make-up day

Because I've been tired of late (because I've been sick) and because I've not been able to put two thoughts together and make them stick, I fell behind in my pre-Christmas activities. So today was a make-up day.

I first did mighty battle at the grocery store before the other combatants even realized that the war was on. I nabbed one of the last carts. Quite unexpectedly, the store was not very crowded. It was still early enough that the store workers actually smiled at me as we passed in the aisles. I'm sure that bit of sweetness ended quickly. And even the lines weren't too bad. I neatly avoided the line with not one, but two whiney toddlers near the end of their patience. Instead, I waited behind an older couple buying a big Butterball. I hope they have time to do whatever one does to turkeys.

Once at home, I wrapped presents, but not alone. Nope, the World's Most Helpful Cat Ever assisted. He sniffed each gift. He climbed into all the cardboard boxes. He inspected the plastic boxes containing tissue paper, scraps of wrapping paper, and ribbons. I think the tissue paper box was the most comfortable, actually. He observed the cutting and fitting of the paper and supervised the taping. He lunged at the ribbon as it was wrapped around the first package. At some point, he became exhausted (what a hard day of work for a little kitty) and toddled off to take a nap.

I brought in a few bundles of wood and kept the home fires burning; we had a heck of a time lighting the stove this weekend, so we'll probably keep the stove going through New Year's, given that someone (ahem, that would be moi) will be home to keep the flames going.

And then I started in on tomorrow's dinner. I made the main course and started in on the dessert. We'll make the side dishes tomorrow.

Tonight, we'll spend Christmas Eve with one of our dearest friends, as we have for many years now. Tomorrow, said dearest friend will come here. We'll be joined by a friend from long ago, someone I'd lost contact with but with whom I recently reconnected. Just this morning, I realized that she'd be spending tomorrow alone, so I invited her and she accepted.

A week from today, I start my new job. I'll work just one day next week and start in earnest the following week.

And life goes on, sounding its usual dull but joyous roar.