I was very tired from Friday's activities, and was slow to move around Saturday morning - didn't get dressed and leave the house until 10am! I had errands to run yet that I didn't want Cassie witnessing, but couldn't leave her home with Mark cuz he was napping. So we hit McDonald's and got breakfast to-go and headed to Mom's. While I ate, Mom and I divided up who was bringing what for Christmas breakfast. Then I was off!
I got the last of the stocking stuffers, then returned for Cassie. We went to Gateway and hit Hickory Farms, Bath and Body Works, and a couple of other shops. Then on to South Pointe to Hallmark, and Bed, Bath, and Beyond. A late lunch at Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwich Shop gave Cassie and I a chance to revive and cuddle. On to Hy-Vee to order Scott's birthday cookie and get a sack of groceries. Whenever Scott decides he wants his party I'll be ready.
Locked myself in the bedroom and sorted through the purchases. Cassie knocked at the door every five minutes needing something very important. :-) Got her fed then she and I wrapped gifts in the bedroom. After she went to bed, I finished the rest of the gifts then pulled out the stocking stuffers. By midnight I was done! (Except for one that I've hidden so well I can't find it.)
Sunday I was naughty and skipped church. Couldn't get myself moving until 9am when Cassie and I managed to head out to bring home LaMar's doughnuts for breakfast. We watched "White Christmas" while eating then I got right to work on getting the house picked up (with Cassie tagging along at every step). Twelve hours later I had six trash bags of Cassie's clothes for the consignment shop, the gifts arranged beneath the tree, my Christmas linens brought out, and other organizing done.
Unfortunately we didn't get to the baking. Cassie and I did get the Christmas Day grocery list finalized and sent Mark to the store for the goodies. I also pulled out my tripod and attached her camera and mine and took photos of the decorations using different settings. Cassie had a blast using the tripod - raising and lowering, tilting, carrying it all around. She got some pretty good shots!
She and I also had fun going through my linens and Christmas platters, bowls, and plates. Too bad I'm not ready yet!
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Friday, December 18, 2009
An Eventful Day
This was a hoppin' day.
The icemaker died so Mark stayed home to meet the repairman from Schaefer's. We got the usual "he'll be there between 8:30 and 12:30" timeframe. The guy arrived at 10:30, made his diagnosis, replaced the unit, and was gone. A 10-min service call. $230.
Today was the all-school assembly at Cassie's school; 1:45pm. Mark and I attended to watch her receive the Star Citizen Award for all 2nd grade. The recipient has been helpful to the teacher, helps classmates as necessary, is a role model, and exemplifies the five pillars of character. Okay, so I can't recite the pillars but they include integrity, honesty, treating others as you'd want to be treated and includes quotes from famous people such as Gandhi and M.L King, Jr. The pillars are written along the stairsteps to the school. Cassie didn't know she was the winner until her name was called. Her teacher emailed me on Monday so we could make arrangements to be there, and it's been tough all week not to spill the beans.
I returned to work and barely made it into my parking lot as the drive belt came off the van again. This is a routine problem for Dodge Caravans when water splashes up underneath the engine, and this is the fourth time in three years that I've dealt with this (there's no fix for this, the little shield that's in place is useless). Always requires a call to AAA, they tow it to Russwood Chrysler Plymouth, Russwood spends 10 min getting the belt back in place: $80. So I work hard to avoid puddles (no more fun for me sloshing through puddles in the street). But the melting snow on the streets must have created enough moisture splashing around. And you know that without a drivebelt you lose hydraulics and you nearly break the steering wheel (or your arm) trying to turn the wheels. But lucky me, the AAA guy was able to get the belt back in place and didn't have to tow me. I called Russwood back to let them know the van was not on its way (and they couldn't get to it until Monday anyway so I'm not without a van for the weekend). Yea AAA!!!
After work I picked up Mark and Cassie for a frantic dash through several stores to finish Christmas shopping. For my gift I'd asked for the heavy spike thing (that's a technical term) that you can use to break a vehicle window to get out and you can use it to cut through a seatbelt if necessary. Mark said he had no intention of buying that. So I'm thinking the lightweight, cordless drill was out too. So we hit Target for bath soap and a few other things plus I picked out a flannel winter nightie. I needed a new one but I preferred the weapon or the drill.
On to Gateway. I dropped Mark and Cassie at the Food Court so I could hit Jo-Ann's for beading/jewelry-making supplies for Cassie from Santa. I don't do that stuff so I was lost as to basic supplies. I had glanced through a beading book but still, there's so much out there. If she wanted quilting stuff count me in. But this? Enter Danielle A. from the library - my hero. This morning she gave me a long list of stores, requisite supplies, and purchase suggestions. And lucky me, the stuff was on sale for 50%-off!
