The End of 2022

 This is the last day of 2022. I try to think back over things that happened thia last year, good or bad, and realize more and more, the older I get, it seems time just passes by quicker each year. I see my children (and grandchild) growing from the babes I remember just holding in my arms 'yesterday'. What are some of the good and bad I recall from this past year....

- January: yeah, no major memories. We had gone to a friend's house for the NYE celebration and were home by 1-1:30am.

-February: celebrated the 17th birthday of the Youngest.

- March: Nothing specific I can recall.

- April: Had my car accident. Totaled my 2021 Rav4. Bought another 2021 RAV4.

Yeah. Trying to recall by month is just over-working my brain. There were birthdays for all the kids (and Doodad) plus the Wife and myself. Holidays that were really good when we were all able to get together. A few trips to visit Daughter and family. A few other random memories of fun times.

Seem to recall griping (with the Wife) about certain prices and the political state of the Nation quite a bit. Of course, that does no good. And the election this year seemingly does not help my state get any better. Enough politics.

OVer all, was a better year than 2020. Here's to a good 2023.

PeacE

When the Weather Doesn't Cooperate

 I wrote the other day about getting out and doing the forced lawn maintenance. Well, as it turns out, it rained after I posted that. All. Day. Long. So nothing got done. Then I planned on maybe yesterday, the sun would come out (AZ is always sunny, right?) and dry up enough of the damp that we could do some of the trimming or something. Nope. Cloudy and not much sun. As of last night, the forecast was saying possible showers in the early hours this morning, and looking out the window right now, it is dark enough that it appears overcast, so not sure if anything can be done in the yard today. That leaves teh weekend. Joy.

I am in a good mood this morning though, except not being able to get the yard done. I opened up the pajama set (Washington colors, baby!) and put them on last night. They fit wonderfully, and are sooooo comfortable. In fact, I'll probably wear them all day today.

Still working on leftovers from the holiday. Most of the cooked ones are gone, and just working through the deli meats at lunchtimes. The Daughter had sent some pickles she made (spicy) that I have yet to try. Also a jar of her spicy salsa. I opened it yesterday, and had my mouth burning for like an hour. And that was just a small number of chips. RM's salsa is not that hot, but I can't get it eaten before it goes bad. That may happen with this hot stuff.

Welp, not much else to write about far as I can figure.

PeacE

Recovery Time Was Needed

 It is the VERY wee hours of Wednesday morning (read 12:15am) and I am awake. I went to bed around 9 last night, and up just before midnight, wide awake, and not feeling tired. So up out of bed and into the office go I.

I haven't posted since Sunday, mostly because I have been in a sort of recovery mode. Much food was eaten (explained later) and I have just been feeling worn out from more physical activity than I am used to doing. Which in its own way is very good for me, it is bodily titring as it is not a regular habit my body is used to.

Christmas day started well, as you saw my short post. I did end up napping in bed until around 10am, then just couldn't lay there any longer. I woke the Wife to get her started on her "stocking ball" (candies/little knick knacks/toys wrapped into a large saran wrap ball). I wanted to start loading around 11:30. I went into the office and proceeded to watch "Top Gun Maverick". I stopped it at 11:30 - right as they were starting the "run" for the mission. The Youngest and I loaded the car... and loaded, and loaded. I really thought we did not have the number of gifts this year, but there it was. Thankfully, earlier in the week I had dropped off a bag of gifts at RM's for more room.

We arrived at the older Sons' place around 12:15 and unloaded 99% of what we brought. Not only were there presents but we brought most of lunch, and some other things to do (games for prizes, etc). Daughter and faily made it up around 1:30, and so we ate some lunchmeat sandwiches woth chiops and some veggies on the side. Then it was stocking ball time, and a game or two, followed woth the gift handout and opening. I think everyone was very happy with all the gifts exchanged - I know I scored very well with many food items like beef jefky. The Daughter also made some spicy pickle spears and a small jar of salsa for me. The Wife really liked the mini-chainsaw (she asked for it) and the Suns jersey I found for her. Around 5 we all packed our vehicles respectively, and rode across town to Sin City (I mean Sun City) to finish the evening with RM & PT.

