Christmas Countdown - 2013

[Virginia]

I would like to take this opportunity to share something about myself before this thread runs out in a few days. I was raised on and still operate a ranch that my granddad started in the 1940's. Several years ago early in the year. Feb. I think it was. I got into a law suit with my brother over splitting the ranch. This was his idea not mine. He doesn't live here anymore and wanted to sell his half. Needless to say it was a very difficult time for My family especially my Mother and Father. Sometime in the spring that year. I think it was in April. My wife and I were at a Dr's appointment. I walked past a file room in the office and looked into the open door. On the back side of the room there was a decorated christmas tree, I assume it was the tree that the staff would set out during the season. I can't not tell you the hope that gave me. I immediately thought to my self. "This will be settled by Christmas" And while it was a very difficult year we did sign a settlement on Dec. 2nd.
Last year I started a HDD boring business with a partner. Things went well at first but started to go badly in late August. Unless we have some kind of miracle early in 2014 we will be closing the doors and liquidating the business. I am not looking forward to the next few months as we will be trying to deal with the lost equity in our ranch that we used to secure the other business. But every so often in 2014 I can look at my milestone calendar or the countdown thread and say to myself "this may be unpleasant for the moment, but no matter how it works out this will be settled by Christmas 2014" And that gives me a tremendous amount of hope.
Once again I am so greatful for this website.

Thanks for sharing. And remember, as long as you have belief, family and friends you have everything!!!

 

[Virginia]

You know Virginia I've never thought of that. In the 8 years that we have started shopping right after christmas that has never happened. One thing I always make sure to do on electronics is purchase the 2 year warranty since it will be nearly a year before its unwrapped.:???:

I used to buy toys well in advance when the kids were little and odds and ends for stocking stuffers or the unexpected visitors. Now the kids are earning money they buy things as soon as I think of them ... it's really hard to get started

 

[Virginia]

Praying for peace in your house today!

I am neutral territory in my home... I sit and nod!! Anyone heard of NRL? I sorta wish I hadn't...

 

[Slim]

I used to buy toys well in advance when the kids were little and odds and ends for stocking stuffers or the unexpected visitors. Now the kids are earning money they buy things as soon as I think of them ... it's really hard to get started

Our boys are both in college and earning their own money as well. I try to focus on things I know they won't buy for themselves. As far as my wife goes I just tell her "don't buy that right now maybe Santa will get it for you" lol

 

[snowflake22]

Praying for peace in your house today!

Haha!! Thanks!!


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[snowflake22]

LOL!!!!! I can see the Dateline episode now!!!!

LOL!! We're not that crazy!


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[snowflake22]

Uh oh, you better watch out!!!!! Who knows what kind of embarrassing pics and stories about you, he talked your grandma into sharing with him!!!!!

Very funny, Ryan & made!!


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[Ryan]

Uh oh, you better watch out!!!!! Who knows what kind of embarrassing pics and stories about you, he talked your grandma into sharing with him!!!!!

It's the opposite I'm worried about...I don't want Carl telling grandma all the craziness that goes on at the Pines!

 

[Murphman]

Everyone doing well? I finally got my appetite back today after battling the stomach flu from Christmas Eve through yesterday. I don't wish that mess on my worst enemy.

 

[snowflake22]

Everyone doing well? I finally got my appetite back today after battling the stomach flu from Christmas Eve through yesterday. I don't wish that mess on my worst enemy.

Sorry to hear that, Murphman. Glad you're starting to feel better.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to you & yours!!






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[JingleBellJames]

Yesterday I got some nice little Christmas tree table decorations that were on clearance when I went to get a few drinks for New Years Eve. I already got wrap, cards, napkins and crackers a couple of days ago.

Not going anywhere today. Going to enjoy some time with baby. cheesy

 

[Virginia]

I haven't been to the shops since Christmas eve and today we will venture out to fill a few gaps in the pantry, see the latest chapter in The Hobbit and buy a shelving system for one of our inbuilt wardrobes that I saw 2 weeks ago. Shhhh... I will also be surreptitiously scanning the shops for decorations I can't live without!

