It's my party and I'll cry if I want to......

.....you would cry too, if it happened to you! If your company left nearly en mass after a wonderful week of good times, good food, good everything, you would be upset when they left, too! My people were impressed with the regular food preparation which went on here, even though often breakfast was eaten much later in the day than usual. When people are on vacation, they love the opportunity to stay up into the night and sleep into the midday----well, mid-morning, anyway! This allowed me to do my own thing in the first part of the morning, as quietly as I could, while David worked on his computer in the family room. He was usually up and at 'em earlier than the others, enjoying coffee while checking on his e-Bay auctions. His favorite part of his job is putting excess product line items up for sale on e-Bay. Last time we talked, he had been selling "old" hockey pucks, mostly to schools to use for practice. This time it seemed logo pencils were a "hot item" for whatever reason. There was another hot item from inventory that was going fast but right now I cannot remember what it was. It might come to me later....

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After posting my great sorrow on Facebook yesterday, some suggested that it will not be long before I will see someone soon to help with my loss. YES!!! Linda and my sister, Lynn, are coming down to visit in early February for a short stay which will really make up for this parting!! In March, I will be venturing north to spend some time with Lori, Lynn, and Lori's church ladies as we take a bus trip to The Twin Cities to see "Mamma Mia". This will also allow me to spend some time with Judy R. and Linda J., and especially, my mom. Since she will not travel any longer, I will come to her! A trip in June will be had for Alayna's graduation from high school. Awesome! So, yes, I will be okay, after having some chocolate covered cherries at my pity party!

*

Last night I had to bag up the lovely floral arrangement given to me by the Hilchey's. The flowers caused Alayna much grief with her allergies so I had to keep the bouquet in my bedroom behind closed doors while they were here. David, who also has allergies, did not seem affected but it was a problem for Lanie. I had to wrestle the large bouquet into the trash bag, making quite the mess as I did so. As I removed this sizable arrangement from the dish holding it, I found a quite lovely cobalt blue, cut-glass dish. Just lovely, a gift which keeps on giving! Also, I salvaged two very tall red tapers from the bouquet but am not sure what exactly I will do with them. Most of the candle holders I own hold much larger around candles, not necessarily tapers. Hmmm....perhaps some new candle holders would be in order.

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I might venture out into the cold to shop at Walgreens later today as my father-in-law gave me some money for CHRISTmas and I have decided to buy a laptop table to pull up to my bedside, similar to a hospital bedside table. This one is meant for chair side or bed side, inclines to have to keyboard and screen visible plus a place for the mouse pad for the external mouse, like I use. I gave Justin such a nice table a few years ago and he said he uses it every single day so I know it would be money well spent. Also I need ink cartridges as when I began printing the newsletter the other day, I got signals that my black ink is about ready to quit. Ugh!!!

*

We are expecting to have the low temperatures drop into the 20's this coming week, but thankfully the sun is shining and sky is blue. Last night, as I lay in bed, the moon was simply beaming into my face. I thought of my friend, Judy R., with whom I share this lovely moon, and of course, Linda, who howls at the moon like I do!!!

An interesting quote.....

"You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.

You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.

You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.

You cannot lift the wage earner up by pulling the wage payer down.

You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.

You cannot build character and courage by taking away people's initiative and independence.

You cannot help people permanently by doing for them, what they could and should do for themselves."

Abraham Lincoln

Rife with sorrow, tempered with joy

They are gone, at least three of them are.....the last one is Alayna, who is presently packing her stuff. The Schippers left around noon or so, after enjoying a breakfast made by me. This late morning I made bacon and pancakes, ending up using two packages of bacon this time. Alayna made a giant bowl of lettuce salad with cucumbers and carrots added to it. Some of the others had salad with their pancake breakfast, which seems the tiniest bit odd to me, but that might just be me.....

