The Day After Christmas

How was your Christmas?

I admit, after the early morning when no on was awake, I stayed off the computer. I opened it once so my mom could check birthdays on Facebook, but that was it. And I didn't suffer *much* withdrawal (though I did check my emails a few times using the phone).

We had a quiet Christmas. My mom came over in the morning to open gifts and have a homemade cinnamon roll. Then the next couple hours were spent getting dinner ready.

DH was sick, so we didn't attend the after dinner family gathering. Made it a lot less stressful for me and DH, though DD said it didn't feel like Christmas without going.

She and I hung out all afternoon doing this:



I love puzzles. I remember when DD was little, I hated doing all those little kid, 25-piece puzzles, so when she was about four we started doing smaller, adult puzzles. Yanno, 500 pieces with a very simple picture.

It was a challenge for her at first, but I spent time sharing puzzle hints and tricks and after not too much time (by the time she was six or seven) we had advanced to 1000 piece, more challenging puzzles. I remember, two Christmases ago, one of her aunts gave her a 100 piece puzzle. She said thank you, but gave me this look.

Actually, sometimes I wonder if adults realize that kids grow and change at a rapid pace. Two of DD's gifts yesterday weren't age appropriate. She got this science lab project book with the "equipment" (things like a balloon, packs of salt and pepper, etc) that is clearly meant for a kid around 8 y.o. And she got two pairs of Christmas socks from a cousin that are kids sized 6 - 8. My DD has bigger feet than I do (she wears a woman's 10 currently).

Then, conversely, we got a family gift from those same cousins -- a really neat game from Cranium -- that DD can't really play. It has cards with words on them (events, things, people, etc) and then a set of six dice with letters. The object is to roll the dice and use those letters to give one word clues to the word on the card.

Fun, right? Until you realize some clues are things like: Woodstock. Botox. Poodle Skirts. The Grateful Dead.

DD hasn't a clue what those are (well, she does NOW because I told her ... but even so, were she to play, "Woodstock" wouldn't really be something in her frame of reference).

She didn't get any books, but she did get one Barnes and Noble GC (thanks, Judy!) and a Visa GC (thanks, Mom!). She also got a pair of Croc-like shoes so she can stop stealing MINE (Thanks, Mom!). No electronics -- we really don't do that here. She doesn't have an iPod (she listens to music on her Nook). She doesn't have a gaming system of any kid, handheld or otherwise (unless you count my phone, lol). And yet, she still had a wonderful day -- she drew on her new sketch pad with her new pen set, wearing her new fuzzy socks.

DH and I agreed it would be a very, very, very small Christmas gift-wise. He actually made me another, smaller cutting board (out of scraps from our oak stair treads from when we put in the hardwood stairs). It's gorgeous.



Today, I'm going to hit the after Christmas sales for some Christmas items I ran out of: cards, tissue paper and more. I'll keep an eye out for gifts as well -- it's the best time to buy (if you're a cheapskate frugal like I am).

Hope you had a wonderful day celebrating.

===================

Your Holiday Spirit Comes From Making Treats

You are the type of person who relaxes by doing. And there's nothing more relaxing than a little holiday baking. You're also quite generous, and you enjoy giving out the delicious creations that come out of your kitchen. You are affectionate yet mischievous. You have a warm, welcoming spirit - but you also like to spice things up. Every single one of your friends feels valued. You are true through thick and thin.

Where Does Your Holiday Spirit Come From?

That's about right. My DH doesn't undertand the "you relax by doing" thing about me. He likes to go out into the woods or out on the boat and just sit... for hours. :::shudders::: I'd lose my mind.

===================

Merry Christmas!

Wishing all of you a very blessed and Merry Christmas.

====================

Merry Christmas Eve Eve

It's snowing here. While I suppose it does make it more festive, it does put a bit of a damper on last minute gift-buying plans. Maybe we'll stay home and bake instead.

In any case, my husband is up -- early. Cranky and sick... so I'll sign off and wish you a merry Christmas!

====================

More Christmas Spirit

Okay ... I'm still working on the whole Christmas spirit thing. I've managed to get at least *some* of my cards out. Presents are wrapped.

