Another Holiday Done With

 Ahhhh.... the Eve of Christmas, and it has finally reached it's closing hour. I say hour, because I don't think I will last much longer than that from now before I will find myself in bed fast asleep.

Overall, though a tiring day, it was filled with happiness, food, and fun. We made it to the Sons' place, and all the kids enjoyed the saran-wrapped stocking game. When asked if we should do that instead of stockings, they were excitedly saying yes. It has made the new family traditional thing to do now. The Wife had even made a small one for Doodad to undue herself, which she did with glee, mimicking the others about flinging it around trying to get the saranwrap to come undone. The Wife had another game the kids played before we settled into doing the gifts. I believe everyone really enjoyed what was received, and even I was surprised by a couple things I was given. All said, a couple nice light jackets, a new desk chair, and good food/snacks were some of the highlights I received.

Then it was a small exodus of all us driving to RM's, for yet more gifts to be given, followed by a nice ham dinner, including cole slaw (which, because I am the favorite, RM made for me), and other goodies. Followed that up with some pies - I admit I had two pieces. Much food was sent home amongst several members of our group. I got a pie, too! We have finally made it home, unloaded the vehicle, and am finally able to relax a little. I know I still need to unpack my bag of goodies, but at this point, I think it can wait. Except maybe the puzzle book I got. I want to check that out.

Yes. Truly a good day in my opinion. Spent time with all my kids, and my Doodad, and my parents. Hope yours was as good!

PeacE

Ah, Crap! It's Here....

 Merry Christmas, and all that other sappy seasonal greeting crap. Now that that is out of the way, I can get back to the boring content.

Every Christmas I think back to the years when the kids were little. how the Wife would be up until 2am most Eves, wrapping presents, and dealing with my griping because I was tired and wanted to go to bed. Then the waking up at 7am, or earlier some years, to bring the presents out to the tree (had pets, who liked to rip into things, so kept them put up til morning of). Then there was the token "WAKE UP"? call through the house, and the mugs of hot cocoa (not me, I had coffee) made for everyone before settling down to do our family time of opening gifts. Those were good memories. But now, I really prefer being able to sleep in, somewhat. I woke a bit before 6am this morning, and napped til about 8. Then decided it wasn't worth laying in bed anymore, and got up. With only the youngest in the house, there won't be a family Christmas morning, and those days may be gone now.

We are moving our Family Christmas to the Sons' apartment this year, and to the early afternoon, to allow time for the Daughter and family to arrive from out of town. Our house is just too cluttered still from moving stuff out of the old home, and still not having much time to go through and "get rid of" stuff hoarded here before us. What is nice, though, is the old house is now ready to be sold. In fact, we had one company over yesterday to do a basic walk-thru, and received an offer. Another is scheduled for Monday, and both companies are aware that we are entertaining another offer. Then I will contact my Sis, and give them a last chance to counter (which, I am not sure they will be able to do so) then move forward with the best offer. It'll be nice to get that money-pit out of our lives. It will also be nice to have the money so I can finally get a new vehicle.

The Wife has a couple things to finish up this morning, mainly labeling the gifts (she wrapped/tagged/bagged per person last night). Then she will move on to a new tradition we started last year - the Stocking Ball. The one with toys/candy/etc wrapped up in a huge saranwrap ball shape, that they take turns with oven mitts on to open, while next person rolls for doubles. The kids all enjoyed it last year, and so we will do it again. Cheaper/easier than individual stockings! Then we will load up the van and head to the Sons'.

Anyways, hope y'all are enjoying the day!

PeacE

Bah, Humbug!

 Yes. I openly admit I am a Scrooge when it comes to Christmas. I hate the commercialization this holiday has become, and the 'requirements' that society expects people to do (give gifts, decorate, be of good cheer, etc). I do admit to liking any reason to get the kids all together, even if it is only for a few hours. Wish it didn't have to be a holiday to have that happen, but it is what it is.

It is Christmas Eve, and I have finished up wrapping what few presents I had amassed. I had most of the afternoon to accomplish this task, since the work project pretty much ended around 3pm. It was supposed to last a week.... that didn't happen. Add in the delays in getting on projects this week, I ended up with just under three days worth of work. Glad I don't have to live paycheck to paycheck! So presents are sitting off beside me here, waiting for the Wife to finish up whatever she needs to finish in the bedroom, and then they will get sorted into bags/boxes for what stop(s) we are doing tomorrow. Thankfully, this year we are down to two. Early afternoon we will be going to the Sons' apartment, where the Daughter's family will meet us, and do our family Christmas. Then I think it was like 5-6 in the evening will be going to RM's for Christmas with them, and dinner. I know I am going to be pretty worn out by tomorrow night, but at least there are fewer places we have to divide our time at.

