Goodbye 2022

Incredible.  The last few years are a blur -- like one long, long year.

Duke and I took our last park walk of 2022 yesterday (rain all day today).  I couldn't run, but we long walked and did a little trail exploring too.  I got caught up on a few podcasts.  

Had a long catch up call with my high school friend in the afternoon.  And a good chat with my aunt. 

"Long" seems to be the word of this post -- hah.  

I'm un-decorating today.  It won't take (OMG) long -- seriously, my brain is stuck on this word.

I'll do recaps and new lists and such next week.  Everything is in process, but not finished yet.  I'm mulling over a few fun ideas.

Hopefully, I'll finish The NeverEnding Story.  It's taken a bit of a less exciting turn and I have 200 pages left.  There must be more to the story to come though.  I looked at more children's novel titles -- most I've read.  Nothing stood out to read, but it's on my radar to add a novel here and there.

I finished Emily in Paris.  Silly, over-the-top, a little annoying at times, but it was fun to watch.  I see the hype now.

Absolutely no plans for tonight and that's exactly how I like it.  I might try to grocery shop this afternoon -- are the stores closed tomorrow??  I'm so out of touch with this holiday.  The frig is empty though.  I guess I SHOULD go to the grocery store today.

Hope you enjoy this last day and stay safe.  Goodbye 2022.  Later gators.

Books and a Bookcase

Reading The Neverending Story has made me wonder what other children's classic literature I've missed or would enjoy reading again.  It's such a clever story.  I'm getting ready to work through the goal lists for 2023 and I'm thinking about including some "vintage" lit.  Maybe I'll do some digging today.  I re-read The Secret Garden some years ago (one of my favorite books) and it was as good as I remembered.  Gretchen Rubin is in a bookclub for children's lit -- I bet she has good suggestions.

Yesterday was a nice day.  I did a very easy Peloton ride (I'm no worse for wear) and then hubby and I drove to my eldest to drop off some things they left in Asheville and deliver a late Christmas present.  I stopped for takeout at one of my favorite vegan restaurants.  Came home and caught up on a few post holiday phone chats.  Read and then watched more of Emily in Paris.  

Hubby golfs today so I have a chunk of time alone.  I'm craving alone time -- no surprise after a big social week.  It was nice that he came along yesterday, but I was looking forward to time to myself.  

A bookcase I ordered months ago finally arrived, unfortunately, it's a piece of junk.  It'll be fine for how I'm using it, but the quality is a disappointment.  I'll finish organizing books once my back is more stable.  It's spins so you can easily get to the books.  The design is great -- if only the materials and finishes were nicer.  I put plants on the top to hide the ugly screw holes -- none of the sections have a smooth finish.

That's all from here.  Another chill day with whatever I feel like doing.  Later gators.

Twilight Zone

This year I'm feeling the twilight zone between Christmas and New Years.  I have an open calendar -- things to do, but nothing that's time sensitive.  Days are at my leisure until next week.  It's like a hard stop from all the activity.

I switched up some things yesterday.  Finished unpacking and cleaned up all Asheville mess.  Ate from the freezer and postponed grocery shopping until today or tomorrow.  Read and watched another season of Emily in Paris.  Rested my back and I'm ready for an easy workout this morning.

Hubby was able to figure out the error code on the furnace and after a few tries, it's up and working again. Great job and saved us some $$.

I'm finally reading this and it's really fun.  

Some new (used) books arrived in the mail.  

The RBG is for bookclub.  I quit the mailer
box and just buy the book myself now.
It's gotten pricey and the extra gift is blah.

My girlfriend and I are seeing this in a couple of weeks.  Looking forward to it.

Eldest and I have a running joke about my oven mitts (aka dish towels and little hot pads).  He bought me a real one -- took a pic to show him.  Have to say, it works well and might save me from the steady stream of finger burns.

Looks like I dodged catching a cold from Christmas company.  It's been 3 days since my last exposure and that should do it.

It's going to be in the 60s today.  The deep freeze of 2022 is quickly becoming a distant memory.  Monday is forecasted at 70 (!!)  Wow.

Hope you're having a good week.  Later gators.

Still Crawling to 2023

Plans changed -- several times.  Here's what's up.