RM only does stockings for her actual children, so the Wife and I did ours. I got quite a bit of small packages of different trail mixes, and energy bars (which I love to snack on while working), small water flavors, and a couple other things. Then we did the gift exchange. RM always says she didn't buy much, but I felt there were many, many things. I loved my T-shirt she got me, and I was really surprised by the insulated Purdue cup, and the Washington NFL pajama top/bottoms set. But my finale' present was a big basket of goodies: jerky, pickles, energy bars - I haven't even completely gone through it yet - and it had a label for 'Ralph's Snack Basket". Plus I got a quart of RM's home-made bread 'n butter pickles as well. Dinner followed and was absolutely filling, and I ate too much. Barbecue ribs, corn slaw, rolls, mashed taters, followed with a dessert of turtle pie and vanilla ice cream. Oh, I was so full! Shortly after meal clean-up and the dividing up of leftovers, we departed for home, I think it was around 9ish when we got home, unloaded and finally able to sit down and take a breather.

I slept good that night. I spent a couple good quality reading moments in the little room the next day. I feel like I am still giving up some of that huge dinner from Sunday. In a way I guess I am... we did get some ribs, corn and rolls for leftovers, and I have been slowly depleting the stock. I haven't touched (much) of my snack stuffs - though have had a stick or two of jerky. Trying to make it last.

This week I need to run to Lowesd and get a leaf rake. I guess we don't have one. Then need to rake part of the front yard from the smaller limbs from when we took down the dead tree in front. Then I need to get it mowed. I guess some asshole in the neighborhood reported to the city my grass was over 6 inches (not all over, just in a couple spots) so it has to be taken care of before the 2nd. Hopefully I can get the Youngest to help. I might do that run to Lowesd this morning and get raking if I don't end up back in bed.

So now you are all caught up, and I have run out of topics to share.

PeacE

Merry Christmas

 I'm awake and out of bed - for the second time this morning. The first one was around 530am, and only for about an hour, before I forced myself back to bed for rest. Today is going to be busy, so should rest while I can.

Around noon we will head over the the older boy's apartment for lunch, and await the Daughter and family to arrive. some sandwiches to hold us over until we go to RM's in the evening for dinner and gift exchanging. Then home. I am sure I will be exhauseted by then.

Hope you all enjoy your holiday.

PeacE

A Better Morning

 The back is feeling slightly better today. After doing my PT exercises, swallowing too many pills for pain, and just trying to NOT aggravate the back, it is finally starting to return to normal. I might be walking normally by Christmas. And, I figured my BP counts would be higher than usual due to the pain factor, but yesterday was the lowest BP and Glucose count days I have ever had. Weird.

So, I mentioned I had finished up what I considered to be my portion of the Christmas shopping on Tuesday. With the back hurting, I have not gotten around to wrapping those things - so today will be that day. I verified with the Wife that we had tape, and where it was. She also delegated met o wrap another shopping bag of things. I hate wrapping. If I didn't refuse to give gifts at most holidays, I would invest in a gift bag company. Or better yet, maybe I should get gift cards from now on. 

The back is hurting enough that I am not able to do the Santa gig at the Wife's work this morning. So last night, she dug out her Mrs Clause outfit, and I guess she is going to fill in for Santa. I didn't ask, because I didn't want to know. It was not a paid event, as I do it for volunteer work only. I feel bad enough I am not able to walk well enough to do it, but now she is "covering" for me....<growl>.

I have no idea what tomorrow will bring. My football team plays tomorrow afternoon, and I am thinking about heading to the pub to watch it. The Wife will be working on gift wrapping most of the later part of the day (hopefully not through midnight). Sunday is Christmas, and I don't believe our family is getting together until closer to noon. I think the Daughter & family won't be up until probably 2'ish. I should check withe her and find out. Then that evening we will join RM & PT for dinner and gift exchange at their house to round out the evening.

