It's been a hectic week. I guess everyone is feeling the same way - I'm so over the 'festive season' and the heat and the crowds. I'm now hanging out for next week when I can get some good food back in the house and start eating properly again. Our weather is predicted to be hot and sunny for Christmas Day 37C (104F) and 36C and storming for Boxing Day. What fun. I should check out Adelaides weather since that is where I will be for the next few days. It can get stinking hot down there too.

Am I missing Mel and the Painter?? or is that imagination again. No Painter hasn't posted in a while - certainly the last 15 posts I can see. Mel must be really under the weather. Give us a :wave: you two just to let us know that you are around. Honey-dipped must also be busy.

Okay, let's get into it.

Madcat - yea got the dreaded manual away. And good going on not being immediately reavailable. Gotta have time off sometimes. Go on get out there and get with the crowds and muzak and tiring Christmas shopping. At least it is cool where you are.

Morelli - I went to that site yesterday after I yahoo'd to find out about Tai Shan. Isn't he just cute! What a little monster! And as Happy said he looks so much prettier now the ears are up and showing. Geez doesn't he grow fast. Glad they don't have to outfit him with clothes. I'm green with envy that you saw this precious bundle of fur.

Okay, so I am off for the last day at this job. We will only be working half the day. Then I am going home to do the last minute jobs. I was supposed to get my haircut yesterday but the hairdresser managed to cut her finger quite badly and they couldn't fit me in with all the other appointments. So I am going to try again today. However I think that if she needed stitches I will get a phone call saying she can't do it today either. I shall have to stay shaggy. Bah humbug. I'd go someplace else, but most reputable salons wont have a time slot for me and I have a fear of a new hairdresser particularly at this time. Normally I wouldn't worry about it, just do it. The difference between a good and bad haircut is about two weeks. But this is Christmas, it is different.

I have to get the cats food and stuff ready for the cat sitter and then organise getting to the airport tomorrow so today will be fairly busy again.

So I'd better go and do whatever is needed for the day. See ya.

hi folks just a very quick post from me been xmas shopping very tired ,TEEL wishes me to pass on seasonal greetings to all for everyone to have a brill xmas and those wishes come from me too bye for now
kirsty

Hi ladies,
This is going to be my last post until I get back after Christmas. It's been a busy, hectic day. I'll be glad to snooze in the car tomorrow. Will help keep me from crawling the car interior on the 9 hour ride I am not looking forward to.

I just wasted an hour looking for warm clothes. Found 2 long snow boots - can't use those with slacks and only 1 short snow boot. Found 3 odd gloves and a red hat - dare I wear a red hat and a dark green parka even if it is Christmas? :dunno: Hmm maybe not. :no: So sifting through the boxes I finally found a pair of boots, black gloves that matched each other - several pairs actually and a generous selection of winter hats. Set to go now.

It's after 10pm, I still have all the presents to wrap and have to do my packing. DH has agreed to leave around 7am so at least I can get up at 5am instead of 3am. Actually I figured I probably wouldn't get any sleep at all tonight. Always some niggling little details to attend to. Cripes, I just remembered I have to dig out my laptop and do a data transfer before I leave. Bah!

Anyway I would like to wish each and everyone of you fine chicks a wonderfully happy Christmas. Stay cool Shad in 104 temps - wheew. To the rest of us, stay warm and cozy and give a hug to those you love. Sing a carol or two, even if it is off key - it helps you breathe deep and laughing is good for the soul and a great stress reliever. Don't forget to mostly eat clean, drink your water and do a little movin' and shakin'. I know I will... mostly ;)
I will be back by New Year's Eve if all goes as planned. Take care and a Merry Christmas to you :tree: :clause: :wreath: :rudolph:

2 more sleeps
It is raining???!! :?:
How will Santa get here with no snow was the topic of discussion this morning. It was very LOUD here. 6 kids in school. One 3 yo here. DH helped vacuum yesterday! I wrapped gifts and started to assemble the scrap books.
All is peaceful, happy and enjoyable. I may go and do Grandma’s hair if she wants me to.
Tomorrow I need to make 1 more batch each of, peanut brittle, almond brittle, fudge and rumballs. Shrimp and chinese side dishes for supper, Christmas Eve, a bottle-o-wine and candles......
Class party for both kids today. I am taking in caramel popcorn and games.
Hubby is off til Tuesday and he received a $500 bonus!!! This is the first time since I have known him that he has had a decent boss and is valued. I am only babysitting a few days in the next 2 weeks!!! Egads a holiday. Usually we both work cause if we dont work we dont get paid. Looking forward to it.
I MUST clean the darn kitchen, litterboxes and rabbit cage today, get hockey gear ready....suppose that’s it!!

