You might believe that I’m totally relaxed about the holiday since I’ve finished decorating my house…but you would be wrong. I have such weighty questions as 1) What should we have for Xmas Eve dinner? Older Daughter has volunteered to make lasagne, John and I will pick up some Beecher’s Mac and Cheese at Costco, and I traditionally make Russian teacakes and frosted sugar cookies. (dessert) I sent out a group email/invitation to solicit side dishes and have only heard back from Younger Daughter who will contribute roasted veggies and garlic bread. 2) Since I’m going to John’s family’s Xmas Day get together, am I expected to give presents to his granddaughters? I have no ideas for gifts. Although John would say no to the gifting, will I feel foolish/guilty not bringing any? 3)I’ve been very clear that I don’t want to exchange presents with adults, including John. Yet the past couple years, John has shown up with a festive bag full of goodies for me from Trader Joe’s. I’m not saying I don’t appreciate them, plus they’re delicious, but I THINK my dilemma is: what are people’s expectations?
“Oh, the weather outside is frightful”–but not snow. I don’t mind the rain, but an atmospheric river plus some wind makes me feel like moss is growing on me. The weather is also interfering with my walks. 🙁 And I hope my poor cyclamen don’t drown! Because I live on a hill, I’m not in any danger, but there will be flooding, and possible landslides. There’s even been a death from a falling tree, coming loose from the saturated ground. In the news article, it was stated that the deceased was the only one not wearing a seat belt; I’m not sure that would have helped in this case though.
My friend who was coming up to meet Ian cancelled due to the scary freeway conditions, but I still got some baby holding time. Look at those plump cheeks! His older brother as a newborn resembled Patrick Stewart (one of my favorites!) whereas Ian’s jowls remind me of Winston Churchill. His hairline too! 🙂
I find babies’ expressions hilarious! Or grandma is just scary? I ended up with enough free time to head up to Les Schwab (tire place) so they could fix my tire sensor issue. Although the sensor is never on normally, the manager (Clinton) who hates my car with a burning hot passion, informed me that one of the rear sensors on the snow tires was bad. $270 later I had all new sensors and was ready to drive away, not-very-happy but relieved. Then…can you guess?
THE TIRE SENSOR CAME ON.
So, I marched back into the store, put my keys on the counter and calmly (aren’t you proud of me?) said, “My tire sensor is STILL on.” I wanted to have an absolute fit and say some cutting comments; however, the sensor alert did eventually go away after the mechanic re-learned the tires again. Don’t ask me to explain re-learning; I’m so sick of that word! Is the problem now resolved? Only time will tell.
Watching: John and I enjoyed the football game yesterday–a Seattle rout after the disappointing first half. I did a lot of delighted shrieking at the 100-yard kick off return for a touchdown. Go, Seahawks! Other than that, I haven’t found much on TV to capture my interest.
Reading: While sitting at Les Schwab, I re-discovered “The Hallmarked Man”; I’d forgotten who many of the characters were but got more into the story than I did on the first try. My library copy of “The Correspondent” came in and I’m trying not to speed read it. I’m loving it so far and want to savor every word.
Leave a Reply to MargaretCancel reply