Grandparenting III

Those pictures look so cold! I'm glad you didn't have to drive far in those conditions. I'm also glad your jury duty is behind you for awhile. You were smart to stay and fulfill your obligation that day so you don't have to worry about it anymore.

This has been a lazy week for me. I just can not get motivated to do much. Since I'm kind of lazing around anyway I decided to try to catch up on all the reading that I have neglected for the last three months. I am almost finished reading all of my old magazines and I have one book that I've been trying to read for two months now. Hopefully I can do that tomorrow. It's a coffee table style book so there isn't a massive amount of reading to be done. Once I finish reading everything maybe I can allow myself to get involved in cleaning out some closets and some paperwork that needs to be organized. I've been attempting to do that since last Fall and I just keep putting it off. Now is the time I think!

Sharon

The Christmas decorations are now put away.

I used the day of my jury duty to pack them all in their boxes. Yesterday hubby put the boxes back in storage and started to put the before Christmas things back out. He hit a snag though when it came to all my little what-nots. There are a lot of them. LOL!

Speaking of jury duty. What a day, weather-wise. It was freezing here that morning, pouring rain. The place I had to go to is in the County seat, two towns from here.

So, I got up and left early. The judge breifed us all (about 70 people) on what to expect. Then he told us he was going to recess us for about an hour while he talked to the attorneys and anyone who wanted to be exempt from jury duty.

That was what I was planning on doing, until he told us that those who were exempted would still be on the "on call" list for the duration of our two month obligation. I weighed the pros and cons and decided to take my chances on not being selected.

When we all were called back in to the courtroom they called out forty people and set them in the first three rows. I wasn't one of the forty...whew! We were dismissed and told that our two month "on call" obligation was met.

I donated the six dollars they gave us for jury duty to the Child Advocacy center. What was I going to do with six dollars, it didn't even pay my gas to get there.

Then I walked out the front door to greet an ice storm. The first thing I saw was a shrub right by the door covered with ice. I looked up and saw all the trees were ice-covered. I thought, oh no, I have to drive all the way back home in this.

But, just as soon as I left the town, the ice ended and it was just rain the rest of the way home. Whew!

It's still in the 30's this morning. Glad I don't have to work today. LOL!

I got my tree and decorations down Sunday night. The world sure looks a little drabber without them. Kind of like life without Christ.

Oh, Sha, forgot to tell you that the Christmas tree and decorations are still up in the livingroom. There are empty boxes sitting everywhere. I think they have been in there for about three days now. Just haven't had time to do anything about putting all the Christmas stuff in the boxes.

So, I may have got an early start on Christmas, but I'm slow going on the new year. LOL!

Good morning. Catching up a little before I head out to work.

I have jury duty tomorrow, Picc. I had to cancle my Orthopedics appointment because of it. I called the clerks office to tell them about my knee surgery and my appointment and she said I would have to come in the morning of jury duty to tell the judge. I told her that kind of defeats the purpose of me calling, because I would miss my appointment.

So, I rescheduled my appointment for next week.

What a nice man to give you a gift. The head photo tech is always getting things from customers, but none of the rest of us do. The thing too, is she takes their orders, but we are usually the ones that has to print them. LOL!

She did offer to share a jar of home grown honey with me once.... < G >

Sha, sorry you didn't have a good visit with Cash. It's so hard when the little ones are sick. Their fevers get high so quick. Hope the next visit goes better for the two of you.

I would like to know more about the movie "Seven Pounds". I haven't seen much advertised about it, so I am not sure what it's about. I like Will Smith in everything I have seen him in though.

Well, gotta go finish getting ready for work. Have a good day all.

I love reading your stories and hearing what is going on in your life. Even when things are dark for you you still find something positive to talk about. What a great trait to have! I'm glad your gentleman customer/friend realised what a neat person you are too. Sometimes the unexpected gifts are the best ones that we receive.

I had my two grandsons overnite on New Year's Eve. It was the first time that baby Cash had been away from his mommy overnight. Unfortunately he got sick so it wasn't as much fun as I had hoped it would be. I certainly got a lot of experience changing diapers while he was here. He was running a temperature of about 102 and there was nothing I could do to make him happy. At least he slept for about five hours straight that night so I only had to get up with him once. I never was too good at doing that. My kids learned to sleep until 7 or 7:30 in the morning at a very early age. I'm not sure if they were really sleeping or if they just didn't want that grumpy lady coming in to get them when she had to get up before she was ready to. :-)

On Sunday I get to go with my soon to be daughter-in-law to watch her try on wedding dresses. She has found one she thinks she likes and wants a second opinion on it. I feel privileged that she wants me to go with her. My other daughter-in-law had me go with her to look for dresses when she got married too. I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to do this since I never had daughters of my own to do it with.

I still don't have my Christmas decorations down yet so I guess that will be my project when I get home from dress shopping. I was going to take them down today but we ended up going to a movie instead. We saw the Will Smith movie, "Seven Pounds". It is one of those movies that have you talking about it hours after you see it. Once you know the ending you start thinking back about things that happened earlier in the movie. It was very interesting.

Hope everyone has something pleasurable to do today. Enjoy the day!

