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#44431 - 12/03/05 12:24 AM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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Member
Registered: 01/01/04
Posts: 678
Loc: Tazewell County, VA, USA
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I'm not Santa but to me good is when there's no blood drawn.
:>)
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#44435 - 12/04/05 08:16 AM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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Member
Registered: 03/12/04
Posts: 1177
Loc: Decatur, Illinois
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Dots, I am doing my Christimas in spurts too. Just don't have the extra energy to do it all in one day anymore... but we're looking forward to a visit with our kids from Germany. They'll be at our house on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning. I'm excited about that! Craig and Amy won't be able to come home from San Diego, they can't afford it. So the one year when I thought I might get all my grandkids together for a picture, again it won't happen, but I'm happy for what I will have.
Sherri
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#44436 - 12/04/05 12:10 AM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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Member
Registered: 09/22/05
Posts: 868
Loc: Merrimack, NH
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My kids have decided they want to be home for Christmas this year. We gave the choice of having us come to them instead. They want to be with Chuck's mother, who is 91. She's absolutely thrilled.
I will be doing a bit more to prepare for the holidays than I have in a while and am keeping my fingers crossed that nobody will be in the hospital this year. I didn't realize how badly last year's lost holiday season effected all of us.
We also just found out that our neice will be home from Chicago. Chuck's whole family is thrilled that we'll be there, too, so we made the right decision.
Time for me to get busy!
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#44437 - 12/04/05 12:39 AM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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Member
Registered: 08/08/05
Posts: 816
Loc: Fredericksburg, Va.
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Well...I cried thru Thanksgiving...I'll probably cry thru Christmas. My daughter and son-in-law-to-be will be moving to Texas next year. Taking my grandson and my new grand-daughter, with them. To-be-, has applied and been accepted to the Border Patrol. Heard talk of the two of them getting married this month...but, he forgot her birthday on the 22 of Nov. and the date was put off. They have only been together 8 years. We will be celebrating here at home...maybe next year we can all travel to Texas. Might even move myself.
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#44438 - 12/04/05 01:37 AM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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Member
Registered: 03/22/05
Posts: 4876
Loc: Canada
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Brenda, every Christmas for the past four years I've had to hide away and have myself a little cry. I'm still not used to the "new Christmas", i.e., Christmas without my Mom and Dad. Actually, with the family dynamics constantly changing these days, we seem to have a "new Christmas" every year now! I never quite know from one year to the next what old (cherished) Mom-traditions are going to be left out to make way for new blended-family-traditions. It's a bit of a tear-jerker at times during the day, probably because I put a lot of stress on myself trying to make sure everyone has the "perfect" Christmas, while missing mine. I have to learn to go with the flow, because this is simply how it is now.
I do keep a few "sacred cows", like insisting on my turkey dinner every other year and keeping the nativity scenes front and centre...but I've had to let other preferences go in order to allow for those changing dynamics, or it wouldn't be the day and family celebration we want it to be.
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#44440 - 12/04/05 02:14 AM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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Member
Registered: 11/07/05
Posts: 1096
Loc: West Chester ,PA
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Jackie..I think it is quite a tribute to you that your kids want to come home to you rather than having you to come to them for Christmas..you must feel so happy...I have a sign that I hang next to my door at this time each year that reads "All Hearts Come Home at Christmas" My kids love it..they think it was written just for them!! I hope your Holidays are joyous and truly "hospital free" this year...you deserve it. Brenda...sorry to hear that you cried thru Thanksgiving...that breaks my heart..is moving to Texas a possibility for you? I am not fortunate enough to have grandchildren yet...but I know when I do I won't want to be far away from them either...Hope it all works out happily for you.. EagleHeart..This is my first year without parents..I have been upset all week...I don't want to be a downer for my kids...they think of me as their "rock"...all I really want to do is fast forward the calendar to be January 2...after reading your post I can see that after 4 years it's still a struggle for you without your parents...I guess I'll just have to put one foot in front of the other and see where it takes me this year...
