I feel well Santa-d today. My seekrit one (thank you, Ouise!) sent me an absolutely lovely hanging ornament made with blown glass pieces. It's already up in the window where I can look at it, all red and gold and sparkly. Also, Belgian chocolates that are sinfully smooth and nummy to the tummy. I scarfed two down before I remembered I had to open Anne W.'s fruitcake. Which I promptly did and cut myself a piece. Oooh, that was good. I'm contemplating making the fruitcake my dinner. I've decided I'm going to let myself splurge as much as I want until Christmas and then I'll go back to paying attention to portion size and fat content. So, for now, cake and chocolate, babee! It's all I need.

If I had a herd of goats, I could be a friendly fire control shepherdess, roaming the roadways and hillsides, fireproofing and fertilizing everything in my path. I'd probably need a dog and a couple of robots for the heavy lifting and running around parts. That's OK. I'll be the manager and direct from the back flank.

Thank you for the loverly bookmark Deena. You are very thoughtful and generous. Joy and happiness in the New Year to you and yours.

There was no name on the card, so I don't know who to thank.

It's either Buffista-given, or I'm being stalked. I'm gonna go with the happy answer.

Thank you so much for the flowers. Couldn't have been better timed -- my physical therapist just finished sapping my will to live even more than I thought him capable.

And no, they do not smell, thank you for the attention to detail. The do, however, look, and are pleasing to the eye.

Plus, many buds, so it looks like they'll be pretty for a while.

Again, thank you so much. They're beautiful.

A Katie-shaped elf dropped off a package at my house today. When I wasn't home. And my family won't let me open it. No fair.

You're welcome, msbelle. I'm so glad you like it.

Merry Christmas everyone! See you guys next week!

ewww.

No, that's a sheep.

I got an adorable Jess & DH card, too--with a Ralf stamp! I love Ralf. And it's a great picture of Jess and E.

Also cards from SA, AmyLiz, Dani, DX, and a Happy Moosemas card from Katie, despite my protestations that cards would not be forthcoming from me this season. Thanks, and lovely holidays to us all!

Man, now I feel bad. I think I'll send a bunch of cards in the spring to the folks I have addresses for and would otherwise have sent Christmas cards to. In fact, anyone I don't have an addreess for right now, feel free to e me and you'll be in the group. I'm figuring mid-Feb, when the X-mas glow has worn off and people need a pick-me-up.

Brenda, my deal is, I send a handwritten note to anyone who sent us holiday cards...sometime after New Year's. Which have been as late as... oh, Easter? Unexpected, right?