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.

Krampus Walk was fun! This neighborhood loves a reason to dress up weird and parade through the streets. I put a handful of pictures on Facebook.

Copperbadge is writing a series set in an imaginary European micro state called Askazar-Shivadlakia

Those are on my TBR list, which gets longer every day.

...Copperbadge is writing a series set in an imaginary European micro state called Askazar-Shivadlakia (sp?). He puts his first drafts up in AO3

[link]

I have been enjoying them a lot. Highly recommended.

I watch a lot of Hallmark movies, too, because my sister loves them

Aubrey Plaza did one that's basically a Lesbian Hallmark Xmas movie made for Hulu: [link]

Timelies all!

Tuesday was Gary's birthday and we went to a Japanese barbecue place. We got their dinner for two, which had a variety of beef cuts(and chicken and pork belly). The set up is that each table has its own grill, where you cook the meat. For dessert there was mochi icecream and, because it was his birthday, Gary chose a slice of chocolate cake which arrived with a big sparkler in it. All in all, a good special occasion place.

Yesterday was a busy day. We went up to Baltimore for a concert by the Baltimore Gamers Symphony Orchestra in the afternoon. We then visited Mr. S for a bit, and then went to the monthly Balticon/BSFS meetings.

Sadly that KStew/Aubrey Plaza movie had much more chemistry between the two of them and not so much with the girl who was supposed to be Kstews gf.

If you haven’t seen Love Hard, from about 3 or 4 years ago, it’s solidly on our annual must watch list. Not least for possibly the funniest Baby It’s Cold Outside rendition.