Not decorating the house, either.

This has been such a difficult and horrible year, it's quite enough for us to sit near and read, hold hands if the urge occurs, smile and share small jokes. We've been insular as DH endured and recovered from five surgeries in turn, lost 45 lbs, a lot of muscle mass and strength, and much of his concentration and memory. He is still recovering but this setback has impacted his ongoing recovery from the stroke he had last year, so we're taking all things easy. I haven't even managed to get the candles plugged in in the front windows or the wreath on the front porch railing, nor the Santa flag flying. And nothing indoors. I'm sure the neighbors share some mild disapproval, but, it is what it is, and I'm not going to perform holiday decor for them. Far from being cheering for us and celebrating the season, we're just enjoying our quiet and beautiful-to-us home, and not worrying as much as possible about the future.

We do wish our dearest, near and far, a happy and joyous season filled with light, laughter, hope, and love.

Oh Bev, I’m so sorry to hear all this. Enjoy what peace you can and the neighbors can suck it.

It's one thing if you miss it yourself, Beverly, but I wouldn't worry about what other people think.

Today I finished up my holiday shopping, and still have some last shreds of regard for my fellow man! I only encountered one driver that caused me to yell "What the Hell are you thinking?!?" more than once in a five minute period. I also visited my mom and got her signed back in to our Hulu account.

Tomorrow is weekly grocery shopping and maybe seeing Wicked if I feel like spending the afternoon out.

Today I finished up my holiday shopping

Eep! I've barely started mine!

Gad, it's a good thing I double checked the invitation. It starts at 5 instead of 7 as I thought. Have to leave soon.

Fortunately the storm has passed.

I'm having a hard time coming up with gift ideas for my mom & dad and my brother & SIL. My dad's post retirement purpose has been getting rid of stuff so my habit has been to give tickets to theatre or the symphony, but now my mom is recovering from surgery (with future treatment TBD) and I don't want to overestimate her energy level to get out and do things. My bro and SIL have moved back into their house after water damage 18 months ago but are still working on getting everything fixed back up. I have no idea what belongings were lost to the damage and therefore no idea what they might need or want.

gift ideas

My fallback has long been pears from Harry&David.

I’m sorry things have been rough, Beverly. And I hope your DH’s recovery becomes more smooth.

Effective partying, Hec!

The Krampus walk sounds fun, Steph.

This weekend I’m trying to finish unpacking. Today was all about getting the office/library set up. I still need to finish getting the books into half of one bookcase. Then two more unrelated boxes, and the room will be done. I might even get some wrapping done.

Next Friday I have a party with my sister’ “boat friends,” people they hang out with at the marina. It’s a “charcuterie” party. On my sister’s suggestion, I’m going to get a Christmas themed platter and arrange a bunch of those miniature bottles of booze on it: char-booze-eri. Apparently this is the crowd for that. Then on Saturday I’ll have my sister and brother in law over for dinner at my place—something I’ve never really been able to do before. I’m planning on pot roast, fettuccine with butternut squash alfredo, minted peas, and a pear-cranberry tart.

We do wish our dearest, near and far, a happy and joyous season filled with light, laughter, hope, and love.

I wish the same for you and DH. There was one year when I was just not up to decorating, so a drive through a local park with miles of lights and a boat ride to see the decorations on the Intracoastal were all I managed. There are a few Christmas movies I find and stream.

We have migrated away from the pumpkin spice coffee creamer to the peppermint chocolate variety. After years of drinking black coffee, the sugar-free coffee creamers have become my go-to treat.

I have to look at my list. I've done stuff for my son and his girlfriend, and one SIL, but nothing else. I'm hoping to find inspiration at one of the Out of the Closet Thrift stores here. [link] I thought they were just a local thing, but apparently they have locations around the country. I'd rather give my $$ to them instead of Amazon if possible.

Calli, both the char-booze-eri and your Christmas dinner menu sound wonderful.

Woot! DH canceled his LA Christmas tournament trip. The boys and an adequate number of coaches are going and he really didn't want to go with our son visiting and his 60th birthday is on the 28th. So now he will be home. I think he may have noticed my pouty face that he was going to be gone the entire time B Jr was here and for the birthday.

Now I have to organize a last-minute birthday gathering. But I can manage that!

(((BevDog)))

Aurelia would a Lowe’s gift card be of use to them?

I thought my family had agreed to no gifts this year, but my brother apparently already had something and it’s in the mail.

I’ve got a cookie exchange party tonight, so very soon I’ll start making 5 doz cookies.

I did put up the big tree and do most of the mantle. Not sure if anything outside will get done as all I want to do is sit under blankets, but it would make me happy to come home to each night. We shall see. Putting forth effort is a struggle.