A few days late but I hope you all know I am wishing the very best for you all in this coming year. I am rather excited about it being a New Year, cause to be honest, I was getting tired of the old one. LOL

I got a belated Chirtmas gift yesterday from a fella, almost said a customer, but then the reason he said he "bought" me a gift, was cause I seemed a little down, the night I told him to have a hot chocolate on the house, when he didn't seem to have the money for one. Last time he was in, I offered him another hot chocolate, but he said he couldn't, cause he has diabetes, and couldn't afford his medicine right now. He seems to be a hard one to figure out. Not sure if he is homeless or just on hard times, or perhaps drugs whatever. Just know he is always nice to me, he is polite, clean and good looking to boot. Anyways I love my rose scented hand cream, but haven't tried the matching shower gel yet. It just lifted my spirits, cause no matter his circumstances, he did a kind thing.

You know if nothing else, I think I needed this job awhile to teach me some important life lessons. I give out no personal info to anyone, not even anyone bearing gifts, if ya get my drift, but the next time he comes in I will have him a thankyou card wishing him a Happy New Year. God Bless Him. I feel bad I don't even know his name, but he knows my first one, cause I wear a name tag.

No black eyed peas for me, no pork and sauerkraut, for New Year's Day. All the goodies that are supposed to bring ya good luck and that I made faithfully each New Year's Day. Hubby being from from Georgia said ya were supposed to get a dollar that year, for every black eyed pea, you ate on New Year's Day. That "Old Wives" tale was started way back when a dollar, would stretch a lot further. LOL No way could I eat that many "peas" to make me prosperous.

Jeanette, that is a good thing you have that tradition of the "New year's Gift" tradition, but that sure wouldn't work in my family. I'd be calling everyone at 12:01 am and just saying when they answered, "New Year's Gift". LOL It would be like a game, and my family is very competitiive at games.

We had a fine New Year's Eve here, after daughter and I got off work. Her and her hubby watched the ball drop, I played scrabble on the computer. Then my daughter went outside and lit a few fire crackers. She is a firecracker! LOL

So all is well here, just wading in the shallow waters till my ship comes this year!

I got called for jury duty the end of this month, and I am keeping my fingers crossed it's a darn big trial and I get sequestered and put up in a fine hotel room. LOL Just joking, cause my poor Scooby would probably be so lonely without me, plus the Texaco station, wouldn't know what to do without me, for their busiest nights.

Take Care All, (((Hugs))) picc

Here it is already the second day of the new year. Gee, how time flies. LOL!

I rang it in quietly. Worked on the Christmas photo album and at five seconds before midnight I changed the tv channel to hear Dick Clark countdown to 2009.

I did have my black-eyed peas yesterday for New Year luck. BabyBoy called and while we talked he slipped in a family tradition on me In my family when you talk to someone on New Years Day the first one to say "New Years gift" get a present from the other one.

Yep, we were talking about this and that and then all of a sudden he said it. Dang, I get caught everytime. < G >....

Maybe I can regift him something I got for Christmas. LOL!

Picc, I sent you an email and it came back as undeliverable. If you want, you can send me the correct address.

Sorry to hear you are having problems with your back on top of everything else, Betty. Have you been to the doctor?

I will be watching the New Year arrive quietly too. Don't know which program I will watch, but I usually tune in to Times Square just before midnight so I can watch the ball drop.

For those of you who will be out there partying, have fun and stay safe.

I'm sorry you have to go through all of these holidays Picc. I know it must be hard. Seems like holidays is when I miss my relatives the most. We all use to get together then. I pray you have a peaceful and happy New Year. I also hope everyone has a good one.

I am still having a lot of trouble walking. I still have to use my walker or my cane. My back hurts if I walk very far.

I will be thinking of you all tonight as I watch the New Year arrive. I pray everyone has a good year next year.

Good morning.

You were on your second day off and I'm beginning my first. Yesterday was a very busy day in photo. So busy, I didn't get a break, didn't get lunch. Lots of people coming in to do their Christmas photos.

I asked for help three times, but was ignored, except for once. The rest of the day I was on my on.

My legs felt like lead by the time I got off and they still are tired this morning. Maybe I should have taken hubby up on that second massage today.

They didn't put any mittens on my during my massage, Sha. But I was under a comfy blanket the whole time and the table was heated, so I felt snug as a bug in a rug.

Sorry to hear about your bil, Picc. I know it was a shock to you and the family.

Emily sounds so grown up. I am trying to compare her to Catie and our conversations. LOL!

I like movies, but don't like to go alone, which if I want to see a new movie I usually have to go by myself. You know that "Marley and Me" is based on a true story. The real owner of Marly was on, I think it was David Letterman a few weeks ago. He said that they got to go to the set when it was being filmed and that the story is very true to their life with Marly.

No big plans for New Years here. I am off New Years Eve, but hubby works, so I guess I will be bringing in the night by myself.

Hubby has had a football week. He's from Philly and we live in Texas, and I guess everyone knows how the Eagles stomped the Cowboys. Not that we weren't going for the Eagles, but his Philly relatives all had to phone to let him know how bad the Cowboys played. LOL!

I don't know what we have planned for today, other than buying groceries. I do want to go in to Walgreens and pick up the photos I printed from our "Christmases". Today the employees get a 25 per cent discount on all purchases.

I still need to work it out with work about me having jury duty next week. I also have to phone and cancel my Orthopedics appointment. It's on the same day as the jury duty.

Haven't talked to the grands since Christmas. I may try and get Catie tomorrow.

Well, I am still in my jammies, so I better go get this day started.

Well here I am on the second day of two days off and still don't have much accomplished. So glad to hear the Holidays were good for you all.