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#44441 - 12/04/05 03:09 AM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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Member
Registered: 03/22/05
Posts: 4876
Loc: Canada
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Nancy, my heart aches with you...all of the "firsts" are the worst! Our first Christmas without Mom was dismal, despite our best efforts to keep ourselves from falling apart...there was such a gaping hole. It was probably hardest on my youngest brother, so I tried to compensate for the void by buying lots of gifts to give out throughout the day...stockings in the morning, tree gifts mid-day, surprise gifts in the late afternoon and even some "taking home" gifts. It did brighten up the day somewhat, because it was something Mom would probably have tried to do in the same circumstances!
It's easier now, except that we're still weaning ourselves off the multiple gift thing that I started that year!!! Everyone enjoyed it so much that the next year they started giving surprise gifts throughout the day too! It's been a fun new tradition, but too expensive to continue.
Anyway, I know what it feels like to just want to fast-forward the calendar. I still feel that way even this year. Mom was such a Christmas person, it's still difficult to find our way through the emptiness at the core of our hearts and gatherings. I'll be thinking of you throughout this season, and especially Christmas Day...when my heart gets sad, it helps to have someone else's sad heart to focus on...I'll be sending you prayers, care and warm nudges to help you through the day. [ December 03, 2005, 07:10 PM: Message edited by: Eagle Heart ]
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#44442 - 12/04/05 04:42 AM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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Writer
Registered: 02/24/04
Posts: 20267
Loc: Nevada
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Thanks for the countdown Eagle Heart, I was beginning to think I was counting alone....
For some reason Christmas besides being joyous for the most part, is also meloncoly for me, I fine myself tearing up for no reason and I think I finally figured out why. I am fortunate enough that Mom is still alive but she's several thousand miles away....In a bit of a funk last night, I lit the Christmas lights and put on my snuggly robe and slippers and sat down to read a book. I was mesmerized by this book and it took me to places in my mind and in my lost childhood buried deep that I barely remembered. I laughed, and cried at the things I read about the life of this incredible woman. Her book brought to the surface for me why I felt all the saddness around the holidays. I was fortunate enough to enjoy a blessed life growing up surrounded by family. My Grandfather and Grandmother on Moms side were my rocks. I loved and respected my Grandma so much and she was definitely the Matriarch, everything revolved around this woman with her countless talents. In a nut shell, I miss my life, the one I once had. while growing up. Now is a lonier time for me, one that feels like I'm just marking time until the end. Eagle Heart the book I was reading was your book; Eagle Born To Fly...When I read the part about the dream of the happy little 5 year old girl with you and then her terrible end, being hit by those two cars and killed. I thought that subconsciously the first car represented your Mother and the second car, your Father. Your Mother for the hurtful things she said, like being blindsided and then your Fathers spanking you instead of holding and loving you. All in all I read and read until it was the end of the book. My goodness, we never know where answers to some of our own life mysterys will be discovered. I believe your book has shed some light on some of mine and for that 'Thank You.' This is a wonderful read for anyone experiencing depression and even for those not understanding what they are experiencing. I am so truly happy that your friend Kate refused to give up on her intuition and you are here wih us now and I have the priviledge of calling you friend and learnig from you... [ December 03, 2005, 08:53 PM: Message edited by: chatty lady ]
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#44444 - 12/04/05 05:22 AM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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Member
Registered: 10/02/05
Posts: 370
Loc: Washington State
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Christmas has always been a tough time for me, and I know why. I've always tried to be the Super Mom and wife. Now my dear daughters have taken over the preparing of all the goodies for our dinner, but I've never had that wonderful feeling about Christmas that everyone else around me talks about. Today, and maybe many more days are going to be very sad for me. That's another topic. We've had snow in beautiful Olympia, and it just makes me feel lonely. Keep that countdown going you all! Lynne
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#44446 - 12/04/05 07:37 AM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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Member
Registered: 08/25/05
Posts: 1052
Loc: Ohio
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I usually enjoy all the holidays and find myself singing Christmas songs, decorating and thinking of what I will make for our family Christmas dinner. The worst time for me is when I wake up on Christmas morning, alone again, and also in the evening when all the festivities are over. I try not to feel anything because I don't want to end the day with feeling sorry for myself, especially when so many others are far worse off than I am.
