New Year's Eve. I am so excited to have a day off with Molli that I woke up before 5. Which is counterproductive, since she won't be up for hours and then she will want me to stay up until midnight! If I could only nap...

There is so much to do today and it will be gone before I know it. Sigh.

Yesterday, I went to work again while everyone was asleep. Except Molli has been having me wake her up long enough to sit with me a few minutes while I eat breakfast. It was so overcast, it was dark pretty much until I left for work. Yesterday I worked on payroll. Kerri came in, even though she is sick, to turn in her time sheet and check the time cards for the night staff. When I submitted it, it turned out I was a day late. I don't know why I ave trouble keeping track of that. For direct deposit, you have to submit payroll two business days before payday. Instead of today, it will be Monday. So then a couple of people needed paper checks instead of direct deposit. More work on the end-of-year letters. And I went to Kroger and got some milk, bread and cold cuts.

I was supposed to meet the family for lunch at noon, but Job TREC was at the other location, Kerri was sick, and Jaron had an appointment at noon. So I waited until he got back before I went to lunch. They ordered for me and it was fine. Then we jumped in our car to take Amelia to the airport in Atlanta. First we dropped Molli off to see her friend Adam before he heads off to Brazil. His mother is worried sick and I am a little concerned too. He has saved $4000, he has taken 2 semesters of Portuguese, and he has a lead on teaching English. Also, he has the address of a hostel. So, what was he doing the day before he leaves? He was celebrating his dog's birthday in the park. People sure are interesting. Among other things, he plans to take his cello!

The traffic was a little slow in Atlanta and I get to be a nervous wreck when anyone is trying to catch a plane. We got there a little over an hour before her flight. Unfortunately, she had trouble checking in. The kiosk wouldn't do it and the attendant couldn't help. Apparently, they canceled her whole ticket when she didn't use the first part. Which is why she had called the day after she arrived to let them know that she did not rebook the flight to Atlanta, but still wanted the return trip. The helpful woman was on the phone for about 20 minutes, before getting her back on the plane. She won't know until she gets her credit card statement whether they really did reimburse for the whole ticket or not, before charging her again for this leg. They advised her, if it ever happens again, not to request a refund until she has made the return trip. Very helpful, except she did not request it--they offered. And if she hadn't called, I am pretty sure they would have canceled her flight home. Sigh. Anyway, she is safe home. Except that she came down with a cold the day she left--poor baby. I'm sorry, Amelia.

We picked Molli up again and made it home with some slight delays for traffic. After supper, we were all pretty tired, but Molli wanted to do something special. We ended up watching TV. I made it almost until 10. Sorry, Molli.

Yesterday morning I worked on my bookkeeping and getting a good list of donors to send letters to, and drafted a letter for board members to approve. Kerri was supposed to be there, but she called. She had strep throat and the doctor told her not to come in. She was pretty mad about it, but I agreed with the doctor. I hope she is feeling better today. Jaron was back from vacation, so I didn't feel too guilty about leaving at one. Molli and Amelia were at the fabric/yarn store, so Ray and my parents and I played cards. Then Amelia wanted to go for a walk. I went for a while, but I came back and Molli and Amelia went on longer. It was cold, but sunny and beautiful.

I got dinner started. Being able to cook for my children while they sit there chating with me is pretty nice. Molli made drinks and got out the snack, her specialty from childhood, arranging everything nicely. We also spent some time researching and discussing today, because Amelia is flying out of Atlanta this afternoon and Molli wants to see her friend Adam, who is leaving for Brazil, probably for a year.

After supper, we were sleepy, but we played cancellation hearts until almost ten. Then Molli continued working on getting rid of things from the closets. I said I would participate while lying in my bed with the door open, but that didn't work too well. It will be nice to have things a little emptier, though. We already have bags of things to take.

Busy days.

I went reluctantly to work, met with the Treasurer and worked on financial stuff mostly. About 12:30, I left and met my family for lunch. It was delicious and fun. Ray still sounds pretty bad, but apparently he feels pretty good--good enough to make bad jokes! Then Vanessa, Molli, Amelia and I went to Talbots and Coldwater Creek. Molli had spent all her money and didn't buy anything. And Amalia doesn't genterally buy anything new. But the prices were good and Vanessa and I bought clothes--me a pair of corduroys, a pair of jeans and 5 or 6 shirts. Vanessa bought a teal velour jacket and pants that matched--at two different stores. She was pretty tired.

We went home and rested some. Molli and I went through some of my old clothes to get rid of. Then we all went to Janna's--in two cars. We had a lovely dinner with them--Bertha, Janna, Ron, Mark, Dani and Donna--including 3 desserts! We had been talking about going out to a bar for a trivia contest. In the end, 5 of us went. The Captain took Vanessa home and met us there. It was kind of funny, but fun. We were at the Alibi Saloon. Ray and the Captain and I came in second. Molli and Amelia were foiled, among other things, by football questions. But I think we were glad we went. We'll probably go again sometime.

Back to work today--big sigh. Still congested, can't tell if I'm getting better or not. Ray is coughing a lot. I'm glad he does not teach until next week.

Kevin and his family are driving to NY, taking some of Amelia's things, including her new ice cream maker. Kevin and Amelia and Kevin's sister, Kasey, are running in a 5K New Year's Eve. It doesn't sound like that much fun to me!

It's above freezing out--just--and I lit the fire a few minutes ago to warm up the house. The heat was set at 66 and it was 66 in the house.

Yesterday morning I made Amelia's favorite thing in the whole world, a German apple pancake. You make a puffy pancake in the oven, in a cast iron skillet. You sauteed thinly sliced apples with butter and sugar. When the pancake is done, you put it on a platter, with apples on one half and fold it over. Then we cut it in pieces. We have to do two for six of us--I ate a lot and it was good. Vanessa and Amelia peeled the apples.

Then we headed to the Fellowship. Ray decided he was well enough to do sound, as scheduled. I had volunteered to be the Religious Education instructor, not knowing how many children there would be of what ages. There were five--from about four to 12... Amelia and Molli helped me and I think we enjoyed it. We talked about the Christmas story--the story of Jesus' birth. Sometimes children have funny ideas about it. In this case, the funniest thing (not that funny) was the child who asked which one of the Three Kings was the mean one (Herod). We said he was different, not one of those three kings. We tried to get some suggestions for favorite carols, but it was not a singing group. We talked about what a manger was. I was about out of things to say after 10 minutes... Fortunately, Amelia had prepared an art activity. She drew sheep on big pieces of paper and we brought cotton balls for them to glue on. Then we brought out the snacks. Then they went and played on the playground. It was cold but sunny. No disasters. Perhaps they learned something about Christmas.

