12/8/2018
I had a pre-op visit so that I can have the cataract removed on my right eye. The test results came back - I'm good to go.
Bella went with us, and was flawless as always. She makes such a good impression everywhere we take her. I'm trying to walk with her some, but I have a distinct fear of falling. I know you understand. I am currently sporting bruises on both arms - at least they match!
On our way home, we drove through I guess you could call it the slums of Baltimore. Houses boarded up, grass/weeds as tall as me. Paint peeling, porch rails leaning a bit to one side. Driving through places such as this, gives you a healthy respect for the house you live in.
Went to WalMart for some quick (Jeff doesn't like to browse when we go to a store. But, I love going up and down the aisles, even with that stupid little scooter! I don't leave the house very much, so a trip to any store is a treat for me. Sorry Jeff, but I
love looking at all the things in the store. It makes me feel good.
Sticking my high protein diet, I am losing weight, and I seldom feel hungry. I do have breakfast, if toast and coffee count. I also do eat something for dinner. The rest of the time, I'm drinking protein water (grape flavored) is the best, at least for me. Some of the cookies I've bought are actually quite good.
Jeff bought a pressure cooker yesterday. The pressure cookers of today, are nothing like the ones our mothers had. You no longer have that little thing on top, that bobbled and whistled. Perhaps it's my birthday present. At least it's not a vacuum, or a toilet brush!
Today, after cleaning up the kitchen, and heaven knows how it gets so messy, I'm going to undertake wrapping some presents. If I'm wrapping, I at least TRY to get the present covered, and sometimes I fail even at that. Maybe, it's because I love the hunt and buying for the family, but wrapping said items, not so much.
I have a few presents that haven't arrived yet, but I THINK my buying is over. This will make Amazon said, but Jeff happy. (insert smiley face here)!
I've bought a number of things for myself, because I've been told that I'm too hard to buy for. I, of course, disagree - I like lots of things. But some of the things I would like, are not useful or practical. I think this is the way women are wired!
Today, is National Brownie Day, and I can and will do my bit to keep the day alive. Since it's brownie day, I just happen to have some high protein brownies. It's like having your brownie and eating it too!
Only 17 days till Santa comes. Better get your on-line shopping done soon, so that your gifts will arrive on time.
Enjoy your day. I will, it's super sunny outside, but only 22 degrees when I got up.
P
Saturday, December 8, 2018
Thursday, December 6, 2018
Thursday
12/6/2018
Not much happening today. House was cleaned yesterday, but I know that I/we can muss up a house in just a few hours - unfortunately!
I think today I will "attempt"to wrap presents. Since I'm wrapping challenged, there will no ribbons or bows. And gifts for the men, it might just be a cardboard box "adorned" with packing tape! This has been my go to wrapping for many, many years, and nobody has seemed to mind. I try harder to produce better looking gifts for the girls, but my attempts are generally pitiful. Hunting and buying gifts is my thing, wrapping not so much.
My Christmas list that I have given to Jeff, is quite simple really. An iphone (older and cheaper) model is okay. I had only 3 things on this list, and I can only remember 2 of them (new blinds for the french doors in the den. The rest of my "presents" have been bought by me. In fact, I'm wearing my new fleece-lined slippers today! I'll be limited by surprises on Christmas Day, but I'm okay with that. At my age, I actually don't need much of anything, but, like most women, want things. Those things don't have to be expensive or even useful. It's the opening of the presents and ooh and awe over everything you receive.
Yesterday, another present for me arrived. It is a beautiful "quilted" blue jean jacket with a tan collar and part of the sleeves. It's beautiful. However, the seller washed this jacket in some kind of "smelly" (i.e., fragrance), that I just can't have in the house. For now, it's on the front porch airing out. Jeff and I don't do scents in the house, other than the smell of cleanliness after Ada has been at the house.
The sun is out today and would me a great day to have the top down. Unfortunately, Scott's driving that car while his in the shop for maintenance and/or repairs.
The "girls" have been scarily good recently. Even knowing that, I don't think it's safe to leave Bella in the house. The last time we did, and it was for a very short time, we shut the basement door. This way, if she decided to chew up, and/or steal something, the evidence would be contained in the house. Nobody wants to see the trash can items, strewn all over the backyard!
The countdown is beginning - 19 days to go. If you're going to order something, better get a move on, or pay for expedited shipping. I need to continue to stuff the 4A cards with the 2019 magnet. I can do this while watching a Hallmark movie. If you miss some of their movies, it's easy to catch up.
