I'm already looking at store online for an artificial tree. I think mac and I will be out early to try and get a bargain on one. Unless I find a great deal with cheap shipping online. If anyone has a rec for a store or brand, let me know.

Merry Christmas/Chanukah/Solstice to everyone!!

msbelle, I got my fake tree at Michaels the day after Christmas for half-off. I found out the following year when I opened it that it had been used before it was returned (remnants of blue garland in the box), but it's a perfectly fine tree.

I'm doing laundry right now, but should be done in time to get to Dad's by 2:30 or so. Dinner isn't until 5:00, so my sleeping in wasn't a disaster.

As Teresa Nielsen Hayden says,

"a silly but irresistible practical joke: a solemn procession of the clergy of the Lutheran Church of Iceland, with an additional participant quietly joining the end of the queue."

Youtube: [link]

Seattle we are having your weather. 10 C and raining.

Well, it's snowing here. AGAIN. Fourth time in a week. ARGH. (Though at least this time, it should just melt on hitting the pavement, thank god, unlike the other times)

Go Matt and the awesome Christmas Eve, woot!

I made monkeybread, and have plans to see movies at noontime.

Obligitory Holiday Greetings, Buffistas!

Matt, that sounds like the best tradition ever! Wish I could do the same!

I am alone and grumpy. I've been battling a rash on my face for months. I cannot figure out what is causing it! I've given up every food that makes life worth living and still it keeps coming back! I should have made an appointment to see and dermatologist or an alllergist months ago, but worried about the cost. Now that I am a week away from losing my job, I just don't have the wherewithall or time, before I move.

So, I'm doing laundry, posting stuff on Craig's List and cleaning/packing.

I may pause long enough to watch some figure skating later. Otherwise, just a day off for me.

But, I am cheered and charmed by everyone else's celebrations and I hope there will be adorable mini-buffista pictures posted soon, with wrapping paper strewn around them and bows on their heads, etc.

Cheers, all!

Min-buffistas with wrapping paper: [link]

Let me tell you, folks, five is the PERFECT age for Christmas. Casper was enchanted by everything. Dillo (2) still a little young; as pleased by the pomegranate in his stocking as by the gifts.

As I was rooting around my stocking, I felt something familiar and promptly burst into tears.

It was a handpainted wooden angel made for my grandmother (one of a large set) by one of her friends. They hung on mom's tree growing up, and ours ever since. She gave them to her daughters and mom just gave me one. And then there was more rooting and I felt one of the leather angels my dad's sister made for us. I was just so caught off guard. I don't know when the last time I totally lost it like that was.

But now I have a tree for them.

Total unwrapping took about 2 hours, with D finishing first and wandering off to play. T...well, we had to unwrap most of his. I got him a bag of 100 balls. I apologized to my SIL in advance.

D also got this awesome shuttle contraption that is part shuttle, part rovers, part space station part I dunno...

And there are legos. And bionicles.

And I still get teary over the angels. The brunette one always was my favorite.

flea, thanks! Adorable! Casper is 5?? When did that happen?

sara, what an unexpected treat to be connected to the past. My sister - the one I'm going to be staying with after I move - has several things that we had growing up, in her home. there's a hutch and candlesticks and a Noah's ark cookie jar. when I catch sight of them I'm thrown back for a moment.

Some memories are worth it.

That's so awesome, Sara, and just what Christmas should be.

presents open

attempting to reach family members -- by video phone.