I still have not read your book Eagle. I plan to in the next few weeks, since my work slows down to practically nothing and my home projects are finished for the year. Maybe I can get a life now!
Daisygirl
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#44451 - 12/06/05 05:56 PM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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Member
Registered: 09/03/04
Posts: 2538
Loc: North Carolina
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#44452 - 12/06/05 06:43 PM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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Founder
Registered: 07/09/08
Posts: 23647
Loc: Maryland
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Avalon, this may not be true for everyone, but I need to share this for you. I recall the year after Mom died. The anticipation of the holidays, birthdays, and special occasions without her was awful. However, I've got to tell you that the anticipation was always worse than the actual day. Maybe your Christmas will be better than you think.
I intentionally took time to grieve, write in my journal, and get it all out in the morning. Some may think that's getitng the day off to a bad start, but it worked miracles for me. I ended my quiet time with thanks and praise for her life, good memories, then carried on. Occasionally throughout the day I thought of her, but it felt good, really good.
Perhaps you can think of all your boomer friends praying for you and that will give you the strength to carry on. You are in my thoughts and prayers this season.
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#44454 - 12/06/05 07:49 PM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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Member
Registered: 03/12/04
Posts: 1177
Loc: Decatur, Illinois
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I start shopping in January, I will catch things on sale and go for it, I also start collect stocking stuffers early. I have a lot to fill and family expect stockings to be extra special.
Still haven't finished with my house but am working toward it. Why does December seem to fly by so fast?
Sherri
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#44455 - 12/07/05 08:13 AM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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Member
Registered: 09/26/04
Posts: 3910
Loc: Alabama
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Dotsie, how many more trips do you need to make, if any? I sent off the last boxes to Canada yesterday. I shop all year long too, sherri. Thats why I had to clean up two spare rooms this week. I had stuff ALL over the place. Total cost of just yesterdays post office bill...$125.96. That was 60 lbs dispersed in 4 boxes. I sent 3 last week and I have 2 or 3 more to go. I always seem to find more stuff AFTER I address and tape box. I could just send American money but my grandkids need to open more than an envelope for Christmas. They need the EWWW...I'm not wearing that Mom, or Doesn't NannyAng know I've grown? gifts. Something to laugh about later in life. Money is no laughing matter, HA, HA! I like online shopping with my 13 yr old grand-daughter any time of the year. She picks it out and I pay for it. Across the miles shopping... and fun too. The clock is ticking... chick
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#44457 - 12/07/05 12:43 AM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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Member
Registered: 11/07/05
Posts: 1096
Loc: West Chester ,PA
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Dotsie, thanks for the great advice...and especially for the thoughts and prayers...I am already planning some new traditions that might ease our pain this year and perhaps even add a little excitement to our Christmas experience...beginning with going to mass on Christmas Eve this year instead of Christmas morning as we traditionally have done..also little "surprise gifts" throughout the day..thanks to the thoughful suggestion of Eagle Heart...thanks for everything!! Your all day shopping spree with your girlfriends sounds wonderful...it's always great to have someone along to give you a push like that...which Outlets did you go? Rehobeth? I am dying to go there...no tax!!! Did you find everything you needed?
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#44459 - 12/07/05 07:10 PM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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Member
Registered: 11/07/05
Posts: 1096
Loc: West Chester ,PA
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18 Days until Christmas....time to get my Christmas cards in the mail...Ho Ho Ho!!!!
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#44461 - 12/08/05 02:41 AM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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Member
Registered: 09/22/05
Posts: 868
Loc: Merrimack, NH
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I wish we had some outlets closer to here I could go to. Maybe I can convince a friend to go with me to the ones about an hour away. No tax and good prices are attractive combination.
I spent most of the day making favors for a party I'm helping plan a couple of weeks from now. I'm finally starting to get into the holiday spirit. Whew!!! I was starting to feel like the grinch!