If you care, today is National Pawnbroker's Day and also Microwave Oven day. I like to keep you all up to date.
P
Not much happening today. House was cleaned yesterday, but I know that I/we can muss up a house in just a few hours - unfortunately!
I think today I will "attempt"to wrap presents. Since I'm wrapping challenged, there will no ribbons or bows. And gifts for the men, it might just be a cardboard box "adorned" with packing tape! This has been my go to wrapping for many, many years, and nobody has seemed to mind. I try harder to produce better looking gifts for the girls, but my attempts are generally pitiful. Hunting and buying gifts is my thing, wrapping not so much.
My Christmas list that I have given to Jeff, is quite simple really. An iphone (older and cheaper) model is okay. I had only 3 things on this list, and I can only remember 2 of them (new blinds for the french doors in the den. The rest of my "presents" have been bought by me. In fact, I'm wearing my new fleece-lined slippers today! I'll be limited by surprises on Christmas Day, but I'm okay with that. At my age, I actually don't need much of anything, but, like most women, want things. Those things don't have to be expensive or even useful. It's the opening of the presents and ooh and awe over everything you receive.
Yesterday, another present for me arrived. It is a beautiful "quilted" blue jean jacket with a tan collar and part of the sleeves. It's beautiful. However, the seller washed this jacket in some kind of "smelly" (i.e., fragrance), that I just can't have in the house. For now, it's on the front porch airing out. Jeff and I don't do scents in the house, other than the smell of cleanliness after Ada has been at the house.
The sun is out today and would me a great day to have the top down. Unfortunately, Scott's driving that car while his in the shop for maintenance and/or repairs.
The "girls" have been scarily good recently. Even knowing that, I don't think it's safe to leave Bella in the house. The last time we did, and it was for a very short time, we shut the basement door. This way, if she decided to chew up, and/or steal something, the evidence would be contained in the house. Nobody wants to see the trash can items, strewn all over the backyard!
The countdown is beginning - 19 days to go. If you're going to order something, better get a move on, or pay for expedited shipping. I need to continue to stuff the 4A cards with the 2019 magnet. I can do this while watching a Hallmark movie. If you miss some of their movies, it's easy to catch up.
If you care, today is National Pawnbroker's Day and also Microwave Oven day. I like to keep you all up to date.
P
Wednesday, December 5, 2018
Trradions
12/5/2018
By the turn of page today, you/me have 20 days to shop. And, you know what means, don't you? It means that if you order something, on line, you better put a hustle in your bustle. The longer you delay about shopping on-line, can also mean that you will have to: (1) pay for expedited shipping $$$); and or take the risk of your gift not arriving.
Jeff doesn't know it, but one of my presents came yesterday. Lovely and warm slippers, with fleece inside. They are beautiful and I like them a lot. Thanks Jeff.
As a child, I can remember collecting pine cones, and putting glue on the ends of the cones, and then sprinkle them generously with glitter. Glitter, by the way, has a tendency to go everywhere.
Something else that we used to make at Christmas with Styrofoam and toothpicks. And, yes you can really do this. But, be aware of the toothpicks - they are sharp.
We always got THE gift, along with smaller things too. But, Mom didn't put the THE gift under the tree. Nope, you had to work for it. One year, after we kids didn't receive THE gift, we were hugely disappointed. AND, to make things even worse, we were given a dust mop and told to check under our beds! Apparently, these BIG gifts had been under our beds, for a long time. Just shows you how often children dust under their bed!
One year, I received a hair dryer, which would now be considered an antique. You wore a plastic cap over your hair, and with the attached hose, blew warm air into the cap, until your hair was sufficiently dry, or the heat from the hose became too hot to stand.
One Christmas, my Mother sent the three of us, to scavenger for that all important gift. My hair dryer ended up being in the clothes dryer. But, I couldn't figure out the clue (duh), and Mom told me that there clothes in the dryer that needed to come out and be folded. At this point in my day, I was getting very frustrated, especially when I had to do laundry, for heaven sake!
One time, our gifts were in the clothes hamper. All of us, had to have some help in figuring out where are gifts were.
The Christmas tree was always beautiful and adorned with very pretty ornaments. But, the downfall to decorating the tree were the "icicles". My Mother wanted us to put EACH icicle on the tree, one by one. Can, we say boring? You bet. If Mom wasn't in the room,we kids would just grab a large blob of the icicles and throw (hurl) them on the tree. That was a big no-no, since our shortcut to decorating had to be redone. Argh.
