I'm so confused.

What the heck day is this?

For some reason this Thanksgiving long weekend has me topsy-turvy.  I guess because I've not been keeping my normal....(I can get through my routine blindfolded)...schedule.  For instance, while dragging out all my Christmas decorations I discovered my garage floor was littered with fallen leaves, decaying hops, cat litter and cat fur.  I hate to say it, but it was disgusting, yuck.  I was disgusted with myself I had allowed my garage to come to such a state.  Of course, I dragged out my carpet sweeper and gave the whole thing a 'what for'. This was a time consuming job, and didn't help when it came to my aching muscles.  However, in the end, I was glad the job was done.

Yesterday I decided to set up my little fiber optic Christmas tree in my bay window.  Since it is so small, a few years back I decided to string and tie together its tiny decorations onto one long strand. So far that has worked great...until last evening.  When not in use, I wind the strand around a piece of cardboard and I noticed some of the ornaments had become intertwined, oh, I sensed this was going to be bad.  I gingerly tried to untangle them, but lost patience and gave the cardboard a good shake and the strand of ornaments fell off.  Uh-oh! Sigh!  Not only was it a horrible jumble, the loose end I had started with had disappeared.

Okay, I tell myself, I can fix this.  No big deal.  I was so dispirited with myself I slunk to the sofa, with the realization this was going to take some time, that could be best used elsewhere. Undaunted, I began to undo the mess.  It was awful, since each ornament has intricate angles, as soon as I freed one, I was faced with another twist of the string holding them together.  I worked for an hour, and had accomplished absolutely nothing.  The more I worked, the more frustrated I became, I actually lost patience, and became quite angry with myself and this stupid, stupid strand of ornaments.   No, I was just angry with me.  Then, I did something most peculiar.  I heaved myself off the sofa, and had a conversation with myself that went something like this.

"I am sooo done, why am I wasting my time on this.  This is a hopeless cause, I'm never going to untangle this, should never have strung these things together in the first place, and am not going to waste one more minute trying to salvage this.  A couple of years ago, I'd have had the patience to fix this...but...not this year...not this year."

By now I had reached the kitchen trash bin, I flung open the door, threw the jumble of ornaments into the bin, turned, and walked away.  It was strange walking away...just walking away...I didn't even feel guilt, I did however, feel relief.  I think I disliked that strand of ornaments from the very beginning, and realized the tree would survive quite nicely without it.

And it is.  I finished adorning the tree with garlands, placed a silvery angel on the top, flipped the switch and my lovely little optic tree sprang to life.

Anyway, I think these kinds of incidents helped to cause my confusion as to what day it is.  It will be lovely to get back to normal this afternoon when my tree is up and trimmed.

Well...maybe not...after all, tomorrow is Cyber Monday, and I do have shopping to do.

This is Sunday, right?

Ooooooooooh

What can I say.

Boy I over did it yesterday.  When the heck did I get so dang old?

First, I set about taking down all my autumn/Thanksgiving decorations.  That took longer than I expected, and I probably should have simply vacuumed and dusted when I got done, and called it good for the day.

Did I?  Of course not!

Eager to light up the house with red and green 'sparklies', I began the process of decorating for Christmas.

Last year when it put the Christmas stuff away, I decided it was probably not wise to continue storing it overhead in the garage...ladder climbing was beginning to worry me...so, I juggled things around on shelves to accommodate the decorations that the most I would have to do in the future was stand on my step stool.  Seemed like a good idea.

So, yesterday I dragged my stool to the garage and began to pull down boxes and bags.  I was shocked to find myself being ultra careful watching where I had planted my feet on the stool,
and making sure there was something close by that I could grab if my vertigo just happened to 'kick in'.  Thankfully, it did not.  However, as my decorating frenzy continued, I discovered I was very uncomfortable trying to attach those meant to hang from the ceiling, such as swags, wreaths, etc.

What the heck?????????