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#44463 - 12/08/05 05:51 AM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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Member
Registered: 07/11/04
Posts: 2132
Loc: MA
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If I was an hour away from No. Conway, I'd probably have my shopping done It's such a great shopping place. I'm about 45 minutes from Kittery, but I don't much bother anymore unless I'm on my way from Ogunquit or something. NH is so much better. I like Kittery, but the prices aren't as good as they used to be and the tax is a killer. We will be in Glen for the weekend, in early January at the Bernerhof. Plan to go to No. Conway and shop the outlets. Great time right after Christmas. Good sales. I love the outlets, but my favorite part is right in the center of town, Zeb's, the Pengin Store, the 5 and 10 cent store. We always have lunch at Horsefeathers. We have friends who live in Conway and sometimes visit them too. They have an awesome view of Cranmore from their kitchen window. Louisa
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#44468 - 12/09/05 10:31 PM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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Member
Registered: 09/22/05
Posts: 868
Loc: Merrimack, NH
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We're getting there. Several inches of snow fell already today, and more is still coming. It's beautiful to sit and watch out the window, althoug I wouldn't want to go out in it unless I had to. There's always something magical about the first real snow of the season.
Chuck and I have pretty much decided what we'll do for our Christmas giving this year. We always give his mother little things she doesn't buy for herself --- pretty note cards, scented hand lotions, any other personal items I can think of. I'll pick up some of them when I get our family Christmas cards this weekend. We have a half price card store that has beautuful cards and other things that nobody would ever guess were half price. I will be ordering on-line today for my b-i-l and his wife. My 29 year old niece will get cash, so she can buy what she wants when she returns to Chicago.
Tonight I will call s-i-l and see what I can bring to add to the celebration. I'm starting to feel a lot more positive about this whole thing.
Bring on the season!
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#44470 - 12/10/05 05:22 AM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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Member
Registered: 01/24/05
Posts: 1550
Loc: Colorado
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Counting down makes me anxious. I just try to enjoy each day as I live in la la land.
I have a HUGE month ahead of me with my business..I want the month to last forever so that I'm sure to meet my goals.
Sorry, I'm not a willing counter chatty -- sure there are others willing!
d.
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#44471 - 12/10/05 11:13 AM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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Member
Registered: 11/07/05
Posts: 1096
Loc: West Chester ,PA
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15 days until Christmas girls!!! Yikes...I bought wrapping paper the day after Christmas last year...rolls and rolls of it...and tags...and ribbon...do you think I can find the da*n things? This is what I really hate about getting older...the old brain freezes!!!!
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#44472 - 12/10/05 09:13 PM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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Member
Registered: 09/22/05
Posts: 868
Loc: Merrimack, NH
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I hear ya, Blondi! I can never find the stuff I buy after Christmas and put away. Isn't it amazing the places paper and ribbon can hide?
I fired up the computer yesterday and managed to do a good part of our shopping, which should be here next week. I'm hoping to have the rest done by Tuesday or Wednesday. I'm feeling much more in control of things now.
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#44476 - 12/11/05 06:34 PM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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Member
Registered: 11/07/05
Posts: 1096
Loc: West Chester ,PA
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14 days to go!!! I found all of my wrappings tucked away on the top shelf of my linen closet..I guess I'll start wrapping today...Jackie...that's awesome that you got most of your shopping done online..I'm planning to go that route next year...I really don't mind shopping in the stores...but I do mind standing in the extremely long lines to check out...I like your idea better.. Dotsie..2 parties in 3 days? You are my hero...you have so much energy...
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#44477 - 12/11/05 09:52 PM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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Member
Registered: 09/22/05
Posts: 868
Loc: Merrimack, NH
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So far I've only ordered books from Amazon.com. I've been looking for something for the house for my s-i-l, but haven't seen anything online that thrills me. I'll probably hit the stores next week. I don't mind them, either. I just needed a jump start this year.