Today, I thought I'd share some parts of my favorite all time Christmas movies.





Sadly.... I couldn't find a video for my fave all time Christmas movie: the original "Miracle on 34th Street". But imagine it here.

What are some of your favorite Christmas movies?

====================

You Are Content

You seek moderation by compensating for extremes. If you're extreme one way, you're also extreme the other way. While you can be brutally honest, you're still quite a charmer. You say it all with a smile. You are magnetic, endearing, and people tend to love you. You are a positive force in this world. You're a bit of an introvert, but you're never lonely. You know how to entertain yourself.

The Adventure Test

That's probably mostly right ... maybe 75%?

===================

Christmas Spirit

I've struggled to get into the Christmas spirit this year for a large number of reasons. It's been so bad that when I hear Christmas music on the radio, I've switched the channel.

So yesterday, I purposely turned on an "all Christmas" radio station and listened, hoping to hear some of my favorites. It saddens me when it's pretty much all secular music. Yes "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer" makes me laugh, but I don't even think you have to be Christian to enjoy songs like this:



Or this:



I love this song, too:



Or this one -- and I loved this version when he sang with his wife and daughters:



This one is for my husband who, when he was stationed in San Diego in the navy made this song his mantra at Christmas:



Help me get into the Christmas spirit -- what are some of your favorite songs?

====================

Your Home Means Simplicity

You start every day fresh. You are optimistic about what's to come. You like your home to be functional but not fussy. More stuff just means more cleaning. You believe in taking it easy. Whenever possible, you don't set yourself up for failure. You rather do less and have less because it means you'll be happier. You are a proud minimalist.

What Does Your Home Mean to You?

This is mostly wrong...

====================

Christmas Prep

Tried three times to get caught up on everyone's blogs this weekend, but Google Reader kept crashing (or actually, the entire screen would go black) after just a few blogs.

I'll keep trying. Maybe I should set up a special email account and follow everyone via email instead.

This weekend was pretty quiet, except DD hadn't finished making gifts for her teachers (something else new we have to remember -- gifts for teachers on holidays). Then, last night she checked the school website portal and found she had Spanish homework. So, there was some drama, but not as much as usual.

I still don't have my Christmas cards out (maybe today?) and I have a couple more things to get for Christmas TODAY (because they're for the kidlet, and she's off school after Tuesday).

We did buy an artificial tree. That's something we've been wanting to do for several years now, but couldn't find one reasonably priced that had the "real" looking spruce needles. Saturday, at a warehouse club store, I actually found one. It was marked down under $100 and pretty darn nice looking.



You see, we have a problem with our trees. The woodstove keeps it SO hot and dry in our house that a real tree dies in a matter of days, no matter what we do. This year, I could sit in the dining room and hear the needles falling off. Worse, the branches all drooped so the lights, tinsel AND ornaments kept sliding off.

So Saturday night, DH and I put the new artificial tree together and then the three of us "undecorated" the old tree and put it outside, then decorated the new one.

It's SUCH a relief to not have to sweep needles every five minutes and the decorations are sliding off.

Yesterday, though, was the true test -- the in-laws stopping by unexpectedly. The front lawn is littered with needles from the old tree, and they commented on it. DH said we'd tossed the old tree, and the in-laws said: "And you went out and got another tree?"

"Yes."

"It looks good."

"It's fake."

"Really?!"

So it passed the test. *G*

Other than that, I've been working on the new LASR website. Haven't figured out WordPress, but might have found someone willing to "consult" for a reasonable fee. For now, we're using the tools we know how to use, but our plan is to have the entire site up on WordPress eventually, since WP is so much more versatile than Blogger and we want the ability for several people to make changes and additions to the site (right now, I'm the only one who can build the site proper -- so panic ensues when I lose power AND I can never take vacation -- haven't had time off in four years).

I can't believe it's only a week until Christmas. Hope you all are more ready for it than I am!!

