Christmas Season Officially Launched

With Thanksgiving just barely behind us, my attention must now turn to Christmas. This year, I may not get the week off I usually take. I use the time off to begin the time-consuming jobs I set for myself: the photo calendar, gifts for library staff, Christmas cards, baking, cleaning. I've already rescheduled once, from this week to week after next, but I may need to work through that week as well, in order to complete all the database renewals at work. I'm just thankful we are a household of adults now - no insane caching of tons of gifts for children any more.

So, I actually have a 5-day "weekend" - Thanksgiving through Monday - and I need to put it to good use. First thing will be to hit the craft show at the Crocker Museum. Not only does it attract a higher class of craftsmen, but the gift shop at the museum is a treasure-trove of interesting items that would make good gifts. Next is to collect the photos for the calendar. That will actually be a challenge, because we haven't taken a lot of photos this past year - at least not of family members. Laurel has promised me some of hers, so we'll be able to put something together.

Last job for this weekend: swapping all the shorts and tank tops for turtlenecks and sweats. The weather has finally got chilly, and it's also been foggy the last few days. Fog is a sure sign of winter, and makes everything seem much colder. However, I MET MY BENCHMARK! I did not need to turn on the heater before Thanksgiving, and, if things continue as they have been, I may still not need to do it for another couple of weeks. Wonder if I can make it to Christmas ... (probably not.)

Thanksgiving Eve

Boss gave a beautiful speech at our reference staff meeting this morning, saying she is thankful for having the opportunity to work with such an awesome and capable staff, despite her high standards and the many changes she's implemented over the past year. We applauded. She's a very good Boss!

A family we know is traveling this week in Thailand. The recent news stories about PAD protesters causing the airports to close makes me thankful we live in a place where such disruptions to free movement are not likely to happen. Our friends are now "upcountry" and out of the danger zone, but there is still the question of whether the airports will be open by the time they are scheduled to return. It's interesting following their tweets.

Daughter made the apple pie, and it looks scrumptious! I haven't cooked the squash or made fruit breads yet, but made some pickled carrots, peppers and cauliflower instead. The turkey should only take a few hours to cook tomorrow, so I will be able to do the breads first, and the squash can go in the microwave.