We decided to stay until Wednesday to undecorate and clean Asheville -- then we changed our minds again.  Decorations down Monday afternoon, cleaning started at 6 o'clock Tuesday morning.  Packed and home by mid-afternoon.  No return this weekend because we are tired, weather isn't great and we need to re-group.  My back wasn't happy, but it's all done and dusted.

Also, Asheville water plant frozen and broke so they are under a water emergency.  Time to get back to GA.

Things are wonky in GA too -- upstairs furnace is down.  Our neighbors have furnace problems too.  Who knows when it'll be fixed, but it's not a big issue -- temps are climbing and the other furnaces are working fine.

Everything is sitting in the dining room waiting to unpack today.  What a mess, but I'm taking my time.  I need to grocery shop and cook some regular food today.  That takes priority for my back.  I'll take down decorations this weekend -- extra happy for simple decorating this holiday.

I know so many have it far worse this Christmas and we're lucky.  I am grateful AND I am ready for ROUTINE again.  No adventures on the horizon until spring and I'm okay with some regular life.  

NYE and New Years Day are regular days for us.  Not a treat, party or late night just football for hubby.  I worked this holiday for years so it's never felt like anything for me.  Next week is all the goals, recaps of 2022, etc.  Looking forward to that a lot -- time to get back to FS.

P.S.  Even through all the hiccups of Christmas, I still showed up in small FS ways -- not as much as I planned, but I'm happy it's becoming more of who I am everyday.

Hope you are well and hanging on too.  Have a good day.  Later gators.

That's a Wrap

Asheville Christmas 2022 in the books :)

We had a fantastic day -- brunch, presents, football, Yahtzee, drinks, dinner and movie night (Glass Onion).  Oh, and a broken furnace that hubby was able to temporarily fix -- it got COLD FAST when it stopped working.  He's the hero of Christmas Day.

So much work, but I wouldn't trade it for the world.  

Now the cleanup carnage week begins.  Yin and yang -- and I'm ready for the yang to start.  I'm not rushing anything (can't with my back).  Slow and steady to get everything back in order.  

We're staying until tomorrow, but probably heading to Asheville for the weekend to clean and put away decorations.  Hopefully, my back will be feeling well enough by then.  The plan was to do it before we left -- going with the flow and doing the best I can.  Also, fingers crossed we don't get eldest's cold this week.

One more week until 2023 ... can you believe it?!?!?

Stay well and hang on.  Later gators.  

Merry Christmas!

Something sweet ...

Something funny!

Merry Christmas!

Here's a little recap of my Christmas Eve.  

Waiting for the kids to arrive ...

Cozy Christmas vibes

Resting my back after
prepping most of dinner.
My sister wanted proof I
was in short sleeves - hah.

Our neighbor came over to see the picture and deliver delicious homemade Christmas bread.  I had a piece and I could've eaten the loaf -- it was that good.  Last year we had so many neighbors bring cookies and treats -- only the one this year.  I'm going to have SO MANY seed packets leftover.  Oh well.  I'll give them out back in GA.

Kids arrived, lunch and football before the celebration started.

Everything went well and we had a fun day.  My back isn't happy, but I expected it.  One more day of BIG stuff and then I can pace it better with more rest.  Hubby is helping a lot.

It's a tad warmer this morning -- you can feel it in the house.  It's early and I started prepping for today.  Brunch, happy hour and dinner.  That's a lot of meals to feed a group in a tiny kitchen.  I'm happy to have this quiet time to do it.  Taking a minute for coffee, tea and a quick journal.  The more I can do early, the less issue with my back later.

The agenda for today is coffee as peeps wake up (because that's urgent), brunch, presents, games (or movie), happy hour and dinner.  I think that's the schedule of most with grown kids.  The days of EARLY UP and presents is on hold until grandkids.  

Hope you have a peaceful and fun day.  I know lots of folks had to change plans with the weather and I know holidays can be full of hard emotions too.  Thinking of everyone.  Later gators.

Christmas Eve ...

... and all through the house, not a creature was stirring -- except me and Duke.

It's a Christmas Eve for the books.

I haven't seen temps like this in decades.  Hubby has been kind to take care of the dogs outside to save my toes.  They're starting to heal and I hate to set them back again.