=====================

You Are a Success

You are ardent and passionate. You have a intensity that burns brightly. You are career-focused. You get a lot of satisfaction from working hard. You are both charming and gracious. People find you to be very desirable. Crafty and creative, you are able to adapt freely to almost any situation.

The Over the Rainbow Test

Um....well.. yeah. Pretty much spot on.

It always freaks me out a little when that happens...

====================

Whazzup...

So WOW! The temperatures here have dropped like a rock. We went from balmy and in the 60s to "HOLY COW it's winter!". Of course, we're getting our chimney cleaned today, so can't have a fire in the stove to keep the house toasty -- and when we heat with oil, we keep the thermostat WAY down. :::shivers:::

Still, I can't complain. It's been very mild (last year was FREEZING) and, really, even though it's cold, it's not as cold as it usually is in December. And, Sarita? In response to your kind offer yesterday, no I don't want any snow. Thank you anyway. *G*

I realized today that we're nearly in double digits for December and I don't even have my cards out. That's on my list of things to do for this weekend. Used to be I had my cards out the day after Thanksgiving and that I started my Christmas shopping the day after Christmas (because WOW the deals!). Now? I'm lucky if I remember it IS time for Christmas and show up on the 25th.

It's amazing how much of DD's homework is done on the computer. Right now, she's using our old desktop, but next year she's required to have a laptop. Add THAT to my school supplies shopping list -- whee!

Last night she was working on a science assignment in Google documents. And once it's done, they simply share it with the teacher so he can grade it. Crazy. And her teachers are all readily available via email and many of them are on the school chat in the evening for questions. I wonder if public school does stuff like that? Is it the wave of the future?

No big plans for the weekend aside from getting my cards out. And mastering Word Press (hahaha).

You?

===================

You Are Meticulous

You are smart, clever, and perceptive. You know how to synthesize and process information. You notice every detail, and you are good at finding inconsistencies. Nothing slips by you. You often see things that other people never notice. When you imagine how something should look, you see it clearly in your mind. You are more of a thinker than a talker. When you speak, you usually have something important to say.

The Diagonal Test

That's mostly right (except that I can't seem to grasp the concept of Word Press). And the funny thing? I didn't *want* to choose that one -- I kept thinking I should like one of the pink ones better, but they annoyed me. The only one I looked at that didn't grate on my nerves was this one. Funny.

And... a nod to my title -- who remembers when this came out?



======================

It's Starting to Look A Lot Like Christmas

At least it is at our house...

We got our tree on Friday and, after some issues with lights not working (again) and buying a new set (again) after DH spent a good two hours trying to figure out why the original set would work, we decorated the tree on Saturday evening.

DD asked if I thought the tree would be prettier if it had a "theme" or if it was all the same color ornaments, etc. One of her friends has a tree that is decorated in some theme every year -- usually the same color balls and ribbon.

I said (very adamantly) "NO".

Our tree is covered in memories. I have an ornament on there I made when I was a toddler. I have an ornament that I got from a friend for DD when she was still in utero (technically her first Christmas, lol). Ornaments from family. Handmade ornaments. Every one of them comes with a memory, and nothing can replace that.



We did have a brief blip in all the good cheer when DD unpacked the stockings and found Breeann's. There were tears and sad times. We put her stocking with her box of ashes, sniffed awhile and then moved on.

This helped:



When do you decorate for Christmas?

I have to take Dakota in to the vet today. On Friday, we found a suspicious lump on her head that wasn't there before. It looks like a pink wart... sort of. But the fact that it appeared so quickly and isn't going away (even after four days) means it could be something more serious. We're very "lump" conscious here because Bailey was lumpy (and we had to biopsy every one). We don't even think about it, just whenever we're petting the animals, we automatically register any lumps or bumps. This thing is right on top of her head, so there's no way we would have missed it before.

We're hoping it isn't anything serious (:::cancer:::) but prefer to be safe. Because I needed another vet bill. *sigh*

I found fresh turkeys on sale at the local store yesterday: $0.39/lb! I bought three, then spent the afternoon deboning them and running them through my grinder for ground turkey. DH didn't get a deer this year, so our freezer is going to be very empty. He strongly suggested getting a couple more turkeys today since the price is good AND it's from a very good company who uses no antibiotics or growth hormones.

