Location: A beautiful and peaceful place in the woods
Posts: 8,905
S/C/G: Stuck/Working on it/Good 2 Go
Height: Fun Size
Hi everyone,
Sorry I didn't get in here yesterday. I had the thrift shop meeting at 9 yesterday - half the people didn't show up, we had nothing really to talk about - should have cancelled the meeting. Then I rushed home to catch our local radio auction. Scored a 3 month membership to the gym I am going to join at 50 percent off. Also got a few small coupons for restaurants DH and I frequent. But I had to stay glued to the radio for 2 hours listening in case someone outbid me. Then I started to make appetizers for the party we were going to that night. I debated about skipping yoga but felt guilty as I had not gotten to the gym this week yet. DH said he would drive me and would go and pick up the auction certificates for me so I could stay the entire session. That helped a lot. Got home - finished cooking - I made a delightful relish/dip with frozen corn, black beans, red bell pepper, chopped mangos, red onion, cilantro and Good Seasons Packaged (Dry) Italian Dressing seasoning and fresh lime juice. You just chop, dump everything into a bowl and let it marinate and develop flavors. Serve with tortilla chips - I like the Tostitos brand Scoops cups. I wish I had saved a cup to keep at home - it makes a big bowlful - too big to make for just one person. I also made fried bacon strips sliced in half, brush with Balsamic Vinegar, top with a basil leaf (I substituted arugula since basil can be rather strong tasting), add some shaved parmesan - I used a salsa flavored asiago cheese slice and top that with a halved cherry tomato. Something you can serve room temperature and not worry about. After I got that done I wrapped the 2 presents for the grab bag exchange, got cleaned up and was ready to leave at 6 when I planned. I wasn't really that crazy about going to be honest and wasn't sure how many people would show up as most of the people I asked said they weren't going. Turns out she had a good crowd there - maybe 50 people. Oh this was the president of the Humane Society. Good thing she has a big house with an open floor plan! She was serving champagne but I brought a bottle of wine and a couple of sodas for us. Many of the people brought appetizers - always yummy to taste things and she served a spicy chicken chili and a mild beef chili with toppings - both yummy. She also made a divine salad - she is very good with salads - greens with olives, mandarin orange wedges, artichoke hearts, sunflower seeds, croutons and I think some other chopped vegetables. It had a light vinaigrette and was just fabulous. She gave DH extra artichokes when she served him and he passed them along to me. Yummo! We had a very nice time actually - glad we went. It was just that we all kicked our shoes off when we came in and after standing several hours on wood floors in stocking feet, my feet were killing me. There was not enough chairs for everyone to sit on so I stood most of the evening. She had DH dress up as Santa for the gift exchange. He said he could have said no - I said no you can't - it's IMPOSSIBLE to say no to D - that is her gift and why she is go good at charity work! He was a good sport - as people were "sitting" on his knee I reminded them that Santa had 3 back surgeries and be gentle DH said he is getting more open to things - mellowing out - in his old age
Today I was trying desperately to get some things done. I made notes of what I wanted to accomplish as I am getting very flitty lately. One of the top items was to finish my Christmas cards. I wrote a quick letter on Tuesday, addressed the envelopes today and went searching for my address labels. I must have over 100 holiday themed ones I had sitting on the shelf waiting until I did cards. Of course 2 weeks ago I started to clean up and declutter. And I moved those darn labels and seals. Life Lesson - A PILE person should NEVER get ORGANIZED! I spent at least 3 hours today on and off looking for those stupid labels. Finally tonight about an hour ago I went down to clean the kitty boxes for the night and decide to take one last look on my Christmas storage shelf. I decided to look in a storage bin with ornaments and THERE were my labels! See, I put them in storage where they belonged and could not find them - I was about to give up on them totally. Then I could not find the postage stamps DH picked up for me yesterday. Again I looked all over. Panicked a bit too as it was $30 I reimbursed him for out of my mad money fund. I finally found them in a library book I had just picked up. Put them in the book so I would not drop them in the driveway when I got out of the car with my arms full. And while I was looking through some piles of paper for those address labels, I found a few more things I need to attend to shortly. I also found a print out for an 8 week organized walking program and also one for biking so not all was lost. I would like to be able to walk a 5k next year (we have several all summer long) as well as build my leg muscles enough to enjoy the bikes we bought before we moved to Memphis and never used more than once or twice. So today was pretty much a big waste. I did try a new garlic chicken recipe for supper - it was pretty good. Sorry for all the food porn Michelle.