I found myself thinking that I just might need one of those bracelets or necklaces you wear that bring aid when you need it.  Surely, I'm not THAT old.  But, maybe I am, because by the time I finally decided I was done for the day, every muscle in my body hurt.  I could tell my mind was willing, but my body was not.  Oh, I quit alright, until about seven o'clock.

I sat, on the sofa, gazing around the room, there was so much more to do.  I couldn't stand it. I dragged my step stool to the closet and pulled more boxes off the shelves and decorating continued.  I don't know what time it was when I quit, but I was finally satisfied I had accomplished all I could for the day.  Man, I was pooped.

Eventually I titter-tottered off to bed.  As I sunk beneath the blankets I realized just how tired and in pain my poor body was, I rolled over on my side and swallowed two good old fashioned pain killing aspirin.  Then, drifted off to sleep.

This morning I'm up, chipper and ready to complete my holiday decorating.  Now, I'd like to tell all of you this is the last year I'm going to do the climbing, dragging, stretching, pulling, pushing, boxing and un-boxing...but I know it's not.  Oh, yes, I'll do it again, and again.  I'm just thankful I got through this year without mishap...I hope.

Thanksgiving

Yesterday, being Thanksgiving, I started my personal pre-holiday traditions.  They started with a call from my brother who always begins the conversation with his traditional gobbbllle, gobbbbllllleee, gobbbbble.  That introduction this year was very unusual, as the gobble was not the one I expected and I confess I was taken just a bit aback.  I was in stitches.  We had a lovely talk.

Then, I went about doing my exercises, followed by a saunter to my movie collection to hunt out my holiday favorites.  I grabbed six, just to get me started, I've several more to watch as December moves along.  Yesterday I watched "We're no Angles", an oldie but goody, (if you you can get your hands on a copy I highly recommend it) that stars Humphrey Bogart, Aldo Ray and Peter Ustinov.  It takes place on Devils Island in the 1890's (or there about's) they are escaped convicts intent on mayhem and murder, and well....I don't want to spoil the plot...you have to watch it for yourselves.

Then I watched About A Boy, a quirk-y British Flick starring Hugh Grant.  He plays a bachelor (of course) who invents an imaginary child in order to join a singles group to meet single women with children.  This should be a smooth sailing adventure, which (of course) it is not because, a 12 year old boy named Marcus enters his life and turns it topsy-turvy.  This is a holiday movie, although the holiday takes place more in the background, it is the cast of characters that make this film so endearing.  I hope you will give it a go some holiday season.

I fixed myself a holiday feast, that I enjoyed later in the afternoon, I had chicken, potatoes, gravy, sweet squash, warm three bean salad, cranberry sauce, pickled beets and eggs, olives...and a beer. Good stuff, good stuff.  For once, I did not overeat...oh...so that's what it feels like...I didn't need a nap.  What a surprise.

Today I will be taking down my Autumn/Thanksgiving decorations in preparation for those of Christmas, and will be watching some more of my holiday 'flicks'.  I think I'll start with Elf, and then maybe another oldie, White Christmas, with Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye. Now there's a feel good song and dance, romance and do a good turn for somebody, sure to warm your toes and cockles of your heart movie.

Man, I love this time of year.

Well, I guess I had better get busy, I hope you all had a fantastic day, yesterday and that if Black Friday shopping is your gig for today, stay safe, take care...I'll be here, thinking about you, but glad to be home getting ready for Christmas. Ho, ho, ho.

How odd!

It is amazing what the slightest change in temperature can do.  After having some peculiarly cold weather this autumn, to awaken this morning and have the temperature read in the fifties, it was....well...odd.

The house was so warm, I didn't even turn my heat on this morning, and when I opened the door to let Zorro out for his first run around his kingdom, I pulled the sliding door full open, pulled the screen across the opening and welcomed the morning air into the house.  How odd. Thanksgiving is tomorrow, and some years it has been so cold we've actually had snow flurries on the holiday.  How odd, indeed, today is mysteriously so spring like.