I have two huge stock pots of turkey broth done as well (plus all the meat from the legs, wings and bodies that I couldn't get off when it was raw) and am thinking about trying my hand at pressure cooking turkey vegetable soup. We'll see if I have the time or inclination any time soon...

What did you do this weekend?

=======================

You Are Successful

Mellow and wise, you like to be with others but also to be alone. You seek a balance. You are hard working and enterprising. You find staying busy satisfying. You have high standards, and you are fair to everyone. Manners are important to you, even if that's old fashioned. A bit demanding, you expect proper behavior from others. Your standards are tough but fair.

The Wild Eye Makeup Test

That's pretty much spot on...

===================

Invasion of the Germs

DH is getting sick. He came home last night all stuffed up and miserable. I don't know if he'll stay home today or not, but I'm betting he might. I hope he keeps his germs to himself.

The weather site says we might actually be getting our first frost here this week. It's late, but I'm not complaining. At first I was dying for a freeze so Dakota would be less itchy, but her allergies have cleared up (both goldenrod and ragweed are pretty much past, and those are my two suspects for her allergies) so, I'd really just love no frost every please. Yeah, I know, I'm practically in Canada, but I can dream.

On the other hand, they predict temps in the 80s for the weekend. :::scratches head:::

Weird New England weather.

It's been a month since I submitted "Now and Forever" to Samhain Publishing. They said twelve weeks ... so I'm not surprised I haven't heard. Just antsy.

It's only three weeks until NaNoWriMo. I keep waffling on whether I should even try to participate. I love NaNoWriMo, but my life is already insane. *sigh* At least DH isn't off the entire month like usual to mess with my routine. He's only taking off two weeks.

Can you believe there are stations out here (well, in Boston) already starting to play CHRISTMAS MUSIC? I miss the days when Christmas didn't start until after Thanksgiving. Anymore, I'm sick of the holiday by the time it comes, and that makes me a little sad.

Have a great day!

==================

You Are Openly Ambitious and Secretly Brainy

You are driven and determined. You'll figure out a way to realize your dreams. You are energetic to the point of being impatient. You can't wait for life to happen. You are a dynamic and interesting person. You are constantly changing, growing, and improving. You are a total brainiac who enjoys learning new things. You think studying is just plain fun.

The Lip Gloss Test

That's pretty much right...

================

The Day After

Winter either bites with its teeth or lashes with its tail. ~Proverb

We had a long, busy day yesterday. DD said last night before bed: "I hate December 26th, because that means I have to wait another 364 days for Christmas again."

She, especially, had a good time because she had Christmas morning and some great gifts (one thing she was especially excited over were her glue gun sticks ... go figure) and then we had my SIL over for dinner with us, and then she got to play with her cousins for HOURS when we visited with my other in-laws.

The dog and cat enjoyed their Christmas, too. Breeann got a catnip bag (she's an old lady and doesn't play much anymore, but loves to drool over a catnip bag):



Dakota, while she enjoyed her actual gifts, preferred the unwrapping process most:



Here's a little proof (sorry it's so dark -- the video camera doesn't have a light and though it was plenty light in the room for us, it apparently wasn't for the camera. Also, you might want to turn the volume down -- DD is grunting and groaning over opening a gift that was apparently sealed shut with bionic tape):



We decided that next year, we'll just get her a roll of wrapping paper...

How was your Christmas?

===========

In other news, we're apparently going to get whomped with snow tonight and tomorrow. Depending on who you listen to (and my DH has checked pretty much every weather site, station, etc. under the sun), we'll be getting upwards of a foot of snow by tomorrow. Accuweather is saying 13.8" as of this morning and the pretty picture on their forecast page for Monday simply says, "BLIZZARD".


I'll be honest -- that's the first time in eleven years I've seen "blizzard" on the weather page for our town. Yes, it does make me just a tad nervous. Thankfully we have our generator (so, YAY!, I'll be able to flush the potty -- who needs lights when you have a functional toilet?) but I wouldn't have internet, so if I don't post on Monday or Tuesday (or Wednesday), you'll know what happened.

