I prepared food “from scratch.”  I did some cleaning.  I perused two boxes full of new gift items—-and wrapped several gifts!! I’ve been invited to the home of a co-worker–for Christmas Day–and I want to take “thank you” gifts.  In early 2010, I donated several boxes of new gift items to the Shelby Senior Center (to be used for door prizes) .  For years, I was compulsive about buying things, “on sale,” for later gift giving.  It was so tempting to buy things the day after Christmas, or during “after Christmas” sales.  Frankly, I’m surprised that I still have two boxes of gift items in my possession!!

I’m not expected back at work until January 3rd.  I really don’t enjoy all this “free” time; I’d rather have a schedule and a reason to get dressed and leave the apartment.  Without a reason to leave the apartment, I stay in my pajamas and may not comb my hair.  Not healthy!!  I’ll be “talking to myself like a Dutch uncle“ to process through my downsizing projects.

I volunteered to take a Green Bean Casserole for Christmas dinner.  In the next few days, I need to decide whether I should unpack Pyrex and/or Corning, or buy an aluminum container.  (Perhaps borrow a baking dish from a neighbor?)  I’m reluctant to start unpacking things that have been stored in the area above the kitchen cupboards.  If/when I unpack… I’m back to the problem of “where do I put them?”  There is limited cupboard space.

The weatherman indicates we had more than one inch of rain “in some locations” (local locations).  The temperature was unseasonably high and a similar temperature of 70 degrees tomorrow.  Fifty-two is the normal high for this time of year.  Tomorrow is the first day of Winter but our weather does not resemble “winter”!!  ~~  According to the evening news, “treacherous weather” conditions in Montana and Colorado.  “No thank you.  I can live without snow, ice, and cold!!”

The squirrels were not stopped by the rain; six were feeding on the variety of food I have provided.  I didn’t hang the loop with whole peanuts because those greedy little critters can devour a two-pound bag in one day.  One aggressive little guy repeatedly bumped his head against the glass patio door to get my attention.  (He had my attention!!  They are so cute!!)