Hugs you glorious, beautiful women. Happy, Happy Christmas or holiday celebration of choice!! Love ya!! :hug:

It's almost Chirstmas!!! 2 days and counting.

I went to our departments Christmas luncheon yesterday afternoon. We had so much food. I was the only woman there. L. had some other things she had to do. Our department manager's wife baked a grape cake that was devine. I've never heard of it. I did bring one piece of that home with me.
Otherwise I used portions. I couldn't decide on ham or ribs. Both contain a bunch of sodium so I went with ham.

I also stopped by Wal-Mart yesterday afternoon to get something for the sinus problem. They had the Claritin D which was 240mg so that is what I bought. The box had only 5 tablets and had to sign for them. I'm much better this morning.

I need to be cleaning house. I've decided not to go to my uncles til tomorrow. I just need an extra day to myself.

Called my nephew Wednesday night and told him I couldn't come. He was disappointed but he understood. I will be going later when I can take a couple of day's off to spend more time with him.

Enjoy the holidays.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...tmaschicks.jpg

Who needs a little Christmas? Right this very minute? Saw this show on PBS last night, had a wonderful lady singing. Made me so happy! From the movie Mame so it seems ;) Can you picture it, I think you can :) Have a wonderful time everyone:cheer:
http://www.banderas-buddies.com/muppets2.wav
Mame:
Haul out the holly;
Put up the tree before my spirit falls again.
Fill up the stocking,
I may be rushing things, but deck the halls again now.
For we need a little Christmas
Right this very minute,
Candles in the window,
Carols at the spinet.
Yes, we need a little Christmas
Right this very minute.
It hasn't snowed a single flurry,
But Santa, dear, we're in a hurry;
So climb down the chimney;
Put up the brightest string of lights I've ever seen.
Slice up the fruitcake;
It's time we hung some tinsel on that evergreen bough.
For I've grown a little leaner,
Grown a little colder,
Grown a little sadder,
Grown a little older,
All:
And I need a little angel
Sitting on my shoulder,
Need a little Christmas now.
Mame:
Haul out the holly;
Well, once I taught you all to live each living day.
All:
Fill up the stocking,
Young Patrick:
But Auntie Man, it's one week from Thanksgiving Day now.
All:
But we need a little Christmas
Right this very minute,
Candles in the window,
Carols at the spinet.
Yes, we need a little Christmas
Right this very minute.
Agnes:
It hasn't snowed a single flurry,
But Santa, dear, we're in a hurry;
Ito:
So climb down the chimney;
Put up the brightest string of lights I've ever seen.
All:
Slice up the fruitcake;
It's time we hung some tinsel on that evergreen bough.
For we need a little music,
Need a little laughter,
Need a little singing
Ringing through the rafter,
And we need a little snappy
"Happy ever after,"
Need a little Christmas now.
Need a little Christmas now.