DH is thrilled, though, because he's off all week and will be able to snowmobile (maybe even right out our backyard onto the trail).

====================

You Are Creative

You see the world in interesting and unique ways. You are definitely a visionary. You are constantly being inspired to create something new. You are a natural artist. You see beauty in almost everything. You can appreciate people for who they truly are. You are authentic and honest. You may be a bit quirky, but you never hide the real you.

The Christmas Snow Globe Test

Okay, mostly right ...

=====================

Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas from all of us to all of you!

(Yes, I blanked out DD's face... she doesn't really look like that).

'twas the Night

Isn't it funny that at Christmas something in you gets so lonely for - I don't know what exactly, but it's something that you don't mind so much not having at other times. ~Kate L. Bosher

Found this fun poem at Will Write for Coffee, L. S. Murphy's blog:

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the pages,
Not a character was stirring, not even the mages.
The stockings had fallen by the chimney, who cares,
I’ve got to revise this chapter about bears.

The children were buggered and snug in their beds
While visions of goblins danced in my head.
The hubby’s in bed, and I’m at my desk
To finally settle in and fix this whole mess.

When down in the kitchen, my coffee pot beeps,
I rush to fill my mug as my heart leaps.
The idea hits hard as I pour that black gold.
I have to get it down before it turns mold.

I stir in the sugar and mix in the cream
Hoping this fix isn’t just a dream.
Back at my computer, I retype the letters
Hoping against hope that the words are better.

Soon it’s midnight, then one, then two.
I’ve written and revised, that’s what I do.
I click on save, then back it up twice
And crawl into bed, my sleep sacrificed.

The alarm sounds early, and I’m at it again,
Must get work done before the festivities begin.
The hubby makes breakfast as I type away,
Then it’s all over. I’m done, HOORAY.

All through Christmas morning, I think of my book
The binding and cover, the way it will look
When it’s finally on the shelf of every store in town.
It’s just a dream I refuse to put down.

Maybe someday, my dream will come true.
Until it does, I’ll keep writing for you.
Merry Christmas to all, wherever your look,
Now get off your bums and go buy a BOOK!

================

Today, I will be taking Dakota to the dog park (oddly, my family frowned on the usual Saturday excursion this week) and then coming home and baking cranberry orange bread. DH is making noises about taking down one last tree (yes, there are a lot of trees in NH) so I may be stacking wood as well. On Christmas Eve. Woo.

What are your plans?

==================

You Are Down to Earth

You prefer to celebrate the holidays in your own laid back way. You don't need a lot of glitz or glamour. If you attend holiday parties, they tend to be a quiet affair. You are past being rowdy. This time of year has deep meaning for you. It's fine if others don't share that meaning, but you're not about to turn your back on it. You like to celebrate an old fashioned Christmas. All these new "traditions" give you a headache.

The Holiday Card Test

Yep.

====================

It's a Dog's Life

Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. ~Roger Caras

Dakota has the life...



Eat, sleep, play, repeat. How do you suppose she can be comfortable like this?



It finally snowed here for the first time this year... DD is thrilled and it does look a lot like Christmas. It can stick around until the first of the year and then go away. K? (:::Insert laugh track here:::)



Today, I'm finally making sugar cookies. I cheated and bought dough (shhhh.... don't tell anyone). I don't like them (if I'm having sugar, it will be chocolate), they're a pain to make, and I'm running out of steam, so :::shrugs:::

What's your favorite Christmas cookie?

=======================

You Are Creative

You are open minded, flexible, and adventurous. You never quite know where you're going, and you like it that way. You are hard working and live fast. You want to accomplish great things in your life. You find that most tasks are more difficult than you anticipated. And you don't give up until the job is done. You work hard for the material rewards you get in the end. You wouldn't have your job if it didn't pay you.

The Labyrinth Test

That's actually all pretty close... weird.

===================

Let It Snow!

Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect. ~Oren Arnold

We finally had a little snow yesterday -- flurries, really, and it didn't leave much on the ground, but my DD is thrilled. Having grown up in California, I don't really require snow for Christmas, but my DD is born and raised here in New Hampshire, and the two go hand-in-hand. It's supposed to snow again today, so she should be in hog heaven.

Because we were expecting snow, I had to spend yesterday pulling all the cut wood out of the woods behind us and get it stacked. I moved 1 1/2 oak trees yesterday that were cut into 16" logs... one log at a time. They were about 100 yards down a hill, so I'd get one log, carry it uphill 100 yards, stack it and head back. There are too many other trees, bushes, stumps and rocks to drive anything down there to help haul, but I suppose the exercise was good for me. I walked slowly and carefully to avoid messing up my knee (any more than it already is), and got the job done in about two hours.

I complain about the work, but I sure do love the warmth during the winter.

Yesterday, Dru Ann asked: How difficult is it to remove the old one (wood stove) and hook up the new one?

Except for the fact that they weigh a TON (okay ... the old one weighs about 250 pounds, the new one weighs in at 450 pounds), it's not so hard. We have a regular fireplace that's been converted to use a wood stove, so it's a matter of putting on the adapter piece on the back of the new stove so that the pipe goes in the right direction, and popping it in. It'll take two or three nice, strong guys to lift it, but the actual install is pretty simple.

Today my big plan is to bake cookies. I'm making cherry, white chocolate chip, oatmeal cookies and sugar cookies (thankfully, I won't be tempted at all to eat them as I don't like either kind, lol -- there is a method to my madness). I wasn't going to make sugar cookies, but my DH asked for them very nicely Sunday.

I had two tiny gifts to mail out yesterday -- they were in little bitty padded envelopes and didn't weigh 10 ounces. I went to the post office and it was packed!! There must have been fifty people in line (WHY do so many people wait until the last minute?) and there was no way I was going to stand there for an hour. I love my relatives, but it just wasn't THAT important that these gifts went out. However, I remembered last year and went to the UPS Store. Sure enough, only THREE people were in line and they had two people working, so it took me about five minutes to get it done (the UPS Store mails regular mail, too).

So, YAY me!

Is your shopping done yet?

=====================

You Are Dumplings

You are cute, polite, and considerate. You are well known for your generosity, and you truly love to share. You have a real style and presence about you. You know how to take the simplest thing and make it look chic. You tend to order carefully and conservatively off the menu of life. Simplicity is your motto, and you don't like to take on too much at once. You are the type of person who does one thing at a time, really immersing yourself in the moment. You detest multitasking.

What Kind of Chinese Food Are You?

The First Rule of Blogthings Is: You Don't Talk About Blogthings

HAHAHAHAHA.... this is so far wrong I nearly fell out of my chair: You detest multitasking.

Multitasking is my LIFE.

*snort*

As an aside, I'm not a big fan of dumplings, either... just saying.

=======================

Laughter and Fantasy

Mirth is God's medicine. Everybody ought to bathe in it. ~Henry Ward Beecher

A few of you saw this last night, but I have to post it again. Stolen blatantly from Judy who's doing a Christmas countdown of videos on her blog. This video made me laugh like a loon:



In other news ... I got my packages sent out yesterday. My first and last. Sadly, the one going to my ex-SIL had something fall out (we'd packed it IN the car in front of the post office, because I needed to buy some things) and we didn't notice until the stuff had already been mailed. It's going to make her gift a little on the very small side, but I'm not sending it. I'm DONE at the post office. My DH just got another stocking stuffer instead.

I'm just glad I'm done. Done shopping. Done shipping. I'll do some baking right before Christmas, and I'm going to make dog cookies this weekend (I'm experimenting with adding pureed spinach to one batch and tomato sauce to the other to make red and green cookies) for our agility friends. I still have to get my Christmas cards out. Yesterday, I took a picture of DD holding the cat and sitting beside Dakota in front of the tree to send out. The cat was NOT happy, and Dakota looked like she was being beaten, but -- it's a family portrait, and DD looked lovely (even if she was holding a squirming cat who does NOT like being held).