No idea how I am going to entertain myself this evening. Not really in the mood for Netflix. Nor Warcraft. The middle Son is supposed to be coming by at some point tonight to help the Wife with something - I forget what. Guess I'll go find something to do rather than just sit here and stare at the screen.

PeacE

All Wrapped Up - Heh! I Wish

 The last couple days have been a bit frustrating. Monday, five hours into the workday, things came to a halt. They were going to check about a new project to switch us to, and asked us to wait 15 minutes, then go ahead and log off, but to watch our personal emails for information - what new project, and when to start it, etc. So, I waited online, doing nothing, for about a half hour, and no new information came along. I posted in chat that since it had been about 30 mins, I was going to log off and watch for an email with the info, then I logged off. And I waited. Around 3pm, my regular log off time, I decided there was no new project today, and I went out. A friend was in town for another friend's wedding, and we went to hang out for the evening. So yesterday, it was no surprise I slept in a little. Rolling out of bed near 10am, I still had not received an email about a new project. I went and logged in to the chat we use, to find out they had started the new project the afternoon before, about 3:30pm, and had me assigned to it, so I jumped into work mode and was able to still get my 8 hours in for the day. But I am a bit ticked they never contacted me about it. I would have started earlier than 10 am.

Sigh. It is what it is. 

I had planned to work my regular schedule yesterday, then start wrapping the gifts that I have gotten for others, but that didn't happen due to the above screw-up. By 6pm I was not in the mood to wrap, and instead too the Wife and Youngest out for dinner. So guess what I have on the agenda to do tonight? Not looking forward to it. I just don't wrap well. If gift bags weren't so expensive, I would use them like crazy! Or, as my brother likes to do, just leave them in the plastic bag you brought it home from the store in.... He will be teased about that for many more years!

Looks like we will be doing Christmas at the Sons' apartment this year. Still too many boxes of stuff around to get any room here. Though, as of last night the Wife had not given up yet. She spent most of the day wrapping presents (OMG!! Before 2am on Christmas Eve?!?!?!) which she NEVER has done before. I'm glad the majority of it has been done now. 

Looks like I will have a full day of work today (I hope) and tomorrow, who knows. They hinted yesterday there may be shorter available hours tomorrow, as Project and Team leaders will probably want to get home earlier to the families being the holiday Eve. Great. But maybe weekend hours will be available so I can get as much as I can done. We will see....

PeacE

Edit: So work.... sigh. I logged in ready to go this morning, and yesterday's project is done, moving to a new one, but not until 10 am - so is that three hours away? Or only one? Sigh. This company's lack of proper use of time zone information is frustrating at times. 

Second Edit: Someone was smart (finally) and put up the time zone. So now three hours of possible work time wasted, that *I* will have to find a way to make up. Sigh. I want to go back to the longer projects that we spend weeks doing.....

The Great Convergence

 I have seen many posts about it on Facebook, about the converging  alignment (or something-or-other) of the planets Jupiter and Saturn, that is supposed to happen today. More specifically, at duck, in the SE direction (?)I believe. In fact, this morning I saw a LIVE  Youtube feed recording the planets thru some high  telescopes so people could watch them align while doing something else. Supposedly, this is 2 of the three planets that aligned, and reflected the sunlight in such a way, it was considered the biblical Eastern Star that the three wise men followed to find the baby Jesus. Today, it is only 2 planets, and it supposedly hasn't happened since like 1292. I don't have time to see what major historical event may have happened that year, but wonder about this year. Already hearing theories, of why it is happening this year, based on current events, and many suppisitions of what it will foretell.

I think it means I will be working and doing what I need to do.

Got to spend some time with D00dad yesterday before they returned to their home. They will be back up Friday for the holiday, though I am still trying to figure out what times to be where. They only Christmas meet-up on hold it seems is our family one. We may end up doing it like RM does, though, there is only one family we would have to do separate. I don't know yet. Guess I will talk to the Wife whenever she gets her ass out of bed today... maybe before 10.

Time to start getting ready for work, though it is an hour away. That means the morning drink, a pop tart and probably a smoke.

