My holiday destressors:

First, a good girlfriend and I are going by our lonesomes to a fabulous restaurant for Thanksgiving dinner. And a walk afterwards. We're passing up on the family gatherings and all the bickering and overeating.

Second, the day after Christmas, my adult daughter and I are taking off for 5 days in Las Vegas. Got a budget motel and saved the big bucks to see Celine Dion and the Cirque de Soleil "KA" show. We'll walk the strip (NO...not that way!!!), window shop, gamble our $20 away, and enjoy good restaurants.

Third, I'm not going to try to wangle an invite from the son who speaks, then doesn't speak. No need to invite heartache. Will just send gifts to the grandsons.

Fourth, I'm participating in a marvelous holiday musical at our church...Victorian period costumes, good friends, rehearsing 4 days a week for 2 months to get it down...just a wonderful, warm fuzzy...and sore feet from all that dancing.

Fifth, have a first date with a fabulous Englishman this Saturday...but not putting ANY eggs in that basket until I see how it turns out.