Determined December

[SnoopyC]

Good morning...

Wow Pap, congratulations! So happy for your finding a new job! Let's hope your new boss is a good one, it makes all the difference. Glad to hear Mickey is better. Take some time for yourself if you can.

Dill, hope your DIL can and will get the help she needs. Good policy to keep the communication open, and generous of you too. My husband around all the time would be hard to deal with. No retirement for us in the near future so no worries there.

Lav, lucky you with such balmy weather, enjoy.

Cyn, I am trying to take care of myself, feeling better daily. Looking forward to Christmas time off. Sorry about the family drama, good it is over. Take care.

Have a good Thursday all.

[treegirl]

Congrats Pap!!!! How wonderful - and I hope Mickey keeps improving. Glad you are looking at laser and acupuncture - they have done wonders for my dogs. Good luck with all that.

Dill - just heard the weather, and sounds like Xmas eve might be tricky with a huge Great lakes storm - xing fingers for a safe holiday for you.

Lav - hope you got some 'Curves' time in around all the family duties. Also hoping your work is going well - I know there will be a lot of happy people receiving your embroidery this holiday.

Star - are you getting better? I hope so - can you take it slow for the next couple of days?

Yesterday morning I managed to cook the dog's food ahead (for the dog sitter), and then we had to get in the car and drive to the city. It turned out to be such a nice (though long) trip. HB is much more relaxed when we're in the car and he's in control! The visit included a mad dash to visit a cousin who was there on a trip, and then we trotted uptown to the restaurant where we were met other friends. But we did walk through Columbus Circle and saw the beautiful stars, and did a quick wander through the Artisan Tents on the edge of Central Park. Not too cold, and no snow, but festive nonetheless. It made me feel very lucky to be close enough to hop down and experience it - and then go home to the country!

OK, now I REALLY have to try to make these gifts for my grand-nieces. Then wrap, pack, get the dog stuff ready...the good news is that the wx report is pretty good for tomorrow; hoping for smooth travel.

Will try to post again before the trip; if not, know that I'll be back online Tues morning. Wishing all happy, safe days, with lots of Deep Breathing!

[Lavande]

Good morning friends!

I was calledbfor kid duty forca few hours this morning. I should be able to leave & get to Curves before they close at noon. That's my big concern, ha ha! Lots of work waiting for me at home this afternoon & evening

Papmom, CONGRATS on the new job, :yay:
I hope everything works out in the best way possible for you!
Please try to avoid surgery on Mickey, try all of the alternatives first. Surgery on a senior, be it dog or human is brutal. I would never consider back surgery on myself - it's not highly successful. My BIL had several major back surgeries that only caused him constant, severe back pain for decades. I'm sure that had a lot to do with his decision to end his life last month. He had no quality of life whatsoever.

Star, you soubd like you're feeling better!

Dill, are you expecting snow? I haven't heard the latest weather reports.

Cyn, I hope you have a wonderful trip, a safe trip too
Nice that you guys got to visit the city in a calm & happy fashion, LOL

Wishing everyone a wonderful AF Thursday!

Lav

[SnoopyC]

Good morning...

Yay, it's Friday. Have a good one.

[dill]

Good morning Star, have a good Friday!

CONGRATS! Papmom! I somehow knew you had that job in the bag! That's wonderful that you will not have a long commute anymore. That gives you so much more time to spend with you dogs in the morning and evening! I'm so happy for you. I keep hoping Mickey steadily improves. I myself have degenerative disc disease which sounds like what he has basically. I try to be really careful and when I need it I take naproxin. My doctor told me I may one day be a candidate for surgery but I hope to stave that off.

Cyn, Happy and safe travels my dear. Your visit to the city sounded really perfect, especially the part about being able to return home to the country! LOL I can only take cities in very small doses. It seems like such a strange way to live.

Lav, No snow for us until maybe hopefully next week. It's not looking like a white Christmas, but we can hope! It's the only good reason for snow as far as I'm concerned.

Not sure what I'm up to today, but I think the grandkids will be over later in the day and spend the night. The plans aren't set in stone yet. It's really cold outside so I will be turning to my crochet, which is nearly done, and books. I just got Killing Patton from the library and am going to start on it today.