UPDATE:  Partially frozen pipes.  Eeek.

Eldest is SICK (not COVID though).  If he doesn't feel drastically better this morning, they aren't coming.  I'm not so much disappointed as I'm bummed at all the preparations.  This took a toll on me and my back and it wasn't necessary.  Hubby, youngest and I could've done with a lot less and been happy.  I don't know if I want him to come or not.  I'll be happy to have them, but that probably means we all get sick.  And I'll miss them (again) if they don't come.

Where did he get sick?  EXACT SAME work event as last year.  WTH?!?  Why does work throw this event the week before Christmas and why does my son go?  He didn't have a complete choice, but he certainly could've worn a mask.  Dang.

UPDATE:  They're coming :) Wish our immune systems luck.  

In other news ... painting is hung and I'm happy.  It's mega full for Christmas, but I'll have fun decorating the mantel once Christmas stuff is down.

Yesterday, I grocery shopped before we drove and I'm glad I did.  Switched up the veggies (i.e no salad) so things travelled better (roasted carrots and a green bean dish)  It was crazy and I bet even more crazy here in the city stores.  Drive was fine.  Unpacked tons and tons of kitchen food and such.  Since I don't have a pantry, I need a lot to host Christmas weekend.  

Hubby and I watched more of Jack Ryan and went to bed.  He snored, my back hurt.  Lousy sleep, but what can I do.  

My intention is to enjoy today -- whatever that brings.  I'll start prepping this morning to give my back some breaks.  I don't think there's anyway around a bad back weekend but there's far worse so I'm plugging along.

Merry Christmas Eve.  Stay warm, stay safe and stay well.  Later gators.

A Cold? And It's COLD!

Eldest called last night -- he's sick.  So far negative for COVID.  He's the one who got COVID last year.  It's like deja vu.  The reason we're doing Christmas in Asheville again this year is for him -- both times it was his suggestion.  He'll test again tonight and we'll make the decision.  He'll come if it's a cold (and I can expect to be sick next week, ugh).  If it wasn't Christmas, I wouldn't even consider him coming.

Now this wind storm -- it's no joke.  I'm worried about losing power in Asheville since utilities are above ground.  So far, it's still on.  But losing power when it's 3 degrees is a problem.

I don't want to postpone our drive until tomorrow because I don't think my back can handle the drive and Christmas Eve.  Once hubby gets up, we'll talk it over.  I'm considering last minute grocery shopping here and driving later in the day.  If the veggies get weird from the transport, so be it.  That'll get the worst of the wind over and we can see if power holds.

Geez.  We are crawling to that finish line -- bruised and battered.  Not sure we're going to make it like we pictured though.  I'm going with the flow -- no other choice.  My back hurts, my stomach hurts (from the meds) and my toes are a mess (only to get worse in this cold).  No room to care about my holiday vision for Christmas.  At this point, I'm focused on next week.  I'm expect tomorrow will feel more festive though.  Another worse case -- hubby drives to Asheville, grabs the stuff and we do Christmas here after everyone feels better.

It was a good run for these last few months hah!  If anything had to be adjusted, Christmas is it.  Everything else was special to this year -- god willing, Christmas comes every year :)  I'm challenging myself to have fun anyway.  I need to focus on FS.  Whenever things get messy, I forget -- bringing her back for this weekend.

I hope your run up to Christmas is going better than ours (although our "problems" aren't really problems).  Stay warm, stay safe, stay well.  Later gators.

Slowly on the Mend

Yesterday was a ball-buster back day.  Spasms, aches.  I took RX anti-inflammatory I had leftover and muscle relaxers at night.  Then REST.  I'm improved this morning.  Only one dose of muscle relaxer overnight and I can move around without much spasm -- pain, but nothing like yesterday.  I have significant list of LITTLE things to get finished, but I'm expecting it to be okay.

My goal is to keep the OTHER injury at bay -- it's still muscular and that's so much easier to handle.  It responds to meds and rest (unlike the ligament and nerve issue).  Plus, it should heal much faster.

