The Holidays are Upon Us!

The Sunday after Thanksgiving, I only had the Christmas tree in the sunroom to complete. The day before I had put out all of the easy stuff hoping to work my way into the holiday spirit. Putting the pre-lit tree up sounded easy but it was very difficult to get all of the lights to work – almost as bad as putting up stringed lights! I fiddled with it for about an hour before giving up. I was determined not to become frustrated, so I stopped!

As aggravating as it was, it was made somewhat more enjoyable by my new ear-pods! They feel comfortable and music sounds fantastic on them. I wasn’t enough in the spirit for Christmas songs, but I did like the relaxing holiday instrumental music on Spotify. I also think the mobility will make it easier to listen to podcasts and audiobooks. When my phone is left on the kitchen bar, I can move all around the house with them, so I can do whatever I want to as I listen.

Tippy’s Nutty Idea! On Sunday (11/29) Tippy called to ask if I wanted to go pecan picking with her on Monday at a secret, not-to-be-named, location. This is something that she and her mother enjoyed doing together as she was growing up. She had found this wonderful place where pecans were abundant. She was absolutely right. I’ve never seen so many pecans! You could pick up 2 handfuls, move a few steps, and do the same again, as well as feel them being crushed under your feet as you walked. We were able to fill two large bags in no time flat. All of the stooping was rough of the back so we decided to meet up and relax over lunch at Olive and Fig – for the F-word (Falafel). We discussed earlier to check it out before considering whether we would eat there or order to go. We were happily surprised to see there were three tables outside. Though it was a very blustery day (as you can see from our hair!), the building shielded us from the wind and the sun was warm. It gave us a chance to catch up and was a fun morning.

I came home (from picking pecans) and tackled the Christmas tree again!  When I left it yesterday, there were two female plugs not plugged into anything, and not all lights were on. So, I took the three tiers apart and tried to figure out where the plugs were and correct them before going to the next level. It was a miserable failure! I’m sure there is a simple solution, but I don’t know what it is. If anyone has the secret, let me know. In years past, I have not had this problem! There has to be an easier way (like one plug connecting all lights in those of the next tiers!!). In any case, I’m going with what I have and decorated the tree the next day.

A week later and the microwave man finally came. This week has shown me how dependent on the microwave I am. I was opening the door to pop popcorn before I remembered it didn’t work. No warming up that second cup of coffee or leftovers. In any case, the repairman wasn’t here long and I think he helped my cause as much as possible, so American Home Shield is replacing my microwave – which means it will still be days before I’m functional again, BUT I will be happy and appreciative when it is replaced.

Winter has arrived with a vengeance. We’ve had temps dipping down into the low 30s at night for about three nights and only getting up to the high 40s or 50s during the day. My house doesn’t accommodate those temperatures and it takes a long time to warm up. So, I’ve learned to alter my routine to conform to Rosie’s schedule. She is NOT interested in going out in the cold or rain! One day she wasn’t willing until about 11:15 AM!! We did have one delightful morning when it was raining and we both slept in, listening to the gentle rain, until about 8:15! Now that my light sleep is more peaceful, I thorough;y enjoyed it.

In the meantime, I’m listening to The Nantucket Inn (a summer read kind of thing that I don't recommend!) with my new ear-pods, mostly as an experiment. I’m listening to it via “hoopla,” available through our local library. It’s a great service; however, it doesn’t offer some of the things I’d like to read/listen to via audiobook. Now that I’m familiar with the ear-pods, I’m going to rejoin the Fairfax (VA) County Library, which has a much broader selection of audiobooks of interest to me, and I’ve already searched for specific books I’d like to read. They offer a non-resident library card for something like $25 that allows you to use their digital library. I’ve joined in the past using the Overdrive app and found it difficult to manage, so I contacted the library and they suggested I check out Libby, Overdrive’s newest app, as it is easier to maneuver. I have done so and am going to rejoin using Libby. Thanks to Rhonda T for turning me on to all of this!

Enjoy the holidays!