Met up at the Food Court again then headed all over Gateway to find a few more last minute items. Very crowded and very definitely the Christmas shopping season. When Cassie and I were there last (the Monday night after Black Friday) the place was dead.
We returned home at 8:45pm so I could get Cassie ready for bed while Mark went to Best Buy for the two movies I'd chosen (bye, bye cordless drill; hello "Madagascar" movies. But then, I love the penguins and King Julian REALLY had to grow on me). I sorted through the bags and purchases, read through Christmas cards, Cassie EXCITEDLY read her letter from Santa, I heated some soup for me for supper, and got a little girl to bed.
My feet are killing me, but only have a few stocking stuffers left to pick up and the shopping is done. How did I end up so late with my shopping when I was mostly done before Thanksgiving? Tomorrow I can concentrate on wrapping, and maybe even get my baking done!
The icemaker died so Mark stayed home to meet the repairman from Schaefer's. We got the usual "he'll be there between 8:30 and 12:30" timeframe. The guy arrived at 10:30, made his diagnosis, replaced the unit, and was gone. A 10-min service call. $230.
Today was the all-school assembly at Cassie's school; 1:45pm. Mark and I attended to watch her receive the Star Citizen Award for all 2nd grade. The recipient has been helpful to the teacher, helps classmates as necessary, is a role model, and exemplifies the five pillars of character. Okay, so I can't recite the pillars but they include integrity, honesty, treating others as you'd want to be treated and includes quotes from famous people such as Gandhi and M.L King, Jr. The pillars are written along the stairsteps to the school. Cassie didn't know she was the winner until her name was called. Her teacher emailed me on Monday so we could make arrangements to be there, and it's been tough all week not to spill the beans.
I returned to work and barely made it into my parking lot as the drive belt came off the van again. This is a routine problem for Dodge Caravans when water splashes up underneath the engine, and this is the fourth time in three years that I've dealt with this (there's no fix for this, the little shield that's in place is useless). Always requires a call to AAA, they tow it to Russwood Chrysler Plymouth, Russwood spends 10 min getting the belt back in place: $80. So I work hard to avoid puddles (no more fun for me sloshing through puddles in the street). But the melting snow on the streets must have created enough moisture splashing around. And you know that without a drivebelt you lose hydraulics and you nearly break the steering wheel (or your arm) trying to turn the wheels. But lucky me, the AAA guy was able to get the belt back in place and didn't have to tow me. I called Russwood back to let them know the van was not on its way (and they couldn't get to it until Monday anyway so I'm not without a van for the weekend). Yea AAA!!!
After work I picked up Mark and Cassie for a frantic dash through several stores to finish Christmas shopping. For my gift I'd asked for the heavy spike thing (that's a technical term) that you can use to break a vehicle window to get out and you can use it to cut through a seatbelt if necessary. Mark said he had no intention of buying that. So I'm thinking the lightweight, cordless drill was out too. So we hit Target for bath soap and a few other things plus I picked out a flannel winter nightie. I needed a new one but I preferred the weapon or the drill.
On to Gateway. I dropped Mark and Cassie at the Food Court so I could hit Jo-Ann's for beading/jewelry-making supplies for Cassie from Santa. I don't do that stuff so I was lost as to basic supplies. I had glanced through a beading book but still, there's so much out there. If she wanted quilting stuff count me in. But this? Enter Danielle A. from the library - my hero. This morning she gave me a long list of stores, requisite supplies, and purchase suggestions. And lucky me, the stuff was on sale for 50%-off!
Met up at the Food Court again then headed all over Gateway to find a few more last minute items. Very crowded and very definitely the Christmas shopping season. When Cassie and I were there last (the Monday night after Black Friday) the place was dead.
We returned home at 8:45pm so I could get Cassie ready for bed while Mark went to Best Buy for the two movies I'd chosen (bye, bye cordless drill; hello "Madagascar" movies. But then, I love the penguins and King Julian REALLY had to grow on me). I sorted through the bags and purchases, read through Christmas cards, Cassie EXCITEDLY read her letter from Santa, I heated some soup for me for supper, and got a little girl to bed.
My feet are killing me, but only have a few stocking stuffers left to pick up and the shopping is done. How did I end up so late with my shopping when I was mostly done before Thanksgiving? Tomorrow I can concentrate on wrapping, and maybe even get my baking done!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
A Snow Day with Cassie
Area schools called for another Snow Day today. Something to do with -20 windchills, 12" of snow on the ground, and many neighborhood streets not plowed. My turn to stay home with Cassie and we had a grand time.
Our day began by cuddling in bed while Finding Waldo, then her reading poems to me from "When We Were Very Young" by A.A. Milne and "Lunch Money and other Poems about School" by Carol Diggory Shields, and me reading to her from "Falling Up" by Shel Silverstein. Then a trip to LaMar's and McDonald's for breakfast, then Target for more winter clothing, Campbell's for greenery, and to the grocery store to stock up on Christmas cookie-fixing supplies.