Going to post this before the cat jumps here and wrecks my post.
Location: A beautiful and peaceful place in the woods
Posts: 8,905
S/C/G: Stuck/Working on it/Good 2 Go
Height: Fun Size
So ... let's see... personals.
Shad - I found out that our bartender friend went back to Mum's in Victoria. A long way from you but maybe not so much now that you are in Melbourne. So you had a white knuckle flight back home? Ugh - that would unnerve me too. I smiled about your comment about gifts for Miss S. We have the same problem with the wee ones in our family who seem to have an abundance of everything. I would say put money aside for when they want an iPhone when she is 6 year old ( ) but she's at the age where they know what presents are and it's fun to open them and you don't want to take that away from her. Get her some books and turn her into a reader instead of a texter and fashionista I find the whole gift thing very stressful - ruins the season for me. It also doesn't sound like you have much time to shop or pick up things for people. I'm sorry your card will be late - I forget I have to mail it at least a month ahead of time to get it there when it needs to be.
Michelle - I was thinking about you when I heard about that storm rolling through. Good thing you don't have to be out driving in it. I know you guys really need some rain but that's too much on dry land. Be careful. Congrats for hitting onederland. What a delight! I'm glad to hear you are doing well - slow and steady is good - gives the body a chance to adjust to things. You should have been picking up clothes in smaller sizes on clearance racks to prepare Actually I'd recommend the thrift shops also since you won't stay in a few of the large sizes for very long. And we have some really cute stuff for 3 to 6 bucks - I've even seen several new things with tags. Just a thought. Do you have any interest in food right now or are you just eating to take care of business? I admire you for doing it now - probably the season of the worst temptations and people tend to push a lot of food and drinks on you at gatherings. Does sugar - like alcohol make you sick quickly? Hope Santa gets over his tummy ache quickly. Yes, I will post the dog treat recipe tomorrow.
Laura - they figured out pretty quickly at my last corporate job that selling "jeans day" passes was a really money maker for their various and numerous charity endeavors. It did get a bit out of hand and we knew there were more than a few who wore jeans but did not contribute to the effort - the company was too afraid of overstepping the politically correct line so they opted to say nothing. Kind of a bummer when you have so much vacation time at the end of the year. I understand about the year end duties - many people liked coming in between Christmas and New Years - it was quiet, things were relaxed (including the dress code ) and they said they got more done. Thank you for the tip on the athletic shoes - I just ordered a pair of Brooks to try out. As for Christmas dinner - what about chateaubriand? Seared and roasted beef tenderloin served with a simple red wine or béarnaise sauce. It will be pricy - a beef tenderloin will run you upwards of $100 but you might get a good deal at Sam's Club or Costco. DH and I got a small one from Omaha steaks - it was delicious but now I'd make my own. In fact I think we watched a YouTube video of how to carve up a whole tenderloin (much cheaper that way) and it really wasn't that difficult - we had the laptop on the counter and the one with the clean hands (me) paused the video and showed the carver (him) what to do. The worst part was being concerned about ruining a hundred dollar piece of meat but the video was spot on. Also though if you have big eaters, this might be even more pricey. But it's fancy and simple. What about a crown pork roast with those little "kings" hats you put on the bone ends? Again, roast it and then cut it into chops when you go to serve it. I don't think you are fish eaters so won't suggest anything along those lines. We do a standing beef rib (prime rib) roast usually. Just salt and pepper the meat and slow roast it in a rack over a bath of beer. Something about beer just makes roast beef amazing. (Again, sorry Michelle)
Terra - how was your Christmas party? Fun I hope.
Susie - glad to hear that DH got a clean bill of health.
Ceejay - do you have the day after Christmas off? Would be nice to have an extended weekend. Maybe you could get the rest of those leaves done and over with Oh how we cursed the leaves down that way - it's a long season down there with different trees losing them at different times. Ouch on the tummy troubles - guess it's time to get watchful again. Easy to forget until it wacks us in the gut again!
