I woke around 4:00 this morning and suddenly realized that it's almost Christmas, and I'm not ready. I couldn't go back to sleep because my mind kept going over all the things, big and little, that I still have to do.
I used to have a wonderfully organized mind. No matter what all there was to do, I could put everything in order and get it done--bam bam bam. Not anymore. I have read that it's a symptom of fibro that causes one's mind to get muddled. Whatever, mine sure is. When there's more than one item on the agenda, I just get confused and rattled.
The possum came back last night. It was more or less a repeat of the other possum encounters we've had and I've written about, except this time Darby got in on the act. Darby is our neighborhood's little free-range shih tzu. He was outside the fence, Sophie and Skipper were inside the fence, the possum was on top of the fence, and I was lying on the ground, having tripped and fallen in one of Skipper's holes to China.
No harm done though. The possum escaped, I arose with no injuries, Darby ran around and around in circles trying to find the possum trail, and I got Sophie and Skipper back in the house. When this Christmas thing is over, I'm finding someone with a have-a-heart trap and we're taking El Posso to Lake Purdy--or somewhere. The novelty of possum hunting has quite worn off for me.
Not at all ready for the big day. I have one hummingbird cake to deliver today and one more to bake and deliver on Friday. I think the proceeds will come to around $260 that I've garnered for local charities with this project. I'm glad I did it, and will probably do it again next year.
I also have to deliver the whoopie pies to their recipients, finish a couple of gifts, wrap gifts, and purchase two gifts for guys. I never know what to give guys. I have to grocery shop again too. I'm having a very small soup night on Christmas Eve--just me, Andy, and Jesse. We're having Christmas Day Dinner at my sister Joanne's house, then I'm having a birthday party for Joanne on Sunday at my house. We're having soul food: turnip greens, butter beans, slow roasted pork roast, cornbread, and ice cream and cookies for dessert.
My sister had the misfortune to be born on December 27. She never had birthday parties or got birthday presents as a child. Her birthday was always celebrated in conjunction with Christmas. In past years, my sister Ramey, Joanne's son Jed, and I have tried to make up for Joanne's birthday-deprived childhood by doing something special. It doesn't always happen, but this year it's going to.
But I ramble. I have to get off this computer and off my rump and get cracking. I truly don't know where to start, but I have to start. So bye for now.
Forgot to say I'm linking with Sues Rednesday party.
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On 12/22/2010, sophie said ...
I'm thinking it might be time to get a (live) trap and ask whatever wildlife agencies handles such things to relocate that possum ... before one of the dogs gets a piece of that possum and things get really ugly.
On 12/22/2010, Susan Ramey Cleveland said ...
I do agree, Sophie.
On 12/22/2010, Debbie said ...
Enough! Mr. Possum neeeds to go (we have his cousin up here, but he's a polite neighbor and doesn't bother the other animals!)
I know how your sister feels...mine is the 26th and if I got presents at all, they were wrapped in Chrismas paper, but most of the time everyone said, "...it's Christmas and Birthday combined". Still do! (Don't they know I know they're just being cheap and not wanting to but two present or not wanteing to buy Birthday paper...sorry, just a rant...I need to be grateful for what I get!)
Wish your sister a Happy Birthday from one Christmas-time baby to another! And I hope you have a very Merry Christmas, too! Possum-less!
On 12/22/2010, quiltmom said ...
I am sometimes overwhelmed by all the things one tries to do for Christmas. I am still making quick cooking squares and nuts and bolts. I have some wrapping but I still need to figure out if I need to buy more things. Our wedding anniversary is on Sunday- it will be 30 years this year. I am not sure how we will celebrate it. Here in Canada it is Boxing Day so for some it is a big shopping day. We will be visiting my parents for sure anyway. The most important part will be that we are together that day.
Have a wonderful Christmas- Try not to worry too much about what gets done or doesn't get done. I figure that the things that matter most will be done and the rest is probably not that important.
Warmest regards,
Anna
On 12/22/2010, Nicole said ...
That possum sure does have a death wish.
On 12/22/2010, Lynn said ...
Yes, Mr. Possum must go. Just so you know what you are in for ... my parents experience with live traps is that the animal makes a lot of noise once they realize they are trapped. My dad has made several 2 am trips to lake Purdy because they can't sleep with all the racket the trapped animal is making.
Hope you have a Merry Christmas and a possum-free New Year!
On 12/22/2010, Barbara Anne said ...
Scoot over honey, I'm with you on the easily confused and befuddles bench. I think some days I'm becoming Aunt Clara (think door knob collection and the TV show Bewitched!). My peripheral brain in a notebook is my saving grace. Lists, gift ideas, gift purchases (who for, occasion, and where I put the gift) clothing sizes, favorite candies, everything is there.
DS1 was born on Christmas Eve and we sent cookies to school early in Dec. for his little party there. We took care to wrap his gifts in birthday paper. Some years we surprised him with a gift on June 24th just so the whole year between gift times was broken up a bit. We weren't enlightened parents; we had an adult friend whose birthday was Christmas day and who set us straight! (quilt should arrive today or tomorrow)
Yep, a have-a-heart and relocation for El Possum is needed before you break a bone in one of Skipper's darkened holes to China. Perhaps you need a motion-activated light, too?
Need a guy gift? Go to Nicole's blog and read her post from yesterday or the day before. Perhaps with overnight shipping? You can always give a gift card for Home Depot, a mall gift card, or pne for a favorite restaurant or bookstore.
Hugs!
On 12/22/2010, Donna said ...
Susan,
I don't have fibro just "bad" lungs (pulmonary fibrosis) and I have accepted the fact that I can't do what I once did. I guess we just enjoy what we can do and that's good enough :) You have more energy and accomplish more than I do!
You and the possum make me smile, although I am glad you did not get hurt. That thing needs to go live at Lake Purdy and leave you and the doggies alone!
You have a busy weekend ahead. Take care and do what you can ... just don't stress!
Hugs,
Donna
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