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#44478 - 12/11/05 09:58 PM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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Da Queen
Registered: 07/02/03
Posts: 12025
Loc: Alabama
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What about getting her some of those new postage stamps that have a pic of HER, one of her children, her home, her hubby, whatever? They have the 2006 rate on them and make a great gift. You can buy different quantities too. Just visit http://www.usps.com/ and check it out if you might be interested. Just a suggestion! JJ
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#44479 - 12/12/05 02:35 AM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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Member
Registered: 09/22/05
Posts: 868
Loc: Merrimack, NH
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Good thought, JJ We got some for Chuck's mother with her picture on them, and she loves them. We've also given calanders and cups with family pictures on them. I think I'll have Chuck show me what else we can order.
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#44480 - 12/12/05 03:41 PM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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Member
Registered: 01/27/04
Posts: 1423
Loc: Warrenton, Virginia
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Dotsie I do almost all my Christmas shopping online too.....Land's End, LLBean, even Penney's. I just love sitting here and picking things out on the computer rather than standing in lines at the store or fighting traffic at the mall.....JJ I love the "personalized stamp" idea! How cool is that...
All I have left to do is some stocking stuffer type little stuff for my husband AND of course for Sam the cat. Then I'm FINISHED and can sit back and enjoy these last couple of weeks before Christmas.
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#44485 - 12/13/05 07:40 AM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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The Divine Ms M
Registered: 07/07/03
Posts: 4894
Loc: Orange County, California
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...and just a quick note from someone with a website (jewelry and poetry books): When an order requires insurance, I go to the post office twice a week to mail. Items are shipped 1st class and usually arrive in a few days. When insurance isn't requested and if the package isn't too big, I mail directly from my home within 48 hours of getting the order. Postage for a small package is $1 and ~$2 for a large one. And BTW, I now offer gift certificates Some websites offer cheap prices for their merchandise but really sock you for postage. To me, that's a little deceptive. I just charge whatever actual costs are.
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#44488 - 12/14/05 06:36 AM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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Member
Registered: 08/25/05
Posts: 1052
Loc: Ohio
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Chatty, I'm not baking until just a couple of days before Christmas. I have no self-control and would end up eating them for every meal. I'm trying to do the Adkins diet inbetween holidays. I need one of those personal liposuction machines.
Daisygirl
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#44489 - 12/14/05 07:54 AM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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Member
Registered: 08/08/05
Posts: 816
Loc: Fredericksburg, Va.
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I'm going the same route as Daisygirl, no baking until days before Christmas. I've already gained weight, I'd eat them, if I had them. I've gained 20 pounds since June. Think part of the weight came after I stopped smoking. Maybe, I should check into the Adkins diet. Is it sodium free?
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#44490 - 12/14/05 08:10 AM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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Member
Registered: 11/07/05
Posts: 1096
Loc: West Chester ,PA
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Brenda...I gained weight last winter when my Father was sick...I would go to see him every day and be so upset afterwards that I would stop and try to cheer myself up with some food...not only did I not cheer myself up...I made myself fat in the process..Long story short...by June I was fat and depressed and having daily chest pains...i went to see a Cardiologist and she insisted I lose some weight and suggested the South Beach Diet...I bought the book and the cookbook...it's filled with delicious recipes...I not only lost 38 lbs in 6 months but I feel so healthy now...my triglycerides and cholesterol levels are excellent and my hair and skin look better than they did in my 40's!! I highly recommend this diet ...now if I could find a quick cure for my menapausal symptoms....good luck with your diet!!!
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#44491 - 12/15/05 12:33 AM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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Member
Registered: 08/08/05
Posts: 816
Loc: Fredericksburg, Va.
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Winter seems to be the time of year, when the weight just falls on. Of course durning the summer I'm able to get outside and walk, and keep busy with yard work, just general moving.
I'll check on line, for the South Beach diet book, & cookbook.
It's nice to hear what a cardiologist has recommended. Haven't seen mine since June, when checking out of the hospital.
As much as I dislike it...guess the treadmill will be my winter friend.
Thanks...
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#44493 - 12/15/05 04:35 AM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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Member
Registered: 08/08/05
Posts: 816
Loc: Fredericksburg, Va.
