[crochet2]

I had a great Christmas Eve. A friend who had a stroke recently has open house every Christmas Eve. Her children are all grown and decided that as long as she did nothing, she would be ok. It was such a good time. My cabbage, onion, bacon and apple dish was good enough that my friend's brother who is a caterer said that I have to bring it again next year. I was happy.

When I got home, I was just too tired to do anything, so I popped a movie in the dvd player, curled up on the couch and did nothing.

Then, on Christmas, it was a little hectic. I had no gifts wrapped at all. So at 5:30 I was wrapping, washing clothes, peeling potatoes for potato salad, making stuffing for future lunches, and washing dishes. I was frantic.

I went to my nephew's to distribute gifts. Then next door to him, friends were opening their doors for brunch to my nephew, sister and myself. We had pancakes, egg and sausage casserole, english muffins, bacon, and peach cobbler. What a wonderful time. Then the man of the house insisted that we take a drive with him in his new "hybrid" automobile. As he is the president of the county wide re-cycling unit, he is "gifted' with a car. They bought the hybrids to promote them in this area of the country. I have ben interested for years, but there just aren't any here, and the couple that there are - are ridiculously priced.

Then I rushed back to finish dinner for my boyfriend. I cooked a ham, and made potato salad. When he got there, he didn't want anything else. He was getting off soon to go the local rescue mission with a bunch of his police officers and kiwanians to serve dinner. Let me make this perfectly clear - I did not eat with him, I was still full from brunch.

I got just barely a chance to catch my breath, and then I was off to my aunt's for dinner. She had shrimp ****tail, prime rib, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, carrots and coleslaw. I was stuffed. Particularly after brunch.

Later on we had dessert with her son and dil who had to spend time with the dil's daughter, some of my aunt's other neices and nephews, my sister and nephew made it from her best friend's where she always spends Christmas.

At 9:05, I was done - I excused myself to much teasing that I can't hang out. I got home with all the gifts, and crashed.

Yesterday, my girlfriend braved the impending snow to come from about an hour away to go shopping. Our after-Christmas tradition. We started out a small breakfast/luncheon spot we love. Then on to Walmart for a few things. I had to re-stock my supply of tissue paper and gift bags. And I only found one gift for Valentine's day for my nephew. There didn't seem to be the quantity or quality of items left as in past years.

On to Sears in the mall, where I always buy new undies the day after Christmas. They were 30% off - and a new wallet, in a color that doesn't blend in with my black purse.

Then we walked down to Macy's and neither of us found a single thing. Very disappointing as we had their shopping passes for an additional 20% off the already marked down items.

Off to Penney's where I did find a pair of dress pants for work, a pair of jeans, and two sweatshirts - one for my friend as her birthday gift in February. Last year I found several pairs of pants. Again, very disappointing.

Then we walked the entire mall, in and out of the candle stores, looking at the kiosks, but nothing.

On to Kohl's where I did a little better - 2 pair of pants, and 7 sweaters for work. I was only looking for white and off-white as I wear those colors the most, found 5. I also got a raspberry one and a peach sweater. And I found a chef's knife I have been looking for at a decent price, a new mandolin (I threw out my last one years ago when I cut my finger badly and had to have stitches), and two ties for my one boss's birthday on Tuesday.

We stopped at a local restaurant chain for lunch - needed to re-stock our fuel supply for the afternoon. We went to Target and Michaels, where I only found a laser for the cat and a pocket calendar for my boss for $.49. Michaels had 2005 calendars for $.30 if anyone is interested.

Then it was time to go home, and unload the car. My friend stayed long enough to have some cookies and tea, and then she was off to her parents to pick up the things she needs to exchange for them.

I got a nap, so sorely needed, before my nephew came.

My boyfriend came for dinner and to open the rest of our gifts to each other. I got a hand held shower. My nephew has agreed to put it on this evening. That should be interesting, as he is 16 and the only thing he puts together is the parts of his skateboard. But we will be fine, it looks easy enough for me, but I want to give him the experience, and the confidence to tackle the next job.

Well, better go for now, and get breakfast and ready for work. We did have some snow last night, overnight, and I have already been out to sweep and salt.

Take care all!!! Norma