They Ask Me How I Do It!

Well, you better grab a cup of coffee (or my preference---tea), because it's going to be a long one!

Some of my friends ask me how I do it---Housework, Cooking, Laundry, Carpool, Paying Bills, Decorating, Book Club, Stitching, Gardening, Scrapbooking---and of course, Social Event Organizing on TOP of all this traveling.

I'd have to say it all began in the first grade at St. Aloysius School. On my very first report card, I got an "E" (for "excellent" and the highest grade you could get) in USES TIME WELL. At the time, I had no idea what that meant. And growing up, considering I was a "mess" (gee, I wonder where Mindy got that), I guess I've turned out okay. That simple little phrase---USES TIME WELL---really is the key.

There's no big secret here. But if there was one (or 7), they would be as follows:

1. I make a list.

How can you know what you need to do without one? Plus, there is great satisfaction in crossing things off the list. I've even heard of people putting things on the list at the end of the day just so they can cross them off (a-hem, Jeanne). I go one better---I keep a permanent "To Do" list on my computer that I update and print out weekly. Sure, there are some things on there that I don't really ever expect to do---like the ironing---heck, I haven't ironed in 15 years, why start now? Once the ironing basket fills up, I find that most of the stuff is out-dated anyway.

2. I have a belief that I can do it all. 

I do know my limits, but I'm never more efficient than when I have several irons in the fire at the same time. The busier I am, the more organized I become.

3. I'm competitive. 

I want to keep up with it all. I won't be showing up to book club without having read the book. I'm behind at present with my needlepoint, but after this past weekend, I'm pretty sure I might have pulled ahead of at least one or two of my friends.

4. I don't do everything for everyone else. 

Butch does all of his own packing and makes his own lunches. I never signed up to be a slave. Our roles are pretty clearly defined. I handle all household matters, he handles the garage. 

5. I multi-task. 

Simple enough---I check emails, stitch, thumb through catalogs and magazines while watching t.v. I tape every show so I can zip through the commercials and save even more time. I pay bills, upload photos and shop online. Admittedly, I've had a few minor "snaffu's" in this area----like the credit card company calling Butch to say I hadn't paid the bill. Butch argued with the guy that their records must be wrong---as "my wife ALWAYS pay the bills in full and on time." But, the credit card guy was right. I simply hadn't paid the bill. Luckily, with a good bill paying history, I was able to get the finance charges and penalties removed. That didn't stress me at all.

6. I delegate. 

Okay, I'll admit that not only am I spoiled, but pretty darn lucky too. I have Margarita. She does all the household chores. I'm really happy to not have to clean. Of course, this too, I learned at a young age. The only difference is that when Chrissy came to spend the weekend with me, she never knew I had delegated my housework to her. She just did it. That's where the "I was a mess" fits into the picture. I was darn lucky to have her!

7. And here's my "ace in the hole"---the biggest secret of all. I get up an hour earlier than everybody else! 

Do the math---1 hour x 365 days = 15 extra DAYS in a year. And if you break it down further and consider that I sleep 6-7 hours during those days, I actually have another 7.5 working days. Heck, if I keep going with my math and subtract weekends and only count working hours, I would have about another full YEAR of time!!! It really does add up in the productivity department!

Still things do fall through the cracks at times. Right now, that would be keeping up with my blogging! ;) I've got lots of ideas, so there is more to come....

And that's how I do it!

Scrapbook Saturday

One thing I know about myself---I need to get up in my scrapbook room at least once a week. It soothes me and is so great for my mental health. To sit with my photos and think about my family, friends, and stories---it's just so calming for me. I was able to do that for a little while on Friday morning. I cleaned up my work table and put a few pages into albums. But then, a problem. I seemed to have misplaced the end page for my AYM album--The Songs of our Life. I cannot imagine where it could be. I have all of my layouts in a single stack. It's a big stack, no doubt. But all in one place. I could not find it. My room is in perfect order, so I have no idea what has happened to it. I have a little time since I'll be doing the final layout this month for that album. I sure hope it turns up. 