I'm kinda sitting here, looking at the "pile" of gifts I need to wrap - the ones I bought - and O think about what RM has been saying the past few days. I mean in regards to her worries if someone likes the gift she gets them or not, and how it is 'the thought that counts" versus the gift. I know most of the gifts I bought were things I was told that had requested - maybe not quite the style, but still. Some were not even asked for, but I had thoughts behind them. Then there are the gift cards of course. I really don't care if they like it or not. Be happy they are getting something, is my thought. Personally, I have become to dislike receiving presents more and more as the years pass. I don't know if it is a 'guilt' because maybe in my opinion the gift I received has more value than what I gave, or if it is I have to like it because it was a gift. I'm not saying I get things I don't like (well, that happens to all of us) it just makes me feel uncomfortable.

The Wife should be finishing up getting ready for work. I wonder if she is wearing the outfit, or taking and changing. Either way, waiting for her to leave. I'm going to cheat on my food stuff and head up to Jack in the Box for a breakfast meal and a large soda. Been craving soda quite a bit the last few days. Maybe the Middle Son will remember and get me some Mtn Dews for Christmas.

PeacE

It's Back (Again)

 Tuesday, I woke the Youngest and we went out to "finish shopping" for Christmas. I grabbed a few last items I needed, and he picked out some things for his Mom. All in all, I thought it was a good thing, and add in that I was getting some more exercise than normal with the additional walking that we were doing. Well, that was not the right thing evidently. I woke yesterday with my back hurting. Seems the walking and who knows what else I might have done wrong, my disk has started to slip again. Several times I spent doing the exercises the PT had me do years ago, and which I do everytime this happens. Usually within a day or two, it starts adjusting back to where it needs to be, but today I ain't feeling like it is. I am suppposed to play Santa tomorrow at the facility where the Wife works, but I told her yesterday I may not be able to, since I can hardly walk. She had texted back that they could whell me around ina  wheelchair. I didn't respond - not knowing if she was serious or joking.

So today is day two of exercises and acetaminophen. Laying doen is fine, as long as I don't roll over, or twitch. Sitting ina  chair is fine, until I need to get up and walk around. I'll probably end up in my oiffice chair, watching shows through the day. Maybe a little Warcraft.

It's no fun feeling like this....

PeacE

Why Bother the Teen?

 This morning found me wide awake at teh first going-off of the Wife's alarms. I quickly got out of bed to have use of the facilities before she would rise 30-45 minutes later. I was in dire need either way. Then I wandered into the office to sit at the computer. I decided to look at what new possible ARC of books I could find. I had not looked in a couple weeks, so thought I should. I did put in request for about 3-4 books, though if I am lucky, at least one wil lallow me to read it.

Speaking of reading, I just loked at my reading goals. I have finished 263 books this year - goal was for 200. Granted, as I looked through the list of ones I have read this year, many were what I would call short. These are the ones I can easliy read 1-2 of them in a day. Those long-series of serial-type books? You know what I mean. I have one series that has 62 book sin it (currently on book 50) so have a few more of them short ones to read yet. But mix in there some fairly longer reads that take me a week or more. Good stuff for the most part. I only recall a couple I had to mark down as did not finish, or that I just didn't like.

And it comes to today's post title. I am debating on waking the Youngest, to take him out shopping with me. I know I need to stop at our local Fry's Food to get gift cards. They have a good selection, and get 2X the gas points there as well, since the Wife uses them. I know I need at least 3 VISA cards, and a couple more for like fast food (for the two older boys). Depending what else is there, may do more. The Youngest needs to select some things for his Mom, and mentioned a couple ideas. If I can get him up, we will run to Walmar probably to select what he is thinking of. Then, as part of the bribe to get him up, may take him to lunch. All depends if I can get him up.

I'm supposed to dress as Santa this Friday for an event at the Wife's employment. I guess it is for a portion of the patients there, which most are elderly. I think she mentioned that staff was giving out presents to them as well, but I just have to be in the prescence I guess. She still has not confirmed what time, so who knows what will happen. It's at least a good 30 minute drive away, so hopefully she remembers to get the time.