*

We just cannot believe how fast the time ran away from us, the days flew by. Lori was lamenting the same matter last night as we played "Would You Rather.....?" after Dusty, Alayna, and I got home from church. Lori and I got in trouble with Alayna for putting the games pieces in our nose or in our mouth, and she determined we were immature. No denying that, I guess. But where did the time go??? It seems they only just got here, more true from Alayna, since she arrived late in the day on Sunday. And now she leaves already!!! She was sure her tickets were for departure tomorrow but when I checked the itinerary, yes, it was today. At least she got to run the streets of St. Augustine yesterday, and it pleased me greatly to have the kids volunteer to attend worship with me....

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We had fewer than thirty people for worship last night which was too bad. Lori had to stay home with ice on her ankle, the bad one this time, because she had walked around St. Augustine during the day. They were staying home to make sure the pizzas were baked and ready to go when we came home. I had gone to Papa Murphy's after making Justin's exchanges at Kohl's in the afternoon, and ended up with over four pounds of pizza. Lori said that David and Dusty liked the five-meat pizza which I got in the stuffed style, plus a garlic chicken one Lori liked. It was either the chicken or a vegetarian-style one, and I refused to do that! We had half of each one leftover which will be my dinner tonight. I will try to enjoy it even though my peeps are gone.......boo hoo hoo!

*

Alayna is now delivered to the airport and my home is empty except for me....I did stop at Winn-Dixie on the way back and picked up a few things including laundry soap which I needed since David did several loads this morning, including washing the sheets from their beds. I am wondering how in the world he could strip the beds with Lori and Dusty still sleeping in them!!! They did not get up until well after 10:00 am or so with David chomping at the bit to load the car and get going. Once his mind is in "packing up mode", he cannot rest. We are all aware of that and respect his 'drive', so to speak. Lori likes it because all she has to do is get in the car and leave! He does it all!

*

So, now what to do the rest of the day?? I will empty the dishwasher, change the wash load, reheat some pizza and warm up my house! My guests really do appreciate it being cooler than do I, so now is my chance to warm things up a bit. All I need to do, and had been doing, was my own room, but if I wanted to socialize, had to rough it in the other rooms, where it was much cooler. At least, I thought it was! So funny how that works----Lori cannot help being hot any more than I can help being cold. Alayna and Lori loved for me to put my icy hands on their hot necks and faces, and I thought Alayna's hands were like waffle irons for mine!

New Year Resolve

HANDBOOK 2010
Health:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in 'plants'.
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy
5. Make time to pray.
6. Play more games
7. Read more books than you did in 2009 .
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily. And while you walk, smile!
Personality:
11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need...
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind others about mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class while the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree...

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Society:
25. Call your family often.
26. Each day do something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything..
28. Spend time wth people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

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Life:
32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. GOD heals everything.
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change..
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37. The best is yet to come..
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

While you may not agree fully with all of the above, most of them are really good ideas! I was sent this by my friend, Cindy, and thought it would be good to review as you begin the next decade of your life. Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, His mercy (love) endures forever!!!!!

Another day older and still in my bed

Yesterday, the anniversary of my birth, was such a flurry of activity that I did not have time to write! The morning began early enough with getting up right after 6:30 a.m. to make sure the men in my household and Justin were ready for departure by 7:00 for Orlando. Justin was driving over from his father's house, where he has been dog sitting. I made some coffee for David to have while driving and Justin put a can of soda in each pocket. It was 38 above zero when they left here but it was expected to warm to the high 60's later in the day. In fact, further south where they were, it did get up to 71!

*

Once they were out the door, I went back to bed since I could feel more rest was needed. All of a sudden my eyes flew open and my feet hit the floor when I remembered Dee was coming by at 8:30 with a birthday gift for me. There was time before she was expected so I decided to make the ladies in my home a nice hot breakfast. (Yes, Linda, I made breakfast on more than one occasion, the difference being these folks get up 5 hours later than do you!) The recipe I used is for egg souffle which turned out wonderfully, but we had to pace ourselves since we were having lunch in an hour and a half! They really sleep late!!! After all, it is vacation, right?