PeacE

Waiting on a Woman

 Today's post title is a song title as well. A song sung by Brad Paisley, a country/Western singer, that has quite a few songs out that I enjoy. Some are humorous songs, and others are serious. This one is a little of both. I particularly like the video that was done for this song as it portrays Brad as the young man, and Andy Griffith as the older gentleman. I'll try to post the video at the end.

But there I was yesterday, just waiting on a woman. A young woman, about three years old. I was hoping that the Daughter and Doodad would show up prior to going to RM's house for Christmas baking, but that didn't happen. The oldest Son showed up close to 3pm to pick up the youngest, and get directions. Then it was just the Wife and I until about 10pm. I don't know when they finished the "Baking with Grandma" night, but it was late (to me) when they got back to our house.

I guess there was some driving around looking at Christmas lights involved (I heard). I wasn't angry, just tired, as I was up past my bedtime a little. I had been fighting falling asleep the last hour or so. But I finally got to see my Doodad! Of course, she was being the silly little girl she is and wouldn't give me loves. I finally got a hug from her after the Wife had seen I was going to bed (they were still here in the other room talking). They are heading back home today sometime, so I am hoping to see them for a bit today prior to their departure. Will hope to find out their plans for Christmas, so we can make plans accordingly.

Christmas is this week. That means it is going to be a week of crap. I need to work at least the four days before. No biggee. Need to wrap this week. Figure what I am going to do for that last present for the Wife. Fun. Anyways, here's that video..... RM make sure you watch and listen!

PeacE

Another Day with No Work

 Monday afternoon I finished up the last "batch" of information that was the first stage of the project I am on for work. We had been told Friday, that many would be off this project, but Recruiting would re-assign to a new project, as the number of "batches" dwindles that morning. My Teal Lead had singled me out in chat, and told me they wanted to keep me on for a bit longer, for an additional step. But come Monday afternoon, that process was completed as well. They said as we transition to phase two, a few of us left would be kept on, others being re-assigned.

Well, today makes day two so far of not hearing anything. I am hoping I get to stay on the project so I can learn what the next stage is, but overall I would just want to be working. I logged into the work email and Team chat this morning, and though no emails, there was a new chat channel that I had access to for Quality Control. Only one comment was there, that it may be a couple days as they coordinated and trained a few people for the next phase. If I could see that..... must mean something. I just haven't heard anything.

Yesterday was the Wife's birthday. Much of the morning was spent with her in bed, emotionally upset and crying. not because she is older, but because she and her Mom had shared the same birthday (for reals) for all her life. This would be the 2nd one without her Mom. I did my best to do the right ting, but I just don't do well in those situations, so left her to it. The Wife was better in the afternoon, and even baked some brownies. Dinner was taken at Olive Garden. The middle Son joined us, the Older having to work a bit later. The Older Son did come by the house bearing gifts for his momma. So I got to see the two boys at least.

Our Santa Run is this Saturday. I did go out for a bit on Monday, but doubt I will be out the rest of the week due to Saturday. We had gone from an expected new record high of 18 Santas this year, and now am down to about 13. Seems the higher Covid counts had a couple drop out. A couple more from the fear of catching something, as they were going to be near, or help take care of elderly/sick parents. But we did get a 14-seater BMW party van for the night.

I think I am done with Christmas shopping. I can't think of anything else I really need to get - wait. Yes I can. Crap! Well, I will be on Amazon today looking for that one gift then. Then I will be done! We picked up some Tape the other day, so it will be wrapping time soon.

PeacE

Sunday-Not-So-Much-Fun-Day

 Oh, I am feeling the pain of the Commercial Holiday! Not just in the pocketbook, but in my back and legs. Yesterday. the Wife and I went out to try to finish up the shopping for gifts. At least, I was shopping for the remainder of the ones I was "in charge" of getting. I did pretty much get them all, except for one gift for the Wife. It is hard to buy for her, let alone when she is with me. We started at Wallymort where I knew one specific item could be gotten at a good cost. While there, found a few items for the older Sons' apartment, an item for the youngest, something for the RM, and even picked up the basic zip-up hoodie for me. I know, you're not supposed to buy for yourself, but I truly needed it. I used to have this nice lined flannel, but it was lost when they totaled out the car I got rear-ended in about a year + ago. I have a winter jacket, but it is for colder weather, and is a nice one I just don't to use everyday. I found a basic Fruit of the Loom for $10...and in my size even! It's not often I find clothing in my size and the standard box stores!