We came home and ate leftovers. We were pretty tired. Ray went to bed for most of the afternoon. Molli rushed off to visit with a friend for a little while--and pick up some lemons at the grocery store. Amelia got busy with baking--brownies and lemon squares. I tidied and looked up recipes. Captain worked outside and took the recycling in the truck. Vanessa took a shower and put on her new skirt (that I gave her for Christmas). I had planned to put on my new black velvet dress, but never got there. Molli came home and chopped veggies and Amelia made dip. I love having them cook for me! People started to arrive pretty promptly. Janna and Bertha and Dani and her partner Donna got here early to look at the garden. Vanessa made cocktails for people who wanted them. We had a few guests from the Fellowship, a few from Kenney Ridge, and some old friends. It was a great party.

After, the six of us sat around talking and nibbling on things. I thawed some lentil soup, Vanessa had cereal and milk. Amelia went to Kevin's and had a burrito with them. Ray went to bed. I still had some bread I had started making in the morning and never finished. I had to let that rise and then bake it. Molli was supposed to take it out of the oven when she got home from driving Amelia to Kevin's. I kept trying to stay awake. I began to worry as only mothers do. She said she would be back by 10 and it was almost 11 when she got home. (they were playing a game) I was dozing and worrying, but she was fine.

It's below freezing again--the solar water heater has been turned off for weeks and the temperatures every night have been cold. There was some nice sun yesterday morning, but it doesn't seem like we're living in Georgia. Bringing wood in and keeping the fire going is less fun than it used to be (although it heats the living room very pleasantly). Ray has a terrible cough and was in bed most of yesterday. Mine is still getting better, I think.

Molli and Amelia and I spent most of yesterday shopping. This is not really my idea of the best way to sepdn the day after Christmas. Molli wanted to get a lot of clothes for Adrian--he had made a list for her, so the three of us were looking for button down shirts in certain colors in his size that were on sale and Molli was the arbiter of which ones he would like. Then the same with pans--specifically Dockers. His boots were ordered and it is hoped they will arrive before Friday, when she leaves. She's going to need an extra suitcase to get it all home. That was at Macy's. We also ran into a high school friend of Amelia's--Jennifer--who is getting married in August (and her fiance and her mother), so were standing talking for a while as the shoppers swirled around us.

By now we were hungry and thirsty. We drove to the Sultan, where I took my Arabic classes, Zuhair was saying goodbye to some people, but did come wait on us after awhile. He was not quite rude, but not much more friendly than before I spent 2 days a week learning Arabic from him. There were no other customers and I am sure that his demeanor is one of the reasons. The food is very good and we enjoyed it.

Then we went to Goodwill. Although I know it is a great place to get cheap, yet good, clothing and other items (I bought an immersion blender there once), I really hate it. The clothes are not sorted by size, but by color. My daughter Amelia is a whiz at thrift store shopping. She spends a lot of her free time in NY's Salvation Army and other stores and always likes to visit the places in Athens when she's here. She says the prices are much better, but she says that at the grocery store too. She picked out several items for Molli and me to try on. Molli tackled the jeans and then she and I went through the pants. We wear close to the same size, so anything that either of us could and would wear went in our cart. Then we had a marathon of trying them on, with Amelia to let us know which ones were acceptable in her opinion. I got 3 pair of pants ($5 each) and one LLBean long sleeved shirt, although I will say none of the pants have pickets, a big no-no in my book. Also a pair of plastic shoes for gardening and a tie for Ray. Molli bought 3 pairs of jeans, 3 pairs of black pants and one pair of brown pants and several shirts. Amelia found some children's books, a cute dress and a funky purse. She knows what she likes.

Now it was 4:30 and we had used up the whole day. We suggested going to the movies, but Ray was still sick in bed and my parents weren't that excited about Where the Wild Things Are. After a very informal supper of leftovers--all eating at different times--and much talk about our party tonight, Amelia and Molli and Kevin headed out for the evening. Ray and I settled in to watch TV. I saw small amounts of several movies and mostly slept on the couch. I kept meaning to go up to bed...

The day after...sigh...I apologize in advance for being whiny and ungrateful. This is probably traditional with me...I have such high expectations that I am often let down at Christmas and birthdays.

Yesterday morning it was after 7 before people started getting up--maybe the latest Christmas morning ever. It was so rainy and dark that it was good for sleeping. Eventually we were all up but Ray. We had to send Molli up to get him, after Amelia tried unsuccessfully calling the house phone in hopes that would do it! Our stockings were very full and lots of fun--including many varieties of chocolate and other sweets--candied pecans were yummy and some hard candy from Spain, Solo Miel--Only Honey--that was delicious and great for a cough. I also got bobby pins and ponytail holders (from hubby) and a giant clip and bun former (from my Mom). The clip works very well, but is not really the look I was going for. Maybe I need a book on how to put your hair up. That seems kind of sad though. Shouldn't my Mom or my sisters or my girlfriends teach me how? Perhaps I lost out by having it short for so long.

We had the traditional breakfast of scrambled eggs and coffee cake, as well as juice, on our Christmas plates and Christmas tablecloth. My father seemed to delight in prolonging the discussion, while we were anxious to get to the presents. The pile seemed smaller this year. Perhaps there were as many presents, just not big ones. And of course, we keep saying we don't want so many presents--maybe we finally listened to each other. My Dad said he was embarrassed by so many presents, but we know that he doesn't like to feel neglected either. Every year, pretty much, my Mom is the last one to have things left to open. I don't think she got more than anyone else, she is just good at making it last. The black velvet skirt I got her appears to fit, so that is good. I am not sure she loves it--she doesn't like the way her stomach looks. I told her we would fix that with the right top. My family--Ray, Amelia, Molli--got together to buy me an iPhone! So I had not much else to open. The iPhone is actually coming in two weeks. It's not very romantic, but my contract is eligible for an upgrade then, so it will save about $200. They hated not to give it to me now, but it makes sense.

I got one of the books I had asked for--Healthy Breads in five Minutes a Day--but when I read the beginning later in the day, I was disappointed. I should have done more research. The method avoids kneading, which I really don't mind. That's part of making bread. And it requires an ingredient called Active Gluten (or something like that). I might be able to find it somewhere, but that is not how I want to make bread. sigh. And I got no new clothes to try on or show off--not even socks or a hat. I got one new book--from my Mom--a Friday Night Knitting Club book, and I read several chapters of that in the afternoon. But no new games!

Of course, somewhere along the line, the joy of Christmas shifted from getting everything I wanted to watching people appreciate what I got them. Ray set up his firewood rack--on the front porch! Not what I had in mind, but if that is what he wants to do...since Molli's big present was half of her plane ticket here, there was not much for her to open from me. But she did get lots of presents. We all agreed that she is easy to shop for and therefore we buy her too many presents. Meanwhile, Amelia is difficult, so she didn't get as much. She did get some great crafting supplies from my sisters, which she seemed to like. I got some whisks I had hinted about--from my Dad! Being the live-in daughter, I had some ideas about presents for my parents that I passed along. So I got some pleasure out of their enjoying them--without even buying anything!