As for now, I only have a couple pags that I haven't shared yet.

This was my AYM layout for December. Susan picked the song: "Teach Your Children" by Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. I asked the girls and the grands what they learned from us. The comments were pretty interesting--which I used for my journaling. Here it is--which is tucked in to the pocket:

I like to think that we taught our children (and grandchildren) well. With that in mind, I decided to ask them. I was surprised at a few things and not, by others. Here’s what they learned from us:

Sandy responded, “A few things among the many…

Dad taught me how to shoot marbles, mow the grass, that taking a shower when you’re sick always makes you feel better🤷🏼‍♀️, and what the peloton is in the Tour de France 😂

Mom taught me how to French braid, make homemade bows for presents, “kill ‘em with kindness” when dealing with unpleasant people, and that if you use a foghorn to call your kids in for dinner they come running very fast🤣

Love you guys!💙❤️

Mitchell replied, “Grammy, you taught me how to make friends at a party where I don’t know anyone! Grandpa taught me how to turn negatives into positives at work!”

Grammy taught me how to make friends at a party where I don’t know anyone!

Grandpa taught me how to turn negatives into positives at work!

Victoria says, “Trying not to say what everyone else said! Grammy taught me what it means to be a good hostess.And Grandpa taught me how to shoot pool water at people by squeezing your hand. Love y'all!! “

Elizabeth said, “I love y’all! You have taught me the most crucial things. 

Grandpa—don’t take crap from anyone. When someone won’t let you in Disney World, you walk right in! 

Grammy- you can make friends anywhere. You taught me how to strike up conversations with anyone under any circumstance. I respect your advice because it’s evident that you have more friends than me lol.!

Stephanie says, “These are all so good-& definitely lessons I learned, too!

You both taught me to drive a stick and to keep asking for what you want until the person says no. 

Dad also taught me how to check my tire pressure, use the pool chairs, and to “throttle back” 😂 

Mom taught me to stitch, that if you l”ay with dogs you’ll get up with fleas”, and to be “up” for anything because it always makes memories. 

The list is obviously longer, but we’ll leave it there. Love you two!! 😘

Jordan responds, “For grandpa, he taught me how to ski. Another good one is the art of negotiation/bargaining, which happened as recently as Africa. 

Grammy taught me the art of conversation. I'll never forget grammy’s advice that "everyone likes to talk about themselves, so just ask them questions." Another good one is to approach the person on the periphery of an event who isn't talking to anyone else.

What a cute and fun idea for a scrapbook page!

Morgan replied, “Grandpa also taught me how to ski .⛷️ Grammy taught me how to throw a party! 🎉

Mindy came up with, “Dad taught me:

-how to fish (mainly for logs and the back of his shirt)

-about all sports (including the politics behind them) including everything from football to Indy car racing

-how to use my new luggage (as a full grown adult. Not to mention that I didn’t know there was a ‘wrong way’ to use luggage)

-that when something says “buy one get one free” you don’t actually have to get two items— you can just get one and it will still be half price

-that the store brand of an item has the exact same ingredients as the name brand (supposedly)

Mom taught me:

-how to be witty/have a sense of humor at all times

-how to stitch (and do crafts in general!)

-how to organize (don’t take everything out of a drawer or closet all at once and then try to sort through—instead take one item out at a time and decide right then to keep, trash, move, or donate. But just because she taught me how doesn’t always mean I actually do it 😉)

-how to “deflect” when dad (or anyone in the family) is getting on you about something (or maybe I taught you that? Either way, we’re both pretty good at it!)

-never quit something once you’ve started-you have to see it through until the end of your commitment (for example if you start a sports team or club that you don’t like, or volunteer for something)

-all about musical theatre

-how to navigate difficult female friendships

Both:

-How to play a variety of games— namely poker (but also including yard games, board games, etc.)