*

Dee came and we visited in the river room for over an hour. Her gift to me was wonderful, two boxes of chocolate covered cherries, which she wanted to yank away after we discussed my lifestyle changes coming up after the company is gone. She could not believe that I could pace myself with something like this, but I truly can and do, historically speaking. In fact, I have the little favor from Linda's table at Ladies' Advent Service November 29th, unopened, on my night stand as we speak. I know there is delicious dark chocolate in there but will wait for just the right moment to open the little bag and have a piece. I am so weird!

*

Once Alayna and Lori got up and had their breakfast (I did not know A. won't eat eggs and cheese mixed together!) we got ready for lunch. In "Lord of the Rings" the boys referred to 'elevensies' which is what our lunch would become, so soon after breakfast. We ladies were meeting Twila and Kathy B. over at The Club where we had a very very nice lunch and excellent conversation. Lots of the latter! Twila gave me a beautiful necklace and earring set which had screamed my name when she saw it; Lori gave me gift bag, which, when she handed it to me declared she had no idea what was in it! David was the designated shopper, that rascal, and now I know why we met him on the street near Great Hang Ups when we were leaving! Dee helped him select a necklace, chain, and earrings for me from there, made by a fellow artist/friend, Sonya. He did good! Kathy had given me my present already at church last week, a long beaded necklace in purples. Brenda N. came by in the late afternoon with a present from me, made by the lady in the Bahamas who received my clothes cast-off. Brenda bought me a matching bracelet to the necklace from Joy, the lady joyfully wearing my clothes. So, my colorful collection of beads and jewels has increased once more before the end of the year!!! What great fun!

*

My mailbox bore a half dozen greeting cards plus the good wishes which came via the Internet. Sadly, the timing was not right for the boys to meet us in St. Augustine for the tram ride to see the Lights so we ladies went alone. We did not hear the song we longed to, "Dominic, the Donkey" this time which was a disappointment for Lori and me---and a relief for Alayna! The driver of the tram encouraged the passengers to sing along with the songs, which we did once in a while, not as robustly as we could have, but the text messages sent to Alayna's cousins indicated that we did. I defended Lori and me when I heard about the accusation and A. agreed it was not THAT bad, just that there was a young man in the seats in front of us and she was embarrassed in front of him. Or behind him. Manufactured or faux embarrassment, I call it.

*

We found our family together back at my place and had a bite to eat, every man for himself before playing a few rousing games of "Catch Phrase". Always good for huge laughs, and denials of brain activity. Justin had to excuse himself because he was meeting friends and his roommate at their place to play poker at 11:00 pm. Wow, I was ready for bed and he had walked around Epcot and other parks all day. In fact, he sent me a text message reporting he had a hitch in his giddy-up! I wrote back, asking if he was okay, and he answered me that other than some pain, he was having a great time. Typical Justinism!

*

As Justin was leaving, he reported that he would be over here for church tonight because it was at 6:00 and his father's party did not start until 8:00. Victory's service is at 6 pm, Good Shepherd's is at 7:00.......oh. I think I might not see him until next year! Justin cannot miss this party tonight as it his father's 'last blast' in this residence, since he is moving out soon. Justin uses his father's place as a playground with his friends, having all the great enticements that young men, and evidently old men, enjoy such as the pool, outdoor kitchen, large-screened TVs in the media and game rooms, etc. Tonight's party will be the fireworks fun boys in their 20's and 50's enjoy, sending hundreds of dollars worth of gunpowder and noise into the air at midnight---likely before midnight. To use an expression from the banned list: whatever!

*

Those of us enjoying the Eve differently will attend worship at 7:00 pm and then come back here to have Papa Murphy's pizza and play Alayna's new game, "Would You Rather...?", which Justin and I gave her for CHRISTmas. The other night we played Lori's new game, "Cranium", which was a blast once we got passed the directions. They made it seem more involved than it actually was, and David is such a hoot to play games with!! During the day today, Lori and David might go back to St. Augustine to walk around a bit, plus the young folks if they wish to go. The weather might be fine for that, possibly as nice as yesterday, as WI people go! I will remain here and put the final touches on the newsletter as Pastor sent over the information yesterday afternoon, for which I had been waiting.