After there, we went to Fry's Grocery, for the gift cards. The 2x fuel points is nice when I get these all at once. I saw they now have Little Ceasar's Pizza cards, so will have to come back to stock up on them sometime. We eat from there often enough getting the fuel points would be an added bonus. I was going to buy a bottle of Crown Royal as well, so I would have the purple bag it comes in to use for the Santa Run (to hold candy canes, etc) but for some reason, they were out of it at this store. I figured there were enough people like me was the reason. Rather drink through the holiday versus celebrate it. I kept it limited to a small number of cards, and modest amounts applied to them.

I'm really starting to get hungry by this point, as I had skipped lunch. It had to be about 2pm. Next on the list was the 99cent store. It is never good to go there when you are hungry. Ended up getting a full cart of things, mostly food items, though I forced myself to limit the number of Snacky foods I picked out. Of course the Wife picked up several items for the Stocking Ball we started last year. It's a fun (and cheaper) way to do the stockings now that the kids are all older. Basically you take a roll of plastic wrap and start wrapping it in a ball, add in treats, small prizes - whatever fits. Last years was a bit bigger than a basketball when done. The kids rolled a die to find out who started, and one starts "unwrapping" the ball, being able to keep each item as it falls out. While he is doing this, the next in line is rolling dice to get a pair of 'snake eyes', which the person unwrapping has to stop. It gets to be humorous to watch (for Mom and I) and the kids really love it. In fact, I had to ask the youngest (playing on the computer next to mine) what the procedure was for the "game". He got excited about it. Anyway, there were some more items for under the "tree" gotten there as well. I didn't make it through check-out. My back was bothering me, and the Wife was kind enough to tell me to go sit in the van and she would finish up. She's too good to me!

It's after 3pm by this point. I'm tired. I'm hungry. I'm thirsty. I groan thinking we still have to carry all of this into the house yet. But one last stop to be made. Quik Trip. I had brought my refill mug - 52 ounces of drink. Then I grabbed a couple roller hot dogs, some cigarettes, and out the door on the way home we were. Managed to unload it all in three trips, thanks to loading up the bags along the arms like 10 at a time. Thankfully none were over loaded or too heavy.

I checked with the Wife about how easy accessible the wrapping paper would be in the storage room, and we should get some out so I could start wrapping on Sunday. As I was waking up, and groaning, I realized we forgot an important item yesterday - tape. I will see if the Wife will run out and pick a few dispensers of it at the drug store. A little more expensive than say Big Lotsa, but at least has more than 6 pieces per roll.... and sticks better. then maybe I can get some wrapping done. The packages I ordered are starting to fill up the footwell of my desk, not leaving me much room.

So, barring one gift I need to get yet, I believe I am done shopping for the holiday. A nice feeling. Usually it goes until near the end of shopping ability to get it done. I'm happy it is done.

PeacE

What a Waste of a Day...Sorta

 Yesterday was almost a waste of a day off work for the oldest Son. He showed up before 8am, following the plan we were going to take his car in to the shop to fix the window issue. I was diligently at my desk working. Turns out they weren't sure they could even look at it that day (he wouldn't be able to leave it, as he needs it for work). On top of that, they were going to charge him $250 just for the labor to even look at it. I kinda understand that, after watching the video of basically taking the whole door apart. He called another garage. They told him up front they don't really work on Hyundais, and it would take them longer than a day to have the time to get to it, then order the parts needed. So, in short, it isn't getting fixed anytime soon. I am going to try in the meantime to find someplace that does windows for Hyundais and see what they charge. Maybe on his next day off we can get it in - if I find a place.

By this time, it is nearing 10 am, and he is sitting with his Mom. I check on them about once an hour, and they are just chit-chatting about stuff. I can't join because I am working. Come afternoon, it is decided to replace his phone. It has cracked screen, and breaks in the casing. It also doesn't charge off the cord and he has had to charge it wirelessly for the past few months, but now it starting to not work properly at all. The Wife and he went to a Verizon store, and were told they would have to make an appointment, and that they were backed up currently to 2 days out. So they returned home. Another bust. It was finally figured out that there was a phone he was wanting, in stock at a different store location not too far away, and via the website we were able to order it to be picked up in store. Then they had to wait for the email saying the "order was filled and ready for pick up" which took a little over two hours. In the end, he did get the new phone, so one problem actually did get solved, though it took most of the afternoon for it to happen.