-Importance of giving back to others (donating blood, money, etc.)

Although I’m grateful for the lessons they did learn from us, I’m surprised that the one I thought I really imparted was: “You get to decide how you are going to be treated!” I drilled this into ALL my girls and little ones too. It’s a great life lesson for relationships whether it’s boyfriends or anyone else in your life!! It’s so true!

This is just a close-up of how I made a little grid with the ribbons and used a couple punches for fun.

I'm trying to keep up with Morgan's album as the year goes on. This layout is about their engagement photo shoot.

There were so many pictures and clothing changes that I had to do a "waterfall" technique to include the most pictures. There are about 18 on the layout.

Me on Monday

So, I came across this article and thought I would share it. 

Nine Things People with Spotless Houses Do Every Day

You can bet I’m going to add a tenth! Nine things—you mean whoever wrote this couldn’t come up with one more? Well, I definitely can!

First, let me start with saying that I don’t claim that my house is spotless—but pretty darn close. Anyone can drop in on us anytime, and I won’t have anything to be embarrassed about.

Okay, here goes:

1. Take off your shoes.

I do take off my shoes. I wear slippers in the house at all times. And I wash them once a week. Part of it is because of the icky stuff you walk into the house, but the main thing is my white carpets. I’ve calmed down about them but can easily get myself worked up. I never expect visitors to take off their shoes. I don’t even think about it—well, unless they are workmen. I do not have a problem asking them to take off their shoes. Many have those “bootie” things to put over their shoes—which become totally useless if they are in and out of the house—not bothering to take them off when they are out and put them back on when they are in. Oh well.

2. Make your bed.

I confessed one time to my friends that I did not make my bed every day. They shamed me, so now I do. But it is kind of in a haphazard way—meaning I don’t put all the decorative pillows on, and I don’t really care if the sheets aren’t pristine/tight. I just don’t. I’ve come a long way from that teenager who never made her bed and had it piled high with clothes!

3. Wipe down the kitchen counters.

I really don’t understand this one. Don’t you wipe the counters every time you use them? It’s not like I have to say to myself, “Oh, I better go wipe down the counters!” They are always wiped down—always!

4. Clean as you cook.

This one I do faithfully. In fact, my cooking sessions begin with a sink full of hot, sudsy water. I cannot cook without one!

5. Wipe down the shower.

Oh, heck no! I am not doing that. When we remodeled our master bath, I specifically told my friend/designer, Christy, that I did not want to do that, nor ask visitors to do it when staying with us. She provided the perfect solution. That girl knows everything! She had some sort of coating put on all the glass so that you don’t have to squeegee them. All of our shower doors look clean and clear ALL the time. I think it cost about $500 at the time—totally worth it.

6. Swiffer before bed.

Nope, not doing it. There’s just the two of us. Nothing needs swiffering. Actually, I don’t swiffer ever! Yes, we have one, but I don’t think anyone uses it. Not even Margarita. She has a crazy way of dusting the hardwood. She takes a rag, puts a hole in the middle, wets it, and places it over a broom handle. I actually like that since she’s catching the dust rather than just moving it around. Maybe she doesn’t know what the swiffer is.

7. Put your clothes away.

Okay, I don’t always do this. But, there are a couple of reasons for that: 1. I have a big closet so you can’t see that the clothes aren’t put away and 2. I usually wear everything twice before I wash. If I were to put everything away, I wouldn’t remember which things I’ve already worn once. I really like it when I can wear the same thing two days in a row because then the closet stays tidy—but only if I’m not with the same people. Well, except for Connie. She’s been known to wear the same thing for three days—usually on the weekends. On weekends, you might find me in pajamas! Butch, on the other hand, has “the chair.” His closet is absolutely perfect, but he might have a half-foot pile on his chair that sits out for the world to see!