We wound up not baking cookies (perhaps after work on Sat). Cassie asked to watch "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" while we ate lunch. From there we segued into more decorating while doing laundry, and Cassie got enthused to tidy up her room. And all the while her mouth was running a mile a minute with comments or asking questions. It's like being at the reference desk 24/7 with no letup.
Our day began by cuddling in bed while Finding Waldo, then her reading poems to me from "When We Were Very Young" by A.A. Milne and "Lunch Money and other Poems about School" by Carol Diggory Shields, and me reading to her from "Falling Up" by Shel Silverstein. Then a trip to LaMar's and McDonald's for breakfast, then Target for more winter clothing, Campbell's for greenery, and to the grocery store to stock up on Christmas cookie-fixing supplies.It was bitterly cold and I was glad I wore three shirts - until we hit the greenhouse at Campbell's. The streets were very busy so I'm guessing everyone had cabin fever and out running errands now that the main streets were passable. This was my first snow day and I was just eager to get back home.
We wound up not baking cookies (perhaps after work on Sat). Cassie asked to watch "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" while we ate lunch. From there we segued into more decorating while doing laundry, and Cassie got enthused to tidy up her room. And all the while her mouth was running a mile a minute with comments or asking questions. It's like being at the reference desk 24/7 with no letup.Wednesday, December 9, 2009
The Trip to Work
Awoke at 5am on Wednesday, and turned on the pc at 5:30, but alas, the city website nor the library's site did not announce I could stay home today. Cassie was very disappointed.
I fired up the low-riding van at 6am and gave a trial run at negotiating the neighborhood street. I got stuck a few times but decided I could make my way to Vine Street. Returned to the house and had breakfast then headed out at 7am.
With most everyone stuck at home the plows were able to get the major streets in great shape for travel. (Note to self: "N" street is apparently not considered a major street, stick to "O" street next time. Had to gun it most of the way to plow through the heaps. Don't know if "gun it" quite applies to 25 mph but that was definitely too fast for the conditions and fortunately I was the only vehicle around. Considering I do 50 down Vine it was odd to think of 25 as pushing the envelope.)
Made it downtown but no parking available! My $65/mo lot was not plowed until mid-afternoon. I'm supposed to be able to get into any other Grubb & Ellis lot but my key card was not accepted. I tried the Eagle parking garage across the street from the library but with no staff on duty the gate wouldn't let me in. I ended up at University Square on 4th floor at $6/day. Saved my receipt to request a refund from Grubb & Ellis.
Finally walked into the library at 7:45am. Staff were trapped at home and the phone was ringing off the hook as they called-in. Fortunately it was a slow day, and I was able to get other work done as well.
The library was very chilly. Even though I was wearing two pairs of socks and four shirts (yes, along with other clothing!) I was cold.
The travel home was much easier as my street had been plowed on both sides! Yippee!
I fired up the low-riding van at 6am and gave a trial run at negotiating the neighborhood street. I got stuck a few times but decided I could make my way to Vine Street. Returned to the house and had breakfast then headed out at 7am.
With most everyone stuck at home the plows were able to get the major streets in great shape for travel. (Note to self: "N" street is apparently not considered a major street, stick to "O" street next time. Had to gun it most of the way to plow through the heaps. Don't know if "gun it" quite applies to 25 mph but that was definitely too fast for the conditions and fortunately I was the only vehicle around. Considering I do 50 down Vine it was odd to think of 25 as pushing the envelope.)
Made it downtown but no parking available! My $65/mo lot was not plowed until mid-afternoon. I'm supposed to be able to get into any other Grubb & Ellis lot but my key card was not accepted. I tried the Eagle parking garage across the street from the library but with no staff on duty the gate wouldn't let me in. I ended up at University Square on 4th floor at $6/day. Saved my receipt to request a refund from Grubb & Ellis.
Finally walked into the library at 7:45am. Staff were trapped at home and the phone was ringing off the hook as they called-in. Fortunately it was a slow day, and I was able to get other work done as well.
The library was very chilly. Even though I was wearing two pairs of socks and four shirts (yes, along with other clothing!) I was cold.
The travel home was much easier as my street had been plowed on both sides! Yippee!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
A Wintery Day
A snowstorm and blizzard has hit town. Schools closed so Cassie was home today; Mark stayed home from UNL with her. I toddled out of the house at 8am, brushed snow off the van, and carefully drove the (usually) 10 min to work - got there at 8:45. My workday begins at 9am but I was really hoping to get there a little earlier than that!
UNL ended up closing at noon so Mark didn't have to take much vacation today. He helped our older neighbor across the street scoop the walk, and he scooped our walk several times. I also got home to find a festive porch - he'd strung lights along the railing.