Then, the house was a mess and there was cooking to do. My Mom rolled out the crust and I put a pecan pie in the oven. Sadly, I somehow failed to notice that we had no canned pumpkin in the pantry--it seems like we always have it! So, one pie.
The girls went off to the O'Rileys to give and receive presents. Kevin's mother is much more generous than I. I bought Kevin a book. She bought Amelia about a dozen things. However, we have talked about this for years and are used to it. Amelia would actually rather Gloria not buy her so much stuff, but it apparently makes Gloria happy. Even Molli gets presents from their family every year. While they were gone, the four of us played our traditional game of Oh Hell and enjoyed it very much. We knew we should be working on dinner, but oh well...Eventually the roast got in the oven, I peeled and cooked the squash, the girls came home and worked on potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, and Yorkshire pudding. We ate some humus and shrimp from the day before. I think we will be throwing out a couple raw oysters--I don't think they keep long. We always have an interesting time preparing Amelia's dinner (she is a vegetarian) separately from ours. Our potatoes roast in the beef juice--hers cook separately. Our Yorkshire puddings (popovers) cook in beef drippings, hers in butter. It was delicious, especially the beef (from Kroger), along with a really good red wine from France. sigh of pleasure. Then we were too full to clean up. Eventually we got to some of it, but there is still some picking up to do today.

Amelia Molli and Vanessa worked on the jigsaw puzzle. Captain and I read some. I think Ray was on the computer some of the time. When I started to feel I could possibly eat again, I whipped the cream and served up pie. Captain had a roast beef sandwich instead. Yum!

We all took turns talking to Adrian on the phone--I got to throw in some Spanish, but most of us helped him by listening to his slow deliberate English. He is alone in their apartment in Mexico, although he had the family over Christmas Eve. We look forward to when he will finally join us for holidays and family gatherings, but I don't know when that will be. Maybe in two years?

The girls reluctantly joined us in watching a movie. I know I used to feel the same way--we should be doing something more sociable. But I like to have them with me at the end of the day and I am too tired for anything very strenuous. Also I knit a good bit on Ray's vest, a Christmas present he doesn't even know he has yet. Sigh of contentment. I am still not getting enough sleep, probably because I don't want to miss any time with them. Although heaven knows, they will not be up for hours, I am still too excited to sleep in.

Merry Christmas to all!

It is pouring, has been raining all night, sometimes gusty, sometimes steady, but hardest of all since 6 am. Poor Santa and the reindeer--I hope they made it home to a dry bed! I am thinking of friends and relatives all over the country--Massachusetts, Seattle, Santa Fe--and all over the world--Japan, France, India--and hoping they are happy and healthy and safely arrived.

Yesterday, most of us didn't get up until about 8. Molli and Amelia went running--Ray and I and my mother walked. It was a pretty sunny day and stayed very warm in our house. I started making rolls. Then Molli and I went shopping. We went to EarthFare and bought some scallops and trout--and even a dozen oysters. We popped across the street to HomePlace and I bought something for my Mom--I had really nothing for her. I hope it fits and she likes it, because it was on sale and can't be returned. We went on to Kroger and got some other groceries, as well as picking up the roast beef for today's dinner. We were home by 12:30 and ate a little lunch before the cooking began. Ray's assignment for the day was to get the old refrigerator in the garage cleaned out and plugged in, since it was going to be impossible to get everything in. We had some cold beverages we wanted to chill as well.

Molli made meringues--3 flavors: chocolate, orange and plain. Vanessa cooked the shrimp and made the cocktail sauce. I made zabaglione (uses egg yolks), a request of the Captain's. Vanessa and the Captain were peeling the shrimp, Amelia was ready to start the risotto, about on schedule, but she had to wait for the Captain to harvest the leeks and fresh thyme for it. I stepped in on the shrimp, while he went out and did that. Ray washed the lettuce and other garden items for a salad. Meanwhile, several people were bathing and Amelia and Ray and I were clearing the wrapping and tree trimming items and getting set up for company. The risotto ran longer than its allotted time and Molli still had to make the scallops and trout. The first car arrived at 4:12--Bertha, Dani, Francesca and Mark. The Captain started shucking the oysters, occasioning some blood and lots of mess (he did it outside). Ray was finsihing the salad outside too--it was cooler and there was more room. Vanessa made old fashioneds for those who wanted. Molli and Amelia continued to cook. The rolls went in last. The Captain got the secret of shucking the oysters, which involved me holding them firmly, while he pounded on the pirate knife, whose point was on the right spot, with a hammer. It seemed dangerous, but no more blood ensued. Some brave souls ate a raw oyster or two, but he seemed to like them best (with lemon and Tabasco). We also served humus with pita and carrots and peppers, as well as the shrimp cocktail. The tree was properly appreciated, complete with inflatable stegosaurus. About 5, Janna and Ron arrived, having promised they would be there at 4 on time. Not a problem. At 5:30, we had two tables set for 6, with Christmas dishes and glasses. We ate risotto, scallops with mushrooms, rolls, trout with lemon, and drank white and red wine and something bubbly. It was all very good and much enjoyed. Then we had zabaglione and meringues, as well as Amelia's special chocolate chip cookies, which she had baked in the morning, while Molli and I were out. Lots of wrapping was going on all day too. At 6:30 they had to leave to get to church by 7--I hope they made it. We were exhausted. It felt like the middle of the night. We had a lot of cleaning up to do--Ray ran the first load of dishes.
Molli and Amelia and I went upstairs to do the bulk of the wrapping. About 9:30, we read the Bible, Nellie's Christmas Eve and hung the stockings. We each picked our favorite carol and sang them all. A little more wrapping, and filling of stockings, and I was in bed by 11, although it took me a while to fall asleep and I kept waking up through the night. At one point, I got up to take the pie crust out of the freezer, because we have another big meal today, although it should be much easier. Amelia was still awake, knitting a hat for my mother. She had made one, a beautiful tam with a complex pattern, but we agreed it was too small, so she was knitting another. I assured her that she was allowed to put unfinished knitting projects under the tree, but she was determined. Now it's almost 7 and no one is awake on Christmas morning, maybe the latest ever. Merry Christmas to all! As Molli has been saying over and over, "Aren't we just the luckiest family alive?" I don't know about that, but we are certainly better off than many.

It's Christmas Eve! Molli arrived on time, with no problems yesterday evening! I love having all the beds full.

I am still stuffy and coughing and tired and sick of it. However, it could be worse. I just have a lot to do today and would like to be in top form.

Yesterday I was the only one in the office until Betsy came back from Outreach at 2 so I could leave. I got crabby from all the people calling and coming by with candy and toys and wanting to volunteer. Call me again in a few months! Don't make me feel guilty because you collected toys without finding someone to give them to! Then I was trying to send out my end-of-year donation letters (anyone who gives more than $250 has to get an official receipt for their taxes). Apparently many of the donations were entered in QuickBooks in such a way that my report is not accurate. So frustrating. I tried calling QuickBooks and they were very nice, but they would charge me $80 to help me. One of our board members is a CPA and she told me how to export to Excel, sort it, etc. What a pain--there must be a better way--or maybe I am not as picky as she is. Anyway, I finally left. I hope there are no issues for the next few days, as Kerri is out of town and I will get the phone calls. Also I hope all the residents enjoy their many gifts and don't squabble over them--and the volunteers providing dinner enjoy the experience and find the families appreciative. Sigh.