8. Wipe the mirrors and the sink.

What? I haven’t wiped a mirror since 1982. Granted, I have a cleaning lady who does it once a week. That’s enough! Ditto on the sink. We rinse them as we use them. They are never unsightly or require cleaning more than once a week.

9. Obey the two-minute rule.

Okay, first, I’ve never heard of this. And second, I thought it was the 2 second rule and applied only to dropped foot or pacifiers. So, the two-minute rule is: if you can do something in two minutes, then just do it and don’t procrastinate. I DO NOT procrastinate—ever (or mostly never.) I would have the thing done in the time it would take me to decide whether I should do it or not! What a waste of time! Just do it already.

And now for my number 10—I cannot believe that whoever made this list didn’t think of this.

10. Do more than one thing at a time!!!

This is exactly how I accomplish a lot. I’ll peel potatoes, sort things, or make lists while watching TV. If I’m going upstairs, I’ll take everything at once-same coming down. Sometimes that’s a little dangerous as I have to use my elbow on the rail to keep me grounded when I am not hands-free. If I get up to use the bathroom, I’ll carry my empty cup to the dishwasher and hit the recycle bin with errant papers, grab the cookbook I want to browse through, oh, and maybe I’ll stop and wipe down the counters! (NOT!)

None of this is all that hard!! Anyone can have a spotless house. If you start doing, it becomes second nature. (I’ve always heard this expression but don’t really know what it means. Maybe I’ll look it up when I’m watching tv. Or not. Uh oh, I’m procrastinating! I could have already done it by now but I won’t!

Something for Sunday--or should I say "dog"day.

Yep, you are going to find this hard to believe, but I'm going to do a dog post today. 

First off, let me set the record straight. I don't hate dogs. Everyone thinks I do. I don't. I'm just not fond of them. There's a difference. 

I hate liver. That's it. Period. The end. I'm never going to eat liver if I can help it. On the other hand, I don't hate dogs. There are things I don't like about them, but I can tolerate them. I can pet them if I have to--as long as there's a bathroom nearby where I can wash my hands. I don't like them licking me--come on now, we all know where their tongues have been. I don't like the smell. I don't like the jumping. I don't like the slobber and I don't like their noses touching my pants--or any other part of me for that matter. It's kind of a visceral reaction. If a dog slobbers on me or touches me, I "wear" that feeling until I can get home and put those clothes in the laundry. I know, it's weird, crazy, and obsessive. That's just how I am. I have no control over it. I only want to admire them from a distance. 

Now to be fair, I do not like to get up close and personal with any animals--really for all the same reasons. I'm good at admiring them at a distance. I do not want to hold or pet any of them. 

Okay, now what I do like about dogs. I like their loyalty to their owners. I think they are cute--of course--if they are leaving me alone. I even think they're cute when they are so ugly that only their owners can love them. 

I hope that sets the record straight once and for all. 

Now on to the reason for this post. It all started with this picture:

Sandy sent us this picture from Amazon--you know how the driver takes a picture of where he put the package? Well, look a little closer and you'll see Titan in the door. Sandy said that he's in every Amazon picture! How cute is that! 

Here's a better picture of him.

He is a Maltese and is a well-behaved dog, doesn't slobber, doesn't bark (much), and leaves me alone. I usually pet him a little bit and then wash my hands.

Right after Sandy sent the picture of Titan with the Amazon package, I saw Morgan's post on Facebook of her "boys." I shared a picture of their new puppy a couple weeks ago. Here's the whole gang:

The fact that they are on the bed grosses me out a little bit. From left: the newest member of the family--isn't he so cute? I have to admit, I've already forgotten his name. Hold on, I'll look back on my blog and find it. Okay, got it. He's Marshall--an English shepherd from Arkansas with a southern accent. In the middle is Joey. I think he's some sort of "doodle." Little Finn is a Westie--on the end.