Annie - yum - Hibachi Grill - I miss that and the other bowl restaurant. You're lucky! Glad you had a good time with C's daughter and while her present was late I hope that she at least sent him a card on his actual birthday. I hope he cut off the money train with the ingrate. How fun it is to read to the kids and add enhancements like giggles, sound effects and singing! I think it also enhances their imaginations too. Sorry the baby is sick - poor guy - give him extra nana germ protection
Dee - glad you didn't get roped into a guilt trip from your missionary friend. I think it's rather selfish to expect someone to give up family time this time of year or perhaps they had other commitments. Sometimes people can get too gung ho for the cause. You're holiday outfit sounds quite lovely. Too bad you don't have time to sew for yourself Thank you for the music suggestions - I am always looking for something with good beats to it. I don't read or watch tv - I'd rather listen to music. I just found out the iPOD classic I bought for $299 this year to replace my dying original I could probably sell for $500 now. But no, that's mine Lots of work getting all that music on there. And to your question - no I am not making chocolate dipped bacon. It sounds yukky to me - what a waste of bacon This stuff is too good to fuss with. I should be getting my pork in about 2 weeks - furiously trying to clean out the freezer. Guess we will be having a Christmas ham - I'm not that big on ham myself. I would donate it to the needy but DH would have a fit - only because of the expense.
Oh my - it's after 2am again. I really need to make more of an effort to get to bed earlier. Not tonight I guess. Anyway sleep well ladies - accomplish what you need to Shad before you have to turn around and head back. G'night all.
TGIF FO SHO...only it is pass over Friday, and not Good Friday....meaning it is not a pay Friday. Boo. Next month is a 3 pay month and oh so looking forward to it as we will have medical bills out the ying yang due to the surgery plus the doc visits from this year, we have already racked bills up to 600 bucks, deductible 4500. not even close to that. So it didn't really matter to wait on surgery til next year. Bleh. The surgery can go towards the 4500 deductible for next year. Enough of that.
LAURA...yes, I am having chicken and beef for tacos but not the chorizo. I no likie it, so I am not making it. But all the other items mentioned will be served. Yummo Yes, many people ride the boat on in on others good intentions...RE: the jeans. We get to wear jeans every Friday so it is not a big deal around here. You can also tell when we are not having clients or the bosses are out, jeans again. Not me as I only have one pair that fits me at the moment and if I wear them one day, I am sure not to wear them again to work, however I do wear my jeans twice before washing. We are only allowed to carry over 5 days also, but have to take those five before March 15. No worries for me as I only had 3 for this year since I didn't start until September. I felt lucky to have those. I am taking my last of the 3 Christmas week. Then come the new year I will have 18, 16 hours of volunteer time, plus all the holidays. Yeah me!!
SHADDIE...wow on the plane ride home. I must be crazy but when a plane is having trouble, it doesn't really affect me. I just say God wrap your arms around me and take it away. Kind of like my Great Aunt Rita's words...if she dies, she dies. Never really made sense to me until here of late. My momma's name was Rita and my first name is Rita. I didn't have the heart to name Samantha that. haha. Thank God Sam is not picky on what I buy the kiddos and is VERY thankful for everything I get them. This year since Royce is so small, I got him one retro toy that Sam had as a baby, gonna fill his stocking with whatnots like socks, binkies, mittens and then his big gift will be the huge box of Pamper diapers, heck those are like 30-35 bucks a box. I had to quit buying for Jacob as he is so easy. Ainsley is getting a couple of board games, clothes, and stocking stuffers. She is pretty easy. Being 9 going on 15, some of the preteen stuff will suit her.