[Lavande]

Good morning friends & happy Friday to all!

Today is also my birthday, yay. Not counting anymore
Going to visit cemeteries today before the holidays. YB is off & going along & wants to buy plots today. Nice way to spend your birthday, LOL

Dill, enjoy your day with the grandkids & stay warm. Don't think anyone will be seeing a white Christmas, oh well.
Greetings Star, have a great day!
Hello to Cyn & Papmom!

Have a lovely day everyone!

Lav

[dill]

Happy Birthday, Lav!

I must admit you're activity for the day seems rather morbid for a birthday! LOL! However, I will also admit that I enjoy walking among the headstones. Cemeteries are so peaceful and quiet. Was your original intention to visit a loved one's grave or was it the intent of finding a cemetery plot for you and Mr. L.?

I hope your birthday is nice and that you perhaps enjoy a nice meal and make a special birthday wish that comes true, just for you.:heartbeat:

[Lavande]

Thanks Dill

The trip was all about visiting my parents at one cemetery & his Dad at another. I said no to the buying of plots today ~ ridiculous! YB has been extra morbid since his brother died last month. I feel sorry about that but not enough to be buying cemetery plots on my birthday, LOL. We stopped & picked up our daughter & granddaughter on the way & all went out for a nice lunch afterwards. My granddaughter hand painted a coffee mug for me for my birthday - cute

Now that today is done I can focus on Christmas stuff - yay!

[papmom3]

Evening all and HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAV!!. So glad you put your foot down on the plot buying today!! Honestly, what goes through those male minds just blows mine away!! Hope the rest of your day was great and you received some nice surprises!!

Tree-you no doubt are well on your way "home" by now. I hope you have very safe travels and that your visit and holidays will bring you some peace and fond memories. I too loved your description of your day in the city. very romantic!!

Star-how are you feeling?? Better I hope. How much time do you get off for the holidays?

Dill-will you post a pic of the crochet project when you are done? I'd love to see it.

Today I was allowed to announce my resignation. What a relief!! My job will be posted on Monday. My boss told the staff and then I went and found a few of the people I have worked closest with over the past 2 years and told them. I feel kind of bad that she had to leave on her first real vacation in a few years on this note-panicking about how fast they can fill the position and all the extra work she'll have to do in the meantime BUT, the school had the option of reassigning someone to my job and having overlap and wouldn't do it so she has to do a search. Oh well, not my problem. I've given 4 weeks notice. Pretty generous.
Thanks for all the congrats. Even if this doesn't turn out to be the perfect job (and what is really?), my non commute and peace of mind will more than make up for it.
Mickey seems to be doing better. I've spent the past 4 nites staying up to 12 midnite in order to give him the 3rd dose of pain meds and paying the price at work. No more. He'll get the meds twice a day and I will pray his pain stays manageable. I do have an acupuncture appt for him on Wed and she is a mobile vet so we do it in my home. I'm looking forward to it and learning about this therapy.
I have my last demo of the year tomorrow and then sunday off. Can't wait!!

[SnoopyC]

Good morning...

Happy Birthday Lav!!!! Hope your day was fun. Glad you put your foot down about buying cemetary plots. Men are so funny some times. I was reading a book that said women are clean, smell nice, organized and end up with hairy, messy, smelly....you get the picture. I don't know if I agree with all of that but thought it was funny and sometimes I am amazed at what different places we come from. I don't count anymore either. How sweet of your granddaughter to make you such a nice gift. I bet you are drinking coffee out of it right now.

Pap, yay for new beginnings. Don't blame you for not worrying about your current bosses problems. She will take care if it. Enjoy wrapping things up and enjoying Christmas. I get a week and a half off, it is amazing. I am so excited, I need it.

Dill, we went Christmas shopping last night and went overboard on the grandson. It was fun. I researched toys for a child his age and we bought one of each. Haha. He won't understand anyway but we wanted to do it. Hope you are getting ready too.

Lav, are you just starting Christmas shopping? I still have more to do today, then wrap tomorrow.

Have fun ladies. Hello Cyn.

[Lavande]

Good morning friends!