I got to talk to my Emily Schlemily last night via instant messenger, and it just seems strange to be having a conversation with a mature teeneager, instead of my baby grand girl. LOL Betty like you said about your girls, they are getting so grown up.

Emily and I talked about a lot of memories we have, and she would laugh and say yep I remember that. A lot of them included her California Grandma who passed. The grands seemed to have a wonderful Christmas out there in CA, and I am so thankful fior that. It was hard not to be able send Christmas like I normally did every year, but they all seemed to understand. Emily told me Christmas isn't about gifts, it's just about Love in the family. Now that's a wise young gal, and I am so proud of her.

Jeanette so glad you got your massage and enjoyed it. That is one thing I wouldn't wish for in a million years. I am a weird bird, just don't like my back rubbed, and gosh forbid anyone ever touch my feet. Now hubby loved his back massaged, and his feet too, but not me.

Sha the gift cards to the movie theatre was defintely a great present. I don't like the theatres myself, with my sensitive ears, the volume is too loud for me. I have always said it was such a shame for me to have such excellent hearing, when Emily is hearing impaired. I too want to see the "Marley and Me" movie, but gosh I can sure understand about it not being too pleasant to watch what with the loss of your son's "pal".

My sister's one dog, "Odie", is in need of being put down soon. She is a small sized black lab, but she is getting so old. They help her all they can, but eventually when her tail quits a wagging, they are going to have to make that choice. Odie always sat beside me at any family function, for the goodies I would feed her. She loves cheese and sweets too.

I don;'t care what anyone says, the pets we bring into our lives, become members of our family, and it is hard to lose any family member.

Got word yesterday my one brother-in-law Georgia passed. He had a stroke the other day, and was expected to spend at least a month in rehabilitation to get his left side to working some. Jim's one son had let us know about his stroke. Then when I got home yesterday Katie immediately handed me the phone, and it was Jim's oldest son in Georgia asking me if heard about Jim's brother. I said yes we heard, then he started to say how hard MamMaw, Jim's Mom was taking it. I said Whoa...then realized something was amiss. I only knew he had a strike.

So hubby's brother passed yesterday, as while they were doing some kind of treatment he had another fatal stroke. Sigh!

I just keep thinking of MamMaw and hard it is lose two boys in one year. They were alwys boys in her eyes. God Bless her and make it easier on her, but I doubt it can made easier.

After I composed myself, after the call, I told Katie, well at least your Dad has someone to argue with now! We both chuckled a bit through the tears. Whereas hubby would talk to a tree in the forrest all alone, his brother Bill would argue with the tree. LOL

He loved to argue...he had his phone service shut off, simply cause the county imposed a 911 surcharge, and he didn't think he should have to pay that. That's why he laid there for 36 hours after his initial stroke till his one son, finally came round to check on him. When he didn't go round to stop in at MamMaws they got worried. Sigh! The man had money but it was the principle of the matter. Well like I said hubby has someone to argue with now!

Just one more Holiday to get through. New Year's. I remember it just like yesterday, New Year's Eve Day we went to hubby's doctor, as he called us in, and that's when we found out he had a tumor in his lung.

I remember we both cried that night, but I wasn't that worried, as I had no idea exactly what a tumor that size meant.

Now not to worry I am not getting depressed, just working through it all, and it helps to put it in black and white if ya know what I mean.

This has been a rough year for sure, but I have high hopes for 2009. I have to. I have never been one to set resolutions for the new year, but this year I have too. I want to be healthy wealthy and wise this coming year! OK let's be realistic, I want to be healthy and wealthy! LOL

Happy New Year's All...I work New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day too. I am grateful these "old" tootsers will allow me to do that. My feet work fine with Ibuphrophen, sent my daughter to the store the other day, she brings me back Excedrin back and body pain killers. She told me my feet are part of my body. My back feels fine, but my feet still hurt. LOL

Sounds like everyone had a great Christmas. We had a great one too. The girls are getting so grown up and it is fun just to listen to them or talk to them. Kayleigh is still a little pain. She wasn't able to touch their younger cat as she had put him in a suit case and zipped it up. He peaed in it. Geuss he was scared in there.

Sha,I'm glad your Christmas was good. We saw "Marley and me" too. It was so cute.

Picc,I'm glad you got to go home to see your family. At least it helped the time pass faster. No way could Christmas could it have been easy for you.

Your spa treatment really does sound heavenly. Did they put your hands in warm mittens while they were working on you? I've had some massages where they did and others where they didn't. It feels so comfy and cozy when they do. I'm glad you enjoyed your first spa experience.

We made it through Christmas just fine and even managed to do a little after Christmas shopping today. We only had a couple of presents to exchange this year so running around taking things back wasn't so bad.

Probably the best gift we got was gift cards to the movie theatre. So far we have seen "Yes Man" with Jim Carrey and "Marley and Me" with Jennifer Aniston . Although "Marley and Me" was good it was a little too close to home for us as our son just had to have his dog put down a couple of weeks ago and we are all still mourning the loss of a great friend and companion. The fact that the couple in the movie were the same age as our son and his wife and that they were journalists like my daughter-in-law (who resembles Jennifer Aniston by the way) was just a little too painful. We weren't expecting much from the Jim Carrey movie but we ended up really enjoying it. He wasn't over the top as he is in some of his movies and there was actually a good story involved with the movie.