:tree: :snowball: :snowfight :shocksn: :snowball1 :coolsnow: :snow4:
OVER THE WEEKEND I WILL READ ALL YOUR LOVELY POSTS BUT I SAW MEADOW'S WISH AND MAY IT COME TRUE FOR ME TOO!!! COZY AND WARM AND SILENCE ALSO!!! LOL IT'S BEEN 2 BUSY DAYS OF SHOPPING AND MANY ACCIDENTS WITH THE SENIORS AND ASSORTED PROBLEMS BUT THEN THAT'S THE WAY THEIR HOLIDAY SEASON GETS SOMETIMES AND THIS ONE IS NO EXCEPTION!!! BROKEN BONES INCLUDED!! THANK GOD NONE OF THESE DISASTERS BELONG TO ME. MY GUARDIAN ANGEL MUST BE WORKING OVERTIME.
THE OFFICE PARTY WAS NICE. I WAS SHOWERED WITH GIFTS AND FROM SOME UNEXPECTED PEOPLE TOO. VERY NICE. FELT LIKE QUEEN FOR A DAY. MANY PEOPLE STOPPED BY TO SAY HELLO AND WISH ME A BETTER YEAR. IN A STRANGE WAY IT WAS NICE TO KNOW THEY GAVE ANY THOUGHT TO THE BUS INCIDENT. I ALMOST FELT FAMOUS. JOHN WENT IN THE BACK AND GAVE ME HIS SUNGLASSES AND SAID I WAS A CELEBRITY!! LOL GOTTA LOVE THE ATTENTION AND I SHAMELESSLY ADMIT THAT IT FELT GOOD. :carrot: FOOD WAS GOOD AND THE DAY A REAL DELIGHT. SOME SENIORS MADE MY DAY WITH LITTLE ODDS AND ENDS THEY TRIED TO MAKE. ONE EVEN FILLED LITTLE BELLS WITH CANDY TO SHOW ME SHE'S GETTING THE HANG OF ARTS AND CRAFTS!! I CANNOT TELL YOU HOW THAT SWELLS MY HEART WITH HAPPINESS TO SEE THEM FINALLY RESPOND TO SOME ATTENTION THEY DON'T GET FROM FAMILY. I WILL TRY AND NOT LET IT SWELL MY HEAD AS WELL AS I HAVE A HARD ENOUGH TIME GETTING THROUGH THE DOOR JAMBS NOW!!
THE OFFICE JUST LEFT FOR THE TOWN PARTY. I DECLINED THE OFFER TO GO. JUST TOO WEARY AND HOW COULD I LEAVE WHEN SO MANY SITTING ON THE BENCH HAD SAD FACES. IT'S JUST NOT IN ME. I LEARNED A LOT ABOUT MYSELF THIS YEAR AND FOR THAT I AM GRATEFUL.
THERE ARE JUST SOME THINGS I WANT TO DO IN THIS WORLD AND THAT'S IT! BEEN A TOUGH BUT GOOD YEAR.
SENDING MY LOVE TO YOU AND HOPE YOU ARE ALL WELL. I'L BE BACK TOMORROW AFTER I PLAY SANTA AND HANG SOME STUFF ON SOME DOORS. I GOT A FEW $$$ SO I WENT BACK TO PATHMARK AND GOT SOME TREATS FOR SOME OF THE OLDER ONES....DO YA THINK THESE COUNT AS SCORE POINTS FOR HEAVEN?! CAUSE GOD KNOW WITH MY MOUTH I COULD USE ALL THE HELP I CAN GET TO JUST GET THROUGH THOSE PEARLY GATES! :rofl: :lol3: :lol3: TAKE CARE MY FRIENDS. LOVE AND :hug: , MEL

Geez, you aint thinking of having a ram raid at the pearly gates already, are you Mel?

Back later. Got a stack of things to do and shouldn't even be near the computer right now.

Just a short note to wish you all a happy Christmas. Be good, stay safe and try to keep a handle on what you are about to eat.

May you all have a great day and a good time with friends and family or however you chose to spend it. I'll be back Tuesday (my time) and will catch up with the news then.

OMG SHAD!! I FORGOT WHEN YOU ARE LEAVING?!?! YOUR POST ARRIVED TODAY AND IT COULDN'T HAVE HAD BETTER TIMING ALONG WITH CEEJAY'S AND HAPPYS AND MEADOWS AND NOW I FORGET WHO ELSE. EVERYONE IS HANGING UP ON MY WALL!!! I AM LOVING THE CARDS.

SHAD~ HOPE THE RIOTING STOPS AND HADN'T HEARD OF IT. HAVEN'T SEEN A NEWS CHANNEL. I HEAR YA ON THE FESTIVED OUT THING! ROFL SEND ME THE HEAT!! RIGHT NOW ANYTHING SWEET IS ATTRACTIVE TO ME SO GOOD THING I WASN'T THERE WITH THE BIRDS....NO FOOD WOULD HAVE BEEN LEFT FOR THEM!! ROFL MEADOW~ I STAYED A BIT PAST THE 'DRAIN' TIME BUT FELT GOOD. JUST TOO MANY MEDS IN MY HEAD! LOL I'LL RANSOM YOU FROM YOUR SWEET CAPTOR AS SOON AS I GET FREE OF MINE! ROFL

MADCAT~ GOOD FOR YOU WITH THE JANUARY THING!! I HOPE YOU CAN ENJOY THE HOLIDAY TIME NOW THAT EVERYTHING IS ZIPPERED UP!! ROFL GO AND GET FESTIVE!!!

