Christmas is past; on to the New Year

Actually, I don't consider Christmas over until the 6th of January. I like the idea of extending it all the way to the twelfth day. Maybe it was because my mother didn't pack it away until New Year's day, that being the most convenient day to clean up. I admit to doing that as well, one has to get ready to get back to business, but this year, New Year's day is on Thursday, and that makes for a nice long weekend before getting back to the grind.

The Kerry O'Kee singers are singing at church this morning (that is a pet name for my little ensemble). I think we will be good. And it is a short service, with no sermon, starting an hour early so everyone can continue with their vacation.

I am having a soiree next Saturday, so my attentions are turned to preparing the house and cooking, I probably shouldn't do this right now, but if I don't, I won't. My brother came over and helped me do some handyman things yesterday, including putting up some curtain rods so I could change out my bedroom linens for the new ones I bought myself for xmas. I should try to find a picture of them, it looks very nice. He also swapped out the ugly ceiling fan in the dining room for the pretty (if low wattage) fixture jeffj got me last summer. So nice to have some help.

Christmas was lovely. The daughter perked up and felt good by the end of it. Everyone liked their presents, the food was good, and all was enjoyed by everyone. I have nearly got the mess cleaned up, as usual, there is too much trash for the bin and two more days to wait.

I will return to this post after church. I need to be there at 9 sharp and I still need to get cleaned up.

Sunday morning

I am playing hooky from church today, I am just not feeling it. Actually, I need a break, there has been a bit too much of it lately.

The kids are here, although staying at my ex's house. Daughter Jennifer is depressed, and I am rather concerned that she isn't getting some medication and therapy. She is concerned about the cost, but she will have a better chance of feeling better if she goes ahead and takes care of it.

I don't need convincing, she does. And maybe her husband a bit too. I don't think he is a believer in mental health. Anyway, she has put a wet blanket on Christmas for sure. She is super sensitive and weepy.

So far, all the preparations for the day have been good. I made several holiday goodies and baked spritz and then ate them all, so I think I had better leave out the cookie baking until I feel sure I can eat them in moderation. All the shopping is done and almost all the wrapping. I just need to finish up decorating my house, especially for the get together on Jan 3rd, although I still haven't decided for sure if I will do it. I have limited funds and a house payment due. Plus the trip in January.

Susanna made the local front page, but apparently, her New York Met debut was a great success and she has made the hometown proud. I think it will be memorable, if not wonderful going to the opera. I have to sit by myself, however. But I don't really mind, I guess.

D and I went to Billy's tree the other night. It was not enjoyable at all. They did a couple of songs I liked, but there was some dramatic things and a lot of the music was sappy stuff. We left about 2/3 of the way done. D didn't want to go lie to Billy that he liked it. I just couldn't abide the music another moment. I guess I am a snob, through and through.

Last night we went to Jerry and Dorrie's for carol singing. We had fun, singing from the Oxford book of carols. In parts too. Then we called Jason up and recorded O little town of Beth. to the Forest Green tune. I hope he could hear my voice. That was the one we did the best.

Later today, Davi is going to help me with a few manly things around here. I am going to make stroganoff for dinner. Bake some bread, make some kind of dessert, maybe, I got my rib roast already, and will cook it on Wednesday rather than Thursday, because of schedules etc., Jen is supposed to stay through the 26th but Davi leaves early xmas morning. She may go back early though, due to her terrible mood. I wish I could help.

well, that is enough to keep current. I haven't had any profound thoughts or moving stories to tell, just getting along as best as I can, and spending more money than is prudent. But more later.

Wolcum Jole!

We had our Christmas concert and it turned out a bit better than I had thought. I always like the music by the time of the concert, and feel sad to see it go. But, on with Lessons and Carols, Christmas Eve, and then the trip to NYC in January!

After the concert, jeffj cooked up some yummy shrimp and grits and bread pudding. He sure can cook. I don't feel very competent in the kitchen with him around. Oh well, I will just let him cook. His party was splendid, Jane and Billy came, and so did Joe and Kim, along with the usual suspects. It was fun.

Sunday, we went to Sewanee on the bus to attend the Lessons and Carols there. The music was okay, but the atmosphere is so cool, incense, candles, processions, holly. What more could I want?

Monday, my mood was changed by a meeting called by my boss wherein he broke some bad news about the coming new contract. It looks like my coverage has been sacrificed for emergency cost savings measures. So I have been scrambling to prepare my resume, and my sweet daughter has already called her company's HR department to see if they have something for me. In addition, I oticed a good dozen openings locally for such as me. Besides, my company may have something for me, and I would prefer to stay with them. But I have to look out for my own interests.

So I thought I would come and mention what I have been doing, just to keep this blog from too long a period of inaction. I will talk more in upcoming days.