Monday, December 26, 2022

Did everyone have a nice Christmas? We have another warm day (66) on tap today and then a week of cold and possible rain, which is always welcome in the west!

My dad was talking to my cousin yesterday and when he asked how long they would stay in AZ my dad said "maybe end of March". What?! He said a month or two when the plan was made. I don't know what to think about over three months of not being able to control the tv remote in my own house and not being able to breathe because the heat is on too high. Maybe the novelty will wear off and they will get tired of me and decide two months is fine. Argh.

Today is a Costco run. No other plans. Hope you all have a nice day!

Oh boy - I guess Dad REALLY loves it there!

We just had brunch at SILs (DS cooked dinner yesterday and again this morning). Nice gathering with everyone. DD had a runny nose (but 2 days in a row of negative COVID tests) and I have laryngitis slightly (no other symptoms and also 2 days of negative tests). So we stayed a bit remote from everyone. DD didn't stay overnight because of her cold. No engagement ring there but her BF did give her a beautiful diamond pendant. Maybe Valentine's Day????

Dinner plans out with friends (I will continue to stay remote). Busy, busy until we get home.

Mike has been so good with my 2 year old grand-nephew who after the last day immediately goes to him asking "Play?". Lots of cars and trucks have been running around. I think Mike will need a nap this afternoon LOL.

I hope you all have a restful day'

Greetings all

Yes it was a nice Christmas. We go to our "grown up" friends meaning they set a lovely table and do nice stuff. I took cauliflower and parmesan cheese crisps. Also gave them the case of wine since they lost so much in the earthquake. I must say they tidied up their house beautifully. The brick is gone off the fireplace but they covered it up with wreathes and decorations. They have a number of cabinets that were full of glassware that was smashed. Pictures showed piles of it. It that were my house I would have canceled christmas but they are heartier than me. I am grateful the earthquake hit at 2:30 am when no one was in the living room because had they been in there they would have been wearing the bricks!

I was kind of hit with the reality of how old everyone is getting. One person had a newly installed pacemaker. Another is about to turn 90. All of us are dottering and some of us can barely navigate the house packed with furniture. Another talked about how he wants to travel in Europe and how he might die there and thats ok. Jeepers.

CC now that you have a palace you are going to expect lots of guests! Make a deal with your dad to share the remote. Not sure what you do about the heat. But it's so great to hear that your dad likes it there and is having a good time. Worth it.

Not much else. I was sent home with some ham so thats dinner tonight. I will check in at the studio. Not sure if we fired Friday as usual or not. Then there are a few year end gallery chores.

Old Chip continues to amaze us. He was galloping around the yard this morning. Who'd a thunk it.

Liz, playing cars with the little one sounds like a good thing for nudgey Mike. Yay.

Peace on Earth. I wish, Diane S

Oh my CC, your Dad really likes your house! You might need to set up your own "office" but really a TV room when you need a little alone time. Nobody thinks much of someone going into their "office" and closing the door. But how lovely your Dad and his wife feel so comfortable with you they can see themselves staying with you for an extended time. Maybe they will make some side trips from your house, using it as their Southwest base? They probably have other snow bird friends in Arizona...

Liz, you know Mike's a good guy when the toddlers pick him as their main man. :)

Diane, your friends really are troopers to continue on after the earthquake damage. I know things are just things, but I would feel so sad to lose my crystal stemware all at once.

Peps, your Christmas Eve sounded lovely, and ended well. And yes, family is family.

Shirl, ugh, dogs barking on an endless loop. I'm glad you have some sunshine to soothe your tired soul.

We just came in the house, I dropped my overnight bag and declared, Christmas is over, you're all on your own! (They are accustomed to this ritual). DS: should we order a pizza? Me: You decide. I am not making any decisions. I will be in my reading chair with some tea. I. Feel. Awesome. 300 thousand pounds of weight off my back.

Christmas dinner was fine, my Dad did manage to clear the dining room table off, which was huge. One guest room was fine, the other, the bed was covered with stuff, as was the floor. I had to just shift piles around and stack things higher so we could actually put a twin air mattress on the floor. It's just an impossible situation, but they won't let me help. And what help we were able to get them, a bath assistant, and a home nurse, they dismissed.

But anyhow, I am home now, with no obligations, but to do what I want for the next 6 days. I'll only cook if I want to, I'll sleep until I'm done sleeping, I'll read, ill watch shows, I'll visit friends... Glorious freedom to be selfishly indulgent.

You deserve the rest time! I live that your immediate family recognizes that!