I love Christmas. I do. But I'm ready for it to be over.

=====================

I've been challenged to finish my fantasy. I'm quite close, actually, but have the BIG climatic part coming up and it's going to be a bugger to write, so I've been dreading it. I have a month or so ... going to give it a try. 10 - 15 thousand words in a month should be doable, even if they are difficult and draining.

Part of me is terrified to send this story out into the world. It's a story that really comes from my heart -- one I've carried around for years and years. I'm terrifically wrapped up in these characters and their story and I'm afraid I won't do them justice.

Baby steps. I have another author willing to read through the first draft and tell me if it sucks. One set of eyes instead of hundreds.

So I'll finish it and go from there.

=====================

You Spend Sensibly

You love to shop for holiday presents, but you are above all a savvy shopper. You know you don't have to spend a fortune to get the perfect gift, and you'll shop around to find the right thing at the right price. You prefer gifts that people actually want to receive to gifts that dazzle or impress. You hope that your gifts stand the test of time. If someone keeps your gift for years, you consider it a success!

Do You Spend Like a Santa or a Scrooge?

That's pretty close to correct.

===================

O Tannenbaum...

The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other. ~Burton Hillis

We got the tree up yesterday. In the past, we've usually put it in a different corner, but that's awfully close to the woodstove and the tree dries out in about five minutes no matter how often it's watered.

This time it's in the farthest corner from the stove (I love how the furniture looks the way it's been moved, too ... I may keep it that way) and should be happier and healthier this year.

My DD mentioned that a friend of hers has a tree that's decorated with balls and ribbons only. Every year, they buy NEW balls and ribbons, but there is nothing of themselves on the tree.

A family tradition from my family that I've passed on is buying at least one new ornament a year for DD and, as a child, she also made an ornament every year. I may still have her bead an ornament this year, if we find the time.

Our tree may look a little disorganized, but every ornament holds a memory of Christmas past ... I even have one ornament I made when I was kindergarten age.

When DD grows up and moves out on her own, she'll have a box of decorations that goes with her, each one special and memory laden. I think that's a great gift to give her.



Dakota and Breeann weren't as impressed by the tree decorating, though Breeann appreciated all the empty box lids.




The cat looked so pretty in the sunshine... She doesn't look almost seventeen, does she? Interesting how dogs get gray (Dakota already has some gray on her muzzle), but cats don't seem to:



Now I just need to finish my Christmas shopping. DD is sad because there are NO gifts under the tree for her. Yet. Since she and I are attached at the hip, it's a little difficult to go shopping for her. I was counting on her going tree chopping yesterday, but that was a bust. She has one more art lesson to go, so that gives me ONE 90 minute block alone ... I need to plan carefully.

Have a great Sunday!

======================

You Are Brilliant

You prefer music that is quirky and catchy. You just seem to gravitate toward indie artists. You are creative and offbeat. You do things in a more colorful way than most people. You are artistic in many facets of your life. You have a natural style and understand what looks good. You are lively and enthusiastic. You hardly go a day without feeling inspired.

The Cassette Tape Test

If Blogthings says it, it must be right.

==================

The Day After Christmas

To give and then not feel that one has given is the very best of all ways of giving. ~Max Beerbohm



Happy day after Christmas!

We had a fairly quiet day... got up, ate breakfast, opened gifts. I think Dakota enjoyed OPENING the gifts more than she enjoyed the gifts themselves:



DH got me this:


And, yes, I broke that sucker out and mopped the entire house after we were done opening gifts! I love it!

We hosted the family in the afternoon, so DD got to play with her cousins. She gave book thongs to all the women in the family (and now needs to replace her stock). At one point, though, she realized she hadn't included one person -- we weren't sure she would show up -- and asked me to run upstairs and get another book thong. I did, then came down and walked up behind her to give it to her. At that moment, her teenaged boy cousin shone a flashlight in her eyes, so she jerked her head back... and slammed it right into my face.