I drove home (after a 10-minute wait at the bank) and picked up Ray and Amelia and drove to Atlanta. We debated whether to make a planned stop at the Container Store, since we were a little later than expected and the traffic might be a problem. Molli's flight seemed to be a little late (according to Amelia's iPhone), so we went for it. We picked up a few stocking stuffers. I could spend a lot in that store! Amelia said she used to spend as much as she made when she worked there! Anyway, then it turned out Molli's flight arrived on time, at a terminal very near the entrance, and she had (of course) no US cell phone. The traffic was slow, but not impossible, and she had to wait more than 40 minutes for us! She was not a happy camper. We got to the restaurant almost an hour early and had a fabulous and fun dinner and were home by 9:30. Molli & Amelia ran over to the O'Rileys and Ray and I watched some TV, trying to stay awake until they came back. I assume they are back now, but I didn't make it.

I can breathe! OK, I am not all better, still stuffy headed, occasional coughing bouts, but I can imagine a time when I will be better. One of the best things about being sick is how much you appreciate being well. I will be able to think again and get exercise and worry about other things.

Yesterday morning Ray got up and drove me to work, so the family could have both cars. We continue to receive a lot of donations from the community. I had to beg someone on the phone not to buy anything more for us--we have 5 high chairs and 3 strollers and all the paper products and children's medicine we could use for a while. Talking about how generous people had been at the staff meeting started people talking about how they hadn't had a raise in years. Of course, I reminded them that some people were being laid off or getting decreases in pay. The Director's office is full of presents--bikes and piles of packages. I really hate it--call me a scrooge, but I think we are sending the wrong message to people in poverty by giving them too much on Christmas. Meanwhile, we are looking for the cheapest price at walmart and lowering taxes. I am glad we are going to pass health care reform; I hope it doesn't make things worse.

Ray and Vanessa came to pick me up after taking Amelia to the Grit to have lunch with her friend Becky. After we went home and had lunch, Vanessa and I picked her up at Becky's Mom's house and went to Target. It was a little Christmas-y, by that I mean insane, with lines at the checkout and in the parking lot. Amelia and I stopped in at Michael's and we saw Harriet there. She looked good.

When we got home, Ray had set up the tree in a bucket of water and stones. It looked great, if you like "natural" trees--very tall and straight, but a little sparse. Amelia put the lights on and the star from Ikea on top. Ray and I put some balls on. Amelia made potato soup--it was delicious and we finished off the apple pie. I was in bed and asleep by 9:30--in spite of the Revenge of the Pink Panther.

Not too much going on at work. Lots of people giving us money and stuff, which is nice, but a little odd. If we're in a terrible economic situation, how can people afford to write checks for $1000? I left about 12:30, went to the bank and met Amelia and Ray at the car rental place, so she could return her car. Then we went out to lunch with the Captain & Vanessa. If was after 1, but we had to wait a little while for a table. We had a great lunch, although the sound level in there is high when it's crowded. Saw Heidi H. and introduced her to Amelia. I had the chicken pasta special, a drink and cake. Then, of course, we had to visit a few stores with Amelia -- Frontier and Helix. By the time we got home, I was feeling pretty tired and I had a reaction to something I ate. The funny thing is Captain had the same thing I did, except not the drink or the cake and he had no ill effects. So who knows? Anyway, Kevin came over and we went tree hunting. It was cold, and the sun was going down, but eventually we came back with a fairly tall, straight, but not very thick tree. It is on the porch, waiting for us to clear a space for it and get it set up. I felt pretty tired and crummy and we sat around awhile, trying to decide what to make for supper, if anything. Amelia sauteed eggplant and served it with white rice, which tasted pretty good to me. Captain, Vanessa, and Amelia wanted to watch the acapella singing competition--there was a Tufts group called the Beezelbubs--but Ray and I were watching our Monday night comedies. I naturally fell asleep and slept pretty well. I felt bad, though, not being more lively while Amelia was here. Fortunately, she is having a nice long visit. We are talking about going out to a bar to play trivia after Christmas.

Amelia's here!

My cold is progressing. Still congested, some coughing, but I think it's getting better. I didn't go to the Fellowship in the morning; Ray had to go, he was a greeter. The children sang; I would have enjoyed it. I made cranberry-oat bread. I did laundry. We had pancakes. Leftovers for lunch. Played cards. At 3:30, packed up the baked goods from the freezer and went to the Fellowship. Although I did okay during warm-ups, I couldn't really sing much of the time--and I coughed a lot. Not my favorite way to perform a meditative service. Captain stayed home. Ray and Vanessa picked up some groceries after they dropped me off and came back for the service.

Meanwhile Amelia called a couple of times to tell us about their progress. She and Kevin rented a car and drove from NY, starting in early afternoon. We went to bed before ten and most of us woke up about 3:30 when she arrived, having left kevin and his house. Roads were clear and no problems, although they did see cars off the road from the day before, covered with snow. and there was still snow into North Carolina. Now she is here and all is well.

Amelia's flight cancelled due to snow!

Of course, we are very lucky that everyone in our family is safe and warm. But we were supposed to go to Atlanta last night to pick up Amelia about 9 pm. She said the 3 o'clock flight left LaGuardia, but all the later ones were cancelled. she was supposed to be on a 6 pm flight. She is very sad and was trying to figure out some other way to get here, along with the thousands of other travelers in NY. But sometimes there is no other way! Sigh. The last train had left at 2. She and Kevin were thinking about renting a car and driving, but I don't suppose the roads will be clear until tomorrow, at which time she could fly a lot faster.

Meanwhile, my cold did not really slow me down much. We ventured to the post office to mail a last package and pick up a few groceries--mostly eggs and flour and the things Amelia wanted to make her favorite cookies. I did some wrapping and cleaning and cooking. I made soup from the CIA cookbook, using the leftover chorizo, frozen peppers and other vegetables. It was quite good. I also made French bread and Vanessa made an apple pie (for Amelia). I vacuumed and finished making the beds, making room for Amelia in the sewing room. I placed one order on line. I need to buy something for my mother, but inspiration has not struck yet. I was counting on Amelia to help me. She could shop while I was at work. Except she's in NY! We would have woken up this morning and made her favorite apple pancake. Sigh.

I could not sleep last night, partly because of the book I was reading, partly because of my breathing. But mostly neither of those things has kept me awake other nights. Possibly lack of exercise. Anyway, after midnight I went down to eat ice cream and watch tV, which put me to sleep within about 20 minutes. Of course, then I had to come back upstairs and it took me a while longer to go to sleep again, but I seem to have made it, sleeping until almost 7. It looks like it will be sunny here this morning, as it was yesterday. It's hard to imagine they have 20 inches of snow north of here. But it sure rained a lot Friday, so that makes sense.