Growing up, Christmas bulbs were really big and got really hot. There were no fiber optic trees, and if I remember correctly, one year we had a plastic tree with the color wheel underneath. Having gone through many Christmases with the boys, I truly understand what a chore it was to vacuum up all the dropped needles. And, we were supposed to give the tree water. Um, most of the time we didn't want to do that. You had to get a water pitcher, and get underneath the tree, to add water to the tree stand. Not overly fond of sap on my hands.
When we lived in California, my parents would come to our house Christmas morning, to exchange gifts, and to watch the boys tear into their presents. Later in the day, we went to Jeff's parent's house for a more sedated dinner and gift exchange.
Once we moved here, there weren't multiple houses to visit. Over the years, the boys are, either married or in a serious relationship. Christmas is no longer at our house. This year. like the year before, we'll go to Scott's house for dinner as well as watch the children open up their presents. Each time a box is opened, they declare that it's the best gift, until they open the next one! Unlike Christmases, when the boys were young, they just ripped the paper (no bows necessary) to see what was inside. We always brought a large plastic bag to contain the paper and ribbon. In case you're wondering, I don't save the boxes, wrapping paper or ribbons. Nor, do I go to stores the day after Christmas to stock up on boxes and wrapping paper. I certainly could do that, but I for sure don't want to have to store these things for a year!
The UPS driver is at our house nearly every day. I feel that I should give him something, for all the hard work he does.
I've got a kitchen to clean up this morning. When Ada comes, she does clean the kitchen, but I need to, at the very least, do the dishes.
P
By the turn of page today, you/me have 20 days to shop. And, you know what means, don't you? It means that if you order something, on line, you better put a hustle in your bustle. The longer you delay about shopping on-line, can also mean that you will have to: (1) pay for expedited shipping $$$); and or take the risk of your gift not arriving.
Jeff doesn't know it, but one of my presents came yesterday. Lovely and warm slippers, with fleece inside. They are beautiful and I like them a lot. Thanks Jeff.
As a child, I can remember collecting pine cones, and putting glue on the ends of the cones, and then sprinkle them generously with glitter. Glitter, by the way, has a tendency to go everywhere.
Something else that we used to make at Christmas with Styrofoam and toothpicks. And, yes you can really do this. But, be aware of the toothpicks - they are sharp.
We always got THE gift, along with smaller things too. But, Mom didn't put the THE gift under the tree. Nope, you had to work for it. One year, after we kids didn't receive THE gift, we were hugely disappointed. AND, to make things even worse, we were given a dust mop and told to check under our beds! Apparently, these BIG gifts had been under our beds, for a long time. Just shows you how often children dust under their bed!
One year, I received a hair dryer, which would now be considered an antique. You wore a plastic cap over your hair, and with the attached hose, blew warm air into the cap, until your hair was sufficiently dry, or the heat from the hose became too hot to stand.
One Christmas, my Mother sent the three of us, to scavenger for that all important gift. My hair dryer ended up being in the clothes dryer. But, I couldn't figure out the clue (duh), and Mom told me that there clothes in the dryer that needed to come out and be folded. At this point in my day, I was getting very frustrated, especially when I had to do laundry, for heaven sake!
One time, our gifts were in the clothes hamper. All of us, had to have some help in figuring out where are gifts were.
The Christmas tree was always beautiful and adorned with very pretty ornaments. But, the downfall to decorating the tree were the "icicles". My Mother wanted us to put EACH icicle on the tree, one by one. Can, we say boring? You bet. If Mom wasn't in the room,we kids would just grab a large blob of the icicles and throw (hurl) them on the tree. That was a big no-no, since our shortcut to decorating had to be redone. Argh.
Growing up, Christmas bulbs were really big and got really hot. There were no fiber optic trees, and if I remember correctly, one year we had a plastic tree with the color wheel underneath. Having gone through many Christmases with the boys, I truly understand what a chore it was to vacuum up all the dropped needles. And, we were supposed to give the tree water. Um, most of the time we didn't want to do that. You had to get a water pitcher, and get underneath the tree, to add water to the tree stand. Not overly fond of sap on my hands.
When we lived in California, my parents would come to our house Christmas morning, to exchange gifts, and to watch the boys tear into their presents. Later in the day, we went to Jeff's parent's house for a more sedated dinner and gift exchange.
