Well, we didn't get run over by hordes of shoppers whilst getting our last minute (sort of) kid-free shopping done yesterday. Thought we were going to buy out the evil empire (we did have a shopping cart full, but not of gifts!). Today is cinnamon meringue day as well as unloading the van and writing and addressing cards to send out. Must get some wrapping done. And packages ready to mail to out of town family. And start decorating the house for when folks come here for solstice. Lots to do and feel a time crunch coming on. Guess I'd better get a move on.

Hooray for me! Another batch of meringues done yesterday morning. While waiting for them to bake, some knitting was accomplished. Then it was off to the gallery to return the display items used on Saturday, as well as putting what I didn't sell on display there. My daughter and her best friend were being creative when I met them there. And there was a nice reception by Donna Voll and her mom to celebrate their exhibit in the Heritage Room.
Today is Dr. day, one for the back, the other for the feet. And I need to order my usual Christmas flowers to be sent. Then it's back home to start the BIG clean. Ordinarily I don't bother since it's usually only me here. I'm having family here this year so I need to get rid of all my clutter and at least dust and vacuum. Daughter is coming up to help since I helped her clean the Evil Genius' room.
Today is Pearl Harbor day, the day I got married and almost the same date I got divorced. My thanks to all those who fought. Your service is much appreciated and I don't think you hear it often enough. THANK YOU.
Enough.

Had to get up before breakfast yesterday morning and go to the "Winterfest" at a place called The Village at Deaton's Creek. This is a community for folks aged 55 and older. Never in my life have I seen so many people try sooooo hard to let you know how much they love it there. I think something is put in the water once they move in. I didn't sell much....a couple of scarves and a card or two (I forget) of my daughter's hand made Christmas cards. The rest of the gang with me in the model home fared better, for which I am glad. Anyway, the folks who live in this place sport picture ID's. Can you imagine having to wear a picture ID in the community where you live? Yeeeesh. Talk about big brother. I mean....do they really think someone is going to jump a ditch or fence just to get in? You have to stop at the guard gate if you don't live there and your name has to be on the LIST to get in. The houses are on top of one another. Example....even though we were in a model home, eventually it will be sold to someone to live in. The office is to the right of the front door as you come in. There is a window facing the house next door in this office and this window gives one a perfect view of that home's bathroom!
Most of the traffic coming through was of people looking at the homes for possible future purchase. Don't know about you but I couldn't live in a place like that. And I'm always leary when someone can't say enough good about the place they live.
At any rate, it was a long day and I was looking forward to a good night's sleep when I got home. Was also hoping it would snow..... oh well, maybe another time.

I have a runny nose. Yuck! Must buy more Kleenex and place boxes thereof strategically around the house. Wish the weather would make up its mind so my sinuses would. It might be cold enough to snow which wouldn't hurt my feelings. Will make meringues today, come hell or high water. Must gather together everything for Winterfest tomorrow. OMG I have to get up sooooo early tomorrow morning. It's going to be a very long day as I won't be getting home until somewhat late. I plan to sleep in on Sunday.

The sky is clearing somewhat and it is nippy out there. Had to go out and shoot at 2 tree rats (squirrels) that were on my porch so that's how I know it's nippy. Don't know what those critters find interesting out there. I just know I don't like 'em around the house. Maybe they found a spot to hide nuts. Too bad I'm such a bad shot. But then, BB guns are not always that accurate. I do sting one now and then.
Going to the gallery today. Have errands to run first and time is fleeing. So much to do and so little time. Will be glad when next week comes with little on the calendar.

My daughter tells me that although I only have one follower (her) that doesn't mean I only have one visitor to my blog. You'd never know it since there is seldom, if ever, any comments made to what I write. 'course that might be because my life appears a bore.
For instance.....today, it's raining. I need to start making peppermint and cinnamon meringues. A rainy day is not the best time due to humidity and all. But I need to get started on them so I will make a batch or two today anyway and store them in an airtight container.
I have a shawl I'm trying to finish knitting asap so I can start on another. Thank the gods these are not for Yule or Christmas or I'd really be in a panic. They don't need to be done and blocked until the end of January. But wait....now I have to come up with a beginning block for a round robin our bee is doing for an auction. There are five of us and I got to be first, oh boy. So now I have to think of that as well as trying to come up with a block for the challenge for the cruise in February. And a friend is coming down for a week in January so I can "teach" her how to make jewelry. Yikes! Just thinking about all that has to be done is beginning to make my head spin. Aaaannnnddd...since there is so much to do...I'm gone for today.

It's cold this morning. Only 30 degrees when I got up a little after 8:00. I knew it was cold before I even came downstairs. The frost was heavy on the grass and roof. And the heat pump tried it's best to keep up. Even though I have the thermostat set at 68 it still has a hard time. And this is the new one! If I ever build another house I'm getting dual heat. I'll see just how efficient the new heat pump is when I get my electric bill next month. I can't count this month 'cause it was just installed and hasn't been up and running for a full month. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this one will keep the bill a little lower. At least the basement will now be warm and I will be able to work down there comfortably.
Am going to a friend's house today for lunch and socializing with other members of our art bee group. Should be fun and it will be nice to see everyone.
Ex son-in-law is supposed to come pick up my truck so he can get the gigantic chairs out of daughter's living room. If he doesn't do it today, it better be by the end of next week or I'll help daughter put them out by the trash to be picked up. I'm tired of his excuses and hope he quits his shennanigans when it comes to having his son stay with him. Just because he doesn't feel 100% doesn't mean he can shirk his responsibility. When daughter is sick she still has to care for her son, cook, do laundry, etc. Why does he think he doesn't have to have son visit, just because his sinuses are acting up? He miraculously recovered enough to go out on a job yesterday. Enough of the venting. I'm off to have fun with friends.