*

Lori and I went to get her hair cut after my birthday lunch, going to see Barb, the lady who cuts my hair. Lori looks so cute and coiffed now, making her hair almost bouncy-looking, just by trimming the back. So cute!!! We had intended on stopping at Kohl's to make Justin's exchanges but since we went home a different way, missed that stop. She wanted to see where Twila's house was, since Twila mentioned at lunch that her house is hard to find. We found it, no sweat!! Once home, I decided to take a nap before our big night in St. Augustine and Lori went for a bike ride. Dusty had parked it in my foyer, which is entirely out of our way and safer than parked outdoors (not like I live in a dangerous place or anything...). She rode once more down along the river but came back sooner than she had last time, because the wind burned her face. See? I told you it was cold out!!

*

We had such a laugh last night....Lori has to wear "das boot" on her left foot to immobilize her Achilles' tendon, for now only 25% of her walking around time. She applied her boot before we left for St. Augustine and away we went. When we were walking from the car to the ticket stand, she complained that her other foot was now also hurting and then realized that oh, my goodness!----she had put the boot on the wrong foot!!!!! What??? After all this time of wearing the boot, upwards of 23 1/2 hours a day, she now put it on the wrong foot?!? She could not switch it over either since she only had one shoe along, on the goofy foot, and could not put a left shoe on her "right" foot! Hee hee, hee haw.......

Why am I still sitting here when my tummy is growling?

Well, because I do not want to make a big noise in the kitchen and wake my sleeping guests. The microwave oven backs up to the room where the Schippers are staying and makes a racket running besides the opening and closing of its door. I will have a spritz cookie instead, brought to me by Alayna and made by her daddy. Thanks, Randy! Not knowing a whole lot about spritz cookie making, I wonder if a drop or two of peppermint extract would taste good in a green cookie---or a pink one???

*

Being up and about well before my company was allowed me the privilege of strolling the rooms, gathering belongings and trash, dirty dishes, etc. for removal. The pillows have been fluffed, the blanket refolded and draped over the wing chair, the chairs pushed up to the tables (I have three tables with chairs for our uses!) and even swept the kitchen floor this morning. There is more I could do in the kitchen but again, do not want to disturb anyone. I figure at 10:00 a.m., I should be able to resume normal activity without being considered a rude hostess! David is up, I just heard him sneeze really loudly and I about jumped out of my seat!

*

Marian's gift to me, a massage pillow for my back, is working right now, humming away behind me. I asked for permission to use it before school started because I like it so much. Yesterday I gave her a call to tell her how much I am enjoying the pillow. She made the mistake of telling me that everyone else liked theirs too so that is why she bought them for others as gifts. Okay---who is everyone else? Oh, sure, the people in Arno's living facility! When she visited Arno this summer, she saw the pillows there and the people who were with her said they liked them. Oh that is just great! Me, and the people in supervised-living really like our massage pillows!

*

Nancy, my sis-in-law, reported that her kids enjoyed their CHRISTmas presents, too, saying it was like when they were little and did not care what they got. What does that mean? Evidently, as they got older, the kids were more difficult to please or were less than grateful for what they got (i.e. the charm bracelets and subsequent charms from Auntie Kim!). But, now, this year when money was scarce in their household, the presents meant much more. Like someone hit the "reset" button on our lives, a new appreciation for what we have and perhaps less focus on what others have. This is a "hmmmmm.......moment" and I was glad when Nancy described it the way she did!

*

Justin called to say he was on this way over here, after leaving the car wash. I gave David and Justin each a car wash certificate, with David using his yesterday and Justin this a.m. He did not want the kids to ride around in his filthy car, more inside mess than outside. Justin has to use his car to haul work supplies like gas-powered tools and lawn mowers, and often has bales of grass and clippings accumulated in the back of his car. Ew! His pride and joy doubles as a workshop! That is why I gave him his car wash gift certificate early, as he mentioned wanting to get it cleaned before driving the young folks around. I am an easy touch! David told Dusty that he would not recognize their car after having had it cleaned!

