Christmas Countdown - 2019

[AuntieMistletoeDear]

Good Thursday morning, Christmas friends!

We finally got some rain yesterday evening, and the temperature dropped from 97° to 77° in just a few minutes. It was still 100% humidity, but it sure was a nice break from the heat, if only for a little while.

Mary Poppins starts tonight!

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I hope y'all have a great day!

Sorry I missed it, but I feel like we were all there with you enjoying the performance. Elizabeth seems to be enjoying herself.

 

[AuntieMistletoeDear]

Y'all let me know if you're getting tired of my pictures; I tend to get carried away when my kids are involved.

Bah - we could never tire of your joy to see your children succeeding in things that bring them happiness.

 

[AuntieMistletoeDear]

I'm slipping in posting each day. Workload and office pressures, mostly, are eating up my time and eroding my good cheer.

We need your cheer and will take it when we can get it.

 

[AuntieMistletoeDear]

TGIF, Christmas friends!

What a great show! I'm so proud of Elizabeth, I could burst! I even got some pats on the back for fathering such a talented young lady. Aw, shucks.

It was a long show, though. It started at 7:30 and ended about 10:15. By the time all of the cast-greeting, hand-shaking and pictures were finished, it was after 11. Then Elizabeth was hungry, so we ended up at The Waffle House LOL. It was 12:30 before we got back to Bellville. I'm an old man; I need my beauty rest!

We're going back again tonight, tomorrow night, then the Sunday matinee.

In the real world, I blew-up the engine on my lawn mower...irreparably...so I'm back in the mower market, doggone it.

Anyway, I hope y'all have a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious day!

My dad and I would have missed the performance if there was only a matinee on Sunday; we wouldn't have arrived until the late afternoon. My dad liked the idea of the adventure of just going there and then looking around for the theater. HaHa.

 

[AuntieMistletoeDear]

MIL update: There is little news positive or negative with my mother-in-law. Her treatment has been more intense since being transferred to Cincinnati, and they are able to monitor her more closely.
She was moved out of ICU at one point, but then moved right back due to trouble breathing and she developed another bacterial infection. She is not being sedated, but she is rarely awake. The doctors are still hoping that they can get her stabilized enough to do a liver transplant, which seems like it will be necessary for her to really recover.

I was keeping your MIL and other special people in my thoughts while I was on vacation.

My dad had to spend 4 hours at the hospital in Sydney because his g-tube fell out and he only had 3-5 hours to get a replacement or the hole would seal again, plus he wouldn't be able to get any nutrients from the "space food" he consumes through his stomach.

While I was waiting for him to finish up at the reception window, I heard the triage nurse call up a patient with the surname "Christmas" (I kid you not) and it brought me to thinking of everyone here and there around these merry pages those who are facing sad times, hard times and joyful times.

 

[AuntieMistletoeDear]

Excessive Heat Warning here, too. Keep cool and keep hydrated, everyone!
Mmmmm, a big frosty glass of ice water is so good when it's hot!

I saw excessive heat warnings on the news in many parts; my dad and I lucked out with decent weather. It rained a bit on us twice, but for the most part only when we were driving. The heat the called for in Nova Scotia didn't seem to reach it's warning zone or the breeze by the bay and the ocean helped us stay cool. My dad never complained once about the heat - he can't swallow so that means he can't quench thirst or avoid dehydration without using his syringe to send water to his body via his g-tube; he only had to do that the second day due to our 12 hour trip; we felt the humidity a few times, but it wasn't too bad at all.

 

[AuntieMistletoeDear]

Picked up my sister from airport today. It was 105. I said. Welcome to hell —- not yabba!

Have a great visit! Stay cool!

 

[Martine]

I'm baaaaack! First stop - MMC!

We had a great time. 8 days on the road with my dad turned out great. I imagine he was as worried as I was in the beginning that we could get along for 8 days and several long drives (did the second day with 11 hours in the car and 3 short stops).

We spent most of our time in Englishtown, Sydney, Christmas Island and then Louisburg and down to Mahone Bay and Lunenberg Nova Scotia.

We swung over to P.E.I. never wound up bedding down in New Brunswick at all.

Quebec City was a bit disappointing, partly because by the time we arrived there wasn't much for us to do except visit old downtown which was on our list of things to do. It has changed so much since I was younger, mostly pubs with a few clothing shops and sweet tooth shops.

I phoned to check on my big boy and was so sad to learn that he did not take well to his temporary surroundings. He spent most of the time under Sandy's bed, in her closet or hiding in the big cat tree. We decided not to go to Montreal or Ottawa for another day and head home instead.