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I've got a couple of the Mrs Dash seasonings, I haven't used the salt shaker in months.
Takes me such a long time in the grocery store, because I check out every label for the sodium content. Just couldn't believe how much sodium in soups, canned spaghetti, rice mixes, pretty much anything pre-cooked.
It's just a matter of control....I just have to control what goes in my mouth.
One of the other forums was talking about writing everything you eat down on paper. Imagine that could get ugly at the end of the day. At least for me anyways.
I'll check the South Beach diet, and see how that works for me.
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#44495 - 12/15/05 07:19 AM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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Member
Registered: 10/08/04
Posts: 1274
Loc: MD
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Chatty, I will try that my husband is on a low salt diet and I am with him . I love that Mrs.Dash . I put that on patotos and this makes verything taste so good. Yummm...
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#44498 - 12/15/05 07:06 PM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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Member
Registered: 08/25/05
Posts: 1052
Loc: Ohio
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The snow is flying here in SW Ohio! Very pretty, and it's a good day to work from home...
Daisygirl
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#44500 - 12/15/05 07:48 PM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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Member
Registered: 09/22/05
Posts: 868
Loc: Merrimack, NH
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Just about done with my Christmas preperations. Cards and packages wrapped and mailed. Now I neeed to figure out what apetizer to make for are party next week and hope the gifts I ordered online come tomorrow like they're supposed to.
They're predicting snow here again tomrrow, which is sort of a downer, because if it really turns out as bad as predicted, I will miss my volunteer stint at the hospital for the second week in a row. They don't expect us in bad weather, but I need to call so they don't think I came once and won't be back.
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#44501 - 12/16/05 08:06 AM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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Member
Registered: 08/08/05
Posts: 816
Loc: Fredericksburg, Va.
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Need to get the rest of the presents wrapped and under the tree. They are all upstairs in my closet, just waiting on me, to wrap and carry down.
This weekend if the weather is clear...I will do the Christmas grocery shopping, so I will have everything together for next week's bake feast.
Today would be the perfect day for baking...it's snowing out and calling for freezing rain later on. Bake today...eat today. So I'll wait till next week.
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#44502 - 12/16/05 02:02 AM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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Member
Registered: 09/22/05
Posts: 868
Loc: Merrimack, NH
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The way the weather is behaving, we'll probably have more snow by the end of next. Hubby just looked at the weather on his computer and said the storm appears to be getting here much sooner than predicted. We'll have to wait and see.
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#44503 - 12/17/05 08:21 AM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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Member
Registered: 08/08/05
Posts: 816
Loc: Fredericksburg, Va.
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Found myself an oldies station on the radio, playing Christmas tunes this morning...I am busy dancing around with the dust cloth....cleaning the webs out. Beautiful sunny day... following a day of snow and freezing rain. Only 9 more days left... no coal for me.
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#44505 - 12/17/05 01:43 AM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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Member
Registered: 09/22/05
Posts: 868
Loc: Merrimack, NH
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Dotsie. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks/
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#44506 - 12/18/05 12:04 AM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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Member
Registered: 11/07/05
Posts: 1096
Loc: West Chester ,PA
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Dotsie...so happy to hear your son is home safe and sound...you must have been on pins and needles waiting for him to arrive in that awful weather...have fun spoiling him while he is home..:)my married daughter arrives tomorrow morning from WA state...her hubby is on deployment now...I hope I can cheer her up a little..and my college girl will be home on Monday after her last final...I am so excited to have my babies home for a few weeks....I am sure you are too..
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#44508 - 12/18/05 12:27 AM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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Member
Registered: 09/20/05
Posts: 2560
Loc: Pagosa Springs, Colorado
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You too, Dianne, and enjoy your family!! (((HUG)))
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#44509 - 12/18/05 12:28 AM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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Member
Registered: 09/20/05
Posts: 2560
Loc: Pagosa Springs, Colorado
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Dotsie and Avalon - just saw your posts. You have fun with your kids, too!! (((HUGS))) for both of you.