No such thing as sleeping late around here, that's for sure! My younger dog sure is an early riser, LOL

Papmom, I hope your new job provides you with some peace & comfort & some extra $$ in your pocket as well
I never was a fan of a long, hairy commute! Sounds like Mickey is doing better, that's great!

Star, I just need gifts for my daughter & DIL. For some reason I just haven't been able to decide what to get for them. I'll work it out today & be done with it - that's for sure!
Shopping for the grandkids is fun, I have no problem with that. I like the developmental/learning toys for the little ones. When they get older they develop their own likes & dislikes & that's OK too.

Greetings to Dill - hope you got to sleep in a bit longer than I did!

Cyn, hope you are safely near your destination by now!

I need to get myself together & out to pick up my farm share.
Have a great AF Saturday everyone!

Lav

[dill]

Hi Lav, I think that farm share plan is just great! Thanks for cluing me in with that link a few weeks ago.

Star, first grandchildren are so easy to spoil! LOL! I was wondering if there is a set of grandparents on Dad's side that are involved? BTW, I gave up trying to read the Red Tent and went ahead and watched the movie. I enjoyed part one and am ready to start part two. Did you see it yet? I have to admit that I was not that familiar with the story of Dina or the whole story of Jacob even tho I probably should be. I'm glad you have some time off work! That is awesome.

Papmom, I'm glad Mickey is doing better. And yes I will take a picture of my project and post it when I'm done. You really kind of shocked me when you said, "last demo of the year tomorrow". It is the first time I realized that we are bringing yet another year to a close!

Had to give Tessa dog a bath today. She absolutely reeked of cow manure. I couldn't touch her anywhere and she stunk up the garage in no time! LOL! She was so proud of herself. I think she was disappointed that we didn't share her enthusiasm. Then after that Mr. D and I went to a holiday gathering at a neighbor's home. It was pleasant and completely AF. Quite pleasant, really.

Now it's getting dark again. Time for candles! Tomorrow is the Solstice and then finally the days will start getting longer.

[SnoopyC]

Good morning...

Dill I reread the Red Tent and watched both parts of the movie. I will have to look at my bible today and see if it is mentioned in there. Good story, I loved it. I was able to see my grandson for a little while yesterday and he is just adorable.

Lav, I still feel not myself...can't hear well, head congestion. Wonder what I can take to make it go away. This is why I hate colds, they last too long. Ugh. Hope you finished shopping yesterday. I didn't as I had to come home and rest. So, maybe today.

Pap, hope your weekend is going well, you too Cyn.

[Lavande]

Good morning friends,

Enjoying some coffee & quiet

Dill, both of my dogs could use a pre-holiday hair appointment but it's not likely to happen, ha ha! Glad Tessa is clean & shiny & smelling nice for the holidays
Nice that you enjoyed some time with your neighbors. I'm afraid we are totally on our own around here.

Star, I like products such as Tylenol Sinus to get those sinuses open & drained. I'm taking some myself right now as I seem to be allergic to winter. I think it's the firewood/smoke that I'm allergic to as I go thru this every winter.
I am heading back out today & picking up gift cards for the girls. I just can't seem to focus on shopping (not interested) to be honest.

I ended up making a double batch of caramel popcorn yesterday afternoon. Everyone loves it & yes it is quite addicting, LOL

Greetings to Papmom & Cyn!

Have a great AF Sunday everyone!

Lav

[dill]

It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness. ~Eleanor Roosevelt


Star, I went to look for it in the Bible too. Dina is in Genesis. She is mentioned only very briefly, just as she says in the Prologue of the Red Tent. I think it was really a great idea to try to bring her story to life. How old is your grandson now?

Lav, Tessa smells so much better! I hope she doesn't rush out and find another fresh cow pie any time soon! The grandkids will be here tomorrow and I want them to be able to pet her without coming away stinking like a barnlot! LOL

It's been sunny here today which was a welcome change. I surely appreciated the light and enjoyed the colors of the sunset. The memory should help get me through the long night! It's the solstice and tomorrow is the new moon. We are in for some dark nights this week. Keep those Chrismas lights twinkling and the candles glowing.