I slept well last night, only waking up twice during the night. When I last woke up, it was almost 6. I had been dreaming of working in some department at the University. I was putting on olive green knee socks during a meeting...and there were cream-filled donuts. Hmm...those days are gone forever. Cream-filled donuts don't even really sound that good to me now. What woke me up was a huge wracking cough. However, I have taken another pill and a cough drop and am fine now. There is a hint of light on the horizon and maybe it's going to be sunny today. It has been cold and rainy so long here, it is not much fun. TG for our wonderful wood stove and the hard work of my husband and father. We have been keeping it comfortable and pleasant inside, with no electric heat!

I only worked for a few hours yesterday. One thing that kept me longer than I expected was a delivery from Thornton Brothers. They donated cases of stuff--I guess they are cleaning out their old inventory. It would be nice if they called me and talked about it with me first. Half the stuff we can't use--commercial tubs of waterless hand-cleaning products to go in a dispenser (heavy as anything). Paper towels are always nice, even if they are the folded kind meant to go in a dispenser. The man unloaded it all and stacked it by the Christmas tree and then took a picture. Needless to say, I was not looking my finest.

We were home before lunch and then Captain and Vanessa were off to play bridge. Ray and I had five or more hours alone at home. I knit a little, baked apple bread, made Molli's bed...Ray tidied some. It rained, but we had a pleasant afternoon...and they came in third, so they did too. During drink and snack, they discussed hands with Ray. I went upstairs and read for a while. Watched a Netflix movie and went to bed before 10.

OK, I only thought I had a cold before. Now I am seriously stuffy, blowing my nose and sounding funny whed I talk...but I know it's a cold not flu, because I'm starving! It was a rough night, waking up a lot and taking more medicine, eating cough drops (don't you love waking up with the taste of cough drop in your mouth?--not). I am very sensitive to medications, so I take one cold capsule instead of 2. It seems to work for me and I don't feel so groggy (except for the stuffed head). I took another one when I woke up about 6. One time during the night, I woke up from a dream featuring nuclear bombs exploding and a black helicopter crashing on and wrecking the road just ahead of me while I was driving fast away from danger. Possibly related to a preview for Avatar that I saw on TV. I am waiting for someone to see it and tell me if I will like it or not. If I had any doubt that watching things on TV (or in the movies) has an effect on you, I don't any more, but maybe that's just me.

I was okay at work, alone until Kerri got in. Interns gone, Americorps person gone, residents mainly quiet, after 9 anyway. Phone calls, donations. The Montessori school donated 2 high chairs, plus lots of other great stuff...Ray and I went to the grocery store. Traffic was slow, the store was packed (it was lunch time). We left the office by 2 and went home. Don't know what I did--made supper, of course, but it had been frozen and didn't need much work. Ray made the broccoli. I have not gotten the cooking and cleaning done that I wanted to this week. Amelia is not coming in until late tomorrow; maybe I will feel better tomorrow morning and can get some things done.

At 6:30 we went back to the shelter, off the clock, for Ray to play Santa Claus, letting the children sit on his lap and asking them if they had been good and what the wanted for Christmas. Of course, when they asked for laptops and iPods, he was a little non-plussed, since he knows they are not getting them... One child pulled on his beard and announced that he was real, the sleigh full of presents was on the roof...In general they were cooperative and happy, not crying or hitting him or being rude. Many photos were taken--hopefully I will be able to post one for you.

I tried to watch a little TV, so I wouldn't wake up too early this morning, but didn't make it past 9.

I thought about staying home sick yesterday, but there is no one to cover the early shirt. Ray got me there before 8 and went to get the oil changed in the car (they found a nail in the tire too--that should improve our gas mileage!). Jaron came in sometime after 9, but Kerri didn't get there until after 11, so I was glad I had come in. I just did more of the usual, paying bills and keeping track of things, writing thank yous. It was about 2 when Ray came to get me. I had told Peggy G. I would help her with her computer. Her printer is making a grinding sound and I didn't have any suggestions for her except take it back where we got it. She wanted to take a couple pictures and a poem that she found in several places on the internet--graves at Arlington with wreaths--and turn it into a card. She doesn't have any software for that, and with the printer shot, I loaded them on my flash drive and spent an hour at a local camera store turning them into a card that should be ready Friday. I hope she likes it. She paid me $75 to do it (the card only cost $2.50).

We were home before 5 and Ray whipped up some mac & cheese for potluck. Last choir rehearsal before the solstice concert Sunday evening. Nice peaceful music. Went right to bed when we got home. Of course, then i woke up at 3 or so, fretting about things. But it's going to be okay.

Feeling pretty sick now--congestion and coughing. Taking medicine. I was trying to leave work about one, but it was two before I got away, picked up Ray. did not play Racquetball.

I am mostly caught up at work now. Staff meeting--nothing much to report, talked about paid holidays. I was about 10 minutes late this morning--Ray was running late and we took Vanessa to her yoga class. I hate to make her late. Sometimes I'm early. Mostly there is not much going on, but there were two people waiting for paychecks, even though they usually get direct deposit, and a phone call from a board member. One of the residents was fussing at me again. I am afraid she is going to have a full nervous breakdown. She drinks way too much coffee and is really on edge these days. In particular, she and another resident are not getting along. Kerri was going to meet with both of them last night--we'll see how that went. We are not running a therapeutic program and not doing counseling. I wish she would put as much energy into working. When she is working, she really saves money. But she has trouble keeping a job because "people don't treat her right." The last one she had she quit because she thought they were going to fire her. Sigh. I wrote some thank you notes and responded to questions about one of my reimbursement requests.

Last Arabic class last night--three of us. I couldn't help thinking about how I would have taught the class differently. We were finally doing what we might have done at the first class, learning basic phrases like please and thank you. I will not remember any of it unless I review it often. I am not likely to run into anyone who speaks Arabic here, not that I could have a conversation with them if I did.

Ray made supper early, so I could get to class. I watched a small amount of TV and went to bed, with medicine. I slept pretty well, although I have been waking up every couple hours for a few nights now. No energy for cooking or anything.

Very congested yesterday. I took a pill at bedtime, and slept pretty well, but now I am very stuffy. Starting to cough some too.

This Monday morning was not too bad, although Marty started to complain to me again and I told her I had to do my work. Jaron came in pretty early and got the door and the phone for me (when Shawn and Brandy didn't). He also brought lots of checks from the Holiday Renaissance Dinner that Kate and Dan and Jenny A. put on at Earthsong as a fundraiser. It sounds like lots of fun and raised over $1000 for us; I expect about the same amount for the Land Trust as well. I do have to write thank you notes since Amanda is off until January, although Maybe I can get Jaron to help. Some of the Moms are saving some money, even though they are working at fast food restaurants. Kerri and I talked about the families and whether there is more they need to be doing. It sounds like they all have plans, whether they are realistic or not. The pregnant mother of three is going back to school. I said could we mention something to her about birth control.