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#44512 - 12/18/05 03:25 AM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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Member
Registered: 08/08/05
Posts: 816
Loc: Fredericksburg, Va.
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#44514 - 12/19/05 08:44 AM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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Member
Registered: 09/26/04
Posts: 3910
Loc: Alabama
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A week left!Brenda, Thank you, loved the cards. http://www.growley.com/c-tree4th.html Take a moment to relax - from my house to yours. chick [ December 18, 2005, 12:45 PM: Message edited by: chickadee ]
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#44515 - 12/19/05 12:30 AM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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Member
Registered: 09/22/05
Posts: 868
Loc: Merrimack, NH
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My kids will be here on Saturday. I just drove Chuck in to pick up the DAV van so I could bring back the car for me to use for the next 2 days while he ferries people to appointments.
Yay! Two days to go wherever I want, whenever I want and do anything I please. And the weather is supposed to be good. I am really excited!
Dotsie, I think I found a recipe I'm going to use for crabmeat dip. I just discovered I have a can of crabmeat on the shelf that I can use. But I'f love your beef recipe for future parties. Thanks.
To all who are sorrounded my family this season, enjoy! I know I plan to!
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#44516 - 12/19/05 12:31 AM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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Member
Registered: 09/22/05
Posts: 868
Loc: Merrimack, NH
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Oops! Meant by family not my family. Someday I'll learn to proof read!
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#44518 - 12/19/05 06:23 AM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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Member
Registered: 11/07/05
Posts: 1096
Loc: West Chester ,PA
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Jackie...you soumd so happy and excited about your Holidays..I am thrilled for you...after last year you deserve oodles of happy times...continue to enjoy!! We had brunch today at the Inn where my daughter had her wedding 2 years ago , Dec 26...all 4 of my kids were there and my husband and I could not stop smiling...a great way to start off the Holiday Season! Like you Chatty and Jackie...I am also "so excited" !!!!
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#44521 - 12/20/05 08:01 AM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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Member
Registered: 09/22/05
Posts: 868
Loc: Merrimack, NH
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I'm not feeling frazzled at all. In a little while I'm going to our local farm stand to make up basets of goodies for my m-i-l and s-i-l, full of things they wouldn't buy for themselves. I also need to figure out what to get for my son. We are giving him the blender I never use but he will. But I'd like to get him something personal as well. After that, my shopping is done.
Tomorrow I go to the grocery store, so I need to spend some time today planning menus for when the kids are here.
Hubby surprised me last night and took me out to dinner. The holiday season is off to a great start!
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#44523 - 12/19/05 09:51 PM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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Member
Registered: 09/20/05
Posts: 2560
Loc: Pagosa Springs, Colorado
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I try very hard to keep things low key and focus on the birth of Christ. I always seem to be humbled this time of year, cleaning up after sick children. 5 "victims" in 4 days.
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#44525 - 12/20/05 12:48 AM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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Member
Registered: 08/08/05
Posts: 816
Loc: Fredericksburg, Va.
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Saturday trip to the comminsary was a bit much...to much traffic. Bumper to bumper to be exact.
Finally reached the comminsary... drive around for what seems like forever to find a parking spot.
Checkout line, was wrapped down and around the back end of the store. Military payday to top it all off.
Took hubby with me...that's always a bad mistake, he's forever throwing things in the cart...especially when I'm not looking.
Thought they were going to have to give me mouth to mouth when they totalled the bill.
Yep....think I might be a bit frazzled.
