Determined December

[papmom3]

Ah, Sunday nite-a time of stress for me-what is left to be done to get ready for tomorrow; will I get a good nite's sleep; yuck, a 45 minute drive in and back. thankfully it's just a 2 day work week!! And my boss is on a cruise so i can work in peace. One day, Sunday nites will be no different from any other nite-retirement will be so sweet!
Today it snowed lightly most of the day. Managed to get out and get the last of the christmas shopping done, bought an orthopedic bed for Mickey and did a Trader Joe's run. Also looked for a festive sweater/top for Christmas Eve without any luck. Met up with my sister at TJ's and she invited me to come over and "shop" in her closet if I couldn't find anything so I took her up on it. Took me 2 sec to pick out a very nice plaid zip up short boxy blouse to wear with black pants.
Came home and started wrapping presents-yes, wrapping presents before Christmas Day! Historic!! Heard something going on in the kitchen but didn't check it out (when will I learn?) until I heard DD growling. Ran in to find that LM had gotten into a box of steel wool soap pads and Koby was joining in. Hoo boy!! A quick call to Poison Control put my mind at ease and lightened my wallet by $62 but well worth it to hear the soap will only cause gastric upset and the steel wool can be encapsulated by half a slice of wheat bread every day for 3 days. So far so good-not upset tummies. Really LM? Soap pads? I swear it never ends around here!
Got all my gifts wrapped-I'm so happy!! Still waiting for one to come from Amazon and then I'm really done. Cooked some chicken and rice for LM and made myself some Sloppy Joes. Wrapped up my fundraising campaign for Mickeys medical bills. Final tally was 1600 on the fundraising site and another 1010 from private donors. I think I'm in good shape. I'll get paid out half my vacation days when I leave and that should cover the balance. Hoping to incur only one month of interest/finance charges on the card and that is only due to timing of the vacation payout.
Tomorrow I will definitely get to the gym after work. I'm ready to start taking care of me again before I slip back into my old lifestyle.
Star-I'm so sorry you still aren't feeling well. Have you tried a neti pot yet? I find that a great natural way to relieve congestion. You can get them at any drugstore. Its only saline and warm water but the design of the pot is very cool and really works. How great that you got to see your grandson this weekend! Will you all get together on Christmas Day as well?
Dill- Sorry to shock you into reality LOL!! I'm ready for this year to come to a close and start fresh. Many great things have happened in 2014 for me and my family/friends but there have been the bad times too. Its OK to say goodbye to this year.
Lav-did you get my caramel popcorn in the mail yesterday?? Popcorn has become my go to snack for squelching those hunger pains in the middle of the day.
Well, gotta give LM his fluids and get the rice portioned out, then try to get some reading in before I turn out the light. Have a great nite all and an even better start to the week!!

[SnoopyC]

Good morning...

I have a two day work week two and feel very happy about that.

Lav, I think I have to go to an ENT specialist as my hearing is worse in my ear...can't let it go anymore. Darn. Do you think I am jumping the gun? No pain, just no hearing. I think gift cards are a great idea...I was shopping yesterday, feeling pressured, saw myself in the mirror and thought, "what am I doing?" Walked out and told my husband, "I'm done." There is nothing I want materially, so it is ridiculous the pressure I feel to buy something. I just refused. I have to rethink this entire thing for next year.

On a happier note, Dill, my grandson is six months old, and will be so fun. We are driving down Christmas Eve, getting a hotel room, as another guest will be staying there. I will be able to swim and hot tub, so that is what I really look forward to experiencing. I am bringing appetizers, and ingredients for homemade pizzas, it will be fun. Then Christmas Day, my daughter is in charge. So good! What's on your menu?

Pap, your dogs are like two year olds sometimes. My goodness. Those soap pads could not have even tasted good. Glad they are OK. Nice to have vacation time to look forward to.

Hope Cyn is OK.

Have a good Monday.

[Lavande]

Good morning friends!

Monday morning it is, dark & gloomy, oh well!
Rain is predicted most of the week, better than snow I guess.

Papmom, my dogs never get into anything around here whether I'm home or not. The one exception is the trash can if the lid is left off & something smells too fabulous for my big dog. She has been known to just stick her enormous head in there & stuff herself, LOL. I've learned to take the trash out frequently & keeping the heavy oak lid in place
Glad your doggies are OK. The grandkids have grown past the point of getting into stuff like that & I am grateful. I still have my place baby-proofed.

Star, an ENT would certainly have a better idea why your ear is still clogged. Sometimes they are able to clear it by irrigation. Lots of times the prescribe steroids to reduce swelling in there. There's lots of home remedies you can try like steam, ACV, peroxide.
Your Christmas plans sound great, enjoy the food, family & grandson!

Greetings Dill & Cyn, hope you are both doing well!

