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We got a decent amount of snow, but no school closures etc. I've not left the house today, but I might tonight. It's actually not bone chilling cold today, it's in the 30s. Windchill of -27 predicted for Saturday. Now that's brisk.

Ther can certainly be a melancholy this time of year as our traditions change. I had 2 stellar Christmas times in my life: when I was a kid, we spent Christmas Eve night with my Dad's family at my Auntie's house, and woke up Christmas morning at my maternal grandparents farm, nestled in the woods up north. Thing change, and people can no longer host or travel, and new ways had to be, but nothing stuck. When my kids were little, I decided we needed a tradition, so we began hosting for my DH's siblings and kids on Christmas Eve, and any friends who were available. It was wall to wall cousins in our small home, and very festive. Christmas Day we would go to my parents house. Now all the nieces and nephews are scattered about the country, and/or have in laws to visit, so our Christmas Eve group is much smaller. One year, my BILs kids ( 6 children and spouses!) were all home so we did our traditional blow out gathering. I heard one niece tell her husband, I practically grew up in this house. It made all of it so worthwhile at that moment.

I am getting ready to start the Christmas cookie baking. I don't make anything too fancy, but like a lot of things this time of year, my kids look forward to the familiar treats they've had every year since as long as they can remember. I'll bring some to my parents too. Having cookies around at home has not really been a problem for me during the VSG years. I can generally eat a few and stop. It's more challenging for DH. What I try to do, is make up a small plate for us with reasonable amounts, and once those are gone, we are done with cookies until the next little plate appears.

Tomorrow I have the dental cleaning with an exam by a new dentist. I've had a lot of big surprises after exrays, like root canals that have failed and need to be pulled etc so I enter with apprehension. But I keep telling myself 1. They will not be doing any scary procedures tomorrow 2. If there is something that needs attention, better now than when it is an emergency. Waiting won't make it go away. For us reluctant patients, maybe they should have some kind of punch card system that if you come in regularily, you can earn a nice prize. Perhaps I'll float this idea : )

Well, I was full of sh*t - literally! LOL! I weighed 202.2 again this morning. A few minutes later nature called. After a productive visit to the commode, I weighed again and had dropped down to 201.6. LOL! I'm going with the second weight of the morning!

I slept way too late today, but I went to bed way too late last night. It is true - one can't hoot with the owls at night and expect to soar with the eagles at dawn.

UGH.... It is tax day here in CA. I always hate paying property taxes. I seem to get so very little for what is charged. I'm sure that is one of the many reasons CC fled to AZ!

I am having some trouble being productive this week. I have things that I should be doing and am unmotivated. I am vowing to make today a productive day. I am chocking up my malaise to the winter chill (makes me want to stay in and be "cozy"), retirement adjustment (lack of daily structure), and family Christmas traditions disappearing (Dad's declining mental state and brother's distance have led to our lifetime family traditions falling by the wayside).

Liz, I bet you are looking forward to alone time! I know I would be!

I am hoping for a Winning Wednesday!

Greetings all

Sun this morning but now the fog is back. Ho hum. Today's plans include a visit to the gym and then the studio. Glad I got all the errands done yesterday. No clue on tonight's dinner so a drive by to the hippie dippy grocery may occur. I would love a pot pie but DH has decided he does not like the ones from this store.

So DH has had a flurry of packages arriving. Another exercise device that I can't figure out but he says it helps do deep squats. He has become very concerned about loss of leg strength and balance so his solution is to acquire devices sold to help those issues. A "step" - like from old step aerobics has arrived. I actually would sort of like to use that one as it is a low step. Anyway I have advised him that he needs to get rid of junk from his office to make a usable desk and exersise area for this stuff. He say oh yes of course. We shall see.

So Liz the "Sister act" is coming to a close. Nice to have your home back for a bit. Home alone time is valuable.

CC glad the vent project is done and that the other things are moving along. I am posting a picture of this dog breath product that seems to work. Peps have you tried this stuff? (on your dogs I mean, not you LOL).

Paula I have wondered about Hello Fresh and other such services. We will be interested to hear if it is worth while. I think CC liked Hungry Root.

Our nephew with the new baby turned 44 today. Yikes I remember when he was 12. Time flies.

Time to get moving and, as DD says, make a mortgage payment.

Diane S

hahahah lord knows what he calls me. Actually he is a very refined gentleman who is a walking dictionary!

116.6

Last full day with the sisters! Hopefully the sun is back out so they can get a last beach day. Then tonight they are taking us out for one last dinner. I am looking forward to staying home alone tomorrow night though DH is going out with some golf buddies.

Today I may or may not make it to the beach if they go. I have water aerobics this morning, then Justice has a vet appointment at noon to get his shots updated. But first his usual long walk.

Have a welcoming Wednesday!