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 Where did this week go?  Or all of 2022 for that matter.  I don't know how its Friday and I haven't got around to my weekly post/rant!  Been putting our 'stamp' on the new place-with all that entails.  Randy didn't forget his amazing wallpaper skills and I put him to work in our tiny powder room.  He patiently nailed it!  I am preparing to do some painting and we finally got barstools to sit on.  That's really it...

Happy New Years Eve eve to all.  Enjoy this wildly mild weather and I'll see you all next year.  As my galpal Gayle would say, "Bright blessings to you all!"  XO

Christmas Wrapping....

 Has anyone else 'noticed' how the Christmas season has changed?  

I realize that I sound more like an old person every day, but I am a creature of habit and I never want some things to change.  For example, doesn't anyone (that sends cards) miss standing at the card counter searching for the perfect card with the perfect sentiment?  Then, addressing them by hand and signing them with a maybe a personal wish?  I love all the photos of the kids, parents and pets in the holiday pics, but really, I've seen them all on Facebook-most likely.  And no signature is required!  Don't get me wrong; it's way more effort than I am making in that department, and I still love to receive them.

Spiritual yard decorations have (sometimes) been replaced with giant inflatables that have absolutely no relevance to the reason for the season.  I find them somehow off-putting and prefer just lights and a more natural approach.  (But again, I applaud the effort and am sure kids probably love the blow-up things.)

Shopping.  Holiday songs would have us believe that we are bustling around on a snowy day with our arms full of packages.  Could we please acknowledge and do a hand clap to the ones REALLY hustling around-the FedEx, Amazon, UPS, and USPS drivers.  We don't even have to get cold except when we open our doors to inload our packages.  Although I do not Christmas shop in any form, pointing and clicking doesn't count-kinda.  And, once again, I applaud the effort.

I guess as long as family, food, and maybe a not to the Holy Family happens, it's still all good.

Merry Christmas to all and may your holiday be everything you wish it to be, in the way you prefer!

Santa Claus is Coming to Town…

 

At our annual Christmas Family Pajama Party we had a visit from jolly old St. Nick!  The children were delighted and did the traditional knee and list thing and posed for some darling pics.  Us older chicks had our moment and I spared poor Santa trying to fit me on his lap.  I assured him of my excellent behavior all year.

After stuffing ourselves with a buffet fit for a Queen and imbibing on holiday cocktails, we played our  usual rowdy White Elephant gift exchange.  It was wonderful to catch up with all my cousins and their families-new babies, new pregnancies, jobs, health and maybe some new wrinkles and gray hair!  

I’ve said it before-Christmas is a spiritual time for me.  Randy and I quit buying gifts for people who don’t need/want anything, so that pressure is off.  My Mom and sister baked my favorite Christmas cookies today so I hope to see her, munch a few cookies, hit Christmas mass and show her all my pics from the party!  Sounds like my idea of a perfect Christmas!

Thanks to Chelsea, Andrew and family for again hosting this fun bash!  Your  home reeks of family, love, laughter and fun and is the perfect place to gather.  And did I mention that their gorgeous bar is called ‘The Library Bar?’  It’s perfection!

These Eyes…

 Tomorrow morning I will rise at 4:20 to drive up north to take my Mom for cataract surgery.  As much as I hate rising early and driving in the dark-this will be no small feat.  Please sent your thoughts and prayers to Mom in the hope that all goes well and her vision improves.  I’ll take any leftover prayers in hopes that my coffee does its thing  and that I steer clear of any deer, as Lux, Hazel and I cruise up north.  Fingers crossed! XO