Losing Time

Couch - 1
Jesse and Phil got the red couch moved in just ahead of the rain on Saturday. I love it, and it’s fine with Skipper. It does make me a sad, though. I’d much rather it still be in Joanne house and she be there to sit on it.

I was sitting in church yesterday before service started, reading the bulletin, and suddenly realized that I was a day off. I had been laboring under the mistaken assumption all week that Christmas occurs on Thursday, Christmas Eve on Wednesday. Somewhere I had lost a day--which means I have one less day to get things done that still need doing.

So I grabbed a pencil from the back of the pew in front of me and proceeded to write my grocery list on the back of the bulletin in my hand. 

After church I begged off lunch with sister Ramey and headed straight to the grocery store, which was a not unexpected madhouse. I can’t tell you how hard this shopping spree was, with the fatigue and back pain--so I won’t even try. Suffice it to say that by the time I got home, soaking wet from loading the groceries in the car in the pouring rain, all I could do was store the items that needed refrigeration, throw away the wet bags (I wasn’t about to try to dry them all to put the in the recyclables), then flop on the couch with Skipper and go right to sleep. 

When I woke up I was no more rested but I stayed awake long enough to make some hot dogs for me and Jesse for supper. 

Cait, Kathryn, and Andy are coming tomorrow evening for family Christmas (gift exchange and supper). I’ll be as ready as I can be. That’s all I can promise. 

I don’t know when I started feeling like I was totally responsible for keeping up the family holiday traditions, but I do. And I’m going to have to let go and realize that I’m not up to doing it any more. My mom stopped being the holiday hostess as soon as all of us left home. My mom was an expert at saying no. I’m learning. Slow but sure.

Noel - 1

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On 12/23/2019, Pat said ...

In my husband’s family the 3 sisters-in-law alternate the family tradition of Christmas breakfast. (I’m one of the 3.). His maternal grandparents hosted it before I came into the family 51 years ago. This year is my turn. Since I have some of the same challenges you do, and I’ve had to plan day by day. I’ve tried to pace myself and it works some of the time. I’ve almost had too much time to prepare, though, and although I dearly love my family, I’m looking forward to 12/26! My daughter and sister will be here to help. It’ll be fun and I can only hope in 3 years some of the younger ones will take this over! One of the nieces has already started doing Thanksgiving. Blessings to you and Merry Christmas. (Love your red sofa.😊)

On 12/24/2019, Wendy said ...

I absolutely love that red couch. It is the perfect color and size. Any idea who the manufacturer is? It goes so well in your room too. I think it is a nice way to remember your sister, to keep something close that was part of her home. Happy Holidays to you and your family.

On 12/24/2019, Barbara Anne said ...

Your new red sofa looks wonderful in it's new home under your red quilt. I'm sure Joanne is very happy to have it there and for you to enjoy it.

Sorry you lost a day at this busy time of year. Perhaps the family meal will become a pot luck or maybe the host doesn't cook at all?!

Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Hugs!

On 12/26/2019, Sylvia said ...

Love the red sofa! Looks great.
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