Welp, not much else to do right now. It's only about 8:20 and no need to try waking the kid at least until closer to 10. I know he was up on the computer playing games until late, after all , he is on break from school.

PeacE

Second Morning

 Yesterday was a day of joy and sorrow. HAd a good morning watching Detroit win, watching Dallas lose in overtime, and had some time with a friend that is in state for the holiday. The Wife even let me take her out to Golden Corral for dinner. After arriving back home, that's when I got the phone from the Oldest Son. His car had been stolen from his apartment complex. He was calling to ask what should he do. Of course, he's calling me because it has happened to me a couple times in the last 30 years. I told him to call the non-emergency police line, get them out there to do a report, then get on into work. Not much else you can do at this point.

This morning I woke up around 2:30am. I tossed/turned in bed for a good hour before finally getting up. The Oldest Son had asked that I give him a ride home from work, and thought he would done near-abouts 4:30am. He finally called so I went and got him home. We talked a bit more about what his options are right now, and I gave advice on what I think he should do. Mostly I told him to just get some rest, de-stress, and move on for now. There was not much of any major value in the car, other than the car itself, and that can still be replaced. I know he is just upset at the feeling of being victimized and having something personal stolen from him. I went through that as well.

So back home I crawled (fell?) back into bed and cat-napped until the Wife's alarm had gone off four or five times and she finally got up for work. So, second morning, now that I am awake and up again. I am sure I will see a nap later today.

No news on the work front. Even if a project got started this week, I would pass on it for now. Trying to be available for the Son if he needs a ride, or they find his car, etc. That, and wrapping of presents needs to be done (I hate doing that) but trying to help out with it all. Still need to get out to one store for a few gifts yet as well.

Guess I should get something done.

PeacE

Miracle? Or Just Recovery?

 Hmph. Last night's 4th Annual Santa Run seemed to be beset with problems from the get-go. About two hours from "go time" I get a text from one of the guys, that he can't find his Santa suit. Not my problem - I didn't put it up last year. But no suit - no go. I suggested he run to Party City ( a store) and see if they have any cheap ones he could buy. He never showed for the run. Out of the signed up 22 persons (guys) only 17 actually showed up. Not a bad ratio in my figuring, but my buddy who co-sponsors it was a bit dissappointed.

Overall I had a good time. The Oldest Son and I got to hang out and talk about "guy stuff" and catch up on just life in general. Yeah, I may have had a couple too many, but woke this morning at 9:ish feeling fine. No hangover, just that strong desire to relive an overloaded bladder. I was there for awhile. I had made no plans for this day, more specifically this morning, as I did not know how I would feel..

Just got a text from my football buddy that he will not make it to the pub for the games. Of course I told him last week, I would probably not be there this week, but actually I will head up there shortly. I guess he has a 'bad cough' (his words) and he is kinda weird about when he is sick, or being around others when they are sick. It's fine. I'll catch up with him next week.

Alright. I gotta go take care of a  few things then I amheading to the pub to see if my Redskins can beat the Giants (tied 2 weeks ago). And I am taking my tablet to do some reading as well.

PeacE

Time for the Running of the Santas

 Whew! I am up early! The Youngest has a call-time of :am at the band room,  and he actually woke me around :am as he was getting in/out of the shower. I waited until the Wife's alarm went off (to wake him, though he was already up) and told her she gets to take him since she had on more clothes than I (she had on pj's). Before they left she came back in and grabbed an old flannel jacket of mine, as she said it was 35 out this morning. I hinted I wondered what is open at 6am for breakfast besides Dennys and McDonalds. Will see if she got the hint and picks up a breakfast from Wendys of JitB. I'm kinda hungry sitting here this morning.