I picked a book, but probably won't start it until after Christmas.  Used copy of a young adult classic.  I don't remember having read it which is odd since I read a lot as a child (but not remembering childhood things isn't odd for me so who knows.)  Listened to a podcast and the guest said he was re-reading it and it was even better as an adult.  Sold.  I've also never seen the movie either.

Hubby and I have a BIG list of TV for the long weekend in Asheville -- probably won't get to it all.  Jack Ryan (season 3), Operation Mincemeat and Where's My Jet -- all Netflix.  And the family has a tentative plan to watch Elf on Christmas since I've never seen it and they love it.

We'll see what's what.  Like most of the country, Asheville is going to be COLD on Saturday and Sunday. Probably not doing a Christmas walk -- cold (little dogs) and my back make that iffy.  I'm also having a flare up of chilblains (because I'm falling apart at the seams) which is cause by cold temps (long explanation short) and makes painful sores on the toes.

Oh, and Monti's eye cyst looks like it's getting infected.  Luckily the vet gave me antibiotic cream in case it happened.  Hopefully, he won't need a holiday emergency vet.  I won't sit on eye problems.

Dang, we are all CRAWLING the the finish line this year.  Can we make it?!?!?  BTW, I consider Christmas the end.  We don't do anything for NYE.  Football and frozen leftovers from Christmas and clean up decorations.  Come on ... a few more days.  I've been running the gauntlet since September and have made it through with flying colors and a lot of fun.  This is the last stop on the 2022 train for me.  

Hope you are staying safe, warm and well.  Later gators.

Eeek, No Good

My back is OUT, but it's only muscular (so far, knock wood).  I took muscle relaxers overnight but I'm still upright and sort of functioning for today. 

It's nothing like the pain from the other injury so I'm grateful for that small favor.  Changing positions is the prickly part.  Trying to balance moving around with rest -- not sure where the line is though.  I get stiff in one position but I get spasms if I move around too much.

Hair appointment went well enough but I skipped grocery shopping.  Came home and made curry carrot soup since I had the ingredients on hand.  Then rested the rest of the day.

I'm going to try to grocery shop this morning and make crab cakes this afternoon.  All depends on my back.  Thank the lord above I'm as prepped as I am already.  Everything else can be pre-made if I can't stand.

I finished this book.  I liked it -- interesting story.  New pick this week.

Hope your week is upright :)  Stay well.  Later gators.

Monday Before ...

I'm home and recovered to start the final Christmas rush.  But, I want to remember to slow down and enjoy it.  The food doesn't need to be perfect -- nothing does.  Family time, fun weekend, tradition, connection.  It'll be good enough and I can ENJOY this week too. 

That's the intention this week.  Remember to have fun.  Nothing is as important as my to-do list seems.

This came to mind because I texted my Asheville neighbor to say hello and that we'd be back for Christmas.  She immediately responded with invites and she "has a gift" for us.  My head went instantly into overwhelm.  But there was no need -- I can happily make time and enjoy seeing a friend.  

On the drive home, I listened to a few interesting podcasts.  It has me excited for 2023 planning and maybe I'll change up some things too.  This is an early January project though.  I have preliminary thoughts and a big old list, but I want quiet space to finalize it.

I got home before noon yesterday and did a few house chores, painted rocks and started the seed gift bags.

Today is full of to-do's (all week is full) -- not going to sugar coat it.  Hair appointment, organizing grocery lists and grocery store run.  If my back is okay, I'll start in the kitchen a little too.

UPDATE:  Just took care of the dogs and my back spasmed when I bent down.  No workout today.  Pretty please don't let this be the start of another injury.  It's hurting.  I might need to modify the entire day.  (Universe slowing me down??)

I'm going to go rest my back in a recumbent position.  Not how I planned to start today.  Later gators.

Walking in Asheville

{*singing that song*}     

Walking in Asheville.  But do I really feel the way I feel?  

When I solo walk in Ashville, I play of game of "noticing" things and take a picture to remember. Here's what I found on the walk yesterday.  

Spot for a Santa rock

Added Christmas shells on the left
to this sweet Christmas display
way up the mountain.

Scrooge shell spot

BEARS!  A few sleeping on the ground
and this guy eating from the trees.

Hidden gnome.
I've walked this path many times
and this was the first time I saw him.
He looks like he's been outside a hot minute.