Morgan loves her "boys' and I don't blame her. They are cute. But, she's kinda' mean with her talk about Finn. She says he's "dumber than a rock." Well, I beg to differ with her. When we were at their house for Thanksgiving, Nicky kept throwing Finn's tennis ball and he kept returning it to be thrown over and over again. Dozens and dozens of times--no exaggeration. It wasn't a problem, but there was no way I was touching that slobbery ball. All of a sudden, for no reason, Morgan took the ball and pitched it down the basement then closed the door. I thought that was a little extreme. But hey, it's their dog--all of whom are well-trained and very good. Anyway, Finn didn't say a thing. I don't recall if he just laid down. But hours later, someone opened that basement door and Finn was down there in a flash--returning with his ball to start all over again. Now that seems pretty smart if you ask me. He remembered his ball was down there. I don't even have that attention span. Well, unless it's a cookie. I'd remember if Morgan threw my cookie down there!

So, after this picture, I got the idea to let all of my family and close friends share their best dog pictures. Here ya' go. My homage to those overlooked (by me) members of the family!

Meet Lainey--Mitchell and Emily's dog. I think she's still a puppy. It's been a while since I've seen her. I think she was named after Lainey Wilson. I'm not sure if that's because of her "singing" or the fact that Emily works for a company that represents Lainey Wilson. I don't know what kind of dog Lainey is--I may have been told, but I don't remember. I think she can be a little wild, but then again, she's a puppy. From what I hear, she gets along with her cousin, Titan (don't you hate it when people act like dogs are actually people? Well, "if you can't beat 'em...." and all that jazz).

Next up is Koda.

Koda is Jordan's "teacup" pomeranian. I've never met him. I think he's small because her apartment was small. From what I hear, he's a pretty good dog. I do know that he hikes pretty well. Seems like that would be hard for a little guy. Oh wait, maybe she did say that they end up carrying him some of the way.

This guy belongs to my cousin, Chrissy. 

I just found out he's a "boy." I always thought it was a girl. Okay, give me a break, I didn't really look. I do know how to tell the difference. His name is "Bear"---isn't that a unisex kind of name? All I know about him is that the last time I saw him, he had a very bad habit of eating something I cannot even mention--his breath--ugh! Except for that, he seems to be a pretty good dog. They had a dog fence for a while--long enough for him to learn his boundaries. Now he stays put without the fence. I'm not sure what that says about his intelligence. Actually, what he eats probably says more about that! He's an Australian shepherd. He's pretty good-lookin'.

Now for this cute little guy. His name is "Dash" and that describes him to a "T"--or...

...used to. He used to dart all around, jumping, and barking--just generally wild. They even took him for training--twice! He's Connie's "baby"--and I really mean that! Dash is about at the top of her list--even above her "people!" When I'm coming over, she threatens him, "You better behave--Mrs. Eads is coming!" I'm not sure how I feel about that. Using the "Mrs." really makes me sound mean and strict! 

The last time I was there, Dash was perfectly behaved. She had put him in the laundry room while our friends and I were there for a club meeting and lunch. I couldn't believe it. Nary a bark or whine. Afterward, I texted Connie to compliment her on his behavior. Maybe he's calmed down because he's not a puppy anymore. Or, maybe he's taken on the affect of his "old" owners. Yeah, that must be it.

Lastly is this handsome fellow, Flannery.

As you can tell, he's a pretty good sport to put up with this little girl--La Rue. I'm, sure he's endured some bumps and bruises with her. A couple days ago, Leigh (Flannery owner and daughter of my friend, Nancy, and also Mindy's friend (well, mine too I guess)--that's a lot to figure out--go ahead, I'll wait). 