HAPPY~ GOOD BYE AND SO SORRY I MISSED YOUR LEAVING!! HAVE A GREAT TRIP AND VISIT WITH THE FAMILY! NICE JOB WITH THE ASST.'S GIFT!! EVERYONE TRIED EITHER TO FEED ME OR KILL ME WITH PERFUMEY THINGS!! YIKES!!! I HAD MANY GIFTS TO GIVE AWAY AND SAVED SOME FOR JEN TOO! ROFL EACH NIGHT I TOLD HER WHAT SHE COULD CHOOSE FROM! LOL

CEEJAY~ I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR NOSE NOW!! GOD HELP US AND OUR SINUSES THIS YEAR!! I JUST BOUGHT THE CLARITIN WITHOUT THE D YESTERDAY!! LOL SEEMED TO HELP A LOT AND I FEEL MUCH BETTER. HOPE YOU WILL BE FEELING WELL SOON TO!! WHEN IS PARAGOULD NEXT?!?!? HOPE AUNTIE IS WELL FOR THE HOLIDAYS TOO.

LISA~ THE PANDA WAS ADORABLE BUT THEN THEY ALWAYS ARE. SOMEONE STOLE A BABY PENGUIN FROM A ZOO HERE IN THE STATES. NOT SURE IF THEY COUGHT THE GUY BUT THEY HAD A LOT OF LEADS. I LOVE THE IDEA OF THE PURSE...I HAVE A DR. SEUSS BACK PACK!! LOL ENJOY YOUR TIME OFF!!!

HOLLY~ I CAN SMELL THE BAKING AND THE BURGER KING FROM HERE....SALIVATING RIGHT ABOUT NOW ALL OVER MY KEYBOARD!!! GET INTO THE KITCHEN WENCH AND CLEAN IT.

NOT AS HARD TO CATCH UP AS I THOUGHT. THANK GOD YOU GUYS WERE BUSY WITH REAL LIFE! ROFLMAO
I DELIVERED MY GIFTS TONITE ALREADY AND AM FINISHED. JUST GENERAL CLEANING AND LOTS OF REST6 AND CHRISTMAS SHOWS TO WATCH!! IT REALLY WAS A WONDERFUL 2 DAYS BUT I AM REALLY BONE TIRED.
SWEET DREAMS ALL AND GOOD MORNING SUNSHINE!!!:flow2:

HUGS and Happy Christmas Shad!!!

Mel, Mel, Mel...this whench has cleaned the kitchen TWICE today!
HUGS and LOVE to you!!!

Merry Christmas Ceejay!!

All the best my BC buddy!!!

Jeez... somehow my password was invalid and I had to start from scratch, etc. etc. Humbug....

Happy Christmas Eve Day, y'all.
I've decorated as much as is going to happen. (NOT much!!) Will re-vacuum tomorrow, run one final errand, and perhaps bake a little. DH has agreed to go to Christmas Eve service with me... which I hope will be fun. He's more likely to "believe" in the Flying Spaghetti Monster... but he is such a dear, and the music and pagentry has always been inspiring to me.

Happy... My Ex got SO mad at his dentist running late that he threatened to send him a bill for his "wait" time at his consultant rates. After that, the DDS scheduled his appointment first of the day and they never had that discussion. I think OB GYN's are about the only MD's that have a decent excuse to run late.

CeeJay... are you safe? Happy to be at home?

The Bridal Falls were beautiful. I like Multnomah Falls, too.... Or the Muir Woods. Oddly enough, yesterday we went to the local Arboretum (no pandas, no roses, no tulips) but it was SO nice to be out doors in the quiet and listening to leaves and grasses rustle in the wind. There were ducks and white birds (swans?) swimming on the lake... pretty tranquil for an urban setting.

Tonight I had a sweet thing happen. DS called me about 11 pm. He doesn't call often, let alone that late. He sounded congested. I asked if he had a cold. He said no... He talked a bit more and I asked if he was crying... and he said YES. I had a few minutes of ice-water-in-the-veins accompanied by panic... had his GF been injured in a wreck? Did he know something about DD that i didn't know, etc. etc. Nope... He'd been to the movies and seen The Family Stone, and gotten VERY worried about MY MORTALITY.