I have made a list of thirteen movies that I want to see so we will have to see how our gift cards hold out. I don't know why they have to have all the good movies come out at one time. It would be nice if they spread them out a little throughout the year. It is so pricey to go to the theatre that we normally just wait for them to come out on DVD and then get them through Netflix. It's not quite the same as sitting in a big theatre though.

I hope everyone has had a chance to rest up from the holidays. Does anybody have any big plans for New Years Eve this year? I would imagine we will go to the movies and then be back home to usher in the New Year. It's been a long time since we've been to a big celebration on New Year's Eve. I'll leave that to the young people who still like to party. :-)

The Spa treatment was heavenly. I talked a little too much, heck, way too much, but the Masseuse was really nice and friendly. I probably would have gotten more out of the massage if I had kept my mouth shut, but I did come away relaxed. I especially like the foot massage part. If someone would massage my feet I would be their friend for life. LOL!

And, there are Angels among us. When I was ready to pay for the treatment they told me they took credit cards only. Well, hubby had given me cash to pay for the treatment. I could have put it on my credit card, but that just didn't seem right. There was a lady standing next to me and she must have seen the look on my face because she spoke up and said "Can I put it on my Membership?" The girl told her sure. The lady said it kind of defeated the purpose of the gift if I had to pay for it myself. So, I gave the lady the cash and she had them charge it to her Membership account.

Hubby wants me to go back one more time before the special expires, but there is only one day that I could work it in my work schedule and I don't think I would like to have a massage and then have to go to work afterwards. It should be the other way around.

Maybe I will go back another time. It sure was pretty there, with outdoor ponds and waterfalls and inside was a pool, very pretty, and a hot tub. There was also a gym, a sauna and a steam room, which I was told I could use them all when ever I came in.

So back to work today and the "real" world. Have a wondeful day all.

Good morning.

Sounds like you did have a wonderful time at in PA, Picc. Did you get your red eggs?

Sounds like Katie and her hubby worked hard to get the surprise all ready for you. Like you said, those are the best kind of gifts.

Work was hard at Walgreens too yesterday. I was on the front register from noon till closing at six. There were still people trying to get in after we locked the doors.

The line was unbelievable at the register. We had a few grumpy customers because they thought everything would be on sale, but most of them were just gald we were open. Not even WhataBurger, across the street was open yesterday, and they never close.

We had one mishap. The lines were long for the register and one big guy was holding up the line, because he didn't bring enough money in the store and he sent his lady friend to the car to get the rest. She took her time coming back and about five guys back in the line the guy there was complaining about having to wait. The big guy heard him and they got in to a argument, which he told the other one to meet him in the parking lot.

I didn't think it would happen, but sure enough, when the smaller guy got out there, the bigger guy was waiting with a baseball bat. Someone called the police, who came in droves. There were several police cars and it was defused quickly.

I had a nice Christmas. Hubby bought new a snowflake necklace. I love snowflakes. Jeremy said you can only wear it in the winter, but this is one snowflake that will be around my neck year round.

Getting ready to go to my massage. Will let you all know later how I liked it.

Picc, don't take it too hard that you only got a $10.00 gift card. We didn't get anything at Walgreens, I think the first Christmas I was there, under a different manager, we were given a gift card too.

I'll get back later and post more on the Christmas of 2008.

Good morning.

Sounds like you did have a wonderful time at in PA, Picc. Did you get your red eggs?

Sounds like Katie and her hubby worked hard to get the surprise all ready for you. Like you said, those are the best kind of gifts.

Work was hard at Walgreens too yesterday. I was on the front register from noon till closing at six. There were still people trying to get in after we locked the doors.

The line was unbelievable at the register. We had a few grumpy customers because they thought everything would be on sale, but most of them were just gald we were open. Not even WhataBurger, across the street was open yesterday, and they never close.

We had one mishap. The lines were long for the register and one big guy was holding up the line, because he didn't bring enough money in the store and he sent his lady friend to the car to get the rest. She took her time coming back and about five guys back in the line the guy there was complaining about having to wait. The big guy heard him and they got in to a argument, which he told the other one to meet him in the parking lot.

I didn't think it would happen, but sure enough, when the smaller guy got out there, the bigger guy was waiting with a baseball bat. Someone called the police, who came in droves. There were several police cars and it was defused quickly.

I had a nice Christmas. Hubby bought new a snowflake necklace. I love snowflakes. Jeremy said you can only were it in the winter, but this is one snowflake that will be around my neck year round.

Getting ready to go to my massage. Will let you all know later how I liked it.

Picc, don't take it too hard that you only got a $10.00 gift card. We didn't get anything at Walgreens, I think the first Christmas I was there, under a different manager, we were given a gift card too.

I'll get back later and post more on the Christmas of 2008.

Just to impatient with dial-up HICCUP! LOL

Returned safely from PA, early this morning....was very hard to leave the family for the "funnest" day of the year, but they all tried their best to make it easier for me.

Had a hellacious four hours plus shift at work, to come home to a surprise from daughter and her hubby. They not only cleaned my computer room for me, and I mean even the carpet too,, my son-in-law built me a beautiful shelf, put it up, and they had my framed pictures all up there for me. The best gifts do come from those with the heart and muscle. I of course cried.