When I went to pick him up, I had a bag of souvenirs for Sandy from our various trips along with a tiny pussywillow soft kitty in a basket (orange and white).

I called O'Malley, but he didn't come out from hiding so I went into the room crouched down and used the mirror to share my reflection with O'Malley at first and then bent down and turned my head toward him. He looked so scared at first. I went around to the other side and he army crawled his way out from under the bed half-way so I could touch him.

I went out to visit with Sandy for a bit and kept encouraging him to get into his cage so we could go home. She said that he disappeared on Wednesday and she didn't know where he was hiding, she couldn't find him for the longest time. (I'll bet he went to the "Pines" without me.)

I finally had to pick him up and put him inside. He wanted to go home, but he didn't want to go in the cage. He meowed in the cage a bit and I kept talking to him about how close we were getting and that I did have to obey the traffic lights even if he was in a rush to get back to our new normal without the big daddy cat around.

We have been home for an hour and a half and he has already sought comfort in three usual spots for his naps where he can see me, but keep his distance.

He took a nibble of kibble, Sandy said that he didn't eat well and wound up with diarrhea for two days she guessed it was nerves. He's bathing himself now; he's content.

Sadly she only saw him three times the entire time as he would come out to do his business or eat when she wasn't around and whenever he saw her, he'd hiss, growl and retreat in the opposite direction.

Remember how hard it was to leave him since he was still in his cage when I left, I won't be able to put him through that again.

I should have known better because aside from the first three months of his life, my husband and I were the only people he truly knew. I won't put him through that experience again so I can't be more than three nights or four days away.

I'm glad I had the chance to go on vacation with my dad, we had great music, conversation and created some new memories while reflecting on old ones. We never knew where we were going to sleep until we found a spot and it all worked out great.

We did our best to navigate the old fashioned way with road maps instead of relying on more modern technology. His GPS is called George and he doesn't always work the best for us as he insisted we take a ferry a few times where we could just as easily taken the preferred bridge. My maps on my phone were used three times to point us in the right direction when we got off the main hwy to explore things and couldn't rely on George who kept telling us he was losing his satalite reception. Molly (my phone navigator) was more on the trusted although a bit bossy.

Keep a merry thought in your head.

So nice to have you check in Auntie and glad to hear you had such a great road trip with your father. Sorry to hear about O’Malley not taking too well to being cared for by someone else. I’m sure he’s relieved to be back home with you.

 

[HomemakinGirl]

Good morning MMC
We’re expecting more showers and storms today. If it’s not too bad I might venture out to look at cars. My lease is up soon and my husband wants me to pick something else out. Other than that I will just be working on my daily chores. Dinner will be tacos. That’s about it. I hope everyone is well and has a nice day!!!
xx

 

[Edge612]

Happy Back to Normal Summer MMC! I got a little bug last night and felt bad. Couldn't eat dinner. My brother had the same. Looks like it's a very short-term thing though as my friend who got it this weekend too was fine within 24 hours. Hopefully I'll feel good for my 5 days off Wed-Sun. Have a great Back to Normal Summer Tuesday!

 

[AuntieMistletoeDear]

Back to sleep in my own bed - that was nice - 2:30 & 4:30 O'Malley clock, I could have done without, but missed it a bit while I was away. My husband said "You could miss a cold if you had it long enough". I guess I am a creature of habit to some extent.

Looks like a nice day in my neck of the woods. I have to get to the grocery store, not much here to eat. Naturally, the cat has plenty of food, but it doesn't tempt me - thankfully. HaHa

I have to connect with an Estate Lawyer as there's no other way around it to collect funds my husband set aside for me, but I can't access because he never completed his Will. Once I have that cleared up, I can deal with other things like the car, his income tax, etc.

Taking it easy and doing some chores around here the next few days.

Thought I might take off to London for the weekend, but I'll likely stick close to home so O'Malley cat doesn't have to be alone again so soon.

Stay jolly!

 

[Christmasstar]

Good Morning MMC !

last shift at work this morning then we are off to Greensboro, NC ! My son is so excited, and nervous too about the jr Olympics. I have a lot of little things to do before we leave tomorrow morning. I guess I should find my suitcase and get packed too. Looking forward to the road trip there and back as much as the main event.
My son discovered that where we are staying the first night, Morgantown, WV, is the birthplace of Don Knots and he wants his picture taken next to his statue.
Going through Washington on the way home as he has always wanted to go to the Smithsonian. He also wants to see the Statue of Liberty, but I am not sure I want to drive in New York City.
Anyway, I must get ready for work, you all have a great day !!