I'm off to Curves soon then picking up those last minute gift cards & stopping at the supermarket. That should take up a good portion of the day, ha ha!
I made some dairy & gluten free pizzelles last evening & they turned out great. No one will ever know!!!!

Wishing everyone a great AF Monday!

Lav

[papmom3]

Star-your holiday visit sounds awesome!! swimming, hot tubbing, grandson, daughter in charge of dinner? Could not get any better!!

Lav-what are pizzelles?

Dogs are fine today. Hopefully they didn't really ingest any of the wool. Its all mr LM-DD just goes along for the ride LOL!! You would think I don't feed these pups!!

Finally went back to the gym after 4 weeks away and boy did it feel good!! I'm going to try to go to Aqua Jam tomorrow nite and then my regular workout Wed afternoon and Friday.

Busy nite ahead as I didnt get home until after 7:30. Nite all!!

[Lavande]

WHAT'S A PIZZELLE??
LOL Papmom, you obviously don't have any Italian friends
They are a favorite holiday treat around here, I've been making them since I was a kid. Yes, I had lots of Italian friends.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pizzelle

Glad you were able to get back to your routine today.

I lost one of my feathered girls this afternoon - hawk attack. Sad when that happens, damn mother nature thing.
My son witnessed the murder just as he was pulling into the driveway for a visit. Fortunately Will was asleep in his car seat & didn't see anything. What a mess :sad:

The rest of the day went well, thank goodness!

[papmom3]

Oh Lav, I'm so sorry! No wire roof over their outside area? Probably too big to fence in. Well, I guess hawks gotta eat too but can't they stick to squirrel?
OK, now I know what Pizzelle's are-just never knew the name! And no, I didn't have any italian friends that I got cookies from. I dated an Italian in HS for a few months but I think we missed Christmas somehow.

[SnoopyC]

Good morning...

Last day of work before the Holidays!!!! Still can't hear.

Lav, what is ACV? I am still hoping it goes away with a little more time, but so far, no luck.

Pap, I have to go work out too.

To all, let have a great day.

[Lavande]

Morning friends,

Miserable looking outside, rain & fog, oh well.

Papmom, I've been trying to get someone to help me figure out how to get their run covered. No one really gives a damn but me, sad but true. It would be a job too big for me to tackle alone I'm afraid. Squirrels are scarce around here - now I know why.

Star, I was referring to apple cider vinegar. http://althealthworks.com/1799/five-...xide-and-more/

Had a crappy night with frequent awakenings & hot flashes. Stress anyone? LOL

Have a great AF Tuesday everyone. I'm starting mine off with a trip to Curves.
Greetings Dill & Cyn!

Lav

[dill]

I'm in the middle of a marathon visit with the gkids so am just popping in to touch base. It's been since very early yesterday morning but it's bee loads of fun. I do wish gdaughter would sleep in a little but no, she was up at 5 with me! I decided it would be best if we both just went back to bed. Got up at 7 and she popped right up then too! I'm going to get breafast going. See you all later I hope. Have a great day.

Lav, sorry about that hawk attack. Grizzly!
Pap, steel wool? Really?! LOL
Star, I envy your wonderful Christmas plans. Have fun!

[treegirl]

Hellooooo dear friends!

So great to read up on all the activities - especially the moon report and the Solstice marking - and HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY LAV! Thanks also for the story about the grave sites - I didn't have time to visit my parents' graves while I was in my home state. Made me very sad, but there was just not enough time. I've decided to call the cemetery and see if they will put wreaths on the graves for me...

Our weekend was wild, but absolutely wonderful. I felt my mother's spirit with us every minute. It included going bowling (!), singing carols, playing the piano, dancing to wi (wee?), wonderful meals that we brought in - no cooking, great conversations, made new connections, etc. We toasted my Mom at every activity, and since our trip only could have happened with her help (using some of her modest estate money), it was true - she really made it happen. Nothing could have made her happier.

I hope everyone has a great pre-Christmas day today. I'm determined to follow Pap's example and get everything wrapped and put under our (FIRST!) Christmas tree. None of this wrapping it up just so that it can be torn apart 2 minutes later!

Dill - hope the dog stays clean - Star - good luck with your ear, so sorry. Pap - congrats again on the new job. Cheers to all - (PS, my homemade gifts for the kids were a huge hit - whew!)

[treegirl]

X-post, Lav and Dill! Lav - sorry about the hawk attack, that would be hard to deal with, ugh. Rain here too - I really was xing fingers for at least a dusting of snow for Christmas, oh well. At least the weather was good enough for us to fly easily yesterday. Delayed flights on Friday left us with a 12-hour commute! Home, sweet home.

[papmom3]

Welcome back Cyn and SOOOO glad you had a wonderful time back home! I know your mom is smiling down on you and happy as can be she helped to make it happen. Your memories of this visit should last you a lifetime!! How wonderful your homemade gifts were a hit but even more wonderful you got them done in time!! You are my idol!! Enjoy your tree!

