Just finished my Christmas shopping. Just about four hours, so not bad. Store was not at all crowded, and I saw lots of pretty house lights on the way there and back.

Tomorrow, we get up earlyish to tidy for my friend who is dog and cat sitting, then we drive to elder nephew's house (about an hour) for hugs and presents (mostly for the grand niblings -- nephew and wife have graduated to a Harry & David gift -- basically, I'm carrying on my mom's tradition of sending those)... and pick up the presents to take up to my other sister's place, which is another three hours or so.

Supposed to be icy in the morning, so we may leave later than planned, but it doesn't really matter. No real schedule of activities.

Coming back on Thursday after brunch with DH's mom. (She'll spend holiday with other son and grandkids while we're at my sister's; works out well).

I am off work for the next 9 days! Yay! Except I promised to check my email every day because D, who is acting for me, does not have the best judgment. I'm hoping nothing important comes up.

tonight I need to roast a bunch of veggies (that would otherwise wilt), and make shortbread, and maybe start a challah.

However right now I am on the couch with a dog on my knees and an old fashioned next to me, and I don't really want to move...

However right now I am on the couch with a dog on my knees and an old fashioned next to me, and I don't really want to move...

Good strategy.

I just had a Buffista visit with Hayden, who was out to California visiting some family. He brought along his friends Paul and Heather, and his son Abe.

So I showed them around Haight Street and the neighborhood, and when we got shut out of finding a restaurant we just came back to my house and we shared some champagne, cheese and crackers. Matilda sat in with us during the conversation eating her DoorDashed Udon noodles.

I guess I have all the presents that are going to arrive on time and I'm just not going to stress about the late arrivals. Everybody will have something.

That sounds like a lovely evening! What's not to like about champagne, cheese, and crackers?

The shortbread is chilling in the fridge. I will make challah tomorrow.

Calli's kitchen creations all sound wonderful. This reminds me that I need to pick up some champagne for NYE since B's girlfriend will drink it with me. Neither my son nor husband indulge. Sr. will order fruity or ice cream-type things, maybe a Bailey's when we are out, and Jr. used to say he drank once a year on his birthday, but I don't think he even does that anymore. He prefers to inhale his intoxicants. However, the gf will keep me from drinking alone, not that being the lone imbiber has ever stopped me.

My list is still so long! Mostly picking up and cleaning. This does not cause me any stress as anyone who will be here in the next few days loves me enough to ignore my housekeeping deficiencies. DH really needs to do something about his office though as that is where the big air mattress will reside for the kids.

I’m in Michigan and working and bummed I’m missing some snow at home. But about to head to brunch with fave in laws so I shouldn’t complain.

On Christmas Eve, we generally have lunch with my dad and then go directly to my mom's for dinner. Today, Mom adamantly wants us there at 3:30 for reasons known only to her, but my dad is working and won't be home until 2:15. This means we have less than an hour to spend with my dad, and it is the greatest Christmas gift EVER.

B Jr and Lana are going to arrive at 9AM tomorrow completely exhausted. She works in a big Italian deli and has been working long shifts every day for the last week and will be today until at least 8. Then they have to leave by 2:30 AM to get to Albany for a 6AM flight to Ft. Lauderdale. Then breakfast here with family including the 11- and 4-year-old cousins, followed by dropping her off to visit with her family, then driving 2 hours to BIL's for dinner, and driving back home. I'm thinking we are sleeping very well tomorrow night. At least my son will be able to sleep to and from dinner, but I don't think she is going to get any rest.

eta: Well done, Teppy, with the time limits!