*

Today our plans are to have lunch at Koko's and then I must pay my real estate taxes before the end of the year, of course. Justin is taking the young people off shopping and David thinks he might want to skip having lunch out and stay here to consume his leftovers from Clark's, our dinner last night. He so loved his meal but could not finish it all, does not want to let it go to waste. Lori would like to ride out to Coldwater Creek if we can find a parking place....Man it is busy out there! What recession????

I have some catching up to do

A few days have passed without a "normal" (ha, I love that idea!) posting so lest anyone decide to take poison because of it, I had better get caught up. The poison reference is from the movie, "Julie and Julia" when young Julie laments about not keeping up making the recipes and reporting it in her blog. Her spouse asks her what would happen if she missed a day or two of postings, "would people like take poison or something if you don't post one day?". When Justin and I saw the movie together in the theater, he gave me the elbow at this point because he knows how it goes for me when I miss a day! People want to know why, expect me to be dead or worse, sick, if I do not post! I do flatter myself!

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We have watched a few movies since the Schippers arrived, besides "Julie and Julia", we saw "Pride and Prejudice" (yes, finally, Judy!!!) with Kiera Knightly in the lead role. I really liked it, too, and now might one day attempt to read the book again. It was Judy's suggestion to see a movie version first to make reading easier. Actually, for us simple-minded folk, watching the movie is by far better than reading! Even Dustin liked the movie which gives it high marks from someone in his age group. Lori brought a movie with her, "Life as a House" which seemed to have a good story line but I could not get passed the language. We have also enjoyed episode upon episode of "Seinfeld" which I especially find fun because when David laughs, his legs fly up and he does a whole body heave of laughter! Love it!

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We played a rousing game of "Catch Phrase" on CHRISTmas Day after our dinner guests had left. It was as much fun trying to remember who to hand the "hot potato" to as it was to answer the clues. Since we had an odd number of people, the game had to be handed crisss-cross at the table and no one could remember who got it next, all the while it is going tick tick tick faster and faster....imagine the laughter! Again, David is such a delight to play games with, coming up with clues that make absolutely no sense, but somehow work. Great times!

*

The Schippers went to church with me, once they arrived midmorning on Thursday, for the children's service at 7:00 pm. Some of my friends had not heard they were coming early and were surprised to see them with me at church, where they were warmly welcomed. Justin went to Victory for their service, taking his father and his father's girlfriend with him, and then went back to his father's house to open their presents. Afterwards, Justin came back home and attended worship with me at the candlelight service, while the Schippers stayed here to lay low. Obviously they were pooped from the long car ride.

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CHRISTmas morning we went to church, with Lori getting ready in less than 5 minutes, doing her make-up in the car. David drove Dusty over in their car because Dusty could not be ready to leave when I had to. Later David reported that he had to iron a shirt for his son, and managed to find the ironing equipment in my laundry room with little effort. They do not teach basic ironing at UW-Eau Claire evidently! Our service was primarily lessons and carols which I really enjoy, and The Maestro sang as well. We came back here afterward and I eased into making the feast which was planned for service at 4:00 pm. Rick called to report they could not make it as Mem was running a high fever so that was three less from the table. Of course, I was sad but what can you do? A bit later, after the table had been set, Olivia called to report that both her folks were coming with her so that meant two more at the table! Yippee! Joanne had called in between Rick and Olivia to say she was bringing her dad along so we were still going to have overflow at the table. Again, yippee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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The menu was honey baked ham and sweet potato souffle (store bought), turkey, mashed potatoes, red garlic potatoes, gravy, scalloped corn souffle, green beans with bacon and mushrooms (yum!), carrots and cauliflower, cranberries, cinnamon applesauce Jello, pickles and olives, rolls, plus dressing brought by Joanne. Whew! I made all the foods listed except as noted. I made much of the food ahead of time, if possible, and simply reheated in the oven or microwave oven, before meal time. The ham bone and some of its meat will make a great kettle of soup one day!