HAPPY...Glad you had a good time at the party and even DH sounded like he had fun. Funny how we mellow out with age. I just think we learn to let things roll off our backs rather than get upset over nonsense. I truly try not to sweat the small stuff, and amazingly the bigger stuff has become smaller stuff in my eyes. Just be happy. I can say this now, but a few months ago I was a wreck when trying to get a job...lol. Frame of mind I suppose. The dip you made sounds quite good altho I would leave the corn out as I do not like corn in my dips, salads and such. I agree with you on the scoops but sometimes makes me "dip" more than necessary. lol Funny when we put things where they SHOULD go, we can never find them, let them be somewhere they don't need to be and we know EXACTLY where they are. I do that all the time. Like filing papers that have laid there for a month and then cannot remember where I filed them. Dang
CHELLE...welcome to onderland. I have about 5 lbs to go before I am in onderland. I am really gonna make a huge effort to get there before Christmas. I am still 10 lbs down and seem to be stuck there. I am ready to moooooooove on. Don't rush on trying to eat more that required, because YOU CAN STRETCH OUT THAT SMALLER TUMMY by eating too much and that is the last thing you want to do is to be able to eat more food. FYI...I am still puking when I eat too much or something doesn't agree. I find it easier when I feel it coming on to lay on the bed with my shoulders and head hanging off the bed over a bucket, it just tends to roll out. Sounds gross but works better, try if you need to.
CEEG...are you off after Christmas so you can make a trip to the Uncles? That would be nice. Sorry the ole tummy is giving you troubles. You and Curtis are in the same boat. Eat the wrong things and wham, to the loo he goes and the issue lasts around 3-5 days for him. He, like you, knows what causes his issues, but I understand and have sympathy for you both on not eating the good stuff. It is hard or harder than dieting. Hugs
Hello to TERRA, DEE and SUSIE...
We finished the lights and decorating the tree and house, put the stockings up and all is pretty. I must say the tree looks better with the added lights. I think I need more hanging decorations for the tree. I threw out all the old crappy ones I didn't like or were not homemade, wooden or special, so it didn't leave much. Will have to make a trip to Cracker Barrel Restaurant as they have great ornaments in their store. Probably do that tomorrow on errand day.
I fixed chopped pork with mushroom gravy last night and made a rice cooker full of wild rice to pour the pork gravy over. It was very tasty and C said, you have never made this before have you. Nope. There is enough for him tonight for dinner. I am not a big dinner eater so I will probably just pass.
I have been taking black seed oil, teaspoon in the am and one in the pm, it is supposed to help so many ailments. So far, I have noticed my joints don't hurt nearly as bad as they did and that is only taking it for 3 weeks now. Google black seed oil and all it cures, helps. The oil works better than the tabs.
Royce is feeling better. I dropped Sassy off for Sissy doggy care this morning and R was already up (6:30) He was so cute and smiley and crawling about 50 miles an hour to see me. I whisked him up and planted a huge kiss on him, he just giggled. If that doesn't get your day going nothing will. Jacob was still asleep and Ainsley was eating her breakfest getting ready for work. She gave me a hug and kiss also. Such a sweet child to have such a bi-polar, physcotic mother. lol.
Drats just lost a long post. I definitely know that this is diverticulosis/diverticulitis. I'm now on a strict liquid diet and antibiotics until this heals. No more gourmet cookies for me. I'd bought the cookie dough from my bff's nieces. and the were loaded in macadamia nuts. I baked 6 last week and 6 yesterday. I'm paying for it. SO no more for me. I am feeling better.
Need to get ready to go to bff's. Told her I would be there by one p.m.
Happy
Sounds like you had a good time at the party. And congratulations on winning the bid to the gym membership.
Shad
Wow you did have a bad flight home. But glad you are safe. I don't do much shopping for Christmas any more. That's left up to the mom's and dad's and grand parents. I do buy my aunt and uncle a gift or give them money.
Michelle
I thought about you and my niece yesterday during all that rain. They showed on huge tree that was uprooted by the wind that was on top of a car that was in San Jose. I'd hate to have been on the Golden Gate bridge.
Hello's to the rest. I'll try to post more later on tonight
Michelle – Big congrats on reaching onederland!! So has that storm passed through your area now? We have an office in San Francisco and they closed it yesterday due to a power outage. Did you have any issues in your area? I hope Santa is feeling better today! Speaking of your Santa and Santa Claus – did you get your Santa photos yet? Looking forward to seeing them. Re the asthma – I’m on an inhaler (“maintenance inhaler” as opposed to a “rescue inhaler”), the brand is Dulera.
Shad – Yikes, the flight home sounded scary! Has the weather let you do any outside work this weekend? Re gifts for Miss S., I like the idea of books that someone else suggested.