Youngest came in the office here this morning in shorts and a T. I asked if he was going to be warm enough, and he said once they have full uniform on, and the marching, he'll be warm enough. I remember my days back in Junior High in Frankfort, marching in the Christmas parade, in the snow. It was so cold! At least I was playing a plastic sousaphone and not a brass one, or a brass tuba.

Santa Run is this evening. I texted with the Oldest Son last night, and I guess his friend is not going now. Something about having some teeth removed in the last week, and not sure that things have healed up enough that he should be drinking. Wuss. Oh well. More time for my Son and I to talk. I will spend a portion of today getting things together. I have got 200+ candy canes to throw into the Santa bag. I also bought some fur-trimmed boots to use with my suit rather than the 'shoe-covers' that come with it. I need to run by the bank yet at some point and get the money out for this evening as well.

Think I heard the Wife come home. Gonna go see if she brought breakfast - though I doubt it.

PeacE

Edit: The Wife did NOT bring breakfast. So around 7:30 I told her I needed food to get rid of my morning sick feeling (from meds) and I would take her to Ronnie's. She was all for that. Now back home and getting the candy canes all together. Unpacked the Santa suit (the bar one) and my new boots I ordered to go with it. Now killing time until this evening. Definitely will nap at some point.

Holiday Break

 The Youngest finished up the last of his finals yesterday, and is now officially on holiday break. He won't return to school until January 4th.

My work project ended up reaching completion yesterday. So a project that we were told was going to last three weeks, ended up only being about a week long (7 days in total over two weeks). So no nice paycheck, and no work through Christmas. They said that we would be noitified this next week for a new project, but I don't know what I will do. I may skip it just to have time to get whatever needs doen for the holiday, then get on the next project. I haven't decided.

RM made a gripe (observation? wish?) about Christmas and us kids. She 'wished' that we would tell her what we really want, as she feels that we will be disappoionted with what we actually get. I know we are not young children and make lists for Santa anymore. Plus being adults, we buy what we need/want versus waiting particularly for Christmas. I told RM the same I do every year. I want beef jerky. I like it. I enjoy it. There isn't much else I could think of 'wanting' for a gift. I have mentioned I like T-shirts with sarcastic sayings. I also like T-shirts that are blank - preferably grey- but like the Hanes tag-less ones you buy in packs of four. I go through shirts quite a bit - especially in the sweaty summer. But I know how RM feels. I have the same issue with my kids, who all are adults, except the Youngest.

I think this next week will be spent on wrapping the presents I had ordered online and that have come in. I believe all my orders are here now. After that, I amy check with the Wife and try to get some of her stuff wrapped - just so we are not up til 3am Christmas Eve.

One more day until the 4th Annual Santa Run - where no running is involved, but lots of beers are. Youngest is marching with the HS band in the Fiest Bowl Parade tomorrow morning. That's kinda cool. Three hours of marching - no, not so fun. But at least it will be 40's-50's tomorrow instead of lower, or worse, raining/snowing/sleeting.

Guess that's all I got today.

PeacE

A Christmas Wish That Won't Come True

 From the previous post, I struggled the last 30 minutes of the workday yesterday, before they finally said there was no more work for the day. Followed by a note that there would be more for today, but the project was ending this week, and we would be placed into another project next week. What happened to the 1-2 weeks this one was supposed to last? Sigh. Sometimes this Company can be irritating. I could quit, but do not know the likelyhood of finding similar type of work in a quick way.

So, I notice I am first one to sign in this morning, see there is no additional work, leave a message for the Lead. Immediately some work appears, and within 5 minutes, I am doen with it - and no other work has come along. Sit and twiddle. Sit and twiddle. Patience is not my virtue.

Guess I need to figure out what I am doing today (or not doing).

PeacE

Need Cheese With This Whine ....

 Yuck. I'm not a big fan of cheese by itself, unless it is like a grilleed cheese sandwich. But aside from that, I'm just in a whiny mood this afternoon. Work resumed at noon yesterday, which is a good thing. And I was busy until about 45 minutes ago. Now I am waiting for them to compile parts of the workload, so I can continue working. In the meantime, I twiddle my thumbs and wait. Only an hour until I can end the day, but sitting here doing nothing for that hour is just... a waste.