Anyway, a couple days ago, the 4 of us (Nancy, me, Leigh, and Mindy) were making our 7-mile walk to West Nashville for lunch (more on that story on Travel Tuesday). As we were walking, Leigh was telling us the story of how early on, Flannery used to sleep in their bedroom. She didn't say anything about sleeping IN the bed---thank goodness. I might have had to drop her from my friend list for that. So, as she talking about telling her husband that she didn't want Flannery in their bedroom, I interrupted with, "So, you just couldn't take the smell?" That's where my mind goes. She seemed a little surprised by that and said, "Well, no, he (or now that I think about it is he a she?) gets up in the middle of the night and walks around." 

OMGosh! I totally get that. It's annoying! Sometimes Butch does that. Not at night, but during the day. I'll sort of yell at him and say, "Why are you walking around? Just sit down!" He CANNOT sit still. Hmmm. I never realized that maybe he's more like a dog than I knew: loyal, handsome, sometimes smells (after he's been golfing or hiking), loves me, and barks now and then. 

Maybe the bottom line is I love dogs after all. One thing I know for sure: I cannot teach my old one new tricks!!

PS I do not have to wash my hands after petting him either!

The THINGS...

...I worry about! First off, I've never been a worrier. But when you get older, you have a natural tendency to worry---or you should. If you aren't, then I think you are just in denial!

I worry about:
1. falling---especially after my fall last year at Chic-fil-a when I had a serious ankle break. I'm very careful now and am constantly on the lookout for slippery floors, wet surfaces or uneven pavement.

2. falling out of bed--my bed is tall. I have to use bed-steps to even get in it. It has occurred to me---hence the worry---should I ever fall out of bed, I'll probably break my back when I hit the steps.

3. losing my mind---why did I come in this room---forgetting from one second to the next. I've beed doing that for years. Recently, I was to pick Connie up at 4:45. Somehow from 3 p.m. on it went from picking her up at 4:45 to leaving my house at 4:45. She called me and I was still home--wondering why she was calling. After all, I was getting ready to leave! At least I can take solace in the fact that my friends are having similar problems.

4. losing my memory---I have to wait until pretty close to book club to read the book or I can't recall enough for the discussion. Sometimes, I know I've read a book, but can't recall a single thing about it. Once someone reminds me of what it's about, I can usually remember it. Another thing---this past week, while at the beach, I was looking for the big fry pan. Since I couldn't find it, I wasn't even sure I actually bought one, just thought about it or it was stolen! Sometimes somebody will mention something that happened years ago and I'll have no memory of it whatsoever. Scary.

5. acting like an old lady:
a. our house decor---recently, Butch said he thought a few things looked "old lady-ish". I'll have to ask the girls what they think. On the other hand, they still ask me to help with their decorating, so maybe I'm not so bad.

b. the clothes I wear--I've always prided myself in being fashionable. I think this has more to do with what clothes are available in my size. They don't make really cute clothes in chubby sizes. Luckily for me, that is changing. Slowly, but happening none the less!

c. how I do my make-up---I think I look pretty good until I get in the car and look in the rearview mirror. That makes me question how I really look---the mirror in the house or the one in the car---which is the truth? I'm asking for a new makeup mirror for Christmas. I've even gone so far as to looking at makeup looks for older women. I've checked with the older women at the Estee Lauder counter. I guess I could just ask my girls about this too. Family will tell you the absolute truth.

d. parking---okay, I'll admit it. I was so spoiled! That free parking pass I had for years AND the "guy" Butch sometimes sent to actually hold my space until I got there---definitely spoiled me. I especially miss that free valet parking at the airport! Now, it's hard enough to figure out where I'm going much less figuring out where I need to park.

e, feeling befuddled about being downtown at night---I can never figure out quite where I need to be going. Recently, after the theater, I was trying to get on the highway. As I was looking at the arrows on the street to figure out which lane I needed to be in, I inadvertently ran a red light. About that time, another car, merging from the left honked at me as if "they" weren't supposed to be yielding anyway! There was no traffic anywhere, so it was no big deal. Still, Stephanie was in the back seat saying very calmly, "red light, red light." Maybe she needed to shout! I need a better co-pilot!