 

[Rich]

Good Morning MMC !

last shift at work this morning then we are off to Greensboro, NC ! My son is so excited, and nervous too about the jr Olympics. I have a lot of little things to do before we leave tomorrow morning. I guess I should find my suitcase and get packed too. Looking forward to the road trip there and back as much as the main event.
My son discovered that where we are staying the first night, Morgantown, WV, is the birthplace of Don Knots and he wants his picture taken next to his statue.
Going through Washington on the way home as he has always wanted to go to the Smithsonian. He also wants to see the Statue of Liberty, but I am not sure I want to drive in New York City.
Anyway, I must get ready for work, you all have a great day !!

Good luck at the Jr. Olympics!
I wish I were going with you to Morgantown, WV. Love Don Knots!

 

[Rich]

Good morning all!
Listening to Kringle Radio while working today.
Tons of Christmas joy filling my heart.

 

[He_Is_Born]

Good Morning MMC !

last shift at work this morning then we are off to Greensboro, NC ! My son is so excited, and nervous too about the jr Olympics. I have a lot of little things to do before we leave tomorrow morning. I guess I should find my suitcase and get packed too. Looking forward to the road trip there and back as much as the main event.
My son discovered that where we are staying the first night, Morgantown, WV, is the birthplace of Don Knots and he wants his picture taken next to his statue.
Going through Washington on the way home as he has always wanted to go to the Smithsonian. He also wants to see the Statue of Liberty, but I am not sure I want to drive in New York City.
Anyway, I must get ready for work, you all have a great day !!

If you want to see the Statue of Liberty, go to Liberty State Park in New Jersey. It’s off exit 14b from the NJ Turnpike. From there you can take a ferry boat to the statue and Ellis Island. That way you avoid NYC but see the statue.

Good luck and safe travels.

 

[SnowflakeMom]

Merry Rainy Tuesday!
My oldest was up last night with the stomach bug so I was up on and off a lot last night checking on her. She had soccer camp yesterday so I am not sure if it was the heat or what...so I may need an extra cup of coffee today.
I need to run to the grocery store later...hope you all have a great day!

 

[Crown 84]

Good Morning, Two Week Insiders.
And a quick glance at the first count number does indeed tell us that we are now inside two weeks away from our next pending Milestone marker.

To the count, then:
Days to the Season: 113
Days to Christmas Day: 155

The ONE HUNDRED DAY SEASON WINDOW is moving in on us relentlessly.
It's now just 13 days up ahead. Under two weeks away and so close to SINGLE DIGITS.
(Can you feel the anticipation starting to crackle?)

Whew! The long hot, hazy and humid era has ended. Today is supposed to be about 15 degrees cooler than yesterday was.
I have been putting off lawn mowing in anticipation of the heat breaking, and hopefully I can get to it today (if the grass dries up)!
Our opening thermometer reading here this morning is 75 degrees.

Have a Totally Terrific Tuesday, Travelers!

 

[Edge612]

Good Morning, Two Week Insiders.
And a quick glance at the first count number does indeed tell us that we are now inside two weeks away from our next pending Milestone marker.

To the count, then:
Days to the Season: 113
Days to Christmas Day: 155

The ONE HUNDRED DAY SEASON WINDOW is moving in on us relentlessly.
It's now just 13 days up ahead. Under two weeks away and so close to SINGLE DIGITS.
(Can you feel the anticipation starting to crackle?)

Whew! The long hot, hazy and humid era has ended. Today is supposed to be about 15 degrees cooler than yesterday was.
I have been putting off lawn mowing in anticipation of the heat breaking, and hopefully I can get to it today (if the grass dries up)!
Our opening thermometer reading here this morning is 75 degrees.

Have a Totally Terrific Tuesday, Travelers!

Thanks Crown! Happy Back to Normal Summer!

 

[shrcpark]

Today is a day of reading and enjoying the quietness around me. I am praying for those that need healing, comfort, and encouragement on the MMC. Thankfully, this is great day and I appreciate the MMC postings. It is nice to see what everyone is up to.

 

[sugar142286]

Yard work done. The temp has started an early cooldown. We have a nice breeze blowing and I have a box fan on super high. Grill is going, girls are swimming, and life is good.

Got a little work trip this week to New Orleans. Probably won't be back here until next Sunday.

Y'all have a great rest of your weekend. See ya soon!

Have a safe trip, Coach!