Didn't take much emotion for me to cry though, cause work did me in today. All the card readers at all ten pumps were down today, meaning no one one could just pull up outside, insert their card, get their gas, pump and go. Everyone had to come in inside. What a mess! Let's just say I got slammed. My days at the Texaco are very numbered. Like maybe two weeks. Especially after my Christnas Bonus today from the owner of the station. A $10 gift card. I never look a gift horse in the mouth, but dang this old mule is getting ready to kick something, LOL

Well Merry Christmas Everyone! The best gifts I got were ones from the heart, and those were ones I especially needed. I only want those kind of gifts for the rest of my life.

(((Hugs))) picc

Returned safely from PA, early this morning....was very hard to leave the family for the "funnest" day of the year, but they all tried their best to make it easier for me.

Had a hellacious four hours plus shift at work, to come home to a surprise from daughter and her hubby. They not only cleaned my computer room for me, and I mean even the carpet too,, my son-in-law built me a beautiful shelf, put it up, and they had my framed pictures all up there for me. The best gifts do come from those with the heart and muscle. I of course cried.

Didn't take much emotion for me to cry though, cause work did me in today. All the card readers at all ten pumps were down today, meaning no one one could just pull up outside, insert their card, get their gas, pump and go. Everyone had to come in inside. What a mess! Let's just say I got slammed. My days at the Texaco are very numbered. Like maybe two weeks. Especially after my Christnas Bonus today from the owner of the station. A $10 gift card. I never look a gift horse in the mouth, but dang this old mule is getting ready to kick something, LOL

Well Merry Christmas Everyone! The best gifts I got were ones from the heart, and those were ones I especially needed. I only want those kind of gifts for the rest of my life.

(((Hugs))) picc

May your day be filled with good food, family an friends.

Good Christmas Eve morning.

Hope all of you who will be traveling have a safe and wonderful Christmas.

We did go to Jeremy's yesterday to open gifts. Meagan, Catie and Chris were there, so we opened gifts with them.

Meagan is looking good. She is still in a wheelchair and will be for about three more weeks before she starts physical therapy. She was excited to show me her knee, which is now back where the knee cap should be.

Catie was thrilled with all the "Twilight" gifts she got from us and BabyBoy. Momma rolled her eyes at me when she saw all the posters and teen stuff. LOL!

We gave Meagan Texas Tech ( the school she is planning on going to) floor mats for her car. She can't wait to drive again.

BabyBoy got an IPod from Jeremy and Chris. That really surprised him. His dad asked him about the 1,000 songs it holds and everyone told him that it wouldn't take long to fill it with music < G >....

Brandi and Jeremy wll open their gifts later, either today or on the 28th when they are planning on having their Christmas.

Hope you all enjoy the joy of your families and the magic of this wonderful season.

My friends gave me a gift certificate for one when my parents passed away. I was skeptical about using it since I had never had one before. It turned out to be great and I have had five or six since then. I hope you get a good masseuse. The quality of the massage can vary according to who is doing it. I would imagine you will be given a tea of some kind to drink. Usually it is either green tea or some kind of herbal tea. Hopefully it will be a very pleasant experience for you.

Good morning.

Whew! Last night was my last midnight shift at Walgreens for this year. I didn't get out of there until one a.m. Hubby surprised me and was waiting to drive me home. Sure was glad, but I have to go back and get my car sometime today.

Christmas is topsy turvy around here. Now the plan is that BabyBoy is coming today to have Christmas with hubby and me. I asked for Catie, but Jeremy said that everyone, except him was home at their house today and why didn't we go there and have Christmas with them.

Don't know how we will fit it all in, because before I knew what today's plans were I found out I have a job interview late this afternoon. It's out of town, about thirty miles.

So, somehow, we will squeeze in going out to eat, since I didn't have time to cook and maybe going to Jeremys.

Ah, for the simpler days when everyone had Christmas on Christmas.

Work has been fantastic for Walgreens, tiring for the employees. I did, I would guess about two thousand photos last night.

And can you believe some people are still doing their Christmas cards? LOL!

Hmmm, I'm the one who didn't get to bed until around 2:30 this moring and hubby is still asleep.

No Christmas dinner, at least not here anyway. I imagine our eating out today will be our Christmas dinner. We all work Christmas day.

But if I was going to cook, it would be almost the same dinner you are having Sha. We have the same thing for Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving. The old tried and true menu you spoke of.

Picc, sure hope you make it to PA to spend some time with family and have those red eggs. I've seen them before, never ate one, but I know what they are.

Oh, I got a early Christmas present, well, I'll be using it on the 26th. Where hubby works they offfered a special for family of a Swedish Massage and/or a facial. I chose the Massage. I think it will be a wonderful way to get some of the kinks out after all the rush of the Holiday.

I've never had a massage before, so this ought to be an experience. I will let you know how it is after it's done. I chose the short one, which is about an hour. They told me to be there early to get my robe and whatever it is you wear for the massage.

Can you imagine ladies, me sitting there with my robe on and drinking something nice. It's going to be in the morning, so I doubt it will be alcoholic. LOL!

Picc, we will be thinking about you on Christmas Eve. If I were you, I would take something that you two did together, even if it's making Jim that birthday cake and make it a special remembrance time. I think it would be an emotional release for you to share that time with him in memory.

Christmas is a time of remembering and sharing. We will share the moment with you.