Happy – Congrats for getting the 3 month gym membership in the auction. That relish dip sounds tasty! I’ve never had anything like the bacon appetizer – but it’s bacon, so I bet it went over well. You put me to shame – for our block’s holiday party this Saturday, bf suggested the crock pot meatballs (with chili sauce and either grape jam, cranberry sauce, or pineapple), and lazy me, I agreed to it because it’s easy. The party isn’t a formal thing, so I guess I shouldn’t worry about anyone turning up their nose at that. And I’ve got plenty to keep me busy this weekend without worrying about what to bring to this thing. Anyway, that party you went to sounded really nice – but did your hostess really serve 50 people their food, or was DH just special, LOL. Especially because he agreed to be Santa, hahaha, or should I say hohoho. Gosh, what a hunt you conducted for the labels and then the stamps! Re the vacay time – I don’t mind working those few days between Christmas and New Year’s – like you said, it’s quiet and relaxed, so it’s a nice change. Not saying I’m not capable of preparing Chateaubriand, but I’m sure not about to try it out for the first time for this event. I much prefer to have a high quality roast that can be simply seasoned, seared and roasted and not require a lot of fussing. I like meat a lot, but in terms of cooking, I find the sauces and sides more fun to do. I think I’ll let bf give our butcher a call, get over the sticker shock, and then see what kind of prices Costco has. Thanks for the tip of roasting a prime rib over a bath of beer – we have several beer lovers in our family who would like that. An iPod classic goes for that much??!! Wow. I still have an old iPod hanging around and I was thinking of just loading it up with music for around the house – getting a reasonably priced docking station of some sort for it. Huh.
Annie – Bf is the chorizo fan, and so’s my friend D, but not me. Depending on the quality, it can be greasy, and it can be very salty…just not for me. So what am I doing working where I do when you get 18 vacation days, 16 volunteer hours PLUS all the holidays????!!!! Yay for you girl!!! I’ll have to look up black seed oil – never heard of that. Glad to hear little R is feeling better. He Is so darn cute, loves his grammy!!
Ceejay – Sorry the macadamia nuts seem to have flared up your diverticulosis. That would be another thing that would be tough for me to give up – nuts. I guess I’d start to feel differently if it caused problems like you’re experiencing. I’m glad you’re feeling better. Enjoy your time w/ your bff.
==
Nothing much to report. The boss is out today, and I won’t be as busy as I was the rest of this week.
Steps the past two days have been alright - about 7100 yesterday and 9300 the day before. I forgot to report that the scale was down a pound yesterday, but it also showed "Lo" in the display as I stepped off (and bf just replaced the battery recently). Hope the scale isn't on its way out, but I can't tell you how old that scale is, so it wouldn't be a surprise. Today the scale was up 2 pounds, darn it!
Bf had gotten our family gift exchange started with the elfster site last weekend, but no draw has been done because we haven’t gotten responses as to what “restrictions” should be in the rules as far as my SIL, her sister and my nephews are concerned. For instance, for my draw, bf wouldn’t be included in the “hat” because I will be giving him a gift regardless of the exchange. So we’re waiting for responses.
Busy weekend ahead with the half bath and getting our decorating done. And I have to get the shopping done for my mom – her gift has to be shipped. And there's the party on Saturday night.
That’s about it for me. Everyone have a great weekend!!
Well Curtis just called and said his honey buns dripped down on the rest of his cake. Now I just laughed at that statement and thought if he said that to anyone else but me he might get smacked. Translated: His honey buns are on the stop rack and his other cakes are on the racks on down the stack, so in other words the honey buns dripped down the stack of the rack and got honey all over his other cakes. Just thought I would give you a little funny for the day!
Ceejay ~ Thanks for answering my question about what you meant by having one last day of freedom, I'm sorry you had to go to bed early because of the headache you had caused probably by the mold on the leaves.
Laura ~ Yeah I should of only wore the shoes in house, You live and learn I guess. I thought you had to break in all shoes? Why do you think I am having more strange sleeping hours? Just wondering.
Michelle ~ The Christmas party was fun. Yeah I'm glad I'm able to get back to my walking dvd. Nope I wore my new shoes too much to return them at least thats what mom said.
Happy ~ Yes like I told Michelle the Christmas party was fun.
