So, how YOU doin' ?

We had our Christmas tree completely decorated November 25, 10pm. We had our outdoor decorations in place by 6pm. Do we have too much time on our hands ? Our we insane ? Nope, we are Craigs and there isn't a holiday we can't over do. I keep saying, "A back-rub is nice, but when you over do it, it starts to hurt".

When I was a kid we put up the tree about two weeks before Christmas. Mostly because it was a cut tree and would have burst into flames under those enormous C7 twinkle lights after several weeks of drying time. Still, we had to move furniture and find the right spot so my dad could nail it to the wall after 3-4 tries to level the stump. Then my dad and I would go out side and surround the house with more lights and viola, Christmas. If no one was hurt, yeah! it is going to be a great holiday.

Now, the stores start decorating for Christmas before Halloween. And after this terrible "black Friday" tradition, well it just makes everything seem cheap and desperate. And people wonder why they feel sad at Christmas. Not really surprising actually. Well, I refuse to play into this hijacking of the holidays. I resolve to :

• Enjoy eggnog by the fire
• Make delicious English fruitcake
• Hug as many people as I can chase down
• Sing Christmas Carols
• Sit outside at night and watch the stars
• Wear fuzzy socks
• Have some more eggnog
• Walk the dog through the neighborhoods looking at the decorations
• Say "Merry Christmas" to everyone
• Drink sherry by the fire...too much eggnog gives me gas
• Smile at everyone...even mean people
• A little more sherry will help with that last one
• Re-read Dickens's "Christmas Carol"
• Listen to Christmas music
• Paint more
• Get some more sherry, we seem to be out...
• Sit, absolutely still and think about my blessings
• Hug a tree....too much sherry ?
• Laugh...it's not so bad. Just don't over do it

Whew, I thought I would never get those damn bullets to stop.

Love and peace to you all...try some sherry...

Happy Thanksgiving...

I am trying to be less Eeyore-like. My daughter says I have gone too far to the happy side. Hmmm, make up your mind!!

I just came back from shopping. Well, I came back two hours ago and I have just regained enough strength to post to you all. I had to shove a small child out of the way to get the rolls and lied to an old lady, I told her they were giving away free cranberry sauce in the next isle. She was going for the last whip cream container. I win!...te he he.

Tom and Leida were arguing the whole time so I sent Tom to get some marshmallows. When he returned I told him he had the wrong ones. He got the large ones and I needed the minis. He sighed and went back. (ahh peace) when he returned I asked him where the large ones were. He said he had put them back. I said I needed both sizes. He sighed and went back. I sent Leida for produce, she told me she didn't know what it looked like. I think she figured me out. Anyway...

HAPPY THANKSGIVING !!!

All the news that's ....

I know, I know I sent out the link for Tom's newspaper write-up. He has just passed his Board of Review for his first palm on his Eagle award. Leida is working on her next medal in scouting, the Trust Award. It is an advanced award in religious studies and I and very proud that she chose it as her next project. Well, I need to go help Guy... Love to all.

Okay, back to normal?

Wow, when did RSVP become un-cool? Remember, it is a practice which lets the host know how to prepare for your comfort. So, we ran out of everything. It rained and was soooo cold. My computer fried and the power point/music was wrecked, but, Tom said it was perfect. He is happy and working on his thank you cards. I am being blamed for everything, including the weather. A very well-meaning person whispered in my ear, "You know, dear, these things require planning". Hmm, maybe I'll try that next time.