Isn't that sweet? I mean that he called me? And that I could tell him how much he meant to me, and vice versa. I didn't know there was chronic or terminal illness in that movie... but as DS said, he was blindsided by his emotions.

I felt really loved. And he felt better after we talked. I think he may be a tad emotional since we're not going to be face to face this Christmas, AND he's meeting more and more and more and MORE of the GF's relatives!

No other news for now.
You can see the big gaudy star (and some CHICKS!) on my blog.

One more sleep:carrot:
 

Just wanted to drop in and wish everyone a merry Christmas before we all scattered to the 4 winds – but I can see I am already a bit late! :lol: Looking forward to a busy couple of days – busy but fun. Last night went to the "Sing and Slay" party. Those of who wanted to sat around singing Christmas carols while those not musically inclined played a networked version of the video game Starcraft on my friend's quite impressive in-house computer network. Voice is a bit raw today. Sort of depressing how lack of practice has left my voice a pale shadow of its former self. Those descant parts were painful. Still fun was had!! Today, dinner with the in-laws (seafood, probably crab. I love the Portugeuse!). Tomorrow dinner with friends (Turkey and the trimmings). Will try to at least do some portion control.

Shad – Oh yes, how things have changed. I'm also looking forward to the end of the madness. I feel as if I haven't seen a vegetable (or the inside of the gym, for that matter) for far too long. Shall we declare official clean eating week next week? Have an excellent trip and a wonderful holiday.

Linus – hope you are all done and you get some rest.

Happy – Glad the fashion issue was resolved. Heck, I think the best thing about not being 20 any more is that really if you want to wear red and green together who's gonna stop you?

Holly – it is obvious what Santa does – he either has a highly efficient and highly portable artificial snow-manufacturing machine that makes magic snow that melts once he is gone OR he has snap-on wheels! For the high-tech minded you could tell them his sleigh is also a convertible hovercraft.

Ceejay – I've never heard of grape cake. What's in it? Is it purple? Glad the drugs are working for your sinuses. Lots of water might help too. Can't hurt, anyway.

Meadow – Thanks. I needed that!

Mel – I think your reservation is probably already on the books somewhere. You really are amazing and should be treated like a Queen.

And now, not sure how it happened, but now I'm just sitting here crying. Guess I have been so bottled up that it had to happen sometime. I started misting up but it was Painter's post about her son that really opened the floodgates. … and it feels good. Guess I needed THAT more than I imagined. Knot right in the center of my back seems to be untying a bit.

To everyone else, Merry Christmas, and all the best. See you on the far side of that Xmas pudding.

Sherry

Oh Miss Mad. HUGS!!!! Hope you are feeling refreshed. We are having seafood too!
PW- how nice for you to hear how loved you are.
Mel- I need to clean the kitchen AGAIN!!

Merry, Merry, Merry,Merry, Merry....... Happiness and Peace reigns in this house lately. Wishing you the same!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nice morning so far. Kids slept in, Hubby snuggled with me, the damn kitten climbed up my back(OUCH). All is well and normal. I actually sat and watched a whole cheesie chirstmas movie last night and didn’t pop up every commercial to clean or do dishes etc. All I asked for Chrsitmas from my family was to keep the house tidy. They are trying hard.
I have some backordered Avon to deliver today and then some goodies to make for my Sisters tomorrow, a bit of wrapping,a bit of cleaning................ maybe some relaxing!!!!!!!

Blessing to the 3fc goddesses!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Merry Christmas
 

:tree: :candy: :mrsclaus: :santa: :ginger: :coolsnow: :gift2:
Merry Christmas to all.......

I talked so much yesterday that i better be short and sweet today! I had some tears last night and woke to happy e-mail. Then some tears just now! :hug: for all of us. Painter what a wonderful phone call from your son...... and Madcat has said it right.
I think this has been an 'especially' stressful year for so many and it feels good to say it, feel it and let it out. :hug: <---for your ds too.
I am sending all my love out there to my Worldly Friends for the best Christmas of all.
When I posted last night, I found Shad had just posted also and called to say goodbye. I am sure she appreciated the call as she was just about to get into the shower:rofl:

:elf: Have a wonderful Holiday weekend my friends :xcheer: and please take good care of yourselves. :moped: