Kate, I’m so very sorry for your loss. Love to you and your family. How are the girls handling it?

Thanks, sj. And I'm sorry for your great-uncle's health problems.

The girls are doing OK. When we found out she was dying, they took it very hard, especially Rose. I think they've adjusted to the idea, and immediately after her death most of our family was able to gather together to remember her, and they were really happy to see everyone. (We're going to hold a more formal memorial service in a few months.) So that helped. But I think the holidays are probably going to be rough. My mom made such a big deal out of Christmas in particular, so I know we're really going to feel her absence keenly then.

Timelies all!

Got to leave work an hour early. Enjoying the silence, as Gary is out doing something and Mr. S is with his nanny.

Much love headed to you and yours, Kate. The first holidays without mom are really hard.

I have successfully rendezvoused with DH and kiddo, and am on flight 2/3.

That's a lot! How is the kiddo with traveling?

I theoretically worked today, but also had a sofa and chair delivered, had the access crew change out our stuff for the new fiber network (they were here for hours!), cleaned up paint spills and taped for more painting, made cranberry relish, and put together the stuffing to bake tomorrow. Also, got my SIL to agree to make the turkey at their house and just bring it with them taking that off my list. Next up the broccoli slaw, I think. After a rest.

One of my basketball sons is here helping DH finish painting the one room we decided to do first. You know how in theory rooms have 4 walls, well this room was the result of the previous owners taking out a wall and combining the den and 2nd bedroom. It has many angles resulting in 20 different flat surfaces, and that isn't even counting the drop down all the way around for ductwork. It is geometrically interesting and aesthetic, but what a pain to paint. Also, they had it painted a very dark grey, almost black, so the primer coat barely makes a dent in it. Maybe it will be done tomorrow?

eta: enjoy the solitude, Sheryl!!

He likes the airplanes, but jet lag is tough. He got 2 2-hour jumps, a week apart, which I hope helps make it less awful. He's also exhausted.

Hugs to you and them, Kate. This is our first holiday season without my grandfather, and it is hard on all of us but ltc is taking it especially hard.

I took today off, but ended up in an hour-long phone call this morning anyway.

that said, I ran the dog, did laundry, and made a bunch of pie, and cranberry sauce. And then I watched the finale of Andor which is amazing and moving and everyone should watch it.

It's really considered rude to nod off during tech rehearsals for a show that I'm designing. I just need to make it through Act 2 of A Christmas Carol.

I did a crap ton of work, made a pie, made cranberry sauce, and am dyeing my hair.

I made the Waldorf salad, and the apricot-ginger glazed sweet potatoes will come out of the oven soon. Then the turkey roulade goes in, and the timing kicks into gear. 30 minutes to put the extra dressing in the oven, 25 more to get the asparagus steaming and the sweet potatoes back in the oven so they come out hot with the rest, then the gravy, and then I should be done with cooking.

I made mashed potatoes... 10 lbs. Put them in a crock pot and taped it so we don't have any mishaps on the drive. Hoping they heat up again in time for dinner when we get there -- they'll have about an hour and a half, and they started hot, so here's hoping it works.

Hoping you all enjoy your days!