I got all the wrapping done today! (Except for a bottle of wine for my stepdad, because I haven't bought it yet, but that's not so much "wrapping" as "plunking in a wine bag under the pretense that it's wrapped.") I haven't had everything wrapped this early in years. I feel like I'm inviting trouble.

Finished the cards earlier this week. Now all I have to do is make cookies and fudge tomorrow and then all the prep is done (until actual cooking for the Christmas Day meal).

LBD

Every person who calls it the little black dress makes me laugh every single time. That makes the song so much more palatable.

I fell to the Drummer Boy at lunch. It wasn't even a cool version, it was a generic mid-century female crooner.

I'm glad I fell to St. Olaf's choir version of LDB before I listened to Christmas With Friends. At least Misha Collins wasn't the *first* LDB this year.

In other news, oatmeal walnut butterscotch cookies are the nom. I still prefer oatmeal walnut cranberry though--I like the little bite of tart fruit for contrast. These are almost too sweet.

-t I love that you named your cat Jadzia. I smile every time you mention her by name.

Amazing, you guys who are finished, or nearly so. Good onya. I'm still piddling with interior decorations. Which, to me, is the fun stuff.

ION, I was walking across the parking lot to Tuesday Morning, when this deep, mournful bell sounded out. I stopped dead and looked around. The bell sounded again. Then a familiar bass line joined in. I realized someone with a surprisingly good car stereo was playing AC/DC's "Hell's Bells." But for a few micro seconds, an ominous opening scene from Supernatural was playing out in that strip mall's parking lot, with appropriate background music.

Bev, I also find the butterscotch chips a bit too sweet.

I'm about to go to a potluck, but don't have anything to bring. Ugh. Don't want to hit up a grocery store either. I wasn't thinking, and stopped in trader joe's earlier and was planning to make deviled eggs, but they were out of the bags of boiled/peeled eggs, and I am too lazy to boil and peel my own...but I didn't think to buy SOMETHING ELSE.

I found some hummus and pita chips in a cupboard with an expiration date this month, so there's dinner!

Winner!

I have to decide what to have for Christmas Eve hors d'oeuvres. I kind of feel like chips/guac/salsa and a hot something from TJ's, but that doesn't really go with the actual dinner (tourtiere -- pork pie). But does it matter? I guess I should ask my mother if she cares.

I have to decide what to have for Christmas Eve hors d'oeuvres.

Deviled eggs.

I have wrapped almost everything (just a couple of odds and ends left) and mailed my cards and packages, so I count that a win. Holiday errands now. Laundry, cleaning the house, and packing for our Christmas travels tomorrow.

Christmas shopping is done!
Secret Santa package is posted!

I hate shopping so much.