Once we moved here, there weren't multiple houses to visit. Over the years, the boys are, either married or in a serious relationship. Christmas is no longer at our house. This year. like the year before, we'll go to Scott's house for dinner as well as watch the children open up their presents. Each time a box is opened, they declare that it's the best gift, until they open the next one! Unlike Christmases, when the boys were young, they just ripped the paper (no bows necessary) to see what was inside. We always brought a large plastic bag to contain the paper and ribbon. In case you're wondering, I don't save the boxes, wrapping paper or ribbons. Nor, do I go to stores the day after Christmas to stock up on boxes and wrapping paper. I certainly could do that, but I for sure don't want to have to store these things for a year!
The UPS driver is at our house nearly every day. I feel that I should give him something, for all the hard work he does.
I've got a kitchen to clean up this morning. When Ada comes, she does clean the kitchen, but I need to, at the very least, do the dishes.
P
Tuesday, December 4, 2018
Amazon!
12/4/2018
Amazon just called (not really), to ask for some of my boxes back! Until I have everything wrapped, and know that nothing I purchased has to go back, the boxes stay!
To keep the girls out of both my presents and boxes, I've been chucking empty boxes into the living room. It's not a great look! And, makes me look somewhat like a hoarder! My plan for today, and all of you know how quickly I can be distracted, is to collapse all of the boxes. Thus, making the living room a "tad" bit more organized and clean. My office and living room, definitely look like Santa has been inside the house!
I have ordered a storage tower to hold my ever mounting amount of my high protein food. Right now, all of the individual boxes and bags are spread throughout my office. Again, not a good look!
While eating my low calorie bread, which definitely tastes like eating cardboard - not exactly, but you get the idea. While I ate my
gourmet breakfast, I was able to watch another Hallmark movie. I'm hoping that my storage tower arrives today, because I need to get organized. I "used" to be super duper organized, and now I'm not.
Now, that I have three ladies in my life, I need to master (ha ha) the art of wrapping paper. Actually, I "CAN" wrap presents, but they look like I wrapped them. "Wrapping" the boys' presents, sometimes just means that I close the box with packing tape and use a magic marker, to identify the recipient. Being men, and for almost all of their lives, the fellows just don't care about the use of paper, and BOWS.
Stacey, has been wrapping the gifts that I've had sent to her house. And, she does a beautiful job. I wish I could wrap like her, or at the very least, want to try and mimic her!
At Christmas, years ago, Jeff's Mother would try and save all of the wrapping paper. Her goal was to straighten out the paper and I even think ironing was involved. Opening presents does generate a lot of wrapping paper. But, this year I should and/or could corral all that paper, and burn it in Andrew's fire pit. Or not, depending on my mood. And, we all know that my mood is temperamental at best! Once the days get shorter, and so does my mood!
Yesterday, I had my head "shrunk", and today is physical therapy. The group that I've been using is a one on one session. Physical therapy in the past, is "do x, y or z", and after you've exercised, it takes them a while to get back to you. That is aggravating. I know that Medicare gets charged for each visit, and the therapy people probably charge for an hour session, which it wasn't.
Is the therapy helping me? I feel not so much. When I fell last week, I fell on my right side, so am sporting an ugly bruise on my shoulder. I think I need to wrap myself in bubble wrap!
I need to close - so much to do - so little time!!
P
Amazon just called (not really), to ask for some of my boxes back! Until I have everything wrapped, and know that nothing I purchased has to go back, the boxes stay!
To keep the girls out of both my presents and boxes, I've been chucking empty boxes into the living room. It's not a great look! And, makes me look somewhat like a hoarder! My plan for today, and all of you know how quickly I can be distracted, is to collapse all of the boxes. Thus, making the living room a "tad" bit more organized and clean. My office and living room, definitely look like Santa has been inside the house!
I have ordered a storage tower to hold my ever mounting amount of my high protein food. Right now, all of the individual boxes and bags are spread throughout my office. Again, not a good look!
While eating my low calorie bread, which definitely tastes like eating cardboard - not exactly, but you get the idea. While I ate my
gourmet breakfast, I was able to watch another Hallmark movie. I'm hoping that my storage tower arrives today, because I need to get organized. I "used" to be super duper organized, and now I'm not.
Now, that I have three ladies in my life, I need to master (ha ha) the art of wrapping paper. Actually, I "CAN" wrap presents, but they look like I wrapped them. "Wrapping" the boys' presents, sometimes just means that I close the box with packing tape and use a magic marker, to identify the recipient. Being men, and for almost all of their lives, the fellows just don't care about the use of paper, and BOWS.
