Times change

The good news that Nicole and Pat are settled in their freshly painted house and she is at the end of her work week so we can celebrate Thanksgiving tomorrow. The bad news, I think the last 10 days just about did her in. Thankfully Pat's family came and helped with part of the move, I helped last Sunday and did my best to keep the two of them fed until their kitchen was set up.

I now remember why I haven't moved in 25 years! Not only do you have the mountain of boxes to pack and unpack, but all that hauling is hard on the body. Helping Nicole move has renewed my motivation to start sorting, selling and throwing some of our excess now. As I go through my day, I ask, "If I had to move this would I still have it?" It is surprising how often the answer is "NO".

It has been a relaxing weekend, after a busy month. Nicole was put on-call Thursday and wound up not having to work so the four of us watched football and movies, ate a delicious New York loin roast and enjoyed a fire in the fireplace. Friday I puttered around the house and today made a run to the mall to replace my 4 year old purse. When the leather has totally cracked off the handles, it starts looking pretty tacky.

Didn't hit the Black Friday sales this year as our family has agreed to keep Christmas very small. No one has a lot of extra cash and there isn't much we really need. The best gift of all is that we'll be together for at least a few days over Christmas. Getting to hug my grandson is way better than anything that comes from a store :-)

Time for bed so I can get up and start cooking in the morning. Hope you have a peaceful, relaxing Sunday.

Pippin and I are Watching TV

Back home, sitting on the couch being smothered in kitty love. Pippin was sooooo happy to see his mommy he has hardly left my side. Merry is still deciding whether I have done my penance and Icey is happy if her food dish is full.

We got back about 10 PM Sunday night after 9 hours of air/car time. I think my butt is till numb! I don't know how people do those long Trans Atlantic flights. I probably wouldn't be able to rise out of my chair.

Had a good visit with my in-laws but spent a good bit of time doing geriatric care management with them. My dad started receiving home health care and physical therapy this week to try to slow his decline. Old age truly is not for wimps.

Got part of one sock done (Pattern: Nemesis, Yarn - Sanguine Gryphon Little Traveler) I'll try to get pictures this weekend.

And now for something completely different - Florida!

I'm off on a jaunt again. This time we are headed to Florida to visit my in-laws for a few days. Neither of them are getting any younger or in any better health. My father-in-law had surgery yesterday for probable bladder cancer. We are keeping our fingers crossed for good news.

On the bright side, we are having lobster for dinner Friday night and my sis-in-law is going to mix yummy drinks. Perhaps I won't knit that night. I might just stab myself.

Nicole picks up keys to her new rental house in Monday and then the move in begins. Between work, school, moving and a friend's wedding, I think she's doing about 1500 miles next week alone. I anticipate a major energy crash about the 21st. If you hear a big thump it was her falling asleep while carrying a box.

Keep a good thought for the poor lonely cats who will only get wet food once a day. They are so spoiled!