Annie ~ Hi Annie, How are you doing this morning? I hope your doing well.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Woke up at 5:30 this morning, Clyde has went outside twice this morning already. I gave him fresh food, He already had fresh water. I also gave Clyde a bath this morning. Its now 10:05 a.m. My plans for today are to do my 40 min. Chair Exercise at 11 a.m. and then do my 30 min walk dvd on 1 p.m. and then 40 min Chair Exercise again at 7 p.m. tonight. I'm also gonna do my laundry in between of doing my chair exercises and walking dvd.
Location: A beautiful and peaceful place in the woods
Posts: 8,905
S/C/G: Stuck/Working on it/Good 2 Go
Height: Fun Size
Howdy all,
Good one Annie But I imagine, what a mess for poor C to clean up. Good thing it's winter and no flies around otherwise his truck might look like something that rose from middle earth
Terra - I usually wear my shoes in the house for a few days on carpet to see if they fit ok and are comfortable. I just got a new pair of Brooks shoes and am doing that now before I hit the treadmill. Bummer that you can't return the other ones. How did Clyde like his bath?
Laura - the hostess did serve up the salad putting in on plates and her friend served up the chili in bowls. Made it neater that way and the line moved faster too. Less mess too I imagine. As for the appetizers, I had a bit of a dilemma. I needed something I could make up ahead of time and didn't want to make something warm because I didn't know if I could keep it warm to both transport and serve. Also didn't want to make the usual cheeseball or seafood dip - we had several. So I searched the Kraft Foods site - they have some good recipes. I did feel like a caterer making up those bacon things. Another tribute to the fact that although I like to cook, I would NEVER be happy being a caterer. I have a nice Bose docking station for the iPOD - sounds great. We also have a cheap clock radio with a plug in port - used it when we first moved in the house - it's ok but the speakers are tinny. I'm sure you can find something to fit your speaker needs - wide range of prices. I like the iPOD too for the holiday music - I can play it for hours and not have to change the CDs although now I admit I listen to Pandora on cable tv or one of the cable holiday streaming music channels. Wow - sounds as if you've gone techno with the gift grab bag this year. I guess that beats a thousand phone calls if everyone does what they should.
Ceejay - sorry to hear that your cookies let to inflammation and antibiotics. I guess that's enough to keep one on the straight and narrow. I hope you feel better quickly.
Annie - thank you for the tip on the black seed oil. I do find if I eat extra sugar, I feel the pains more in the body. And I think yoga is definitely helping keep things limber - many of the moves she does are to lubricate the joints. Glad you got your house decorated - now come do mine please? I think that's such a cool idea to get Royce a retro toy each year. Really neat. Or are we the only ones who get nostalgic?
I got my Christmas cards finished today - now to get them off and mailed. It's really foggy out there and a bit slippery as the snow has melted, packed down and turned to ice with things rolling over it. DH is doing some painting for the excavator we used and he took the good car so I am homebound. I am thinking of decorating - it's getting near the do or die deadline - but honestly, I just don't feel like it any more. Not in the mood. Not even to listen to Christmas music. I know I'll feel badly if I skip it altogether and I do have some lovely stuff to display. It's also a good reason to do deep cleaning. For Christmas I would like my spa deep soaker tub but that will require a lot of work. I'd also like a nice reading chair and an overhead lamp. I have tons of books and magazines to be read and I find that I would like some better light to read by. A chair that fits me better than the deep plush recliner DH favors would also be nice. DH wants to take a run up to a wildlife area about 2 and a half hours north of here. That's a long day trip. We might do it later in the week so I need to get hustling around the house. Often I hate taking trips like this (although I know he wants me to come along) because I feel I have so much to do here.
Anyway, just stopped in to say hi to the chicks - have a good weekend and I'll touch base later.
Happy
I was thinking the same thing about the flies. Do like I do if I don't feel like decorating for Christmas. I buy a poinsettia. It makes me feel festive enough.