Not long ago I ventured out to retrieve the mail, which I tucked under my right arm and instead of heading for the front door, I stopped, bent over and pulled out some very dead, previously frozen, summer annuals. Okay, one handful of dead matter is no big deal.  I will drop it into the recycle bin and that will be that.  How odd.  Not only did I pull one handful of summer flowers, I pulled several. Not only was that invigorating, it was down right enjoyable.  By the time I was done the bin was almost half full, the sidewalks had been cleared of leaning over, wilted, blackened plant matter and I was tempted to get out some lawn tools to start hacking and whacking.  How odd.

About this time I decided enough was enough, after all, some of this foliage should be allowed to decompose and become soil enhancement for next springs plantings.  Besides...it is after all November, the last thing on my mind should be yard work.  As a result, I took a quick turn around the back yard, and delighted in seeing the promise of spring, slowly nudging up through the good, brown earth.  I so enjoy natures delicate, intricate surprises...and delight that they are not odd at all.

Time to refresh, replenish, reflect, renew

First of all, I took a few days off from work, daily activities, the Internet, facebook, e-mail and just about everything else. Except of course eating and the essentials of life.  I think I wanted to prove to myself I was not addicted to all the things that occupied my days. Especially the Internet, involving facebook, e-mail, my store, research, and everything else that pleases me when it comes to electronic interaction with my world.

So, for two days I restricted my computer activities for a half an hour, right before I went to bed to check my e-mail and facebook postings.  I've discovered I'm actually capable of surviving without both.  Since my subscription to Lumosity has expired and I cannot afford to renew it for another year, that will be cutting back on computer time as well. Although I've taken up playing the card game Hearts and the rules are slowly coming back.  I'm certainly not good at it at the moment, I think if I had the memory to 'count' the cards I would be much better at the game.

I also (once in a while) visit my farm on the computer game Farmtown, and confess I'm getting kind of  rich playing that, and wish it were real cash in my possession.  However, it is coming to the point I mostly spend my computer time actually 'working'.  Although...I've not a clue why, maybe it's time to move on from that, too.

I think maybe next year might be one of great change.  I feel a strange wind a-blowin'.  I think it's time for moving on.  I confess I get kind of homesick for my hometown, but know I would never be able to stand their winters, although I could get myself quite a home since the housing market is quite different there.  I sometimes think about California, too, but here again, things are not going well there either, what with their water problems, and economic down turn...people, jobs leaving instead of moving there.  And, truth be told I do like the Pacific Northwest, it's been good to me and my family.  Still, I've got this nudging, a pushing if you will, that there is something new out there I've not tried.  I'm eager, excited, scared...I sense a fork in the road...Should I take the one paved, well traveled and safe, or perhaps Robert Frost's 'one less traveled'.  With all the courage I can muster, I want to take the one less traveled...do I possess it?

Over the weekend I watched a BBC series, Lark Rise to Candleford, a period piece about change and challenge, and how it takes courage to accept change and move on with challenge, but that it also takes courage to stand still in the present.  Having the courage to stand still is definitely harder, but it is in the standing still that family history is perpetuated, traditions are formed, relationships are established.  The series has stirred longings in me, possibilities, wondering's and wanderings. What will my future hold.  Only time will tell. Perhaps 2015 will be my year for new adventures, and my last hurrahs.

I feel a strange wind a-blowin'.

I have a personal trainer

His name is Zorro.  Some days, he is very persistent in helping, while some mornings he is content so sit on the couch and watch.

Today was not a 'sitting' morning, so training went something like this.  I'm down of the floor stretched as far out as my flabby body will go, hands way over my head, legs straight, tight, toes extended as far as they would go.  Zorro approaches and sniffs my ear...it tickles...I desperately try not to lose my concentration and count.

Soon I've turned over onto my back, again stretched out, arms and hands way above my head,  Legs straight, muscles tight, toes pointed downward as far as they will go.  Zorro comes up and smells my nose. I give him a couple of quick breathes, which startle him and he dashed out to the morning room.