The 4th Annual Santa Run is this Saturday night. Since my buddy and started this event, it has grown a little each year. I think we had 15 guys the first year, and our token reindeer - my Oldest Son was our DD that year, as he wasn't old enough to imbibe with us. He has made every year after, and again this year I am looking forwardd to an evening of hanging out with him. This year he has a friend coming along as well. My brother is going (yee.haw.). Our numbers have swelled to 22 this year, with one more possible. Thanks goodness we have the party bus that sits 25.

I just checked in on workload again. Still nothing. Sigh. I guess I need to be the squeaky wheel and message the Lead that I need work to do.

PeacE

Another Pair of Eyes

 Saturday, the Wife and I slept in. Well, sorta. She got up and ran the Youngest to the school around 7:30 as the band was marching int he Glendale Hometown Christmas parade, then having a band party afterwards at the school. Then she came back to bed. We ended sleeping til after 11am. I woke hungry, so suggested one of our faves, Ronnie's Cafe, for a late brunch. But when we got there, we could find a parking space at all. So I decided Black Bear Diner, and headed that way, only to turn off enroute at The Place. It had been awhile since we had ate there, so it happened. Their menu seems to have gotten shorter since Covid-time, but the service was great! It seemed every few minutes a waitstaff (not just our own) came by asking if everything was okay and if we needed anything.

Back home afterwards, with a trip to Walgreens to pick up another of my prescriptions. This time around it was another 100 lancets. About three days ago, Walgreens acalled me about a free service they have, to save me time, by combining all my 'scripts' to be filled and ready on one day, so I don't have to make multiple trips. The lancets and test strips they said would go to a 90-day refill for the same date. I guess this last one was  just before that call, so I went and got it. I have about 250+ lancets and about the same in test strips right now, but I only test once a day. Glad they are going to 90-days (they both come 100 each time).

Anyways, whilst in Walgreens, the Wife roamed th aisles hoping a Christmas idea for someone would jump out at her. I picked up the script and the reading glasses caught my eye. My regular glasses are bifocal, yet while working at my computer, I have to use the reader part, which means my head is craned back a good part of the day while reading the screen. I thought maybe some "readers" would help. So I tried to gauge the distance and letter size whilst trying on different strengths. Found one I thin kis pretty close and went ahead and bought them. Trying them out last night, they seem to work much better than my regular glasses. Now I know the strength, I'll pick up a couple side pair at the dollar store and keep this pair for last minute.

It is Sunday morning, and I woke fairly early - 7:40'ish. Tossed and turned a good portion of the night, having weird dreams of a dragon trying to kill me. Too much playing Warcraft probably. But I will be back at that this afternoon as I try to get my character up to level for raids that It hink start this week. This morning I will be headed up to the pub to watch some football. Washington is on a bye week, but my buddy has his Lions playing so we will watch that. Have a hot pastrami from the kitchen there for a late lunch then back home.

I did get a text late in the day yesterday, from a number I did not know. They were saying they had lost two Santa's and needed a replacement quickly for today. Not know ing who it was I said I had plans today already (I did) and could not do it. Then aasked who it was. Seems my buddy had this person call them, to see if he knew anyone that could help and he sent them my number. I like doing Santa, but last minute for someone I don't know....eh.

Speaking of Santa, I went up to the VFW Friday night. I hadn't been up there in about a month. Of course, it was back in November I found out that they had replaced me as Santa for the kid's party, and had not even bothered to mention it to me. Yeah, I was a bit ticked off. But one of the other members was telling me the Santa they had wore fake beard (mine is real) and was tall and skinny. Definitely said this gut did not do a good job, and this guy telling me this, was one of the elves passing out gifts. He asked where I was that morning, and I told him they replaced me. He said a few choice words as well. Bureaucracy in the ranks of the VFW I guess. At least my membership is a lifetime and I don't pay dues, otherwise the cheaper than regular bar prices wouldn't matter.