*

At one point I made some sausages and scrambled eggs with cheese curds melted in them, even taking time to sit down to have a couple sausages with the family. Lori had brought some breads with her, gifts from friends, which I added to the blueberry bread I had made, so there was plenty to eat. One morning I made Pillsbury rolls, hockey pucks, if you ask me. If not eaten immediately they seem to dry out quickly. I might make hot breakfast today again but my guests sleep a bit later than do I, except David, so it is hard to really plan for them. We are having Clark's for supper tonight at Lori's request, with Koko's tomorrow for lunch. Justin is working so might not see him today or tonight. Last night all but me went to see "Avatar" after Alayna arrived but knowing that movie was likely not for me, I stayed home to work on the newsletter.

*

We opened our presents once Alayna got to my house, as the gang were planning to see the movie at 7:00 pm. (It seems when one makes the comment, "You can see "Avatar" when the family is here in Florida was taken quite literally!) which made me chuckle. Even at this age, kids take you at your word! Funny they even stopped at home with her first! Lori and David went too plus Justin's friend, Jesse.

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Back to the presents: I got a lovely, gaily colored ceramic plate from Lori with a coordinating 'postcard' top. Can't wait to display the plate and wear the top! Love it! Justin gave me some wonderful fine tip pens, my favorite, two boxes of dark chocolate (i.e. healthy) covered cherries, a calendar with photos from Greece on it, and a promissory photo of a cover he is getting made for my laptop, a scene of Santorini that will be custom-fit for it. Justin liked his clothes, although one of the dress shirts did not fit quite right and will be exchanged; the Vince Flynn books, the belt and socks, dress pants, his new sheets he asked for, and the pillows that Lori and David gave him. After seeing his room at the suites, I had no idea where he will put yet another piece of clothing! Since he lost weight, he has much that will not fit and needs to be weeded out, donated to the Clothes Closet. I think he needs his mama's help for this! I already mentioned the neat cut-out of Maurice Jones-Drew that David gave me, and it presently stands alongside my desk. The back is a mirror so David said I can use that to see if I have stuff in my teeth.....He is just a hoot!

*

We gave Alayna a game called "Would You Rather?" which I bet we will play here before she leaves and her mom got her a sweater vest with matching scarf in yellow and burnt orange plus a T-shirt in almost the same yellow as the stripes. I had gotten Dusty a game but found out he already had this one, so yesterday Lori and I went to Kohl's where she directed me to a nice shirt which came with a slim black necktie, very collegiate-looking and youthful. He mentioned that he should have a tie, so his prayers were answered! We gave Lori a lovely bowl, centerpiece-sized, made to look like interwoven twigs and a pair of pretty garden gloves. David liked his GA rub plus the gift certificate for a car wash, which we anticipated he would need. Last time they came for the holidays, he needed to find a car wash badly to remove all the road salt and snow stains from the car, so now, it is already paid for!

*

Anyway, the presents are opened, the long-awaited movie seen, and some plans made for the week. Thankfully I have my movie basket to choose for viewing as well as the "Seinfeld" collection for when we have down time. David plays his guitar and tracks his on-line auctions of products from his company, for fun. Dusty brought along his game system to play into the wee hours of the morning and Lori enjoys reading. We can all keep busy without being busy it seems and mesh well together. Alayna will enjoy her time with Dusty and the rest of us, once she is caught up on her rest. Tuesday we will be having lunch at Koko's with Justin, as he is off tomorrow, and then that night we will go see the lights in St. Augustine. Justin told us they already saw "Dominic, the Donkey" as they drove to the airport yesterday, as he rode in a sitting position in the back of a truck! We love to hear that goofy song play as the tram rides through the streets of St. Augustine, showing us the lights! "Hee haw, hee haw, it's Dominic the Donkey...."