Merry Christmas 2020

I’ve been meaning to thank those who respond to my posts – some email, some reply to the notice that I’ve updated. Others text or leave a comment on the post. It’s always great to hear from you (in whatever form) and to keep up with your doings, too! It’s hard to believe that I’ve been doing this blog since 2006 in one form or another and I’m happy to share it with friends, whether or not you respond immediately. Some of you have been with me from the start and I’ve added new friends as time passed. The best part of doing it is knowing that those who read it know me and care enough to put up with my drivel! Thank you all.

I had to include this after my
episode with the Christmas tree!

Something really strange happened Sunday morning (12/6) when I reached for my phone to turn off the alarm. The phone started talking to me and identifying everything I touched, and it seemed that I had to tap everything twice. It also altered the capability to scroll and I never even figured out how to do that. I have no idea how it got that way which means I didn’t know how to turn it off. It was only through the use of Google on my tablet that I figured out how to do it, but even then, navigating to the setting was not easy. If I inadvertently caused it, I’d like to know what I did so as not to do it again! Pretty much the whole day was devoted to tech stuff after that. I spent several hours deleting emails, both folders, and individual emails. This is something I’ve been meaning to do since my last Liberal Ladies’ newsletter. There were hundreds if not thousands just related to that. If only it were that easy and fast to get rid of the clutter in my house!!

The microwave issue has turned into a saga. On Monday (12/7) I called American Home Shield first thing and had to wait so long (58 minutes) to speak to a representation that I literally made a soup in my instant pot!! The repairman came a week after I placed the initial repair request (11/23). The microwave is discontinued and parts are not available, so he suggested a replacement and told me I would hear from AHS within 48 hours. Well, I didn’t and when I checked online it only said: “under evaluation.” When I finally got to a person, I was told that an email had been sent to me offering various options for replacing my unit. Well, I never received it or it got lost in the numerous emails I receive, or whatever. So, the rep sent it to me again and I spent the morning trying to figure out what to order (I really thought they should find the closest replacement and just do it!). Anyway, they sent a selection of about 10 or 12 microwaves that they would provide and install at no cost to me. There was one recommended…..but it was not available in white! So, now I’m on my own….and if I order something that doesn’t work, I pay for shipping back and restocking. So, I called GE appliances and got a delightful, sweet young lady who compared the microwave I have to the one I was considering. I had pretty much determined that the dimensions were compatible, but I was concerned about the venting. The unit I had selected could be vented in three different ways, so that should work. Needless to say, this took me most of the day but I submitted my order that same day. On Monday, December 14 the new microwave was installed.Whew!

Who knew pecans were so complicated? After we gathered them, Tippy went about finding someone to crack hers and he turned out to be an expert. He checked the moisture content of ours and they were a 7. He said they should not be over 5 and we should store them in the fridge or freezer, or we could bake them in the oven to dry them out. After cleaning them, I put them in a sunny spot in the sunroom until I could dry them out in the oven. It seemed easy enough and hope I haven’t ruined them! 

I continue to enjoy my ear pods and subscription to Fairfax County Library. My first book was Inheritance: A Memoir of Genealogy, Paternity, and Love by Dani Shapiro, which I’ve been chasing for a while. It’s autobiographical and the title alone piqued my curiosity. I was not disappointed!  She’s an excellent writer and narrates the audiobook which made it even more enjoyable. After that, I read Untamed as recommended by Mary B. It, too, was compelling and read by the author, Glennon Doyle. It is recommended reading for every woman! I have about 6 books on hold, all of which will not get to me for a while, so please let me know what you’ve enjoyed reading recently. The Thursday Murder Club has been recommended on both sides of the Atlantic but I couldn't find it on audiobook, so Chris has kindly loaned me the book. And, yes, the Libby App is so much easier to navigate than Overdrive and the customer service at the library is fantastic!. 

On Sunday, Tippy invited Sally, Rosie, and me for a walk on the beach. It was a gorgeous day (low 70s and sunny) and she picked up falafel wraps from a new restaurant (Casablanca) in town (very tasty!) and we had them at the park at Dolphin Head. It was a bit chilly in the shade under the trees, but as soon as we got in the sun on the beach, it was perfect! When we got to a secluded section, Rosie was let off the leash and she ran like crazy. It’s wonderful to see her run like that and I wish she could do it more often. Something funny did happen as we were walking back. As Rosie was sniffing around, I noticed a medicine bottle. It looked like a fresh prescription with the name and all of the info clearly written. My first thought was that I should turn it in at the front gate and let them set about contacting the person. But, when I looked inside, there were two joints!! Initially, The more we thought about it, we decided to just flush them down the toilet. It seemed like that would cause less trouble all the way around. Anyway, that’s our story and we’re sticking to it! 

I hadn’t planned to show my Christmas decorations again as you “old-timers” have seen enough of it. It’s just the same items recycled in one form or another. However, there are new friends on-board and even the oldie-goldies may not know the history of some of my doodads. So, I’m showing them again with more information. Hopefully, you will know why I decorate even when I may not be filled with the Christmas spirit; however, once I do it, it does feel more festive! I always enjoy seeing the decorations and remembering the people and events attached to them.

Merry Christmas

One and All!