All in all, the Son spent several hours with his Mom yesterday. I know Moms like that... mine has said so before in her blog. I'm happy the Son got one issue resolved, and hope the other will happen soon as well.

This weekend is going to be a stressful one. I'm braving the stores (a very few) to try to get some of the last Christmas shopping I need to do. I hate wearing the mask, but will have to tolerate it in spurts. At least I have the trip planned down to maybe 4-5 stores, and most are not crazy with shopping crowds. Smaller stores are better.

Next week is the Santa Run! We had a head count at about 17 going this year. My brother backed out today (the wimp). Though, I suppose not wanting to catch anything while out, a week before he has a weekend with his grandkid, is probably a good idea. The oldest Son took his Santa suit home Wednesday to try it on to be sure it fits. I haven't heard if he has done that or not yet.

Work was interesting today. We ran out of the stock of documents we were going through about 10:30. I had grabbed one of the last ones, and was near completing it when my Team Lead contacted me about shifting me to an new task. Turns out they requested a few people from the project, for this next-level task, and told everyone else to log out for the day. It was said that everyone was to watch their emails, as with the 1st-level review being done, many would be moved to new projects, but it could take a few days (meaning no work). But I was picked to continue to the next level... apparently, I was told, because of the speed I am able to go through the information, pull out the pertinent information, and that I understood the protocols better than most. So now I am on a team with the Team Leaders, Quality Checkers, and a handful of others that were picked. Feels good being picked for my good work!! For now, it guarantees me some work come Monday, and from there who knows. Much depends on the meeting with the client (to be this weekend) to find out how they want to handle things based on what work has already been completed. I'm sure to find out more come Monday.

I worked late today (did a 9-5 versus my usual 7-3) and the Wife is out for a bit doing some errand, and grabbing a couple things. I was thinking of going out for a few beers with my buddy J, but he is going to hi nephew's game - where he believes they will lose sorely, so he may not watch the whole thing. It's almost 6pm and I am still sitting here in my pajamas. Kinda cool.....lounge in these all day while working..... But I should get dressed and meet up with my buddy.

PeacE

Weekend Leftovers

 For some reason, it has felt like an overly long weekend. Maybe it was Thursday being a holiday, and having to work Saturday, to get my hours in, made it just feel that way. Sunday seemed to go on forever, even though I slept in late.

Leftovers! It's what for any meal! RM had sent home pretty much every single bit of leftover food from our meal there Friday night. We knew we were going to get them, and I never mind leftovers from a turkey meal. The hardest part is staying out of the turkey meat. Usually within a couple days he Wife will make a big batch of turkey enchiladas, so the more meat, the more enchiladas I get. The deviled eggs were gone first (there were only like 3-4). The the container with the mashed potatoes and corn, and about half of the giblet gravy. I still have some gravy, rolls and stuffing left, and probably after lunch today will be out of gravy.

It is back to work today, and I am actually looking forward to it. Going to be some regular weeks up until the week of Christmas. I wonder if/how they will be any weekend hours available for that week, and the next, due to the holidays falling on a Friday. Guess I will find out.

Not sure of whatever else is going to happen this week. Still need to get some shopping done, let alone start wrapping. Need to find out what the kids and their families are doing, and come uo with a time schedule for Christmas, too. Someday I may get it where we don't have to go anywhere on that day, but for now we still travel to RM's. She and PT have this day that they don't travel, and she loves it so much when she gets that family time with each of us kids.

Alright, I guess I should get ready for work...

PeacE

Another Football Sunday

 I'm up somewhat early for a day that I normally sleep in. Of course, being how I went to bed at 8pm last night probably helped. That and getting a full night's (plus) of sleep. I don't know why I was so tired that early last night. I had slept in late the previous morning, and pretty much didn't do much of anything most of the day....

Like many, I am getting tired of this election crap about now. I don't know if it truly is corruption in the ballot process, counting what shouldn't be, or whatever, but the number of legal claims being filed is a bit ridiculous. I read something this morning (on the internet so you know it is true) about Homeland Security watermarking ballots to watch for ballot corruption, or some kind of thread woven ballots. Just to avoid the situation that came up this year. Of course, this article also said they can't step in to look at the ballots until a state has completely finished their count. I know when I went to bed last night, some of the states they want to look at are still counting. It's a sit and wait game, not that I think much will change.