6. hearing---since I never heard Stephanie telling me there was a red light, that leads me to think maybe something is wrong with my hearing! Actually, it probably has more to do with listening!

7. health issues---I've always been very healthy and never, ever worried about it. Now, with my friends having different ailments, I'm playing mind games with myself: "my neck is bothering me---is this what Connie has?" Or, "my knee is bothering me, does that mean I'm going to need a knee replacement?" Actually, now that I think about it, maybe this just goes along with #3.

You could pretty much lump everything under "losing my mind." If that's the case, it's all over! I might as well not worry about it. I guess pretty soon, I won't know to worry about anything anyway!
Really, that's a scary thought. I'll just keep worrying!

Christmas Wrap Up

Whew! Considering this was a Christmas during a pandemic, it was still busy. Quiet, but busy!

We started Christmas Eve at Stephanie and Nicky's for breakfast. Their house is more open and easier to social distance. 

Every year, we do something to surprise the kids. This year it was these shirts from Christmas Vacation. I was upset that they were grammatically incorrect. It says "A Eads Christmas" rather than "An"--something little, but I don't want people to think that I don't know proper English--which if I were in England, I actually don't!

Steph had it set up so that Butch and I could be away from the rest of them. We wore masks the the entire time except for eating.  For breakfast, our backs were to them about 10 feet away, so I think we were safe.

Stephanie's house was beautiful. Her table was really pretty too.

Steph and Nicky did not have one of the tiny elves that we all had so much fun with this holiday season. I ordered one for her right after Thanksgiving, but it didn't arrive until the 23rd. We brought it over and Butch "hid" it in their little nativity set on this table. She actually noticed it on Christmas Day! At least they are all set for next year.

After breakfast, Butch and I sat across the room here by the tree while we opened gifts. Stephanie is in charge of our "themed" secret exchange every year. This year, the theme was "something from Cracker Barrel." That was a fun one. Also, I learned that if you see something Christmasy in October, it's going to be gone by November.

After this, Morgan and Oliver opened their gifts. They left shortly after as she had to sleep. She works nights at the hospital and was working Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 

In the afternoon, Stephanie, Nicky, Mindy and Justin came over. We girls decided to play a game.

We were trying to play a new game based on A Christmas Story. It was impossible to understand. The directions were 4 pages long!

We ended up switching to a simpler Christmas trivia game.

A little later, while I was napping, the girls did this:

The cookies were from a kit that Stephanie brought. These kinds of activities are not my "thing"! Of course there was judging involved. The winner was the one with the polar bear scene---Jordan did that one.

It was soon time to get food going while Stephanie and Jordan went out looking at Christmas lights. When they got back, we started our gift opening. We all got such thoughtful and fun gifts. 

One thing I got Stephanie--that I knew she would love, but that the rest of the family would laugh at---was a subscription of historical letters. Once a week, for 3 months, she'll get a letter in the mail from some historical figure like Benjamin Franklin. I knew that sort of thing was right up her alley. The rest of the family thought it was pretty funny--only Steph. When she mentioned Clara Barton, that set everyone off! Mindy called her a nerd. Half the "kids" didn't even know who Clara Barton was. 

Anyway, we had a fun time. No sit down dinner this year, but actually, that made it really easy for me!! Other than I did miss setting the table.

Just like our Christmas with Sandy and family last weekend, I got some awesome gifts.

Jordan and Morgan gave me a new robe, Russell Stover chocolates (my all time favs) and some aromatherapy candles. Unfortunately, I didn't think to take a picture.

Stephanie also got me this which was on my list.

I had gotten a couple other scenes as gifts for Jordan (coffee shop), Victoria (a 70's loft) and Stephanie (a library). I wanted this for the beach, but part of the gift is for her to put it together. Remember, I do not like craft projects!! Butch is going to help her. I think this will be so cute at the beach!

Stephanie also gave me the cutest sweater with matching scarf and a white blouse. 

