we did manage to see each other occasionally. We graduated, she got married and moved out of state; I moved back home to teach school. Whenever she visited her family, I was the first one there to see her and her new family. Later, when I was married to an Air Force officer, we traveled but we still kept in touch through our families. After Don retired, we came back home but Jackie still lived about 3 hours away. No matter, we did keep in touch; in fact, I spent a weekend with her (that's when she pulled a trick on me by telling the waitress at a restaurant that I was having a birthday when I wasn't! Everyone in the restaurant started singing! Embarrassed? Yes!).

Whenever Jackie came home to visit her family, we would always try to get together. Now, her parents and my parents are no longer with us. This makes it more difficult to get together but that doesn't mean that she is not close to my heart. She will always be my very dear school chum and present friend.

I have never told you, Jackie, but because of you, I did go to college, did well for myself, and I owe it all to you. Thanks for being my dear friend. Happy Birthday, Jackinette! May you have many, many more! Above all, I wish you happiness, good health and may God bless you real good!

Fun at Christmas

Tonight, our Sunday School class had its annual Christmas party/dinner at a wonderful restaurant. There were 16 of us present, 2 who kept the humor alive. Some people have difficulty ever being serious and this was Larry's night to keep it going, that is, until the pastor got into the act. When we played the Santa game, of course Larry had to steal a gift causing others to steal his and others. But the worst thief of all was our pastor. That's right. He just had to have the best gift, the most coveted gift (Sorry about using that word)! Just because he drew the last number, he thought he could just take anyone's gift so he took the gift away from our former Deacon chairman! Why, the nerve! Just kidding. The object of the game is to take gifts from each other so he played the game as it should have been played. (But, you know, he just didn't show a bit of sadness about taking the best gift! heeheehee). Thank goodness, our pastor has a great sense of humor so we can pick on him quite easily. Having Christian friends and especially a preacher who believes in having fun makes you realize how happy everyone will be in Heaven, doesn't it? That's an exciting revelation! Let's make sure we are all on that bandwagon.

Fed Ex Arrives!

Surprise...surprise! The Fed Ex truck actually came today and the lady came to the door, knocked on the door and presented Don with a package. The package wasn't left at the highway as before! On Monday, I talked to the local representative and he assured me this behavior would never be repeated. How nice! Now I feel more comfortable about having deliveries made by Fed EX. I still cannot get over this last big episode with them. What were they thinking? Oh, right, that's easy...they weren't.

Where's My Paper?

I wasn't sure that I was going to be able to blog tonight. After 10 minutes of trying to get my blog up I was finally successful. Not that I have anything to blog about, just wanted to keep in touch. Today is Pearl Harbor Day and I think I blogged about it last year. So far today, I still haven't heard anything on radio or TV about this day...such a shame. I do hope that it lives in the heart of people and that, when they look at the calendar, they will take a moment to think of the survivors and all those who lost their lives and their families.

We received no newspaper today so we wonder if the office is closed because of the day. (That would be unusual if it's the reason). It's really not surprising when we don't get a paper. Sometimes, the paper man gets into this mood where we will miss several days; however, I'm surprised that he is doing this so close to Christmas when he will be expecting gifts from all the residents. Let's just see if we get one tomorrow. What's the song say, "You better be good, I'm telling you why...." And, last I heard, I was Santa Claus on this hill!

Caution: Snow Shower of Boxes

This morning, I arose quite early for me (7:00AM) and started gathering and organizing Christmas presents. Then, I went up to the attic and pulled down gift boxes from years past and my container of wrapping paper. I was more careful this year due to an accident I had a couple of years ago. When I was bringing down the boxes, I slid on the stairs, tumbled down about 4 steps and landed tummy down on the slate floor. Wow! Did that hurt! I lay there for several minute gasping for breath and trying to tell Don to let me just lie there awhile. I think it scared him as bad as me. The last time I fell like that in 1995, I was an invalid for 3 + years! (My leg and ankle just would not heal). As a result of that scare, I began throwing the boxes over the rail and into the den below. That works but it's very noisy; one would think there was another accident happening! Of course, I have to yell to stay clear when the snowshower of boxes begins. Now I have to begin sorting and wrapping to determine what still needs to be purchased. That's okay. This is a fun time for me. I love to shop, to sort, to make a list and check it twenty times and twice. Thank goodness, the weather has turned cooler. Now, it's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas...toys in every "room"! (That sounds like a song)