Stacey, has been wrapping the gifts that I've had sent to her house. And, she does a beautiful job. I wish I could wrap like her, or at the very least, want to try and mimic her!
At Christmas, years ago, Jeff's Mother would try and save all of the wrapping paper. Her goal was to straighten out the paper and I even think ironing was involved. Opening presents does generate a lot of wrapping paper. But, this year I should and/or could corral all that paper, and burn it in Andrew's fire pit. Or not, depending on my mood. And, we all know that my mood is temperamental at best! Once the days get shorter, and so does my mood!
Yesterday, I had my head "shrunk", and today is physical therapy. The group that I've been using is a one on one session. Physical therapy in the past, is "do x, y or z", and after you've exercised, it takes them a while to get back to you. That is aggravating. I know that Medicare gets charged for each visit, and the therapy people probably charge for an hour session, which it wasn't.
Is the therapy helping me? I feel not so much. When I fell last week, I fell on my right side, so am sporting an ugly bruise on my shoulder. I think I need to wrap myself in bubble wrap!
I need to close - so much to do - so little time!!
P
Monday, December 3, 2018
A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood!
12/3/2018
Scott is borrowing Jeff's car today, while Scott's car is in the shop. Having said that, today would be a most EXCELLENT to ride around town, with the top down! However, in the absence of the newer car, my car got to spend last night in the garage!
More Christmas presents arrived today. I'm fully expecting to be invited to Amazon's Christmas party (I wish). Now, you make thing me nuts, but I have a created an Excel spreadsheet, so that I can keep track of what I've ordered, and what I've received. Two more gifts arrived today, and they are beautiful. I can say beautiful, because the gifts are for Wendy and Stacey. Sorry boys.
I'm getting my head "shrunk" today, and boy do I need to be analyzed! Prior to going to see Dr.H, I right now the things I want/need to talk about. And, today the list is fairly long, so I'll have to talk fast, which is normally not a problem for me!
Cases of protein water arrived yesterday, and Jeff moved them to the garage. They'll stay cool, if not cold, there. Once I've run "dry" of drinks in the fridge, I will move more bottles inside.
I'm glad that my gift ordering is complete (more or less), because several items haven't arrived yet. But, there's still time.
I'm 10 days away from my next eye surgery. I can't wait. Yes, I have to, as much as possible, stay in my recliner in the lowest position, but I've got Hallmark movies stacked up, so I won't suffer from boredom. I'm not supposed to read or watch television the day of the surgery, but the next day Hallmark and I will have a wonderful day together. My hope is that after fixing this second eye, I will see better (obviously), and if I still need glasses, they won't have to be "coke bottle" lenses. If that's the case, they I can probably afford to buy a more stylish pair of frames - I'm thinking red, because that's one of my favorite colors!
Well, my dears, I'm off to get dressed for my appointment. We'll be taking Bella, because if we leave her alone in the house, there is no telling what she can and/or will get into. Of course, if we close the basement door, then all of the damage, will be contained in the house. That's much better than having all kinds of items taken out to the backyard.
I gave Stacey and Wendy an advent calendar of sorts. For each day, they get a new pair of socks. How cool is that? Stacey sent me a picture of her socks, and they are truly beautiful and colorful as well. Perhaps this can become a Christmas "thing"!
Who wouldn't enjoy getting a new pair of socks every day?
Today is National Disability Day and it's a day to help everyone become more compassionate and understanding of the challenges faced by people with disabilities. The day doesn’t discriminate between mental and physical disabilities. And, unfortunately some of us suffer from both mental and physical disabilities. So, if you park in a handicapped parking place (for only a moment), you are depriving a disabled person from parking close to a store. That was my "soap box" comment.
P
Scott is borrowing Jeff's car today, while Scott's car is in the shop. Having said that, today would be a most EXCELLENT to ride around town, with the top down! However, in the absence of the newer car, my car got to spend last night in the garage!
More Christmas presents arrived today. I'm fully expecting to be invited to Amazon's Christmas party (I wish). Now, you make thing me nuts, but I have a created an Excel spreadsheet, so that I can keep track of what I've ordered, and what I've received. Two more gifts arrived today, and they are beautiful. I can say beautiful, because the gifts are for Wendy and Stacey. Sorry boys.