As I was putting everything away, I realized that the bracelets that I got from our secret santa exchange match this set perfectly. Poor Oliver--he got me---so I'm sure Morgan helped him! Anyway, those bracelets are a match!

Mindy stepped up her game this year with this:

It's interactive wrapping paper! You use your phone to scan that square thingie. When you do that, Mindy and Justin start to dance. They are both excellent "flossers!" So clever. Leave it to Mindy. She's always full of surprises. 

These were their matching shirts this year---Schweddy Balls from Saturday Night Live. So cute!

Her gifts were awesome too!

Mindy gave me the cutest Kate Spade purse and a trio of Kate Spade clutches. They are all so darn cute. Kate Spade is my favorite designer. The girls know what I like!! 

Mindy also gave me a box of tea from their trip to Scottsdale. 

Since they are tea bags, I put them in a decorative jar that I'm taking to the beach. When I took them out of the box, I didn't realize each one had this saying. So true!!! For me, tea is happiness!

Butch did a great job this year.

This beach towel was a total surprise. Does it look familiar? It matches my travel purse that he gave me last Christmas! I was so surprised that he would think of this. Maybe he looked at the purse to see the brand, but how he knew they had beach towels is crazy. Or maybe he remembered from last year. I love it. When we're at the beach, it will be a good conversation starter. Oh wait, I don't want to talk to people I don't know while I'm on vacation! Actually, people do talk to me all the time. I think I have a sign on my forehead that says "ask me a question!" Or I have a friendly look about me. Yeah, that's it. They do ask about my purse. They always want to know where I got it. The brand is Spartina. It's really cute and so is the huge beach towel. I love it. Oh wait, I already said that!

I can't remember the last time he bought me clothes. Way back---waaaaayyyy back, he always bought me an outfit or a dress. He did a great job picking out a couple blouses. But then, he also bought a pair of earrings to match the floral one. They do match perfectly. 

It's kind of hard to tell, but they are a sort of iridescent and do have the green shimmer in them. I would have loved to see him looking around to find earrings to match. So thoughtful.

And then there was this. Apparently, my early morning walking in the dark bothers him. He bought me this florescent harness thing to wear so I won't get hit by a car. I told him that considering I never leave the neighborhood, there are rarely any cars at 4:30 a.m.!! Still, so thoughtful. It has a place to carry your phone which is perfect since I listen to podcasts. I usually have had to either carry it in my hand or put it in my bra, which is what I do most of the time. That did make me wonder if sweat could ruin my phone. No more worries on that front.

I had a great Christmas. I must have been a very good girl this year. At least I have the presents to prove it!!

This year, after the gift opening was finished, only Mindy and Justin spent the night. Turns out  that was a good thing. 

Early in the morning, before everyone was up, I got this picture from Sandy.

She was waiting for her family to get up. They are an hour ahead of us.

As for us, we woke up to a white Christmas.

This is pretty rare for Nashville. 

It's white, it's snow, we'll take it!

But sadly, after being happy about the snow, we got the news of the bombing downtown. Mindy and Justin live about 10 blocks away. Glad they were here instead! They got an alert from their building manager that there was some very minor damage to their building. They live on the opposite side of the building from where the explosion was. So sad! Stephanie said it woke her up and she lives a couple miles away. She said she thought there was a serious car accident on the highway.

It's amazing that within 24 hours, they knew who did it and where he lived. It was a suicide bombing--not like a terrorist, but just some random guy with paranoia. They have not released a motive yet, but he must have had a beef with AT&T. Little did he know that the AT&T building is one of only two downtown that were built to withstand a bombing. Unfortunately, the same is not true for the surrounding, historical buildings. Phone, tv and internet service for those who have AT&T was out for a couple days.

It's been a tough year all over, but particularly in Nashville. We had terrible tornado damage right before the lockdown, then that and now this bombing. Surely 2021 is going to be better. At least we hope so!!