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#44526 - 12/20/05 03:59 AM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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Member
Registered: 03/22/05
Posts: 4876
Loc: Canada
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For the past few years, we've been able to get almost all of our shopping done well before the first of December. That always helps ease those packed mall/no parking/long lineups stressors. And whatever else we need in the way of stocking stuffers or groceries, we do early weekday mornings when the malls are still fairly quiet. My stress if mostly self-induced. Imagining every possible scenario and trying to prepare for all of those! Having experienced power outages, flu outbreaks and various other calamities in past years, it's difficult not to get stressed out just trying to anticipate "what's it going to be this year!" I love Christmas. But I've been floundering ever since Mom died and the entire Christmas "thing" for BOTH sides of the family fell on my shoulders at the same time. My choice would be a quiet, low key celebration of Jesus' birthday...going to church in the morning, etc. But we're such a diverse blend of family and traditions, it's not easy to make it what I want it to be without a lot of other people being impacted...and of course, everyone, no matter how old they get, still wants Christmas just the way it used to be in their respective families. We're slowly changing the direction and flow of Christmas, but have found that we can only make a few significant changes a year. The one thing we all want more than anything else is to have as much family gathered together as possible. So making compromises and working hard "behind the scenes" to ensure it all goes as smoothly and frictionless as possible is frazzling, but worth it in the end, I guess. Still, we're seriously considering a Christmas Cruise next year...
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#44527 - 12/20/05 08:54 AM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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Member
Registered: 10/02/05
Posts: 370
Loc: Washington State
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I'm finally at peace for Christmas. All my shopping is done. My oldest dtr. is having Prime Rib for the Christmas dinner. My youngest dtr. does Thanksgiving. We do Christmas Eve at my oldest dtrs. fatherinlaw's home. Our families molded together at first meeting, before our kids were married. We always have a wonderful time. My soninlaw's mother passed away two years ago, and we still miss her. Went to see Narnia(I think that's how you spell it)today with my three oldest grandson's and their mom's. (My dtrs.) I was in a spell thru the whole movie! Please.....if any of you have the chance to take your grandkids, do it! Or any of you who don't have grandkids...do it! It's a true family movie! They will be making four more to follow the books that were written. Anyway, I'm at peace with myself......and I hope you all will find that peace before Christmas is upon you. Lynne
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#44531 - 12/21/05 07:21 PM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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Member
Registered: 01/24/05
Posts: 1550
Loc: Colorado
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Dianne,
"I'm like needless make-up? ohhhhh, needless mark-up" How funny you are!
Glad your gift is finding its' way to your home. Who needs the stress of finding something else?
hugs, danita
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#44532 - 12/25/05 04:45 AM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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Member
Registered: 01/01/04
Posts: 678
Loc: Tazewell County, VA, USA
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5 hours until Christmas...hurrah!
I need to wrap gifts and clean off the table so we can sit down to lunch tomorrow. We're having folks to share lunch, exchange gifts. It's always a good Christmas when the ones who are here are healthy and the ones who are far away are on hearts and prayerful lips.
Blessings to you all Boomer Sibs.
May be worst of 2006 be from the best of 2005!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
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#44539 - 12/27/05 12:15 PM
Re: Christmas countdown....
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Member
Registered: 10/11/05
Posts: 645
Loc: boise
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Dianne,
I know we've talked of this before, but yesterday, thinking of you, I laughed out loud at work. Because, as I was speaking to some people, I actually HEARD myself say, "yahh, surrrre". I turned to the woman and said, "Did you just hear my North DAkota accent?" and she replied "You betcha!" and I know because my sister has lived there for 10 years!!!. (and I'm sure you know, people from ND and Mn all talk alike, they're all Norskies)...So I thought of you and was wondering just how long it will take you.......My wager is a year and a half....maybe less. Anyone else want to anti up?
Chick, If I'm not wealthy enough by next year to go play at a ski lodge with Sam, we should get together!!!! Well, even if I am!. Especially if I am!!!! We could do the soup kitchens, and THEN go the lodge - how 'bout it? I worked this year , both days, and Sam is sick as a dog with congestion and a very sore throat - and living with his girlfriend, so I was alone too...(LOL , SHE had to take care of him for a change [that's a really weird feeling for me -, but I kinda' liked it! and kinda' not]but tonite he called to ask how he should clear up his ears, which I thought was pretty funny, coming from a 25 year old , but actually glad he did. I'm still needed sometimes!!! And needed just for a phone call about so;me advice is pretty liberating!!!
Anyhow, no sense in two Boomer sisters both being alone at any time, but esp. at Christmas....We should just plan ahead. Let's see, we've got 363 days......
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