Next I do my arm extensions, palms up, I stretch one arm over my body and touch it to the inner elbow of the other arm.  Zorro stands over one hand, wanting me to scratch his tummy. I gently push him out of the way.  He moves to the other arm and paws my hand.  I stay firm in my conviction I am not...I AM NOT going to scratch his tummy.

It's time for leg raises, sigh, oh yes, now he is intrigued with my butt area.  Seriously, dog, do you not know that's disgusting.  I immediately move on to a new exercise.  Eventually it is time for my Vertigo exercises designed to alleviate dizziness. I turn my head, up and down, left and right, back and forth I have to say I have to do these with my eyes closed otherwise they make me dizzy; for some reason Zorro does not interfere while I do this.  Maybe because I have my eyes closed. Anyway, It's finally time for cool down and deep, deep breaths. Zorro is behind me, and has a paw on each of my shoulders back to sniffing my ears. I make weird grunting sounds and he's off like a shot back to the morning room.

As I watched him go, I had to giggle, dang he has a cute little butt.  No wonder Sadie has the hots for him. Getting to my feet, it's that moment I realize how much I love that little guy, even though he's a pest and not exactly the best exercise trainer in the world.

Gettin' the spirit

Okay, I'm a sentimental slob all year round.  I snivel at puppies playing, homecomings at airports, chick-flick movies, departures, romantic book endings and...I'm sure you get the picture.

This time of year I normally spend December ankle deep in tears.  Yep, Frankie and I can't control ourselves.  And Christmas music, oh brother, we openly weep.  I  get so choked up I can't even sing along anymore.  When I hear my favorite, I heard the bells on Christmas Day, tears frequently run down my cheeks.

The city has a tradition here, it's called the Singing Christmas Tree.  It is breathtaking to attend this magnificent program.  When the curtain opens and you see that tree for the first time you will be amazed.  It encompasses most of the stage; is eleven rows high, and although I don't know how many singers make up the tree (well over a hundred) they are all bedecked in white robes with red collars. Most of the singers are not professional, but trust me, they all could be, the singing is phenomenal .

Every year the program differs, although each year the first half of the program constitutes the fable of Christmas, with Santa, and sleigh bells, and good will to men. While the second half of the program tells the story of the birth of baby Jesus, and starts with pomp and circumstance as the Three Wise Men, enter and slowly walk down the aisle of the theater and up onto the stage.  (Shoot, I'm getting choked up just writing this.)  Eventually, an angel swings into view and hovers over the scene.  I tell you, it takes one's breath away.

Some years, things go awry.  The first time I went to the Singing Christmas Tree, while it was in the process of turning...it got stuck.  The audience in unison audibly gasped.  There was no panic, but you could tell the stage crew momentarily had no clue what to do.  They closed the curtains, and somebody came on stage and said if anyone wanted to leave they would happily reschedule them for another performance, or if we wanted to stay, asked for our patience while they resolved the problem.  This was obviously not an 'everyday' occurrence.  By the way...I didn't see anybody leave.

Anyway, this particular year a young, local, professional quartet was part of the program, and they came out onto the stage and held an impromptu audience 'Christmas Carol sing along' I was amazed at how many I knew word for word and was actually able to sing along. Eventually the tree hydraulics were fixed and the show progressed.  However,  I have to say...the stuck tree and caroling made the show as far as I was concerned.

I have seen the show several times since (without mishap).  It is an amazing event. None, of course, can compare to the one where something went wrong.  I would encourage anyone living locally, to take a year and attend the Singing Christmas Tree, especially if you have children. You should see their faces, not only do they light up at the sight of Santa, but when that angel swings into view their faces are filled with awe, wonder and delight.

Oooh, I'm getting that squishy, ooey, gooey, mushy feeling...it must be time to get out all my Christmas music, it's time Frankie and I start to make teary puddles around the house.