I'll be heading up to the pub this morning. It has been a couple weeks since I met my buddy up there for football. Both our teams are playing at 11am (AZ time). I think I will probably stay for the one game and head home about 1pm. Maybe take the family out to pick up some Yoshi's?...Yogi's?.... a rice place that is pretty good... for dinner. We did pizza last night, since one son was out with friends.

Obviously, work seems to be going well. I have at least almost two weeks left on this project. Hoping to be able to get into another one right away, to just stay busy. There was a Quality Control done on me this past week, and my team leader said I was dong better than expected (considering I just started). there were only two small mistakes found - one I was getting too much info, and one was an email address I missed. So not bad out of 500 spot-checks. I was talking to my friend that recommended this place to me, and he thinks I could be a QC checker within 6 months - though I dunno. In fact, this friend also just signed up for a 30-day project with the company (he does attorney stuff though - whereas mine is basic data-breach).

I think I had mentioned about the two older sons getting an apartment together here at the Nov-Dec mark. I have that in the back of my mind in worry. I have never inquired about their finances (income, etc) so I worry about them being able to afford the place, the utilities (as needed), gas for the vehicles, food, etc. The Wife and I briefly talked about it last night as we went to pick up the pizza. We both decided to just wait it out, and see what they do. If they run into trouble, they will need to figure out how to fix it. But I am going to miss another Son out of the house.

The Wife and I talked about Christmas. I'm screwed. I have no ideas for anyone. We have gotten a few things for Doodad, and a couple for the Daughter. Nothing for anyone else. Everyone doesn't NEED anything, and some don't have room for anything else. Myself included. I have no idea what we are going to do....

And with that thought, I think I am done here this morning.

PeacE

Whine Day

 I just feel like whining about stuff today. My back is bothering me. I twisted the wrong doing something Saturday night, as when I awoke Sunday, it was giving the needle-stab nudges that something in the lower part wasn't feeling good. I imagine I twisted at the wrong angle, probably when getting out of the car when I got home, and it just took some time to set in. Doing acetaminophen for "pain control" and trying to stay off my feet, but sitting or laying down for long periods is not good for it either. Trying to do some of the exercises when I had to PT a few years back for this issue, and it seems to help a little. Most of it is stretching exercises in different ways for the lumbar area.

I am hoping to hear something from the company this week that there is a new project to start up. If not, I think I may go back to looking for a regular job. Being stuck at home right now with no job is depressing. With the Wife not working it drives me even a little more nuts - not that she is constantly bugging me or anything, because she isn't. I just need to get back to a job - preferably one not far away, and not as physical as the last one I was at.

I am expecting a call from the eyeglass store though. Went about a week and a half ago to do a new vision screening, and picked out some frames. Yes, my vision did worsen a bit, as did the vision in my bifocals. I lucked out and found a set of frames that match my current ones well, and just ordered two sets of those. I always get two, so I have a back-up pair. It has proven useful many times over the past years due to scratches on one set, etc.

The temperature finally dropped under 100, ending the run for a record streak of days over 100 consecutively. I know the record was 143 days, and we were getting purty darn close to that number. I think we ended up around 138-139. 

Still need to get the Wife out to test drive some vehicles. She seems pretty stuck on a Traverse, but has looked at pics of some others. I would like to take an afternoon and test drive 4-5 different ones so she can "feel" how they handle. She has agreed to do that, we just haven't set a date/time. Maybe this week. Would like to get her vehicle bought by next weekend. That way I'll have at least the minivan she is driving now, for me to use until I find me a new car as well. The last two months has sucked not having a car of my own. Catching rides and Uber have been how I have been getting around when I do get the chance to leave the house.

Youngest Son is on school break this week, then they return to school with a hybrid program when they return. He will go to school on Tuesdays and Fridays, be online Mondays and Thursdays, and all students are online on Wednesdays. Hopefully after the winter break (at the latest) they will return to a 5-day at school week.

Christmas is approaching, as I know RM has mentioned several times in her blog, and shopping just ain't getting done. I have no idea what to get anyone - sons, daughter, granddaughter, mother, stepfather, wife - and that's all I need to buy for. Plus the Wife's bday in early December. It is never many things for the kids anymore. Most of the things they want, or have asked for, or that we feel they could use in their lives, are generally more expensive. When it comes to my parents, there is just nothing they really need or want (according to RM). I know gift cards are pretty much what I am thinking for the most part for everyone. Yeah. Not a lot of thought in the gift-giving, but they can use it for what they want. I know I have some Amazon sites marked for some items I am considering for the kids. Who knows?

PeacE