A Sad Weekend

An unexpected death in the family has had me going to funeral homes and funeral services, all the while fitting them in between previous committments.  To make matters worse, the Hubs is on a fishing trip and I am braving these events on my own.  Tonight I am sitting here alone, trying to figure out the meaning behind losing a 36 year old dynamo.  I'm not getting any closer to understanding it, but maybe time will help.

A New Author

My BFF has been trying to get me hooked on Janet Evanovich.  I have read a few of her books, but told her I find them a bit "fluffy".  She insists the Stephanie Plum series is one I would enjoy.  In fact, she was so sure of this, she bought me the first book (One For The Money) for Christmas.  I must admit, I have been enjoying it.  Then yesterday I noticed an ad on TV for the movie, which will open this Friday.  I have about 30 more pages to go, so I'd better get it finished.  The Hubs is going on a fishing trip this weekend, and this may be a perfect time for the girls to catch a movie!

Back to Normal

The Christmas decorations are finally all put away.  It took me all day, and I'm sure the Hubs had an ulterior motive when he invited company over tonight, but I am done.  Now I am ready to enjoy pizza and cards with our guests.  And tomorrow I can do whatever I feel like.  I will probably spend the day knitting, but I can't rule out a walk in this great weather.

Gratitude

There is an old quote (forgive me if I can't remember the author at present) that goes something like, "If the only prayer you ever say is 'thank you', that will be enough".  Now, maybe it's because I let the Hubs handle all the stresses of Christmas shopping, wrapping, etc., but I seem to have replaced my usual post-holiday coma with lots of pleasant memories.  My house seems cozier, the neighbors friendlier, and my family more of a comfort than ever.  I gladly went back to work this morning, ready to take on the new year.  One of my resolutions will definitely be to take more time to smell the flowers.

Happy New Year!

It's about 9PM on New Year's Eve.  As has been my tradition for the past few years, I will be heading for bed soon.  I know it speaks to my age, but at least I don't wake up with a hangover.  With a large party to feed and entertain tomorrow, I think I am better off without the hangover. 
Happy New Year to all!

Aunt Anna

Yesterday we went to visit my aunt in the rehab center.  At the age of 94, she recently took a fall and broke her arm.  She will be in the rehab center for about 6 weeks, or until her arm gets strong enough for her to use the walker again.  Then she will spend another 6 weeks in outpatient rehab, to increase her strength.  We arrived yesterday just in time for her therapy session.  We watched as she clipped pins to a rack, picked up foam cubes and put them in a container, pushed a weighted box back and forth across the table, and various other exercises.  It is amazing to see her determination, even though we could tell her arm was hurting her.  She was able to go to her son's home on Christmas day for dinner, and she is hopng to come to my house on New Year's.  We hope she will be feeling well enough.

Stress Free Holidays

This year the holidays have been especially fun.  Maybe it's because I let the Hubs do all the planning and shopping.  Really.  Other than my family party, which will be coming up on New Years Day, I did absolutely nothing for the holidays.  Oh, sure, we still went to a few parties.  And, I attempted to help the girls make tamales (although they had just finished when I got there).  And, the boys came over with their girlfirneds for Christmas Eve dinner.  But, all the stresses I generally deal with are not around this year.  Hopeully that's a sign of things to come in 2012.