Lav-isn't there a local handyman that could build the overhead enclosure for you? Would cost some $$ but well worth it I would think for peace of mind and poultry body!!

Dill-I can hear the joy and delight in your email. Lots of work but so much fun to be with the gkids!!

Star-oh boy, a trip to an ENT is definitely in order. I hope you get your hearing back soon!!

Didn't get to water jam today-by the time I did the errands, pottied the dogs, cleaned up their inside messes it was well after 6. Not feeling to great today anyway-stuffy head and scratchy throat. Tomorrow I'm up at 6:30 to get the car in for an oil change and then at 10 the vet comes. Have to figure out when I'm going to get the LR vacuumed and the house somewhat picked up before she comes. But it is 5 whole days off so I'll be able to get some rest.
Have a great nite everyone!!

[SnoopyC]

Happy Christmas Eve!

Woke up early, feeling a little better, still can't hear well. I think I just need to rest. Went to the store last night, bought food for today that we are bringing down. Slept well, what a blessing. Probably won't be able to get online tomorrow, so Merry Christmas, and an AF one too!

Pap, hope you feel better, resting sounds like a good idea.

Lav, stressed? haha. Tis the season. ACV, apple cider vinegar. Thanks. Are you hosting Christmas? Hope your holiday is good.

Dill, you are already in the middle of it, having so much fun. But, it is exhausting.

Cyn, home for Christmas with lots of wonderful memories. Good.

Have a lovely, AF, holiday, one you can really enjoy.

[Lavande]

Good morning everyone & Happy Christmas eve!

Glad you are feeling better Star, the ear just may take care of itself
Enjoy your family gathering!

Papmpm, I've had the stuffed head, scratchy throat going on for a week or more (allergies). I just pretty much ignore it at this point, it's an annual event for me, Ha, Ha!
Finding anyone to do work around here is nearly impossible & I am very reluctant to hire someone YB will most likely clash with - it's a territorial thing. I know full well that YB could do this job in the chicken yard. He built the whole thing to begin with!!!!! I'm letting it go for a few days just to maintain the peace.

I have everyone arriving for an early 4 pm dinner & gift exchange. I will be in the kitchen all day getting it all together.
Tomorrow will be the feast of left overs, LOL.

Cyn, so glad to hear you enjoyed your trip & family visit
Looks like rain & milder temps for our Christmas huh?

Dill, I imagine you are busy getting your holiday together as well. Enjoy your time with your family!

Wishing everyone a wonderful & peaceful AF Christmas eve!

Lav

[dill]

Star, I will miss you but surely do understand why you might not be able to post. Have a wonderful Christmas with your family! I got a good night's sleep last night too and you are right. It is such a blessing! I do hope your hearing difficulties clear up.

Lav, what are your Christmas plans? Mine are minimal which is fine with me. Nothing going on tonight, Christmas Eve. We will pass a quiet evening wrapping the last few gifts and probably watching something on TV. We used to have such elaborate Christmas Eves when we were young, with neighbors and friends and loads of wine. Still, that was when I still had the ability to moderate, so it was loads of fun. And I wasn't the only one drinking. But time changes things. I like today's version tho! On Christmas day my son and gkids will come over in the afternoon. We'll have a gift exchange and dinner. This year I've decided to serve prime rib. I think we talked about this last year at Christmas time. I have never done a rib roast before, so this will be different for us. We usually do ham.

Cyn, I think you are the one that mentioned last year that prime rib was a tradition with you. Am I remembering correctly? Congrats on getting the gifts completed and I'm not surprised the recipients loved and appreciated them! Amazing how much more productive we are without daily drinking! LOL! Who knew?! Your visit with family sounded wonderful. I especially liked the part about singing and playing piano. Now there's a blessing for you! What will you be doing tonight and tomorrow?

Papmom, you are so lucky to have a travelling vet! We have a large animal vet that comes for the cattle, but he sees small animals in his clinic only. We have been going to him since the late 70's. Last time he came out he had his son with him. He's grooming his son to take over the business. I hope his son has the same love and dedication as his father. What are your plans for Christmas Eve and Christmas day?

A big event happened here this week. My son's dissolution was finalized on Monday. It is hard to be happy about the tragic end to a marriage, but it is also hard not to be glad. My son has the chance now to move forward to a more fulfilling life for himself and their children. The marriage ended long ago, when his ex chose not to address her addiction. She long ago quit putting anything ahead of her need for her substance. That is her husband now. I'm not saying that judgmentally, I'm just saying it as a fact. I understand the nature of addiction. I still pray that she will get well and I will continue to reach out to her. Maybe this happening at Christmas will be her final bottom and she will make a change.

Well, sorry for that sad note on this blessed holiday. Let's all remember to be grateful for the love we have in our lives.