Bah Humbug!

Things have improved a little since my last post! Not because the trump-musk chaos has lessened, but because I am looking for different coping methods. As is my habit, I tuned in to Morning Joe the morning after the election. They were bashing Dems and Kamala, and I only listened for about 10 minutes before turning it off. I haven't viewed them since! Those who know me know that I keep/kept MSNBC on 24/7, usually muted or on low. That, too, has changed. I've found CBS 24/7, which I'm enjoying. They cover the news, but not the same thing over and over. They have more human interest stories, and programs such as Uplift, The Dish (food, chefs, etc), and so on. In other words, a little more balanced. I do return to MSNBC around 4 PM for Nicole Wallace and a few of the evening shows. Even then, I'm usually multi-tasking with a crossword or other game or puzzle. Oh, I've also not renewed my NYT subscription, and I wrote to tell them why! I'm happy to subscribe to their games section only.

Even so, I can't do nothing! So, rather than being tied up in knots, I'm going to lead my life and devote part of one afternoon a week to doing what I feel necessary. While I don't like to make phone calls, I am going to email and fax....and request a reply! To do nothing is to allow them to do their will too easily. While I know Graham, Scott, and all of them are total lackeys, I refuse to make it easy on them! So, that's my plan.

As you might imagine, the holiday spirit is at a minimum for me, for several reasons. I'm not the least bit "down" about it, it's just not happening for me this year. The little tree shown here is the extent of it. I've put the ceramic tree my mother made years ago in the bedroom and a wreath on the front door - and that's it! My Christmas cacti have shown up at the right time, and Rosie provides entertainment with her Christmas duck! She's so funny! The duck is larger than her other squeaky toys and makes a different sound. It took her a little while to figure out how to carry it, but she's got it now! She can't squeak it with her mouth so she bonks it with her nose!

In keeping with my blah spirit, I haven't done Christmas cards either! I've heard from people to whom I want to respond, but I just wasn't motivated to do so until I received this card from Reyna's daughter Michelle. She lives with her dad and isn't in the neighborhood, so I don't see her very often. She is quieter than Reyna's other kids, somewhat shy and sensitive. I also think she struggles in school, which breaks my heart. Reyna said she was concerned about me because I lived alone! She used to walk over and visit after school. Anyway, once I received this, I wanted to get a note to her before Christmas, so I made a card with Rosie on the front. On the inside, I included several photos of her previous visits here, along with a little note. That project got me going and I thought this blog entry would be next so I might wish readers a happy holiday. I will get to everyone else, though it may be around New Year. At least I'm on the move!

In addition to hearing from Michelle, I had a second delightful "glimmer" recently. I have been "downsizing" as much as I can in anticipation of my move. Some things I've trashed, others I've donated, and some I've sold. One thing that I have an abundance of is crystal, which not many people are interested in nowadays. I had 60 pieces of Cumbria crystal which I offered for sale on Facebook Marketplace. Eventually, I was contacted by a lady who was interested in the crystal and a set of china! I just assumed it was someone local, but on the day it was to be picked up, she said her daughter and her fiance would be picking it up. They were driving all the way from Durham, NC!! They turned out to be a delightful, young Asian-American couple, who arrived with everything they needed to pack things up and transport them safely. I was surprised to learn that they had researched Cumbria Crystal and knew that it was in the Lake District and how beautiful the area was! As they packed, we chatted and I thoroughly enjoyed their visit. This was a wedding gift from her mother. As they left, she asked if she could give me a hug, which I gladly accepted. Needless to say, I texted her mom and told her what a delightful couple they were and wished them all the best. A little later, she replied that they enjoyed the visit and said I had "good energy'! Not only did that make my day, it made my week! 

You know my support group, my buddies! There have been the usual gatherings. Lunches out, as here with Chris and Tippy. Into SAV with Maria and Mark for Indian food. An evening out with three neighborhood ladies to see Christmas lights, ending with ice cream at the local nitrogen place, and more. This, more than anything else, is what I'm going to miss when I move! Social plans continue through the New Year.

As I write this, Tippy is at MUSC preparing for surgery tomorrow. The previous surgery was successful, but she was left anatomically unable to hold her head up! Now, they are going to go further down the spine to prove enough support for her to be able to do so. She is very positive and wanted to get it done sooner rather than later, but said she was tired of being a "tough old broad"! I can certainly understand how she feels. We are all sending positive, healing thoughts her way.

It is now the next day! As I was finishing up this entry, I received a text from my realtor saying that someone wanted to view the house at 4 PM. That means I have to get it looking as though we don't live here! Then, Rosie and I have to be out 15 minutes before their expected arrival and thru the visit. It's a pain, but I hustled and got it done - and then they didn't show!! That was NOT nice! Anyway, I'm back, in time to wish you a very Merry Christmas and all the best in the New Year! Much love to all.