My Christmas dinner will be the old tried and true menu that my family had every year...Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Green Bean Casserole, Corn, Sweet potatoes with miniature marshmallows on top, Jello Salad, Cranberry Sauce from a can...I've never been fond of fresh cranberries, Rolls and Pumpkin Pie for dessert. Gee, I wonder why I always add a few pounds after the Christmas meal? LOL

I hope you are able to make it to your mom's for a few days, Picc. It sounds like that would be the best place for you now and I'm sure your mom would love your company. What mother wouldn't love to have her daughter spend time with her during the holidays.

I will keep my fingers crossed and say a few prayers that the weather is nice so that you can make the trip to you mom's.

Have a Merry Christmas everyone!

Well I am off work till Christmas Day. I traded my Tuesday scheduled work night for this Sunday night with another gal, so if the weather holds out and doesn't get nasty, I might get to go to PA and just relax for two days with my family. We had sleet this morning, and now the cold wind is just a howling.

Sha sounds like you have a wonderful Holiday all lined up. However this time of year, I don't think you are going to find an "unbusy" time at the grocery store. You mentioned what your furure daughter-in-law is having Christmas Eve, but you didn't mention what you are fixing for Christmas Dinner.

Jeanette I sure hope everyone can find a time to get together for your Holiday celebration. I can bet you just hate not knowing for sure, but then you are able to take it in your stride.

Betty so glad you got to go see Kayleigh in her Christmas program. I do so miss the Grands especially this Christmas.

And don't you ever feel sorry for venting in here about this and that, cause that is what Jeanette has set up this discussion for....Grandparenting Friends who can talk about whatever comes to mind.

Being a Grandparent isn't always easy, but loving the grandchildren is the easist most joyful thing in the world.

PS sorry bout the returned emails Jeanette, just use my same moniker, but put @earthlink.net.

This was the weekend for travel on the interstate for a lot of people, meaning more business for our station.. Most of the travelers are nice, cause they are on the way for a happy celebration with family.

Mom usually out a set-out on Christmas Eve. Only thing I asked her if was is if she "put up" the red beet eggs, as that is the only thing I am hungry for. Put up I guess is a PA Dutch for sweet pickling the red beet eggs. They have to sit refrigerated for at least four days, for the red beet juice to go all through the egg white. We use no red food coloring in our family!

I am so looking forward to just sitting back and relaxing, helping Mom out, and just being with family. To be honest my heart aches for it right now.

So, I will fill that ache somewhat, eat some red bet eggs, and try my best to have a "Holly Jolly Christmas!" LOL

I do need a break from the regular customers at the store, heck I just need a break. My hope is not to come home till Christmas morning when I have to report to work at 10am. We shall see, regarding the weather.

Christmas Eve is was/is hubby's Birthday, not quite sure how to word that- and the past couple years since the grands quit coming for the Eve celebration, Jim and I made it our own private celebration, with steamed shrimp and some ale, and a Birthday cake for him. He would always call his Mom too Christmas Eve, I think just so he could hear her wish Him a Happy Birthday personally. Course he always called her Christmas Day too, to wish her a Merry Christmas. That was one of the things I loved about Hubby, his devotion to his Mom.

So what I am getting around to saying, is have a wonderful and joyful Christmas everyone, embrace those you love if you can, and send loving thoughts to those you can't. Merry Merry Christmas! (((Hugs)))
Cindy/picc

It was 7 degrees when I woke up this morning. Brrrr! However the high was only supposed to be 3 today and now they are saying it will be in the 20's so I am grateful for the warmer temperature.

Most of my holiday preparations are finished but I have to go to the grocery store this afternoon to get the makings for Christmas dinner. I decided to wait until the Bronco game is on in the hopes that most people will be watching it instead of shopping for groceries. I hate crowded grocery stores and would normally wait till about 9 o'clock this evening to shop but since the weather is cold I think I would rather be nestled in my warm house tonight.

After much uncertainty about plans for Christmas day it appears as though we will end up having both boys and their families with us for dinner Christmas night. My new daughter-in-law-to-be has invited us to their house for Christmas Eve dinner. She is Italian and is having lasagne as her family always did when she was growing up. This is an absolute first for me. I've never been invited out for dinner on Christmas Eve so I am thrilled about it. Besides, Jen makes THE best lasagne I have ever tasted so that is a real bonus. She's definitely a good addition to the family.

I hope everyone is having a good weekend and that you have time to sit back and relax today.

Good morning all. Yesterday it was near 80 degrees here. Today the temps are in the 30's. But then, today "is" the First Day of Winter.

And it's another special day. It's the first day of Hannukah. So, for all my Jewish friends.

No problem Betty, come and let it all out here any time.

Sounds like you did enjoy Kayleigh's Christmas program. I miss those now that the girls are too old for school programs.

Catie's school let out today for the holidays. They won't return to school until after the new year.

We are having the same problem here trying to get together with the sons and have Christmas. BabyBoy phoned tonight to say it would be on Tuesday for him. He is coming over here, that is if he doesn't call to say he has to work....sigh!

Jeremy told me last night, after he helped his Dad get a new t.v. and he helped him install it, that he would try to work out some day for us all to have Christmas, as we wouldn't be able to have it on the day they are planning to have theirs.

Yep, hubby has a new tv. It's a flat screen and it's big. I feel like I'm sitting on the front row of a movie theater, that's how close it is in this room. This is a small house and the rooms are small, so it makes it look that much bigger.

And now, because of the flat screen, the room has to stay shut up away from the cats. They could knock it over if they tried to jump in the window to look out. I don't like the house all shut up, I like space, but it's the only way, unless we get a cabinet that the tv can fit inside to protect it.