Someone with a sense of humor.
Big views from their yard.

New sign by our house.  YES (!!)

I hung this pretty from my trip to Beaufort, SC a few weeks ago.  On the path from our backdoor to the patio.  It was chiming and moving in the breeze.

I'm happy with the "Christmas spirit" in the den.  I added a few things to the tree and stockings are stuffed ... so stuffed, some stocking gifts need to sit on the mantle.  New painting will look SO GOOD - can't wait to hang it.

Little felt lights

Overflowing -- stockings are my favorite
gift time on Christmas

Then off to a massage.  It was good, but not the best.  After the flip, she talked a lot and then choked on her talking, had to leave the room to collect herself.  Not horrible, but my VERY RELAXED state was no more and the massage time was a bit short.  Oh well.  Every time can't be the best.  I did get some unusual local teas -- lavender and snow day.  Both were good and I took a tea bag of each home.  

I stopped and got takeout and then a quick visit to Time in the Garden -- because, why not?!?  Got a couple of felt mini ornaments and these goodies ...

New cloth napkins

Pump top for a mason jar.
Little message cards.

New plant in a rustic pot.
Of course.

My back isn't happy after the mountain walk yesterday so no workout this morning -- although I feel a lot better after the massage.  I have a few gifts to wrap, a quick clean up and I'm heading home.  Final push this week ahead of Christmas.  Ready or not ...

One more week.  Stay well, stay sane, remember to have fun.  Later gators.

Asheville's Magic

Lately, Asheville has been a calming, centering place for me.  I'm glad to have this weekend.

Easy drive yesterday, unpacked a VERY full car, tiny bit of organization and hit the town.

Vegan dinner (or late lunch) take out before they closed for the day -- just made it in time.  Stopped and picked up the framed painting.  Driving home, I passed a new garden store -- plants, vintage garden items.  It's about a 5 minute walk from my house. Turns out the store was in business for a decade, closed during the pandemic and is back in business again.  I'll be a regular -- especially because I can walk (although carrying purchases home up a hill could be tough).

We're hanging it next week.

Rocking chair when we have
extra guests.  Hubby is going
to hate it because "it's in the way!"

I found these at the garden store.  When the store closed for the pandemic, a local retired man walked the property everyday.  He collected twigs on the ground, took them home, trimmed, painted and now sells them.  Love all things about this.  I got 2 cuties.

Also, a baby Christmas cactus.
I think she needs some TLC,
but it was less than $10.

I watched While You Were Sleeping -- it was okay.  I've never heard of it and then, bam, so many people talking about it.  It was what you'd expect from a 90's rom-com. 

I woke up early because I had a lot of GOOD sleep -- over an hour of deep sleep.  That seems to be a pattern -- crappy sleep leading up to my period and then a few days of really good sleep.  Can't complain.  Especially since the massage today is SO relaxing I fight falling asleep every time I get one.  Who wants to sleep and miss the massage AND sometimes it's that strange twilight where I can start talking about nonsense things (almost dreaming).  That's embarrassing lol.

What else?  A morning walk with some Christmas rocks.  It'll be COLD -- below freezing.  I haven't been out in that kind of cold for a long time.  After the massage, I'll drive downtown to grab takeout at another vegan restaurant.  I planned a stop at the other plant store, but I'm on the fence after my purchases yesterday.  I really don't need MORE plants and I know I'll find something.

Home late afternoon, pjs and a decent amount of Christmas prep.  Not a bad day.  Happy Saturday and stay well.  Later gators.

What a Day

Yesterday was a FEELINGS day.  Even though my grumpy mood was rapidly leaving, I was emotional all day.  

Cried the whole coaching session about my mother situation.  Guess I'm still dealing with something I thought I had put behind me a few years ago.  Crying leaves me exhausted.  It's the worst hangover like feeling.  I had to take Advil and early to bed.  Long, good sleep -- so many dreams and I feel more refreshed this morning.  I still have some things to work on, but that's for another day.

Switching gears and intention for this weekend in Asheville.  I'm expecting these couple of days are just what I need to regroup myself (not just for the holidays, but in general).  I mentally planning them on the drive up.

What I know ...