I went to the bank and the post office. I told the man I wanted forever stamps in a roll. He said they don't come in a roll and started to give me the other kind in a roll. I said no, I don't trust you. He said they told him the price would not go up during all of 2010. I still bought the forever stamps.

I picked up Ray and we went to Ramsey to play racquetball. It is fun to go when it is deserted. The students are studying or have gone home. No problem getting a court, quiet in the locker room. I had a burst of energy and was ahead of Ray for a bit. But he eventually caught up and beat me twice. I like playing early enough so we can still get home before 5, which we did. Vanessa and Captain had been to water exercise and the grocery store before lunch and then a doctor's visit after lunch. She is fine, but of course has to have mammogram, bone density and colonoscopy. Also, our Korean doctors that we like so well are opening their own practice in Watkinsville. I think C & V will follow them, but I will keep going to our practice. I don't want to drive to Watkinsville, Besides, I am still mad about the $50 they say I owe for my missed appointment. I guess even if a health care bill is passed, it won't have much effect on us and our insurance. The Captain had a bad reaction to our dinner out Sunday (he had veal saltimbocca) and wasn't eating much today. Vanessa also got some chicken at the store and I marinated it and froze it for the future.

Still have the congestion and sore throat every morning. This morning I took an allergy pill at 4 ish and went back to sleep for a couple hours. It's better, but not gone. It is too warm in here. During the day yesterday, it gradually warmed up to the mid-40s and I don't think it went down much overnight. Meanwhile, Ray built up the fire so it wouldn't be cold in here this morning.

Because of the cold rain all day, and my possible cold, and the fact that neither of us had any obligations, Ray and I did not go to the Fellowship yesterday. We played two games of Oh Hell...and the Captain won both. Ray was pretty grumpy about it, but he did well; he only threw the cards a couple times. Once he was mad at me. I did not play especially brilliantly, but it was fun to be so decadent. Of course, we had pancakes for breakfast. Ray and I did go out in the rain to get the paper. Captain and vanessa took the recycling in the afternoon, when it wasn't actually raining. I made cabbage-barley soup for lunch with a lovely little cabbage from the garden. Ray and I did a little more work tidying up the shade in their bedroom. I made oatmeal-raisin cookies. I could not come up with any ideas for supper, except more soup. There is not much in the way of meat left in the freezer. So we went out to dinner! It was good, although our waitress was a little casual and bored. We only tipped her 15%. Vanessa and I split lobster tails, even though we should have known they would not be as good as the fresh lobster we have eaten in the old days. Wonderful desserts. and great wine-Cotes du Rhone. Mommesin. I did not see much TV, since it was after 9 when we got home. We watched it, but I was mostly asleep.

About the most miserable day ever yesterday--the temperature never got above 40 and it rained off and on and was never sunny. The Captain is even more committed than Ray and I are to not running the electric heat, so he built up the woodstove in the morning and Vanessa and I baked all day. By supper, it was 72 in the house and very pleasant. Of course, it was pretty cold in their room and the TV room. We keep the doors to the upstairs rooms closed sometimes to maximize the heat.

In the morning, I felt pretty lacking in energy and sick. I ate breakfast and lazed around, reading old issues of Gourmet (now that they went out of business) and listening to Christmas music. I started some bread--it is called War Bread and I made it before. It has 1 c. cornmeal, 1 c oats and 1 c whole wheat, plus about 5 c. white flour. I try not to eat much plain white bread--it's not as good for you and tastes kind of bland. But my parents don't like anything too heavy or hard to chew, so this is tasty and easy to eat and we all like it. I needed almost all the white flour and all the wheat flour that we had. I measured out 2 c. white flour because Vanessa was going to make cowboy cookies and used the rest. It came out very well. Vanessa also made a loaf of banana bread and froze it. She made lots of cookies last week, sent some to my sisters in their Christmas boxes. We are trying to get ahead on baking, so we will have some to sell next week at the choir bake sale and some stored up for when Molli and Amelia are home. In theory, we would do lots of baking all winter and freeze things so we don't use the oven in the summer. In reality, it is hard to make enough cookies that we don't eat them all.

I have to add, it is a real joy to see my Mom, baking and cooking all day (well not too much) without her back bothering her or being too worn out. She does sit or lie down on the couch or in the recliner and doze off, but she seems to be quite healthy. My Dad has digestion issues and mood issues, but in general he is also healthy and happy. We have adjusted to living together quite well, although there are changes I would make if I could. It's hard to know for sure, but some days I would like to have a private kitchen and dining area, where Ray and I could sit and talk without being observed. And I am sure they would too. On the other hand, that would somewhat defeat the purpose, if we had two kitchens. The house is very open.

Yesterday, I was cross at Ray for his typical overly fussy criticism. He seemed to overreact because I got some food on the (plastic) tablecloth. I just got up and left, so as not to have a "public" fight. He did not follow me up to our bedroom, where we could have talked somewhat privately--if we kept our voices down. I can't very well say to my parents, "could you leave now, so I can fight with my husband?" sigh. Perhaps it is just as well to learn not to argue about things. It doesn't usually resolve the issue. Sometimes Ray ends up by apologizing and I say, "I don't want you to apologize. I want to know what I can do to keep from setting you off all the time." Of course, the answer is be more careful, be neater, be tidier, be like me. And I can't. I also suspect that I could be a lot closer to his ideal of perfection and he would still be angry about something. When I try to explain this, he ends up saying, "I'm a bad person." I don't want to make him feel bad about himself, but I do wish he would just lighten up--and it's hard for me to accept that there isn't anything I can do about it.

In the end, it was quite a productive day. I made spinach-mushroom lasagna and froze it for a future occasion. We had a lot of mushrooms left from trying to make stuffed mushrooms last weekend and picking out the biggest ones from several pounds.

And I finished the insulated shade (or window quilt, but that is trademarked) for my parents' room. It was a bear. I do the sewing part and then Ray strings the strings and puts it up. My sewing skills are far from perfect and it drives him crazy. In this case, I had somehow not cut it long enough and it was really hard for him to deal with. I think I must have confused the length and width---I don't know how it happened. Anyway, he suggested I cut a strip of fabric and sew it on and I was able to do that and it looks surprisingly good, at least when it is closed. It bunches up oddly when it is open, as most of the bigger bulky ones do. It is a major production to make one, and expensive, and I keep thinking I will get better at it. But my parents are very pleased. It makes their room much cozier--looking and feeling.