I'm getting my head "shrunk" today, and boy do I need to be analyzed! Prior to going to see Dr.H, I right now the things I want/need to talk about. And, today the list is fairly long, so I'll have to talk fast, which is normally not a problem for me!
Cases of protein water arrived yesterday, and Jeff moved them to the garage. They'll stay cool, if not cold, there. Once I've run "dry" of drinks in the fridge, I will move more bottles inside.
I'm glad that my gift ordering is complete (more or less), because several items haven't arrived yet. But, there's still time.
I'm 10 days away from my next eye surgery. I can't wait. Yes, I have to, as much as possible, stay in my recliner in the lowest position, but I've got Hallmark movies stacked up, so I won't suffer from boredom. I'm not supposed to read or watch television the day of the surgery, but the next day Hallmark and I will have a wonderful day together. My hope is that after fixing this second eye, I will see better (obviously), and if I still need glasses, they won't have to be "coke bottle" lenses. If that's the case, they I can probably afford to buy a more stylish pair of frames - I'm thinking red, because that's one of my favorite colors!
Well, my dears, I'm off to get dressed for my appointment. We'll be taking Bella, because if we leave her alone in the house, there is no telling what she can and/or will get into. Of course, if we close the basement door, then all of the damage, will be contained in the house. That's much better than having all kinds of items taken out to the backyard.
I gave Stacey and Wendy an advent calendar of sorts. For each day, they get a new pair of socks. How cool is that? Stacey sent me a picture of her socks, and they are truly beautiful and colorful as well. Perhaps this can become a Christmas "thing"!
Who wouldn't enjoy getting a new pair of socks every day?
Today is National Disability Day and it's a day to help everyone become more compassionate and understanding of the challenges faced by people with disabilities. The day doesn’t discriminate between mental and physical disabilities. And, unfortunately some of us suffer from both mental and physical disabilities. So, if you park in a handicapped parking place (for only a moment), you are depriving a disabled person from parking close to a store. That was my "soap box" comment.
P
Sunday, December 2, 2018
Another Gloomy Day (sad face here)
12/2/2018
Well my dears, we've made it. This is the last month of the year. It's also "supposed" to be the happiest time for everybody. Unfortunately, not every one sees Christmas the same way. There is the "ba humbug" person, who finds no joy in the holiday. There are also people who actually want to just skip the month of December. While I no longer decorate the house for Christmas, I still have the spirit. Jeff and I bought a little, two feet or so, fiber optic tree. It's not quite a Charlie Brown tree, but it's definitely a runner-up. I applaud the people who decorate every inch of their house. I was one of those people, years ago. Getting a real tree into the house and having the boys decorate it however they wanted, was something we did in the past. And, now we don't. The boys et al, (can't figure out how to spell that word) do not spend any holidays here at the house.
When Jeff and I lived in California, we traveled to both my parents and his parents for Christmas for years. Eventually, and I don't know why, but my parents would come to the house to celebrate Christmas with the boys.
I can remember a Christmas, many years ago, as well as a different husband. We didn't have any money, and pretty much never did. One Christmas, on our way to my parent's house, we stopped at Kmart, to buy presents. I can still see, in my mind, what a pathetic way to shop. I remember we gave my Dad a sweater (he didn't wear sweaters), but when you're on a limited budget, you buy what you can find. It was embarrassing for me, to say the least. I think my parents would have been fine without any presents. They knew that we didn't have any money. Our checks bounced all over town! Since this first husband was the manager of a five and dime store, he took (stole) merchandise. Baby clothes, were a priority. He took other things, but I don't linger long with those memories, because they make me sad.
Over the years, Jeff has given me two presents (and, yes there were other gifts), that I will always remember. The first one was a beautiful cabinet, which has always held some of my treasures. The other gift was a trip to England, Wales and Scotland for my Dad and me. We went on a tour, and had a great time. I will never forget the kindness of that gift. Dad and I had such good memories!
Now, I'm old (and please don't disagree) and will be 69 on the 17th, I really don't need anything. But, I want stuff. People say I'm hard to buy for, but I don't think so. With that in mind, I've done some shopping for myself. I know that spoils the fun for me, but I can handle that.
I would like to have a new bedroom door, because ours has a crack in it, and I think it's unsightly and want it gone. No duct tape, no glue. The other thing I really want is an I phone. I don't need the current model, but I see on the Verizon store, that there are many phones for sale under $20.00 a month. Yes, it's true that in the early days with Bella, she took my phone outside, and made sure that it would never work again. Something about chewing and getting it dirty, takes it's toll on a phone! Who knew? I know now, but it's a tad late to save my phone. Bella has gotten past, stealing combs, socks and shoes. Paper products still remain her favorite things to steal.