 

[Ryan]

Everyone doing well? I finally got my appetite back today after battling the stomach flu from Christmas Eve through yesterday. I don't wish that mess on my worst enemy.

Oh no...on Christmas, too! Glad you're feeling better though.

 

[graywolf70]

I was, I'm ashamed to say, unsuccessful in getting everyone out of bed in time for church this morning. :-? Our service is early, 9:30 - 10:30 am, then our pastor drives to another church for an 11 am service. We'll have to have a devotional reading here in the living room to try to make up for it.

I do have something that's been weighing on me. Please forgive this:

An old friend and bandmate of mine is in jail, and has been for a couple months now, having started a good bit of trouble at a Beerfest near Savannah. He is bipolar, his first episode having manifested itself a few years back, and when he goes into the manic phase he's a big pain in the rear end. Since this started with him, I've defended him against all those people who call him crazy, explaining that it's just a chemical imbalance in his brain that can be controlled with medication. The problem is, he won't stop drinking long enough to take his medicine effectively.

I'm finally at my wits end with him. If he is going to choose to drink and skip his meds instead of taking care of himself, then he's on his own. I've refused all his collect calls from jail. Last week, I got a postcard from him, containing an apology of sorts, and a request for something to read. The jail allows books to be delivered from online retailers like Amazon. So, since it's Christmas and everyone deserves a Christmas present, I sent him a book yesterday.

I really hate that he has this burden to carry. His dad was bipolar, too, and I saw how embarrassing is was for him when we were kids. But new treatments can make the symptoms managable. All he has to do is give up the booze and put some effort into getting better.

Ah, sorry to unload this. His postcard is on my desk here, so it keeps him on my mind. He sounds better, judging from his writing, so maybe this time is the one that will change him...assuming he doesn't go to jail for a longer period after his hearing. Ugh.

I think I'll put on some Trans-Siberian Orchestra and grab a guitar. Have a great day, everyone! cheesy

A prayer being said for your friend. I'm so sorry that he's having to go through this and that you feel badly. If it helps at all sometimes, for some people, the brief stint is what is necessary for them to sober up, gain clarity and be able to make the wiser choices for a better life. I pray for peace for you both.

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[made582]

Everyone doing well? I finally got my appetite back today after battling the stomach flu from Christmas Eve through yesterday. I don't wish that mess on my worst enemy.

That's a bummer!!! Glad you are starting to feel better though!!!

 

[made582]

LOL!! We're not that crazy!


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LOL!!!! Where there's a first time for everything!!!!

 

[Bradmac]

We rolled quietly over 59,000 posts!

Where is Seawaters? I haven't seen any posting awards in a long time.

 

[JingleBellJames]

I haven't been to the shops since Christmas eve and today we will venture out to fill a few gaps in the pantry, see the latest chapter in The Hobbit and buy a shelving system for one of our inbuilt wardrobes that I saw 2 weeks ago. Shhhh... I will also be surreptitiously scanning the shops for decorations I can't live without!

Have a great day out! Enjoy the movie. The crowds should have died down a bit by now. Wasn't too bad yesterday.

 

[Virginia]

Have a great day out! Enjoy the movie. The crowds should have died down a bit by now. Wasn't too bad yesterday.

First thought were crowds. I like the cinema to myself too. I'm very fussy! Imagine Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory

 

[Christmasstar]

now that everyone's hydro in our area is on again we get this...

Stratford - Mitchell - Southern Perth County
5:14 PM EST Sunday 29 December 2013
Special weather statement for
Stratford - Mitchell - Southern Perth County issued

Some freezing drizzle possible tonight.

A sharp cold front will cross through Southern Ontario tonight with much colder temperatures following its passage. Freezing drizzle is possible over Southern Ontario with the passage of this front before changing to flurries.

The freezing drizzle is expected to be fairly light but may still cause locally slippery conditions on untreated surfaces.