After supper, we went to see Mousetrap at Town & Gown. Ray and I volunteered--he helped in the box office and I was an usher. The other usher did not show up and lots of people wanted to buy season tickets, so I was quite busy. My parents came later in their own car and watched the play. Everyone seemed to enjoy it and Dad was quite complimentary, which he is not always with our community theater. Personally, I dozed some in the second act, and Ray had to keep poking me when I started snoring. There were many lines to learn and they did well, but I thought they seemed a bit stiff--maybe that was them being British. I did not figure out whodunnit, but Ray and the Captain both said they had thought that's who it was. On the way home, we stopped at Kroger and bought flour and eggs, so I can make pancakes this morning. And we can bake more later if we want. More rain today and high of 42 predicted. Neither of us has to go to church, so we could stay in. On the other hand, we might go stir crazy.

I continue to feel pretty sick in the morning, but fine during the day, except for a little congestion. This morning was complicated by waking up about 3...need to get more exercise?

I worked 90 hours this pay period, 2 more than full time. The grants were turned in with some changes suggested by the HED office. I also did the rest of the reimbursement requests for November. This was the interns' last day until January. Marty was melting down this morning. People are talking mean to her and the staff isn't doing anything about it. I tried to tell her we couldn't really police what people say and to encourage her to go to counseling. She seemed better when I saw her later in the day. Her son finally got glasses for his wandering eye.

Ray was giving a final, so after I turned in the grants and went to the bank, I went to Frontier. Deb B. had told me that I could get Hanukah candles there--and I could! Lots of different choices, not cheap, but I was happy to have them. Last night was the first night of Hanukah. Ray went down to get the menorah and we lit it. We aren't always on the ball enough to celebrate the first night, so that made me happy. I also bought some very small items at Frontier for Christmas for my co-workers and others--little straw ornaments made in Mexico. I didn't go in any other stores. It was cold, but not bitter, no wind, and felt like Christmas to me. I drove to the library and inquired about the recording Melanie had recommended for the RE class I'm leading after Christmas. It was checked out, not surprisingly, and she put it on hold for me. Then I checked on Ray and his last student had just finished, so I went to get him and he took the tests down to be graded. Then we drove home, made supper (a drink was waiting for me) and watched a little TV.

Health: weird, I was pretty fine yesterday once I got to work. This morning I again have sore throat and stuffiness. I also woke up from a bad dream about 4. I took a Tylenol and slept until 6;15. I feel a little better now.

Weather: it was 30 out last night when I went to bed. We turned off the solar water heater. But it still claims to be 30. It was windy yesterday but sunny.

Three grant proposals being reviewed by board members and HED staff to be turned in today with any minor changes. I was quite productive yesterday, preparing 3 grant reimbursements as well. Kerri started working on a record-keeping system to track success rates of people who leave the shelter. Yay! Taylor is proposing to interview 100 former residents, if he can find them. Yay! The Operations Committee of the Board met with Kerri and me at 4:30. Although their purpose is to help us, it did feel a little bit like a way to think up more things we need to take care of. Mary K. gave us each a fruit basket. yay! Maureen, a new board member, who is a CPA, wanted copies of the financial records. I meant to give them to her, but had to rush off to get to Arabic class. After I thought about it, I was mildly irritated. The treasurer already has all that--talk to her about it. But I guess we'll cooperate for now. As it turns out, I was 10 minutes early to Arabic, but of course I didn't have my papers and notebooks and homework. I ordered some humus and pita because I was starving and began reviewing. I was the only student for the first hour, so Zuhair reviewed numbers with me. He gets annoyed when I can't read the letters still. His handwriting is not completely consistent, and remember the letters change when they are in different places in the words. He says, "remember, that's a broken aleph, because it is at the end of the word after a lem..." or whatever and I do remember that he mentioned it, but I haven't practiced enough to be able to keep track of everything. We actually started working on questions and answers. Wes arrived at 7, which made it much more pleasant. He is better than me in lots of ways. My strength is pronunciation and hearing the differences, which we don't do much of. Mostly it is written. Very humbling.

When I got home, there was a plate of food waiting for me. yay!

Barbara is on her way to Japan to see her grandson in person--bon voyage!

It's definitely not nothing. Sore throat, stuffiness, achiness. but I am still functional. I guess that means no fever. Drafts of all 3 grants are done; waiting for feedback from anyone before finalizing. A young woman student came and did a display board for me for several hours. It was very generous. She was not pleased with it when it was done, but it is definitely better than nothing. Not as easy as you would think.

Lunch with Janna--it was warm enough to eat outside--68. We met at Five Points, but I could not find a place to park, drove around for 15 minutes. Plus driving there and back; too much. for a sandwich. A good sandwich, that I didn't have to make, and lunch with Janna.

Board meeting last night; I begged off, claiming grants. Maybe by the next meeting we will have a new director!

Kerri called in sick, so I stayed until 4:30. I needed her input, so emailed her the grants and talked to her on the phone. She was throwing-up sick, not what I have.

Potluck, choir rehearsal. I love some of those dark solstice chants. And thinking about Amelia being here for the concert.

Captain and Vanessa out to dinner at Porterhouse, their favorite restaurant, where everyone knows them and they always sit at the same table. Jazz on Wednesday nights; this week including voice students from UGA.

Uh-oh, sore throat...I really don't want to be sick and I have to get these grant proposals done. Maybe it's nothing.

I did get drafts of two of them ready, waiting for feedback from others. Meanwhile, Addie is really upset that she's pregnant, but doesn't believe in abortion, it's murder; and don't worry, she's going to move in with the baby's Daddy and he's going to pay child support. Marty's tickets were lower than we feared, but now her car needs a new battery.

Betsy, the board president, had some suggestions about dealing with the night staff not signing up to work New year's Eve. Tell them they need to do it for the good of the shelter...and that you will assign them if they don't volunteer. I do think it's possible they will all quit rather than be forced to work a certain shift. It's a very part-time job. However, if they all quit, I think we can hire new ones without too much trouble. My plan was that I would have to do it, so I like this one better. Notice, she did not mention asking the Board to do it.

I left at 3:30, picked up Ray and came home. Vanessa was just putting the lasagna in the oven. I made it a few months ago and stuck it in the freezer and then got it out this weekend. A good system, if I do say so myself.

At Arabic class, I attempted to catch up after having missed last Thursday. They learned numbers, which are written from right to left, but you write the ones, then the tens, then the hundreds, so they look like our numbers. Except that 4 looks like a backwards three, 0 is five, and a dot is a zero. And I still don't know the names of the numbers, so can't understand them. Only two more classes; he says absenteeism is what killed us; we should be farther along. I say I need about 8 more classes to learn the things we have gone over so far.

While I was gone, Vanessa made dessert: apple upside down cake--warm with whipped cream!

Cold and rainy all day yesterday, the fire kept the house warm. It was pouring in the night, too, but is quiet now.

Not my favorite day. Monday is sometimes difficult. Lots left over from the weekend. Kerri doesn't come in until afternoon and her interns are not there either. This particular Monday had me catching up with a lot of stuff I didn't get done last week because it was so busy--deposits, etc. And it had a resident, Maddy, getting in a car accident (no one hurt) and missing her TANF appointment for the third time. She was a basket case. She didn't have her brakes fixed because it cost $120. She has a ticket because her brakes weren't working--probably a lot more than $120. And she didn't pay her registration--another ticket. Thank goodness she did pay her insurance. I was alternating between trying to reassure her that this was not as bad as it could have been--things can always be worse and she feels like giving up--and trying to point out that this is the consequence of decisions she made. It left me exhausted and depressed and not very functional for getting done what I need to do.