Molly, the cat, now that she has to stay in the livingroom with the other cat, Callie, is going bi-polar on us. She hissed and growled at Callie when we first put her in the livingroom last night, then next thing we knew she was lying next to Callie, all snuggly.

But, it's an on again off again thing. She still growls and hisses. She definitely needs to go to a vet, but, honestly, I'm afraid to touch her. I already have one good scratch on my palm, don't want anymore.

Hopefully, this will pass, like the last time she got traumatized by a plastic bag.

But, this isn't a cat discussion, but then again, we can talk about anything here and right now the cats are the main topic in our house, other than the new tv.

My cousin dropped by this evening for a quick visit. I think I mentioned the photo I had restored of our Great-Grandparents and our Grandmother and her siblings. My cousin comes from a large family and I thought I had given her enough copies of the photo but she needed one more.

She brought me a Christmas/thank you gift for the pictures. I told her that it was fun for me to play Santa with all my cousins this year and surprise them with the photo.

I put the gift under the tree. I'm going to wait until Christmas to open it.

I need another week before Christmas, it seems to come so fast once December gets here. I haven't had any time to relax and just enjoy the holidays. I would love to just do something Christmas, go out and enjoyed all the lights and festivites. But, work keeps hubby and I busy and the only day off we have together is the day BabyBoy is coming over. Maybe we can squeeze something in that night, go see some of the local decorations.

I am enjoying listening to the Christmas music on my car radio though. I have it tuned to an all Christmas station.

Right now the song from "The Grinch" is running through my head. The one where all the Who's in Whoville get together and sing even though Christmas has been taken away from them.

Picc, I'm so glad to see your posting again.

Not much new going on in my life. Went to see Kayleigh in their singing play. It was so cute. Lasted a long time but was well worth it. I was amazed how their teachers got them to do it so well.

Jeanette sounds weird about your cat. Not sure what makes some cats do that. Could be an infection or something since it just started.Hope she settles down and goes back to the gentle loving cat.

Picc, I am like you about Christmas. I will be glad when it is over. Maybe we can have a party together.I know it must be hard to have Christmas after Hubby is gone. Maybe you can go to Pa. until it is all over.I'm sure you have thought about it. You have such a loving family. I wish mine were that close. My kids are that way but some of my extended family are always too busy. I geuss they feel the same about me. My sister and my Brother have their family. I geuss I better quit feeling sorry for myself. Have a great Christmas and New Year's
week and do what makes you happy! Thanks so much Jeanette for letting me vent here and thanks to all the rest of you for listening too me. Or at least for not telling me to go complain somewhere else.

So glad to see your posting, Picc. I was about to send out the Calvery to find you, as my last two email to you have bounced back.

But then, on second thought, after reading your email, maybe I had better send that sleigh and reindeer to find you. I wonder how much insurance Santa has. LOL!

You keep reading that Walgreens sign. If it's anything like here, we do have the cheapest milk, eggs and yes, even cigarettes around, at least every other week.

And, you can always know what the temperature is too, if you are sitting longing enough in traffic to watch the sign.

If you move to PA, maybe I can talk hubby in to dropping me off to see you on one of our trips that way. You aren't too far from his N.J. relatives now, but that's another story.

I don't blame you for wanting to be closer to relatives, that's how I ended up here in this town. Different circumstances, but I needed to be near family like I know you do too.

Still haven't seen Meagan. I tried to call to make an appointment (tongue in cheek) to see her, but all I got was Chris' voice mail. She still hasn't phoned me back and it's too late in the evening for me to go now. Well, not really, I could go, but I doubt she would phone me tonight.

I need to get with Catie soon, so she and I can finish up with wrapping her Christmas gifts for her family.

I'm getting the mulligrubs too, Picc. That's what my mom used to call it when you were down in the dumps. This time of year does it to a lot of people, even under the best of circumstances.

Today, it's because of one of my cats. I know, just a cat, but she is causing some real problems. Ever once in awhile she goes psycho on us. Well, this is only the second time she has done it, but that's one too many times.

Happened yesterday, don't know what brought it on, but she won't let anyone near her and she has it out for our other cat for some reason.

She hides most of the time during these episodes. The last one lasted for a couple of weeks.

Imagine getting up in the middle of the night, lights out, going to the bathroom. Sitting down and hearing a low growling coming from somewhere very near. I couldn't see her, so I just did what I had to do and went back to bed quickly and quietly.

But before that, while we were still awake, she was laying in the window above hubbys tv. Sometimes when they lie up there the wires to hubby's tv get messed up and his reception isn't too great. So, he was trying to get her to move and she let him know that she didn't want him anywhere near. She pee'd on his tv and guess what. cat pee isn't good for a tv. It no longer works. Guess who is getting a new tv .....soon.....

Have a great night all.

Christmas is fast approaching and I simply am not ready for it. I just want 2009 to arrive and start a new year with enthusiasm.

The Texaco station cut back my hours so I am off today and tomorrow. They only scheduled me three days this week. Ha! Merry Christmas! Like I have money to go Christmas shopping on my days off! Bah Humbug! Yet each night I work, I seem to busier and busier.

I truly needed this Texaco job, without any recent work experience, but it just might be time for me to move on to greener pastures with a good reference to take to PA.