I'm also preparing for our high school class reunion. That's not as much fun but necessary for someone to do. I would much rather play Santa (which reminds me; I keep getting e-mails from Kris Kringle from the North Pole asking if I want a letter sent to my grandkids. Yes, there is a Kris Kringle and, yes, he does live at the North Pole: North Pole, Alaska, that is, but his real name is Kris Kringle. If you would like to have his adddress, let me know and I will surely send it to you).

I'm a White Belt!!

The FedEx representative finally called today with his apologies for leaving our package over a tenth of a mile from the house. He didn't sound really upset because the package was not damaged. I reminded him that the issue is what could have happened to a package left that far from our door. He verbally agreed that this action was unacceptable and was nice enough to give me his personal phone number in case I was dissatisfied in the future. That number I will keep so if any of you who live in my district ever have the need for it, let me know. (I know he doesn't want me giving it out and I won't do that; however, such behavior does warrant a complaint).
I was in a store and was unable to voice my opinion as I would have preferred, but I was pretty strong in my choice of wording, all appropriate and with no profanity.

That's right. Again, I was in a store! I drove to the big city alone, did some shopping and was rather successful, then I met my sister and niece for lunch. That was a nice treat. From there I went to Barnes & Noble. Now, I could spend the day in there! I love the atmosphere, being surrounded by books, and, of course, with the wonderful aroma of coffee! I didn't have time to spend more than an hour or two but I do plan to return. Just the feeling of so much knowledge in one location is astounding...I love that.

Since my return home, Don and I spent some time involved in Sudoku. Now, that really taxes the brain. I don't think I will ever go beyond the "white belt" level but I'm going to work at it a little each day. I heard a lady say that she lost weight by playing video games. Do you think I might be able to lose some by competing in the "white belt" competition? (I can't figure that out, unless she just skipped meals and snacking while playing)

Tis the Season for Cocoa!

This afternoon, I became a child again! I decided to go downtown to the local Christmas Parade. I went alone and I watched the parade alone; actually, I wasn't alone because there were many folks around me watching as well. I was standing in an area among quite a few children but only a few adults. When one of the floats came by, a little girl looked at me, smiled and threw candy directly at me. I caught it, smiled at her, and said thank you. She then gave me the biggest smile! I started thinking about that. I wondered, did she think that I was a lonely little lady and that I needed a piece of candy to cheer me? Was she feeling sorry for me because I was the only lady in the midst of happy children? Or, perhaps I reminded her of her grandmother? Whatever the reason, I thought the act was very sweet. What a surprise, when several minutes later, another little child threw another piece of candy at me. Although this, too, was appreciated, I began to wonder if I had that hungry look. Well, I did come home and make a big pot of delicious hot cocoa which Don and I enjoyed just as we used to do at Christmas when the children were small. Kendra always looked forward to the hot cocoa and will still recall those "good old days". Once again, Tis the season for Cocoa!!

Learning more about my camera

Today, my good friend and I went shopping at Wal-Mart. We had no trouble with the crowds, that is no trouble inside the store; parking, however was another issue. Why does it take some people 10 minutes to get out of a parking lot after they have gotten in their cars? I don't understand that. Whenver I get into my car, I already have my keys ready to put in the ignition; I lock my doors; I start the engine; I put on my seatbelt;and, I proceed to get out of the way of the next shopper. How much time does that take? I'm not referring to moms who have children to buckle in or elderly on walkers or wheelchairs. I'm talking about the other most capable. I guess they put on lipstick, comb their hair, make a phone call, etc. It would be nice to be a bit more considerate of those waiting to park, don't you think?

Kendra and the children came over today and enjoyed dinner with us. Then she went to the computer, taught me how to transfer my pictures from my camera to my computer, and tried to teach me to add a photo to my blog. She worked and worked but could never get this antique to accept a photo. That tells me that I definitely need a computer, don't you think? Maybe for Christmas?