Only 23 days left before Christmas. If you don't hurry buying on line, you stand a good chance of your gift won't arrive in time. Currently, I have thrown box after box into the living room. I'm keeping every box, until everything has been wrapped!
I MAY have gone over budget this year with my shopping. But, I can explain, really I can. I'm not able to drive, and walking is difficult. I spend day after day inside the house. I can read and watch Hallmark movies, but you can only do that for a short period. Shopping on-line is a cathartic (providing psychological relief through the open expression of strong emotions). And, yes I had to look up the definition. Searching for and/or buying is somewhat of a release for me. I find great joy in searching for and buying what I think is the perfect present for someone. Unfortunately, the Visa bill shows the "ugly" side of shopping, i.e.,paying for those gifts. My rationale is that I really only buy presents for Christmas. The rest of the year, I buy birthday gifts for Benjamin and Elly.
Okay, that's my confession. After I finish this, I promise to MOVE away from the computer as well as the LURE of buying things.
Happy Sunday everyone. Oh, and today is National Mutt Day!
P
Well my dears, we've made it. This is the last month of the year. It's also "supposed" to be the happiest time for everybody. Unfortunately, not every one sees Christmas the same way. There is the "ba humbug" person, who finds no joy in the holiday. There are also people who actually want to just skip the month of December. While I no longer decorate the house for Christmas, I still have the spirit. Jeff and I bought a little, two feet or so, fiber optic tree. It's not quite a Charlie Brown tree, but it's definitely a runner-up. I applaud the people who decorate every inch of their house. I was one of those people, years ago. Getting a real tree into the house and having the boys decorate it however they wanted, was something we did in the past. And, now we don't. The boys et al, (can't figure out how to spell that word) do not spend any holidays here at the house.
When Jeff and I lived in California, we traveled to both my parents and his parents for Christmas for years. Eventually, and I don't know why, but my parents would come to the house to celebrate Christmas with the boys.
I can remember a Christmas, many years ago, as well as a different husband. We didn't have any money, and pretty much never did. One Christmas, on our way to my parent's house, we stopped at Kmart, to buy presents. I can still see, in my mind, what a pathetic way to shop. I remember we gave my Dad a sweater (he didn't wear sweaters), but when you're on a limited budget, you buy what you can find. It was embarrassing for me, to say the least. I think my parents would have been fine without any presents. They knew that we didn't have any money. Our checks bounced all over town! Since this first husband was the manager of a five and dime store, he took (stole) merchandise. Baby clothes, were a priority. He took other things, but I don't linger long with those memories, because they make me sad.
Over the years, Jeff has given me two presents (and, yes there were other gifts), that I will always remember. The first one was a beautiful cabinet, which has always held some of my treasures. The other gift was a trip to England, Wales and Scotland for my Dad and me. We went on a tour, and had a great time. I will never forget the kindness of that gift. Dad and I had such good memories!
Now, I'm old (and please don't disagree) and will be 69 on the 17th, I really don't need anything. But, I want stuff. People say I'm hard to buy for, but I don't think so. With that in mind, I've done some shopping for myself. I know that spoils the fun for me, but I can handle that.
I would like to have a new bedroom door, because ours has a crack in it, and I think it's unsightly and want it gone. No duct tape, no glue. The other thing I really want is an I phone. I don't need the current model, but I see on the Verizon store, that there are many phones for sale under $20.00 a month. Yes, it's true that in the early days with Bella, she took my phone outside, and made sure that it would never work again. Something about chewing and getting it dirty, takes it's toll on a phone! Who knew? I know now, but it's a tad late to save my phone. Bella has gotten past, stealing combs, socks and shoes. Paper products still remain her favorite things to steal.
Only 23 days left before Christmas. If you don't hurry buying on line, you stand a good chance of your gift won't arrive in time. Currently, I have thrown box after box into the living room. I'm keeping every box, until everything has been wrapped!
I MAY have gone over budget this year with my shopping. But, I can explain, really I can. I'm not able to drive, and walking is difficult. I spend day after day inside the house. I can read and watch Hallmark movies, but you can only do that for a short period. Shopping on-line is a cathartic (providing psychological relief through the open expression of strong emotions). And, yes I had to look up the definition. Searching for and/or buying is somewhat of a release for me. I find great joy in searching for and buying what I think is the perfect present for someone. Unfortunately, the Visa bill shows the "ugly" side of shopping, i.e.,paying for those gifts. My rationale is that I really only buy presents for Christmas. The rest of the year, I buy birthday gifts for Benjamin and Elly.
