Christmas Dinner Buca Style

Ok, I don't think I have ever gone out to dinner on Christmas to a restaurant. That is until this Christmas. Because my daughter couldn't come here, we went there or close to it. We went to Buca de Beppa for Christmas dinner. The place is right in the middle of the big city, complete with all the lights, and hustle and bustle. Except the bustle was not so much on Christmas night. But I digress. The place is authentic Italian food in HUGE helpings. We ordered some things individual servings and others as family style. Yum! And since both my birthday and my daughter's birthday were within 7 days of our time there, we received brownie sundaes, complete with ice cream and whipped topping. But we didn't stop there. We ordered the 28 inch dessert platter with 4 towering desserts. And my oldest daughter ordered her own piece of cake. We didn't eat it all, but we tried. Those left overs will take soooooo good and remind us of the wonderful Christmas dinner we had together. The guilt I was feeling for making the people work on Christmas soon dissipated as we wound our way through all the people waiting for their turn to gorge on the delicious food.

Merry Christmas and Other Ramblings

As I sit near the glowing Christmas tree, alone, contemplating this Christmas with all the gatherings and gifts, I smile. It has been a good one. It has been the best one in years. All my family was here together, at the same time. We shared a meal and the unwrapping of the gifts. My youngest grandson took more pleasure in unwrapping and stuffing it in his mouth. He cared not what was in the boxes. How soon that will change as he grows older. Among many gifts, our older grandsons were thrilled with their slankets, (thicker, longer, original version of the snuggie). Heard that the next day they wore only their undies and the slankets for the whole day. Our granddaughter, Toots, was thrilled with her Little Mommy baby who talks, walks, sits, giggles, and drives you nuts just like a toddler. Our children were thrilled with their gifts as well, making all the right ohs and ahs in all the right places. For hubby and me it was a Christmas to remember.

A Chia Cat Has Adopted Me

I met the mailman as he approached our door, his arms overflowing with packages. I could almost see his red suit, but he had traded his reindeer for a 4-wheel drive to trudge through the snow. Back to the packages--On closer examination we found one box to be elegantly addressed to ME! Carefully slicing through the plastic tape, the open box revealed a Chia Pet!! I couldn't believe my eyes! I felt as if I were living the movie where the boy gets his gun. The card with it did not reveal the sender, only stating, "Heard you have been good." So to whomever is out there that has recognized my goodness and rewarded said goodness with the ultimate gift, I THANK YOU!

My Birthday Reflections

I have not been looking forward to this birthday because the big round number is, well, big. None of the other mile-stone birthdays have bothered me. I sailed right through them all. But now at 60, I feel old. Even my granddaughter said that was really old. So to change these negative feelings, I need to reflect on the positives about being 60. If I forget any, you may add them on in the comments.

• Senior discount in most restaurants and stores
• I'm older, I have more insurance (I love that line.)
• Forgetfulness is expected and forgiven
• I have my own teeth
• My hair is my natural color (thanks, Dad) with gray highlights
• I have all my own body parts that are essential (don't stress on this one)
• Respect for elders
• A head full of stories of "When I was a kid..."
• Many years racked up at work
• Nearing retirement when I get to choose what to do
• Don't have to ask permission to go to the bathroom
• Been there, done that, no thank you.
• A seat while others stand
• Selective deafness
• Ability to say NO, I'm not doing that...
• Elastic waistband pants
• Many good friends in the same age bracket
• Family
• The same husband for 38 years
• New phase in life where I can serve God in more ways

So as I have counted my blessings, I realize that reaching 60 is a big deal, and it really does mean I am old.

Snow Day: What Should I do?

I have a bonus day today--no school due to the snow and ice. I brought home lots of school work that I can do today, on my own computer, with the larger monitor. I should be able to accomplish a lot. But I have also volunteered to keep my granddaughter so that her parents can work. If Toots comes, we will need to do some fun things like baking several kinds of cookies, maybe make a cheese ball with crackers, make a pot of soup, make Christmas ornaments, read, do the Wii games, watch cartoons, and just enjoy one another's company. I can always do the school work later. Too bad she would tell or we could wrap Christmas presents.

Shop Till You Freeze

I did some Christmas shopping in the sub-zero wind chills last night. I thought my legs were going to freeze and shatter. I didn't want to be out in the cold, but time is running out for me to shop. So I braved the snow-spotted parking lots, the long walk to the store, and shopped. I was successful and realize it was worth it all. Well, if the recipients like their gifts, then I was successful. Perhaps I'll warm up in a couple of months.

Entering the World of Instant Communication in Solitude

Well, hubby has entered a new world, the world of IPhone 4. He, the one who didn't have text. He, the one who does not do facebook much. He, the one who ignores his calls. He has the smart phone. I'm glad for him because now I can text my messages to him since he doesn't always take his calls. I'll just have to figure a way to be sure he checks his messages. I know that now I will be competing with the phone. He will be engrossed in checking the latest football, basketball, etc. scores. I will have to get his attention by saying his name aloud, several times, to be sure he is ready to hear me. Like I said, I will have to get his attention by saying his name aloud, several times, to be sure he is ready to hear me.

Christmas Wish List

So, what do you really want for Christmas? While pondering that question, I shall ramble a bit about the gift list. Product companies are counting on their advertisements to lure customers into buying their products. I absolutely love the IPAD commercial and am tempted. Then I pause and realize it is ELECTRONIC, which would be a waste on me. I am paralyzed to explore and use the techno items. I'm always afraid I will hit a wrong button or erase something. Proof in point, look at the bleakness of my blog!! I am afraid to update it for fear of something going wrong. Another gift is the I-phone that does everything. I'm still fumbling and figuring out the one I have had for two years. Do I need internet on my phone? Do I want internet on my phone? No, I just want to have a normal, regular conversation with my friends and family. I often check my phone to see if I had silenced it or if the power had run out. Alas, a new-fangled phone will not produce more conversations. So, my Christmas wish list remains simple and inexpensive, and gifts you can grab at the last minute at the local pharmacy store. I'm still waiting on my Chia pet.

Blanket of White, A Heaven of Diamonds Shine Down Through the Night

With our first blanket of snow covering the ground, I am inspired to think of songs or bits of them. So sing along with Leah...

• I'm dreaming of a white Christmas, just like the ones I use to know.
• Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful, so if you've no place to go, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.
• Dashing through the snow...
• Frosty the Snowman, what a jolly happy soul...
• Walking in a winter wonderland...
• I'll be home for Christmas, you can count on me. We'll have snow...
• Over the river and through the woods...
• Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer
• Sleigh Ride...The snow is falling and friends are calling...
• I'll have a blue Christmas without you...

Okay, my mind is blank. Your turn. If you think of more, add them in the comments.

Cover That Sneeze, Please!

I have IT, between my sneezing and coughing, blowing my nose, feeling miserable--I'm so sick I am not going to school. That is big. I usually tough it out and go. Glad I am contagious and have to stay home. I don't have a couch or bed in my room from which I could teach. I got this from several in my class. We try to do the Count Dracula covering of the sneeze, but it doesn't always happen. I know I will get better, some day in the future. My voice is lower every day. I've matched it to notes on the piano. Today I am two octaves below middle C. I just realized that there is only one more octave and two other notes to the end of the piano! Surely my voice would never go that low.