I have to admit being insulted that everyone assumed I cried out and then left the room because I had a light shined into my eyes. Nope, I cried out and left the room because I was seeing stars. And this morning, I have the slightest of black eyes (DD has a hard head):



I told DD not to worry, I'd tell everyone that DH hit me. *G*

The in-laws only stayed a short time, so we were alone from about 5:30 on. After cleaning up, DD and I played cards. I taught her a new game, one that I LOVED as a kid: Spite & Malice. We're having lots of fun with it.

We also got two new jigsaw puzzles, so can't wait to break those puppies out and do them.

It was a pretty good day :-)

How about yours?

=================================

Merry Christmas!

'And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: 'Behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people, Unto you is born this day a Saviour which is Christ the Lord.' - Luke 2:11

'twas the Night Before Christmas

The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other. ~Burton Hillis

And we are READY. Yay! I finished wrapping the last of the gifts, and put away my wrapping paper storage boxes for the year. DH came home last night, took one look at the droopy, brownish-green tree and said, "Fake tree."

Oh yeah.

So, the stockings are hung by the chimney with care. I haven't worn a kerchief since fourth grade (though we called them bandannas, and they were all the rage), I plan on settling in for a winters nap (I only wish it was "long" -- too bad I, like our backyard bear, can't sleep the winter away).

In the meantime, I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas (or whichever holiday you celebrate)!!

Enjoy a little Peanuts (how can this not make you smile?):



=================================

You Are Santa Claus

You are an optimistic and generous soul. It wouldn't be wrong to call you happy-go-lucky. It lifts your spirit to brighten someone else's day, especially if this person is a child. When it comes to helping others, you have boundless energy. And you admit that you sometimes put yourself last. You'll put in the time to make sure that everyone is happy and content. You don't mind working long hours to bring others a little joy.

What Christmas Character Are You?

Ho, ho, ho.... uh -- no.

====================

Still Windy

Those who think they have not time for bodily exercise will sooner or later have to find time for illness. ~Edward Stanley

It's STILL windy here. I could deal with the cold if it wasn't so windy -- I swear the house is going to blow away to Oz. It's supposed to finally calm down on Thursday (in advance of a mild snowstorm, oh yay), but I hate not being able to get outside and WALK. This is what is contributing to my achy hips (which I've had since I was pregnant with my DD -- pregnancy really did a number on my body). No amount of stretching helps ... the only thing that really seems to keep the ache down is walking, nice brisk walking with very long strides.

Yesterday I tried walking in circles around the inside of my house (we are in a colonial "box" so there is a bit of a track -- when DD was little and full of energy, I used to tell her, "Run around the house five times." and when Dakota was a puppy and the weather was icky, we used to put her on leash and takes turns jogging her around the house in circles to burn her energy). I think it helped a little, but it's just not the same. It's one of the reasons I want a treadmill.

Someday.

Anyway, despite my Christmas shopping being done, I need to go to the grocery store today and pick up fixings for a "deli tray". DH decided we had to have one for the Christmas gathering over here. I'm half tempted to get one already prepared, but will have to see if the cost is prohibitive. It's not THAT big a deal to organize one. I'm hoping the store won't be busy (I'm sure it WILL be on Christmas Eve), so am heading out today to beat the rush.

I'm also going to shop for a few things I need for dough enhancer so I can bake some big, beautiful Whole Grain Bread. I've never used dough enhancer before, but have high hopes of making fluffy WW bread with it. I probably won't do it until after Christmas, but I'll write about it on Healthful & Homemade when I do and you can see if it worked or not.

That's about it from my neck of the woods. What about you? Do you have any last minute Christmas errands to run before the big day?

=========================

Your Holiday Personality is Responsible

The holidays mean that you need to get a lot of things done, and you're up to the challenge. You love shopping for gifts, sending cards, baking, and decorating. It's all about making things festive for others. Of all the types, you are the most likely to try out something new each season - whether it's a interesting recipe or fun decorating idea. You don't mind playing Santa for everyone else. In fact, it's what you brings you peace and joy.

What's Your Holiday Personality?

Blogthings: We're Not Shrinks, But We Play Them On the Internet

That's pretty darn close!

=============================