UNL ended up closing at noon so Mark didn't have to take much vacation today. He helped our older neighbor across the street scoop the walk, and he scooped our walk several times. I also got home to find a festive porch - he'd strung lights along the railing.The libraries closed early at 5pm. No Snow Days with the city, we have to take vacation. Downtown was empty but the snow was oh so pretty. Six inches of it had accumulated during the day.
Mark also peeled potatoes for supper. I got them cooked and mashed, and made a double batch of Favorite Meat (1 lb hamb, 1/4 cup milk, 1 egg, 8 crushed saltines; form into patties; fry at 320, 5 min each side). Ymmm!
Full tummies, a warm house with electricity, and watching "White Christmas" with Cassie. The day ended pretty well!
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Weekend of Decorating
Cassie and I spent a fun, busy weekend getting ready for Christmas.
Saturday we finished decorating the tree while watching the Star City Holiday Parade on TV, then put on my dvds of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," "A Charlie Brown Christmas," and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer."
After a late lunch, we hit the Open House at A Novel Idea Bookstore (where Cassie purchased two "Ready Freddy" chapter books), stopped by the library, and had supper at Subway downtown. We were planning to go to South Pointe mall to see Santa but we both faded during supper and just went right home. We showered and climbed into bed at 7pm! Mark was sprawled on the couch watching the Big 12 conference championship.
I tossed in my timer tape and settled down to watch the final two eps of "Monk" but Cassie joined me after 20 min "because she was lonely." So much for her going right to sleep. She happily read a book while I struggled to stay awake.
Today we attended church, hit the grocery store, had a quick lunch, went to South Pointe to see Santa, bought some socks at Scheel's for me, then back to church for two hours of craft-making, on to Target for shoes for Cassie, then home to make supper. And best of all, it's snowing!!!
Saturday we finished decorating the tree while watching the Star City Holiday Parade on TV, then put on my dvds of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," "A Charlie Brown Christmas," and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer."
After a late lunch, we hit the Open House at A Novel Idea Bookstore (where Cassie purchased two "Ready Freddy" chapter books), stopped by the library, and had supper at Subway downtown. We were planning to go to South Pointe mall to see Santa but we both faded during supper and just went right home. We showered and climbed into bed at 7pm! Mark was sprawled on the couch watching the Big 12 conference championship.
I tossed in my timer tape and settled down to watch the final two eps of "Monk" but Cassie joined me after 20 min "because she was lonely." So much for her going right to sleep. She happily read a book while I struggled to stay awake.
Today we attended church, hit the grocery store, had a quick lunch, went to South Pointe to see Santa, bought some socks at Scheel's for me, then back to church for two hours of craft-making, on to Target for shoes for Cassie, then home to make supper. And best of all, it's snowing!!!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Prepping for Christmas
I was stunned today while checking out materials to people at the library. The due date is three weeks from today - Dec 24!!! Only three weeks to go.
Last night Cassie and I hit two more stores to get her set for winter weather. Mark accompanied us this time. When we were done we'd gone to Target and Penney's for three sweaters, three camisoles (for use beneath the sweaters), two winter jammies, and two more jeans. I also got a new pair of gloves. I did three loads of laundry before turning in so she could wear some of her new clothes today.
Tonight Cassie and I rearranged the living room, then I brought up the skinny tree from the basement. Last year we bought this skinny tree to replace the other tree I've had for 27 years - it's a nice, triangular tree but too big around for this small house (it's a beautiful tree and I'm keeping it yet). Last year was the first time I've seen a skinny tree that looked nice enough so we went with it.
I was surprised at how patient Cassie was at separating and arranging the branches. Mark brought up the box of lights and garland, and Cassie again was very patient at unrolling the lights and checking to ensure they all lit. Tomorrow night we put them on the tree, then unpack and hang my beautiful, 1950's vintage ornaments.
Last night Cassie and I hit two more stores to get her set for winter weather. Mark accompanied us this time. When we were done we'd gone to Target and Penney's for three sweaters, three camisoles (for use beneath the sweaters), two winter jammies, and two more jeans. I also got a new pair of gloves. I did three loads of laundry before turning in so she could wear some of her new clothes today.
Tonight Cassie and I rearranged the living room, then I brought up the skinny tree from the basement. Last year we bought this skinny tree to replace the other tree I've had for 27 years - it's a nice, triangular tree but too big around for this small house (it's a beautiful tree and I'm keeping it yet). Last year was the first time I've seen a skinny tree that looked nice enough so we went with it.
I was surprised at how patient Cassie was at separating and arranging the branches. Mark brought up the box of lights and garland, and Cassie again was very patient at unrolling the lights and checking to ensure they all lit. Tomorrow night we put them on the tree, then unpack and hang my beautiful, 1950's vintage ornaments.
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