Christmastide 2021/2022 - 12th Day of Christmas: Twelfth Night

 Wednesday, January 5, 2022

Christmas village. 

Christmastide 2021/2022 - 11th Day of Christmas: Christmas Stories

Tuesday, January 4, 2022

A book I ordered before Christmas, A Very Irish Christmas, finally arrived today. Can't wait to jump into it. I like reading Christmas themed short stories in January. It's a way for me to help keep the Christmas spirit going until Candlemas on February 2. 

Christmastide 2021/2022 - 10th Day of Christmas: Mom's Manger Scene

Monday, January 3, 2022

Mom texted me this picture of her manger scene under her tree. She just bought a shepherd recently to add to it. 

Christmastide 2021/2022 - 9th Day of Christmas: Winding Down Christmas Break

Sunday, December 2, 2021

Mixed feelings about going back to work. On the one hand I guess I'm fine with it. It'll be what it'll be.  My sources tell me that district wide there are 250 teachers who are out tomorrow when on an average day it's about 50. I'm assuming it's Omicron as the district gave us all test kits and recommended we test ourselves before coming back. How many kids will be out? I'm getting so used to constant uncertainty (work, politics, climate, etc.) that it feels like a minor annoyance rather than overwhelming and I feel oddly zen about it although with a certain amount of tentativeness. Dale and I hung out on the couch before dinner and finished up  the little bit of holiday wine we had left on hand. We're starting our dry January tomorrow albeit a couple days late. 

Christmastide 2021/2022 - 9th Day of Christmas: Covid Ain't Goin' Anywhere Any Time Soon

Sunday, December 2, 2021

Last day of vacation started with a bang. Actually the beginnings started last night when someone I've socialized with in the past week let me know they tested positive to Covid and has mild symptoms. 

I took the Covid quick test my school district sent home with me before going on break. I read the directions and Dale double checked them to make sure I was doing it correctly. 

Test result: negative!

John C., still in the hospital, had some new issues this morning so Dale zipped down to check in on him. He's fine, at least for now. 

A bit down today. Not sure I have the energy to face the work world and the other realities we face on this planet. 

Christmastide 2021/2022 - 8th Day of Christmas: New Year's Day

Saturday, January 1, 2022

Happy New Year!

Particularly enjoyed lounging around with morning coffee since vacation is winding down. 

Dale and I went to the gym downtown after breakfast. 

By the way it was very cold this morning. 

Dale and I had Julie and Regina over for dinner tonight; so nice to see them. Dale made chili and Regina brought over a pear and brandy pie she made. My gosh it was delicious. 

Dale and I bought Sylvester a scratching box while shopping at Target today. The label says it has "catnip infused technology." He seems to like sitting in it for short periods. He gets mildly loopy and will flip over on his back. 

Julie and Regina, like other guests we've had over since we've had him, were impressed with his outgoing nature and friendliness. He laid on his back and was more than willing to let them scratch is tummy. 

Christmastide 2021/2022 - 7th Day of Christmas: New Year's Eve

Friday, December 31, 2021

Very laid back and cozy New Year's Eve with Dale and Sylvester. Memes like the one above have been floating around a lot lately. This morning I mentioned to Dale that last year when we stayed in we made tater tot hot dish. He was really jazzed at the thought of doing that again tonight. 

Both Dale and I were saddened this afternoon to hear of Betty White's passing. She's been one of my most favorite celebrities since watching the Mary Tyler Moore Show as a kid. Her advocacy for animals and pets was inspiring and her humor, charm, and wit will be greatly missed. 

Speaking of pets it's nice to know Sylvester is with us to help welcome the New Year. His presence is greatly appreciated and we are so happy that he is here with us. 

The Thin Man was on TCM at 7 p.m. so we had dinner watching that. I've seen it a number of times before. I never completely get the mystery but it doesn't matter because the repartee between Nick and Nora is so charming and fun. I love it.