Okay, that's my confession. After I finish this, I promise to MOVE away from the computer as well as the LURE of buying things.
Happy Sunday everyone. Oh, and today is National Mutt Day!
P
Saturday, December 1, 2018
It Looks Like Winter!
12/1/2018
When Jeff and I arrived here, 32 years ago, we had never experienced snow. Frankly, because winters in Southern California, still call for shorts and flip-flops! And, for me, it was hard to get into the Christmas spirit, when you're still running the a/c (okay that maybe an exaggeration, but you get the idea).
It always snows in Maryland. Sometimes we get a lot of snow, forcing the closing of schools, the government and companies. When I was working, Marriott had a "hot" line that you could use to see if they would be open or not. If the boys had the day(s) off, then it's up to you to figure out babysitting - which is a nightmare.
I don't exactly know how many years in the past, we've had "ubber" (sp), but when we had "crap" (boys word) loads of snow, the boys were very happy. And, when we had a lot of snow, the boys were still at home, and did most of the shoveling. Shoveling is hard work, but when we moved here, a neighbor told us that our goal should always be to get the driveway down to "black". If you do that, then the sun (when it comes out) can do it's magic to melt any residual snow.
One thing we learned after moving here, is that by looking at the weather, and temperature outside, sometimes, but not always, it feels like it could snow. I don't quite know to explain that, but it's just something in the air. Now that I'm retired, and Jeff works from home, snow falling doesn't fill us with dread. To be sure, Jeff still shovels, but it is hard work. Jeff would shovel a little, rest a bit, and go back outside to continue to shovel.
We've never, at least none that I can remember, had a white Christmas. I would love to have snow on Christmas day, but just enough of the white stuff, so you could still drive to somebody's house. If you have no outside plans, then I say, let it snow, let it snow! Since "Jenny" (generator) sits in the backyard, we no longer care if the power goes out. Jenny is big enough to run EVERYTHING in the house, because she is hooked up to the gas line (at least I think that's what happens), and we can stay toasty inside.
It's anybody's guess how much snow and/or ice we'll get this winter. Could be a "big" year for weather, or not so much.
I don't think it's cold enough for snow, but for sure, long sleeves and/or a sweater are necessary.
Happy Saturday
P
When Jeff and I arrived here, 32 years ago, we had never experienced snow. Frankly, because winters in Southern California, still call for shorts and flip-flops! And, for me, it was hard to get into the Christmas spirit, when you're still running the a/c (okay that maybe an exaggeration, but you get the idea).
It always snows in Maryland. Sometimes we get a lot of snow, forcing the closing of schools, the government and companies. When I was working, Marriott had a "hot" line that you could use to see if they would be open or not. If the boys had the day(s) off, then it's up to you to figure out babysitting - which is a nightmare.
I don't exactly know how many years in the past, we've had "ubber" (sp), but when we had "crap" (boys word) loads of snow, the boys were very happy. And, when we had a lot of snow, the boys were still at home, and did most of the shoveling. Shoveling is hard work, but when we moved here, a neighbor told us that our goal should always be to get the driveway down to "black". If you do that, then the sun (when it comes out) can do it's magic to melt any residual snow.
One thing we learned after moving here, is that by looking at the weather, and temperature outside, sometimes, but not always, it feels like it could snow. I don't quite know to explain that, but it's just something in the air. Now that I'm retired, and Jeff works from home, snow falling doesn't fill us with dread. To be sure, Jeff still shovels, but it is hard work. Jeff would shovel a little, rest a bit, and go back outside to continue to shovel.
We've never, at least none that I can remember, had a white Christmas. I would love to have snow on Christmas day, but just enough of the white stuff, so you could still drive to somebody's house. If you have no outside plans, then I say, let it snow, let it snow! Since "Jenny" (generator) sits in the backyard, we no longer care if the power goes out. Jenny is big enough to run EVERYTHING in the house, because she is hooked up to the gas line (at least I think that's what happens), and we can stay toasty inside.
It's anybody's guess how much snow and/or ice we'll get this winter. Could be a "big" year for weather, or not so much.
I don't think it's cold enough for snow, but for sure, long sleeves and/or a sweater are necessary.
Happy Saturday
P
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