---------
Spent the night with bff in Jonesboro and I'm back home again. I'm trying to warm up. She had the thermostat on 60. Anyway I did do one good thing while there. Together we got drapes up in her bedroom. However, I did most of the work. She still expects me to be able to do most anything and I'm refusing to bow to her every want. She wanted to move her furniture around but when we got home this morning after breakfast out and a trip to Best Buy, Bed Bath, and Beyond and Target she went to bed. I laid down and took a nap. Waited for her to get up to help me move the furniture but she was still in bed supposedly asleep so I sent her a text stating that I was going home because I don't like to drive in the dark. It was three o'clock. Think she turned her phone off cause I didn't hear the text go through. She may still be asleep. I refuse to bow to her and be her nurse maid which is why I can't live with her. I keep telling her I can't do this or that and that I'm 64. She's two years younger than myself, but she doesn't want to believe that. Oh well enough venting for the day.
Sorry to be MIA so often but I need to get things done before I get on the computer and enjoy myself.
Not much to report over here. The recent wet weather and tropical heat +humidity has meant that the garden becomes overgrown and the grass needs a trim every couple of days. Since I am not here much of the week, it's all there in my face when I get in. However there is 2 weeks off over Christmas so I should get a fair bit done then.
Today I have pulled the weeds, packed my bags, paid the bills, ordered my car for the week and cleaned the kitchen and lounge and it is only just after midday. Plenty to do this afternoon as well. Yesterday I pruned off the tryffid tomatoes and picked another kilo of the gems and then weeded and pruned the roses and mowed the lawn. Had a chat with the neighbour yesterday afternoon as well. Friday I went up to Garden City and saw my niece and got the chain for little miss S's locket that I bought so she will be able to wear that next year. Hopefully I will get a photo of her with it when I go over there in the New Year. I'm not going for Christmas this year.
This darn computer or the internet or the site is still jumping all over the place. So I might finish here and come back later tonight - when I have run out of list to do.
He was a good sport - as people were "sitting" on his knee I reminded them that Santa had 3 back surgeries and be gentle 
DH said he is getting more open to things - mellowing out - in his old age 
And while I was looking through some piles of paper for those address labels, I found a few more things I need to attend to shortly. I also found a print out for an 8 week organized walking program and also one for biking so not all was lost. I would like to be able to walk a 5k next year (we have several all summer long) as well as build my leg muscles enough to enjoy the bikes we bought before we moved to Memphis and never used more than once or twice. So today was pretty much a big waste. I did try a new garlic chicken recipe for supper - it was pretty good. Sorry for all the food porn Michelle. 
I find the whole gift thing very stressful - ruins the season for me. It also doesn't sound like you have much time to shop or pick up things for people. I'm sorry your card will be late - I forget I have to mail it at least a month ahead of time to get it there when it needs to be. 
Congrats for hitting onederland. What a delight! I'm glad to hear you are doing well - slow and steady is good - gives the body a chance to adjust to things. You should have been picking up clothes in smaller sizes on clearance racks to prepare 
Thank you for the music suggestions - I am always looking for something with good beats to it. I don't read or watch tv - I'd rather listen to music. I just found out the iPOD classic I bought for $299 this year to replace my dying original I could probably sell for $500 now. But no, that's mine 
So has that storm passed through your area now? We have an office in San Francisco and they closed it yesterday due to a power outage. Did you have any issues in your area? I hope Santa is feeling better today! Speaking of your Santa and Santa Claus – did you get your Santa photos yet? Looking forward to seeing them. Re the asthma – I’m on an inhaler (“maintenance inhaler” as opposed to a “rescue inhaler”), the brand is Dulera. 
Gosh, what a hunt you conducted for the labels and then the stamps! Re the vacay time – I don’t mind working those few days between Christmas and New Year’s – like you said, it’s quiet and relaxed, so it’s a nice change. Not saying I’m not capable of preparing Chateaubriand, but I’m sure not about to try it out for the first time for this event. I much prefer to have a high quality roast that can be simply seasoned, seared and roasted and not require a lot of fussing. I like meat a lot, but in terms of cooking, I find the sauces and sides more fun to do. I think I’ll let bf give our butcher a call, get over the sticker shock, and then see what kind of prices Costco has. Thanks for the tip of roasting a prime rib over a bath of beer – we have several beer lovers in our family who would like that. An iPod classic goes for that much??!! Wow. I still have an old iPod hanging around and I was thinking of just loading it up with music for around the house – getting a reasonably priced docking station of some sort for it. Huh. 