I am seriously considering relocating next year, after I get things in order, cause to be perfectly honest, the lonliness, is just a tad to hard to take right now. Yes my daughter and sil still live with me, but they are a couple, and as hard as they try to include me in everything, I just can't seem to join in. They say the first Christmas without a close love is the hardest......let me tell ya that is the truth.

However and this is for Betty-LOL- I am sort of looking forward to getting runned over by a reindeer this Christmas Eve, cause I don't have to work that night, and will have plenty of time to get into the eggnog.

Okay need to rethink that...first off I don't like eggnog, or whiskey, so that's out, but I do however hope to see the flying reindeer, and hope one lands on me, and I survive, so I can sue the heck out of the Keebler company for their elves putting their "elfin magic" in the reindeers feed, and causing one of them to graze my head with his hoof and knock some sense into it.

I could sue for dire hardship, cause my brain isn't use to functioning with sense in it.

Course it isn't any secret Mr. and Mrs. Claus are getting up in their years. And once Rudolph alerted Santa that Blitzen had knocked a THIRD age woman unconscious on the ground, well Santa pulled his sleigh around, came to rescue me, cause quite simply, Mrs. Claus wasn't able to keep up with all the elves or the cookie baking either, as her knees had been bothering her lately. Besides Santa had heard from the magic elf on board the sleigh too, that I was on the "naughty" list. No wonder he gave Rudolph whiplash turning that sleigh around.

So if my dream comes true, I might be living at the North Pole next year, but if I am, Santa Baby will leave all you Ladies the most wonderful gift. He'll have no choice if he wants to leave all night and go gallavanting around the world. Course I would still have the elves with their "Elfin Magic"! ROFL

Either way, maybe the North Pole or PA next year..

Jeanette I still haven't had time to stop at new Walgreen's that just opened not far from the Texaco where I work. I do see their neon changing sale sign, when I pass by to take daughter to work on I-95. They have eggs on sale cheap cheap-lol- and milk and water too.

I know what you mean about being too busy to even think. Our Walgreen's is always crowded, plus it's right by a busy shopping strip with a grocery store, Home Depot, MacDonald's, AppleBee's etc. Like I said I just stop there cause I know it would take awhile to get through the traffic. That is in Aberdeen.

Hope Meagan continues to heal quickly Jeanette!

Sounds to me like BabyBoy is excited about Christmas, that is why is he is so chatty lately. That is a good thing.

I better get off here and take Mr. Scooby Do out o do his business. (((Hugs))) to All! Merry Christmas

Christmas is fast approaching and I simply am not ready for it. I just want 2009 to arrive and start a new year with enthusiasm.

The Texaco station cut back my hours so I am off today and tomorrow. They only scheduled me three days this week. Ha! Merry Christmas! Like I have money to go Christmas shopping on my days off! Bah Humbug! Yet each night I work, I seem to busier and busier.

I truly needed this Texaco job, without any recent work experience, but it just might be time for me to move on to greener pastures with a good reference to take to PA.

I am seriously considering relocating next year, after I get things in order, cause to be perfectly honest, the lonliness, is just a tad to hard to take right now. Yes my daughter and sil still live with me, but they are a couple, and as hard as they try to include me in everything, I just can't seem to join in. They say the first Christmas without a close love is the hardest......let me tell ya that is the truth.

However and this is for Betty-LOL- I am sort of looking forward to getting runned over by a reindeer this Christmas Eve, cause I don't have to work that night, and will have plenty of time to get into the eggnog.

Okay need to rethink that...first off I don't like eggnog, or whiskey, so that's out, but I do however hope to see the flying reindeer, and hope one lands on me, and I survive, so I can sue the heck out of the Keebler company for their elves putting their "elfin magic" in the reindeers feed, and causing one of them to graze my head with his hoof and knock some sense into it.

I could sue for dire hardship, cause my brain isn't use to functioning with sense in it.

Course it isn't any secret Mr. and Mrs. Claus are getting up in their years. And once Rudolph alerted Santa that Blitzen had knocked a THIRD age woman unconscious on the ground, well Santa pulled his sleigh around, came to rescue me, cause quite simply, Mrs. Claus wasn't able to keep up with all the elves or the cookie baking either, as her knees had been bothering her lately. Besides Santa had heard from the magic elf on board the sleigh too, that I was on the "naughty" list. No wonder he gave Rudolph whiplash turning that sleigh around.

So if my dream comes true, I might be living at the North Pole next year, but if I am, Santa Baby will leave all you Ladies the most wonderful gift. He'll have no choice if he wants to leave all night and go gallavanting around the world. Course I would still have the elves with their "Elfin Magic"! ROFL

Either way, maybe the North Pole or PA next year..

Jeanette I still haven't had time to stop at new Walgreen's that just opened not far from the Texaco where I work. I do see their neon changing sale sign, when I pass by to take daughter to work on I-95. They have eggs on sale cheap cheap-lol- and milk and water too.

I know what you mean about being too busy to even think. Our Walgreen's is always crowded, plus it's right by a busy shopping strip with a grocery store, Home Depot, MacDonald's, AppleBee's etc. Like I said I just stop there cause I know it would take awhile to get through the traffic. That is in Aberdeen.

Hope Meagan continues to heal quickly Jeanette!

Sounds to me like BabyBoy is excited about Christmas, that is why is he is so chatty lately. That is a good thing.

I better get off here and take Mr. Scooby Do out o do his business. (((Hugs))) to All! Merry Christmas