Massage

While You Were Sleeping (Holiday movie)

Vegan eating (take out)

Picking up the painting from the framer

Visit to the plant store

Walk to leave the Christmas rocks (and shells)

And, of course, the reason I'm going -- organize and inventory for Christmas weekend.  My car is PACKED for this trip.

My intention is to slow down, enjoy the process and expect to be delighted each day.  I tend to forget to do this and when I remember it's always a good thing.  Oh, and FUTURE SELF is coming for the weekend.  Filtering my decisions through the question WWFSD?  

This next week (Asheville solo and Asheville for Christmas) rounds out the adventure last quarter of the year.  I've had great trips, experiences and feel like I've shown up like I planned.  Last one ... best one.  

Later gators.

Thursday Things

Hello, monthly.  It came yesterday with a bang.  Longer cycles = big starts.  But, I'm happy this gives me a few days before the massage and also should less problematic for the drive to Asheville tomorrow.  And my mood is smoothing out nicely.

Dogs are getting groomed this morning.  I set up a coaching call right after so I'll sit in a parking lot to take the call.  As long as it's not the same coach from last time, I'm going to get coached about my mother.  If it's the same coach -- I'll change the subject.  Why?  Based on how she coached me with my gf situation, she's not going to understand the dynamic with my mother relationship.  My mother is mentally ill and solutions aren't the norm.  I find out the coach 30 minutes before with a reminder email.

Afternoon is packing up the car -- I have so much stuff to bring.  I'm looking forward to the trip to get organized and some quiet time before the last rush of the holidays.  I'm going to set up a "me plan" for the two nights.  I like planning solo Asheville trips -- gives me the most enjoyment.  Weather is cold, but dry.  Feels like Christmas.

My girlfriend sent me a little Christmas gift -- festive wine stoppers.  She always has the cutest gift bags.

I watched Lady Chatterley's Lover (Netflix) last night.  It was okay.  For such a "sexy" story, it was a little boring, but it was entertaining enough to see it through.

Hope your week is going well.  Days are flying now.  Stay well.  Later gators.

Ticking Along with Holiday Prep

Yesterday was a good day -- even with my mood and such.

I painted a couple of winter rocks.  The color bled a little on the one and the other is hard to see once it was sprayed.  But, as usual, they are good enough.

Christmas cactus is still showing off ... it's fun to have one.

Here's my new book pick.  Bookclub selection from Reece's bookclub.  I've read Hamnet (it's actually Jen Hatmaker's book selection this month) and didn't know it was the same author.  BTW, I stopped JH bookclub boxes.  I'll buy the book myself -- too often I've read the book already and it feels like a waste.

Wore an outfit from EverEve.  Jeans, top and sneakers.  Jeans are a little mom-like, but I guess I'm a little mom-like so going with it.

Lunch was nice with my youngest.  Got my 11s injected.  Went to Trader Joe's and came home and made cocktail meatballs for Christmas happy hour.  One more thing off the list.

Today is another rain day.  I have only 2 things on my list -- Peloton ride and Costco run.  Keeping a chill day today because my energy is problematic.  Where is my dang period already?!?!  

I also need to make the next holiday prep list for the upcoming days.  Now that baking is finished, let the cooking prep begin.

Have a good one and stay well.  Later gators.

I Give Myself a 'B'

Cookie day done and dusted.  

Cookies this year are ...

(1)  7 day chocolate chip 

(2)  Coconut oatmeal with pecans

(3)  Sour cream softies

(4)  Biscotti with cranberry and pecans

(5)  Sour cream pound cake (honorary cookie since I sliced it)

Everything but the 7 day chocolate chip are GF.  I made a plate for my son's girlfriend that I'll give her today.

How did I do?  B, maybe a B+.  Ate ZERO cookie dough.  BUT, ate some pound cake (to test because it seemed a little underdone -- it is).  Then I tested the oatmeal cookies for the same reason.  A tiny bit more testing than I needed, but I stopped.  Left the rest alone.  

After I made all the cookie dough, Duke and I headed to the park to run.  Turns out yesterday was a nice day and we took advantage.  I baked all afternoon.  Watched Sister Wives and the finale of White Lotus.  Went to bed and finished Layla (Coleen Hoover) -- not the story I expected AT ALL, but it was fun.

