Calling All Talls: Merry and Bright Friday

With the prep for tomorrow night's sauerbraten underway, it smells as if Uncle Drosselmeyer's arrival is imminent in my kitchen. Tonight I'm making clean-out-the-fridge minestrone. Last night was take out, brought in by DBF, who did an excellent job ordering very good Chinese.

It's warming up to scary heights this weekend -- 70s on Sunday. This is NOT normal. Weather like this brought on tornadoes here on Dec. 26 last year. 

DYKW managed to leave beautiful and delicious cookies and a mess behind last night. Sigh. Thanks for the inquiry about when she'll hear back; the HR person is on vacation this week, so we doubt she'll hear back before the New Year.   

So many are diving into celebrations today, from Anne's tribe and the blessed pizza solution, to Susan, whose dance card takes her to somewhere today, and PKate and Mr. PK are shuffling off to B-lo.  Nancy's other DS is about to arrive, right?

I went on an extended spate of wrapping yesterday and thought I'd gotten my part all done. Then I  awoke around 3 with my heart pounding, wondering where the he&* one of DS's gifts went. I know it came; I don't know where I put it, and I certainly did not wrap it. 

The cookie baking is DONE. I will pack up the neighbors' gifts and put together a box for DBro's family to ship today. I have not touched cards and probably won't, so if you don't get one from me, don't feel neglected; you are one of the family. 

My guilty pleasure at odd hours is watching Firefly on Netflix. It's been in my queue for a very long time. No intellectual stuff, there. Just my speed this week.

Good morning CATs,
Shari, I echo your good wishes to all.
T, I echo your "don't feel neglected, you are one of the family."
Lynne, I had no real interest in reading this book based on my experiences with the authors former offerings. I certainly didn't want to pay for it. But when a discussion arose and I could get it from the library I decided to give it a try. It's always easy to quit if I don't like a library book. That's why I expressed surprise at how much I'm liking it. Wonder if I'll have time to finish it today before the crowd arrives?
Ooh, Nancy isn't here this morning so I hope that means she is enjoying time with all her men and boys.

I did a nice long walk this morning and saw the mall begin to come alive for the early, early shoppers. That's as close to Christmas Eve shopping as I want to get. Actually I think the mall may open even earlier tomorrow. Ho hum.

I don't know why but Christmas shopping was easier for me this year. I spaced it out, was blessed with fun ideas for everyone (except DH!) and DH did a lot of the shopping for Grands which I don't much enjoy. He also did quite a lot of wrapping. I did ribbons and bows. Everything is safely tucked under the tree and I'm feeling hardly an iota of stress. Just to be able to sit down and enjoy the family being together will be nice for a change. And having our gathering today means all the stores are still open if we need to add something last minute. Hooray!

Must be off now if I intend to have a hope of finishing this book. Happy day to all!