Effective partying, Hec!

Party efficiency achieved! I realized there were people there I hadn't seen since before the pandemic. Highlight was seeing their eldest daughter (and Emmett's godsister), Emily, who gave me a huge, welcoming hug. She and her fiancé moved from NYC to LA (Glendale actually) a year ago so it was good to catch up with her. It's wild to me that she's 36 since I saw her as a newborn.

One couple that I used to see at Karen and Frank's parties had both done ozempic and looked great. A few other people who were a few years older than me (so more late sixties), really looked so much older. There's just no getting around approaching 70, I guess.

I realized most people didn't know about Jacqueline and I didn't bring it up. I did get to meet and talk with several people who had either lived in Japan or had recently traveled there, so that was exciting.

I’m so sad to miss cookie swap tonight but we are going on a river cruise on the Seine so…not that sad

Good consolation prize!

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.

You already have a social life! That's impressive.

I've been managing to maintain an every other socializing night with Matilda whilst eating cozy food and working our way through the Harry Potter films. I think her bestie Iris (back from college) might come over tonight, and do a sleepover too.

I've been sheltering at home this weekend -- which is really not different than most weekends, seriously -- except that my car is at the mechanic's garage, and I'm waiting on hearing whether this is going to be terminal or they can bring it back for a couple more months. (It already needed a new catalytic converter, which is why I've been driving around with a failed inspection sticker for the past, um, year.)

Exploring alternatives -- a friend may have a working car I could have for a song -- but I'm also contemplating something like Carvana, if I go with a make and model that I'm sure I'd like without having to drive it. Anything I should know about experiences with buying online like that?

There's just no getting around approaching 70, I guess.

Judicious plastic surgery, if you're my mom. She very very much does not look 78. I mean, her side of the family does tend to look young, but her Dorian Gray appearance is way more than DNA. (Not that I'm suggesting plastic surgery; just mentioning the only way I know of to cheat the march of time.)

I know I look 70, but I am not at all bothered by that part. Brain is good, and working on the body parts that seem to want to fall apart.

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

For my bro & SIL? I'm not sure. I was considering an Etsy gift card. They've got a side hustle of buying abandoned storage lockers and selling the contents, which is making me rethink the "stuff" aspect. I may be better off with a restaurant GC.

My dad would like the pears that dcp suggested. I've got a vague idea of a photo collage that could work if I can find an appropriate frame and the time to find the photos to print.

I got my card written and addressed, but I lack stamps. That will be a slight challenge this week.

we are going on a river cruise on the Seine

I can see how that would lessen the sting.

Well, the office is empty of boxes, except to the box holding all the boxes I emptied. I also got my gifts wrapped. For the past 14 years (except for 2020) I shipped everything to my sister, flew up on Christmas Eve, and then frantically wrapped everything in her guest room. It feels odd being done 10 days ahead of time.

I have a couple of boxes of books in the bedroom to empty, plus a box of my witchy stuff, and then I’ll be largely unpacked. I’m putting off putting up art until after the New Year, because taking down the tree will change the balance and focal point of the living room.

I still miss Leifur. Javier is a delightful cat, and he’s really upped his cuddle game in the past two weeks. But I keep looking for an orange and white adventure kitty and not finding him.

Virtual hugs, Calli. That's hard.

Congrats on being so ahead of the wrapping game, though! I am pretty sure I won't be able to get out for any shopping until this coming weekend, but I don't have that much to do, so that's good.

DH and decided last year that in lieu of presents, we'd just say, "Merry Christmas!" to each other throughout the year when we get concert tix or go to a nice dinner or buy a household item or what have you. We still do stockings, though, because Christmas morning with the family. And we buy them presents, but that's low stress.

Oh. I do have three online pear-like items to send. I should do that tonight after my thing. And the two grand-niblings' gifts to get sent, too.

Tonight is an open house at a friends' in DC. There are 122 people RSVPd to their e-vite. I would die. Except, they operate at a whole different level than I do, so I'm sure it'll be good, fancy, fun with lots o' local business getting paid today help. More power to them.

I should get dressed now.

Seeing him from the corner of your eye and then realizing all over again he's not here? I'm familiar with that. I'm sorry he left you, but glad he made the move with you and Xavier.

I'm excited with how expeditiously you've managed your move, Calli. Your gladness and cheer about the move and your new situation is lovely to witness.

And Laura, I'm so happy for you that your Christmas and B's birthday will now include the man himself!

Hallmark movies--! The year my B was gone all year, managing both his brother's and their mom's final illnesses and deaths, dismantling bro's business and selling MiL's house, I binged Hallmark movies. I even (shameful confession) ordered those Good Witch movies on DVD--I still have them, if anyone would like to borrow--? Moving colors and noise with no emotional engagement whatsoever. Therapy.

Seine cruises and cookie parties and housefuls of friends are joyous and happy-making things to hear about. As are holiday meetings with friends not seen for a while. I used the excuse when I didn't get cards out until after, was that DH's family observed Old Christmas, so I got a pass.

we are going on a river cruise on the Seine

Wait what? I will be watching and following with interest! This is definitely on my bucket list. Have a blast.

Thank you, Beverly. I watch a lot of Hallmark movies, too, because my sister loves them. So it’s become our thing on the 24th. If you want the Hallmark movie vibe in original fic form, Copperbadge is writing a series set in an imaginary European micro state called Askazar-Shivadlakia (sp?). He puts his first drafts up in AO3 and sells the final versions through a self-publishing site. The first drafts are good, if you wanted to check them out.