New book pick today.

Meeting my son for an early lunch to catch up and give him the cookies.  Then an appointment to knock out the 11s again.  

I'm trying to rally and feel better.  Oura ring says I'll get my period in 5 days (just in time for massage in Asheville).  This is a long cycle again.  My recovery stats are TANKED and I feel it.  I'm annoyed that woman need to go through this -- why, universe?!?!  Maybe it'll be smoothed over for Christmas.  I need to be super careful with how I'm eating -- it's the biggest help (or hinderance).  

Hope you are having a good week.  Stay well out there.  Later gators.

Hello, Monday My Old Friend

I've said before, Mondays are a totally different animal when you are retired.  Today's Monday is a good Monday -- totally clear calendar.  Homebody today and I'm here for it.

What's on the agenda?  Finish most of the cookie baking (at least 2 of the 3).  This does NOT mean eat all the cookie dough.  In fact, it means eat NONE of the cookie dough (because that's a slippery slope).  Can it be done?  Can it be done while I'm in full PMS?  Stay tuned.  Oh, and no cookies either.  Danger zone because the cookies are GF.

Kids came over for the Steelers game and brought cookies.  Gluten cookies and they said "try just one."  Dang.  I did and one became 5 (big cookies).  Not good -- especially with this fever blister.

I need to reign in the sweets again.  How did I get off track?  Probably PMS cravings.  They are tough and this has been a long stretch of craving sweets.  No excuse.  It's not like someone is shoving it down my throat.  And still quite a bit of that other stress still lingering.  Also, no excuse.  {*deep sigh*}

This makes me wonder ... should I make these cookies GF?  Do I need to eat cookies over Christmas?  I'd like to have some, but in control.  Hmmmmm.  Need to think on this a bit.  But I am planning to send a box to my son's girlfriend who is GF.  I need to ask Santa for some control.

The Christmas concert on Saturday was well performed, but it was religious music, not Christmas carols.  That was disappointing -- only one song I recognized.  But it was fun to see my aunt and be there to support her.  She gave me a few goodies including some depression glasses.

Hard to see that the glass is pink.

Getting ready before the game.

During the game.

Cuddle brothers.

Have a good start to the week.  We are STILL in a gloomy rain and fog pattern for the week.  Maybe this means nice weather for Christmas.  Stay well.  Later gators.

Here's a List

Thought I'd do a list this morning with some random updates -- as usual, no particular order.

(1) 90 minute car appointment was 3 hours, but it's finished.  Sat in a nice waiting room as isolated as I could. wearing a mask.  Boring, but ...

(2) ... I finished this book.  It's fast and gets you hooked minute one.  You have no idea what's going to happen and she nailed the ending.  One of the best suspense books I've read in a long time.

(3)  Started this -- so far it reminds me of You (Netflix).  

(4)  Christmas cactus is starting a show.  

(5)  Picked up a rocking chair from the same seller who sold me the vintage lamp.  $30.  Taking it to Asheville.  I like the lines and I wanted an extra chair when we have a full crew.  It'll probably hang out in a bedroom when we aren't using it.  I couldn't pass on $30.

(6)  Taking Monti to the vet.  He is still coughing, but it's not bad.  I don't want to cancel a second appointment though.  Maybe it's just allergies, but he has such a big history of respiratory infections I think I should have him checked out.

(7)  My aunt's Christmas concert tonight.  Wearing a mask for sure!  But I'm excited for the concert and happy to support her.  This is my last "thing" before Christmas so I stay healthy.

(8)  The girlfriend I took for a birthday massage and lunch has COVID.  I dodged that bullet by a hair.  Hope I dodge tonight too.

(9)  Still waiting on my monthly.  Still have a fever blister.  Using the icing technique to keep it in check.  Not sure if it works, but it's no bigger this morning.  It's still tingling so it's not finished growing yet.  Sorry for the TMI.  These things are gross (!!)

(10) Ended the afternoon with a long phone chat with a good friend.  Nice way to finish my day.

Hope you are having a good weekend.  We have a little break from pouring rain today, but it's back again tomorrow.  No sun in the forecast as far as the eye can see.  Dang.  Stay well.  Later gators.