Happy Friday! I’ve been swamped at work, traveling, and double-booked socially. No time to write, and barely time to think. Here are 5 random thoughts on a mild winter’s day:
1) “Don’t look up, we’re trying to contain the bat.” Welcoming words as I entered a rural City office. Arriving at a meeting I was met by two gals with brooms and determined looks as they shooed a bat down from the room’s cavernous ceilings. Ahh – life in a small town! They looked at me with trepidation and when I assured them I’m a farm girl and that Mr. Bat was simply looking for a warm winter home, they laughed and camaraderie soon followed.
2) Sissy and I talked last night and during our conversation it dawned on me that Christmas is 3 weeks from today. Other than presents purchased, I have nothing ready for Christmas. No decorating. No wrapping. No cards. No baking. Nothing. The countdown is on, even if I don’t yet feel it.
waiting for this feeling to come over me.
3) On Sunday, I’m taking an auntie to see the “Trans Siberian Orchestra.” She’s so excited she can hardly stand it. I know I will be once I get there. My inner lizard is harping that I really should be wrapping, baking and decorating but I remember when we paid for the tickets a few months ago, I thought “you’ll need this by then.” I’m betting I was right.
4) Living in a Nursing Home, Mom doesn’t have room or desire for many “things” so I put together a packet of small treats – snacks, candies, nuts, hand lotion, wet wipes, Chap-stick, Word search books, Sudoku, a pen, and some spending money, etc. When I told her last night that a parcel was on its way, she giggled like a school girl.
5) We don’t have any snow – the weather has been unbelievably mild here in West MI and golf courses are opening again today. The roads are great for travel and people are moving about with ease. I think it’s the lack of the white stuff that’s contributed to my denial of the holiday’s proximity. Because when I was a kid, snow only meant one thing:
Christmas vacation! Whee!!
How about you? Encounter any odd scenes lately? Are you feeling the Christmas spirit yet? Any snow in your neck of the woods? Do you have an inner lizard snarping at you, too?
It’s funny because yesterday I realized that I was singing along to Christmas carols on the radio. This wasn’t happening after Halloween when one of my favorite station started playing them. It AFTER Thanksgiving that I am enjoying them. I am a very organized person so celebrating Christmas before Thanksgiving throws me a curve.
On another note, walked down the streets of Holly on Saturday. It was there Dickens Festival. Many people dressed in antique clothes and had accents when they greeted us. Fun place.
I agree, Diane, and enjoy the music much closer to Christmas than the day after Halloween 🙂 Your Dickens outing sounds wonderful! MJ
No snow here, not even in the long range forecast. I hear they are predicting a very mild winter for us. Not complaining but it doesn’t stir that inner Christmas energy!
Same here; it makes for nice travel but … MJ
Not missing the snow yet. Maybe later.
I prefer Christmas eve snow – big fat flakes swirling down – magic! MJ
No decorating begun yet, but I have been more “on top” of buying Christmas gifts this year! So that’s good anyway. Business trip with hubby for a couple of days next week (not good timing, but then it’s a guy thing, so do they really ever have much to do to prepare for Christmas????).
You’ll get in the spirit soon – that concert with your aunt should do it!
Ha – so true! Hubbs has 2 gifts to buy – the name he drew in the gift drawing and stocking stuffers for me. Must be nice 🙂 MJ
We used to get a bat or two in our house every summer. But since the new roof was put on a few summers back, no more bats. I think they are fascinating, and a bit cute (I like mice too, but not in my house). Good for you for the Trans Siberian Orchestra tickets- I like their music but have never seen them. As for Christmas, I’ve got most of my shopping done. As family is spread far and wide, I take advantage of shopping and shipping online. This fall has been tough (a little depressed), so although I’m getting in the spirit of the season, I don’t feel the need to do a lot. We had a cold snap about 2 weeks ago, with temps in the low 20’s. Skies were clear and the ground crunched. That puts me in the Christmas spirit more than anything. But a weather system came through yesterday bringing high winds (power was out all day) and temps soared to about 61 degrees F. Today things are back to normal. Temps in the forties, wet and some morning fog. Lots of eagles around, which is always fun.
We used to get bats in Grandpa’s Hayloft, and my oldest sister and cousins would capture and try to tame a few. They are kinda cute – but from a distance 🙂
Like you, when there’s a nip in the air and my boots crunch through the snow = it “feels” like Christmas.
Thank you for weighing in! MJ
Our neighbor calls Bill “Batman” since he rescued her from a bat looking for a warm place to winter. She even bought him a Batman shirt! He didn’t kill it but rescued it “from” her with a swimming pool net on a long pole and then released it back into the wild. 🙂
He’s my hero!! MJ
What a great Christmas package you but together for your Mom. I am sure she will enjoy it. I have brought some presents but that’s about it.
Thanks; I don’t believe she has much space (a drawer or two) and all of her basic needs are met. It’s a great lesson to me in living simply – who needs all this “stuff?”
Cheers to you! MJ
Oh, I know you’ll have fun going to see TSO. But I know exactly what you mean about the lizards. I’d probably be feeling the same. Sometimes we need to remember to put aside all the must-dos in order to feed the soul. Feed your soul, MJ! 🙂
Yes, my inner lizards are raging, but I’m doing my damnedest to shush them.
I think so, too. And I’ll be sure to enjoy an adult beverage with her, lean back and enjoy the tunes!
Sometimes I’d like to stuff a sock in the inner lizard 🙂 MJ
TSO should be a great show. I’ve seen them three times and each time was awesome.
Thank you, I think so as well 🙂 We are far enough back that I should still have working ears afterwards! MJ
Let me know what you think
I found out I am a traditionalist — their light and sound show was amazing, but perhaps a bit too much hair flipping for me. When the transitioned to full out powerful rock-inspired Christmas to a soft, gentle a Capella hymn – that’s what I loved the best! I’m glad I went but doubt I’ll be someone who goes every year 🙂 MJ
Funny you mention the hair flipping. My daughter sent me a video of a show and that is what stuck out in my mind.
after a while I was annoyed by them 🙂
Our daughter enjoyed TSO, I hope you did, too. It has to be a good feeling to make your mom giggle at the thought of a package. We’re hunting and gathering for the grandkids. It’s nice with them being a bit older and knowing what they like. I imagine the golf courses are delighted to get some extra play time–and greens fees! No snow here. I know the wrapping is going to catch up with us very soon!
Hi there – the concert outing was lots of fun, the lights/sound show was fantastic, some of the music I loved, some not so much, but that’s ok – the experience was well worth it.
Christmas is sneaking up on me and I’m feeling behind! Have a great day! MJ
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