Work was going good until Friday. We got done with some stuff faster than expected, and they are waiting client approval to go to the next step. Hopefully will be hearing by tomorrow morning.

Welp, I think I am going to get out of here and do some thingys on the Web before heading up for the football games.

PeacE

I was a bit Grouchy

 Last night, the Youngest had the school's 'Winter Concerts' for Band, Orchestra, and the two Jazz bands they have. He is in one of the Jazz abdns and the regular band. I did not want to go, but I did. I was grouchy. I was hangry. I was tired (mentally) from work that day. But I did go, and realized again why I dislike attending school concerts like these. The Jazz bands seem to like to have every musician play a solo on every song (slight exaggeration, but still), and the orchestra was so out of tune.... It's love and support for your child though. Plus RM made it, and iut was nice to see her.

This morning finds me up just before 6:30am ready to start the workday. I'm just taking a few minutes to write here as I log in to the many programs. I think the majority of this weekend will be filled with playing Warcraft, as I get my character ready for the Guild raids that will start soon. I'm pretty much done shopping for Christmas, just waiting on the Frys food stores to do the 4x fuel points for gift cards.

PeacE

Back to the Grindstone

 Last week I had finally gotten an answer to the email I had sent off to the Company. I had written about the numbe rof project starts I had been receiving, but was not credentialed/licensed to be able to participate in, and wondered had my name been added to the wrong recruitment list(S). The way I read the received reply, was that there was some kind of 'glitch in the system' and I was not the only employee having the issue.

What is important, is it seems to have been fixed, manually, and I start a new project today. Though, I se in my email this morning (again) another project start time/date that I am not qualified for. Today's project is expected to last a minimum of three weeks, but could last longer. I am totally okay with that. The longer, the better.

I am feeling much better now, thna I was last week. Whatever 'bug' that was bringing me down left Friday. I did end up going to the hockey game Saturday, and enjoyed the time. Though was upset about Purdue losing to Michigan, admittedly, I wasn't expecting them to win. Sunday morning came football, and of course, my Washington team ends their game in a tie. Monday was spent doing pretty much nothing, except signing up for this project.

Christmas shopping is still going on. I think it was Friday, the Wife, sitting behind me, messages me a picture of a mini-chainsaw. So I turn and ask her, is this a gift hint? Yes, she replies. So Saturday, while she was not around, I ordered her one. At least it wasn't tarps and a shovel. I still have a few presents that need to arrive (All say shipped now). I should go through and check the tracking for all this morning before work.

PeacE

This Ain't Fun

 I awoke this morning at 5am, to the sound of a bedroom door closing. That means Youngest Son as up - probably for a bathroom break. Then again, at taht hour, it could be Middle Son coming by after work, though I think he had taken this week off on vacation. Either way, I laid there in bed for about ten minutes before I realized that I Was not going back to sleep.

Sleep. I have done more of that this week than just about anything else. Thursday I was just miserable again. And this not being able to hold down food is getting annoying. The Wife cooked up a mixture of green beans, corn, rice and turkey last night - not quite a soup - and for once it stayed dwon, so with leftovers today, I may start getting lucky. I think it was a 'chop suey' throw-together from all the leftovers.

The other night, after talking to a friend, we were thinking about goin to the Grand Canyone University Hockey game against UNLV this Saturday night. I've met most of the team, and these college-boys are just super-nice people. Most are from North Dakota and surrounding states. But feeling the way I have been, it may not be a good idea. Once I have gotten far enough into today, to determine how I am feeling, will make a decision and call my buddy to confirm or cancel.

I was hoping to have a majority of the needed Christmas shopping done by now. Of course, that didn't happen. I am expecting several packages today, so will need to keep my eye out. I kno wI menitoned to the Wife a few days ago, things I had ordered in for whom, and for other ideas for those we still need to get for - but no answers from her. I guess we will wing it.

Welp, I think I will see about watching an episode of something on Netflix, then try to get some more sleep.

PeacE