We Miss You, Hudson and Kate...

If you are needing something to watch on television during the cold winter months, or anytime for that matter, you might consider an old PBS series that ran from 1971 until 1975. Upstairs, Downstairs is a BAFTA and Emmy award-winning British drama set in a large townhouse in Edwardian London, and that depicted the lives of the servants "downstairs" and their masters "upstairs."

He and I have been watching it over the past few weeks, limiting ourselves to 6-8 episodes a week. We were addicted. Although I had watched part of the series back in the day, I had forgotten most the details. He had never seen it before, and it was funny to have him say that he hesitated to watch them too often because soon we would have watched them all, and he would miss it. It was the same for Him when the Sopranos series ended. For me, it was like not being able to put down a good book.

You'll get past the fact that it isn't in HD, the color is faded, and the fact that some of the early episodes are in B&W due to a technician's strike at the time.

Happy Birthday to Meeeeeeee

Wednesday was my birthday. I spent the day fairly quietly but did go the a book store to look for some special books for our grandson, Kyle, who told me he wanted a big book about cats and dogs for Christmas. After a nice long browse in the books, I sat down in the cafe and treated myself to some coffee and a scone. Then I decided to get a manicure and pedicure. I crossed the street to the Crestwood Mall and started looking for a nail salon. It was surprising to see that the more than 1/2 the mall had closed down for lack of business. It seemed so odd. My search turned into a nice mall walk--there was no nail salon anymore--and decided that exercise was a nice present to myself.

I took the long way home (still looking for a nail salon), ran a couple of errands, and eventually ended up back at home without the manicure. Not a big deal.

What was really nice was getting calls from friends and family (and e-mails too) who wished me a happy birthday. The P-G's called from Bloomington and I was treated to a song over the phone. Someone was flat which made the effort even more special because I think it was Babers. Then Babers talked to me for a minute. Half-Pint had to translate what he said. Sweet.

Then it was out to dinner with friends. I picked Mexican food because I like that a crunchy, spicy stuff. That's about it. Good enough. No cakes. No presents. Maybe I'll get a manicure after Christmas.

I Guess I've Been Naughty

This is the most behind-est I've been for the holidays. You should see the mess here. (On second thought--no you shouldn't.) What is today, the 14th? (oooo, I just realized I forgot to send a BD card to a friend. expletive. See what I mean?)

The mood is subdued. The house is a mess.
The construction is impeding my will for success.
The oven is broken and won't get fixed soon
So if you wanted fruitcake, just change your tune.

The Christmas tree is still in the shed,
buried neath lumber, and tool kits, it's said.
It is too much trouble to bring it all in
There's no place to put it in usual stead.
"Too big," says He, "the room is too small,
tools, ladders, and boxes all stacked in the hall."
The bathroom's in progress, you may recall.

So you see why "Bah Humbug" is my general thesis?
I've just thrown my hands up, because I don't know how to end this.

-by Me

Afterthought: You know you've grown up when none of the things you want for Christmas can be bought at a store.

Green Your Holidays

Here are simple things you can do that will make an eco-friendly holiday:

Rethink the Gift Wrap
It’s time to think outside the box, for real. Not only are most wrapping types wasteful, but its been done, year after year. Break out of your comfort zone and create some great looks with reuse items found around your house.

• Bows
• Bags
• Fabrics
• Newspaper comics
• Magazines
• Decorative boxes

These scrap items can be used to make that gift even more special. They can also be reused year after year.

The Twelfth Month

I blinked, another year has passed
I can’t say we have had a blast.
Just running there and running here.

I think I missed the whole damn year!

by me