Sunday, December 16, 2018

Weight 123.6, calories 1347. Same weight two days in a row, calories too high both days. Sigh... I planned to eat whatever I wanted at the dinner/dance, but I made cornbread for DH yesterday and ate a big slice that I didn't need.

I was out the door at 6 am today to drive my friend to the airport. We will see her at home at a dinner on Thursday. We leave Wednesday and I would love to get to the beach one last time today but it depends on DH's timing and mood. In the meantime, the laundry and dishes are almost done (8:30 am), Justice and I are going for a walk shortly, and I might start the housecleaning I'd like to do before we leave Wednesday.

Christmas is easy with grown children and a DH who doesn't know the day, so I am pretty much done except for stockings. I floated the idea of disbanding them but my kids were shocked at the idea. So I'll get a couple of more gift cards, some cheap candles and lots of tissue paper to wrap them in to fill the stocking. Lavender's stocking is half embroidered but it isn't as good as Justice' because I have to squeeze in another letter. Oh well.

Have a super Sunday.

Pictures are from the dance Friday night (the only closeup of DH and me unfortunately) and of the lighthouse near us in Falmouth. I am actually looking forward to cold air and Christmas decorations. It seems weird to see them and have 70 degree weather.

134.8

I think it's the grown kiddos that are resistant to letting some of the holiday traditions go. Much grumbling around here (as well as mock-threats) when changes or putting up less is suggested. Liz, it just means that you've created some wonderful memories that the albeitgrown children want to continue to experience. Take it for what it is---a wonderful affirmation of family story.

Supposed to be sunny and maybe almost reach the 60s today! I do not miss the Christmas frost and snow--all that will come soon enough and most likely stay a bit longer than desired. We do need one serious period of freezing weather- necessary for nut and certain fruit trees to produce in their time.

Sigh- DS2 is now in South Dakota- spur of the moment assignment. Poop. Arrival now pending - sometime before Christmas- Patience needed.

Today is one of several cookie making days- Decorated Bohemian Butter Cookies-special request of DS1 (yah, one of those traditions- ha).

Have a restful and joyous Sunday, all. Smiles your way!

You are right - the stockings are tradition. They are all excited about 16 at Christmas dinner this year - the most since 2013. And I've been informed that I have to make the traditional almond snowball cookies that my mother used to make but I took responsibility for over about 30 years ago.

Our kids have all but given up even making the effort to come see us on Christmas day - I guess part of the journey of growing up and having to spread time between their partners families etc. This year we are having a dinner on 22nd for those who are free to come and then DH,my mum and I will head to the farm for Christmas. My 2 sons are coming as is DS2 girlfriend and my mum. DH's daughter n son n partners n grandbaby - are "not" sure what they are doing and I dont think coming. We will however be hosting DH's DD and her partner from 26th Dec till 1st Jan - so very much looking forward to that

Sorry DS2 is waylaid. Hoping he arrives soon :)

1. Within Range: yes
2. General Wellbeing: 9 on SS
3. 10,000+ Steps: 12441
4. Fitness: walking; raking leaves
5. Self-Care: yard work with iPod (Music !)
6. Play/Leisure: knitting, coloring
7. Intention: Finish 2018 the way I intend to start 2019.

Eleven more bags of leaves !! The piles were very wet, and both dogs loved rolling in them (a week after their bath at the groomer !). Freezing rain this morning, so I think I'm done until spring. DC was up at 1:30 AM with a bag issue, and I couldn't get back to sleep.

Both girls are meeting me at my Mom's in Syracuse Saturday to take her out to lunch and decorate Christmas cookies with her. We'll make up a few trays for her to have ready to give out to neighbors who may drop by. Luckily, her favorite is ginger bread, which I don't care for. I bought some premade sugar cookies that are not the homemade melt in your mouth kind I adore. I don't have white flour or sugar in the house, nor will I. My last two years at work, I paid HS students to bake cookies for exchanges I was in, so I could reduce the trauma/damage. I feel like I'm employing my Halloween strategies... how can I honor the recipients while making selections that aren't my favorites.

Loved my IPod time yesterday, so I'll be doing that or Amazon Music if I can squeeze in some walking between bands of weather.

Well done on all those leaves!

Sorry DC had bag issues. Hope its all ok now

Lovely your girls spend time with their grandmother - its super important

Good morning!

Liz, nice pics, as always. Cornbread is a sneaky treat. It is so easy to think you will be able to resist. Until you can't. I have been there many a time.

I am so behind in decorating for Xmas. Must get on that tonight.

Yesterday, we spent time in Leavenworth WA (a Bavarian village) where the DD and friends tubed while I snowshoed. There was barely enough snow for both but still fun. The passes have enough snow to be open for the season but everything lower (like Leavenworth) is still sparse. Leavenworth was packed....just wall to wall people. There was a line to get into any store at all so we finally gave up (after the obligatory stop at a candy store) and left. We will go back after the holidays. It was fun to see all the action (lots of elves/creatures/costumes) but didn't even try for pics because there was no space.

We had three teen cars parked in the neighborhood. Unfortunately, all were found with copious amounts of spit on their windows when we returned. The suspect is a boy who had a falling out with the group a while back so he wasn't invited. He would have known about the trip because of social media postings. (And after the spit was reported on social media he behaved weirdly which also made him a suspect.)

First (second and third) of all: gross! And how does that even work? Who stands in a cul de sac and spits on cars? We had two cars in our driveway but they weren't showered. At least that is harmless behavior.....no guns. I have a rather low bar for behavior these days. Just don't shoot anyone and we are good.

Lesa, glad to see such chipper posts from you! Shirl, hope the weather has passed. It looks like it will take quite a bit of time to fully recover.

Of course, I must hike today. My on-line guy says I get "bonus points" for seeking out winter hikes that are cold, snowy and generally "inclement." What a freak.

Seek Peace.

Shel

My DH used to LOVE winter hiking which he did with the Appalachian Mountain Club in New Hampshire. Unfortunately he hasn't been able to do that for several years now (the last time was a fiasco with lost keys). Of course we still have a ton of equipment in the basement at home : Ice picks, etc.

People like your DH are a rare breed but they are wildly enthusiastic.

I will need an ice pick for Mt Rainier -- I plan on renting!

I just saw a winter trip offered by REI up Mt Washington in New Hampshire. It isn't all that expensive so I haven't ruled it out. It would give me a little bit of mtn boot practice.

Sounds fun at Leavenworth but sorry for your homecoming. Who does that? Very sad