I left at 2 and Ray and I played racquetball. I really didn't want to play and I was afraid I might get hurt from being already sore and tense. The first game, even trying his hardest, Ray couldn't get me more than 6 points. The second one was a little closer; I was ahead for a while. And I didn't get hurt. Of course, then we were both so hungry that I am not sure the exercise outweighed what we ate. At home, I made delicious dinner that we all enjoyed, had drink and snack, and Ray and I continued to work on finishing up projects, wrapping and packing boxes. I knit a snake for Lidet; I hope she likes it. She is too young to think it is dorky, right? TV and bed.

Wow! That weekend was so exhausting I am looking forward to going to work and resting up.

Dave's service was about T.S. Eliot--not really inspirational, but educational. Eliot's grandfather was a UU minister, but he converted to Anglicanism...! As he said, we teach our children to question...but we don't like it when they question UUism.

Ray and I went to the Benevolence Market. Beth, the board president, was representing AAHS. It was pretty sad, there was no display board on our table. Amanda (the intern) came to help. Ray and I had lunch. Beth left. Amanda walked around and talked to people. The UU group sang, although I couldn't really hear them. They seemed well received. I spoke to the woman from Habitat, as well as Jenni from the Justice Project, Mary from Healthy Families...and many others.

At 3, we packed up and went to the Land Trust party/meeting at their new offices. Really nice. They are expanding, with 6 employees now. I wanted to say, what about me? I still think the time might come when they hire me.

Then we headed to the Kenney Ridge progressive dinner. Vanessa and the Captain had brought the stuffed mushrooms, as well as plates (that they didn't use). It was quite fun for all of us...enough food to go around, good conversations. Karen F. bought the farmhouse and renovated it, so that was really fun to see. Dinner was at Jenni and Bill's and dessert at Paul and Tanya's next door. The advantage of that is anyone can come home when they want. Three of us walked up and Ray came a little later.

More working on presents and dozing in front of the TV--and now it's Monday! The week the grant proposals are due.

I started yesterday bone-tired from my work week and was pretty much planning to do lots of nothing. Captain got a fire going and I had some hot chocolate and raisin English muffins and began to feel like I might live. I wrapped some things, Vanessa said she needed to go to the mall, so we headed out and got there by 10. Not too crowded yet. Bought a few things and were home by 11:30. My Mom is incredible, walking through the mall, carrying bags. I bought one thing for Ray, a little more than I wanted to spend, but good quality on sale. As we were leaving, I saw a display of turntables that you can hook up to your computer and convert your records. It was 10% off. I agonized for a minute or two and then I bought it. Ray will give it to me for Christmas. I have wanted one for a long time and now he doesn't have to stress about what to get me.

When we got home, the boys and the truck were gone. I was pretty sure I knew where they were, although there were other possibilities. I had told Nancy H. that we could go pick up tables and chairs if they needed us to for the Kenney Ridge Progressive Dinner tonight. I took a nice bath, had some lunch, and started working on the stuffed mushrooms I had promised to bring for appetizers. First I peeled the caps and cut up the stems. The caps were dipped in lemon juice and olive oil and cooked for 6 minutes to soften them. Meanwhile I was chopping onion. Vanessa chopped apple and she said, "don't we have any more walnuts?" I looked and couldn't find any. She had used them up in cookies earlier in the week and put them on the list, but we hadn't realized we needed them for this. So Ray and I headed to Kroger.

First we went by the Craftstravaganza. http://www.athensindiecraftstravaganzaa.com/ It was pretty darn cold downtown, even though the sun was shining on some of the vendors. We enjoyed the funkiness of it, mostly young people we didn't know. We bought something for a couple of young women. Their company is called Bacon. We asked were their things made out of bacon, no, one of their first efforts was for one of their boyfriends and he really likes bacon. Saw Stephanie Astalos-Jones. Her son Nick is moving to Mexico, to be with his girlfriend. She asked about our girls.

Kroger was something of a madhouse. We don't generally go there late in the day, especially on Saturday. We did eventually get walnuts and a few other things. Sadly, they did not have Chanukah candles. I don't know if we can find any in time. Chanukah is early this year--it starts this week.

The sun was setting as we got home and it was starting to be seriously cold. I had gotten a few more mushrooms. They shrink when you cook them and ours are not very large to start with. Mixed up some more lemon juice and olive oil, dipped them, cooked them, finished cooking the filling. Vanessa stuffed them and we threw them in the freezer. Then started on supper. We did eat by 7:30, but I have to fight the urge to be grumpy when I feel like I am cooking on a deadline and starting to get hungry. After dinner, watching TV, falling asleep. My back is a little sore too. I need to walk this morning. The computer says it is 27 and the sky is starting to get light.

TGI Saturday

What a day! We had to count and enter in the computer all the money from last night. Four different board members dropped by to see how much we made and wrap up loose ends. I worked some on the grants, meeting with Brandy before the DCA auditor showed up. She was about half an hour early, while we were tidying up and vacuuming. She was there until nearly 3. I was finding documents for her and answering questions. Kerri was tied up until almost 1:30. She had specific suggestions on our policies and procedures--that they should be less vague to protect us from lawsuits. I would have been justified in saying I don't know anything, that was before my time, I wasn't told about that. But we want the organization to be capable, regardless of who the staff are. So she will send us a letter with several suggestions. The only big thing ("finding") is that the board lacks a formerly homeless person. Clearly not my responsibility and one I passed on to the board members within hours.

By the time she had left and I had the deposits ready, it was about 3. I took all the money to the bank (We made more than $12000 on the event) and then stopped at the national to get some lunch. They ssid they stopped serving at 3. I threatened to go to Wendy's and she asked the kitchen if they would make an exception (it was to go after all and people were still eating). I asked for the lamb stew. It seemed to take forever--I don't think they had to make it, just pour it in a container. There was a yummy salad too. $10. By the time I got back, there was more to deal with and it was after 4 by the time I ate it. It was still warm but not hot and it was delicious. But it was more like soup than stew and I thought that was kind of a ripoff for $10. Kerri and I talked a bit. I thought Amber was coming to finish the display board for the benevolence market on Sunday, but she had a death in the family. Kerri didn't have a chance to tell me until then. So, no display board. I did not have the energy to stay there another hour or so and do it. Not my thing anyway, so much.

I picked up Ray a little after 5 and asked him, weren't we supposed to go to the Democratic Committee holiday party? They were at Janet Pomeroy's most years, but this year they had it at Little Kings, kind of a seedy bar (not as bad as 40 Watt). They paid them something for the privilege. But people brought tablecloths and decorations and it was fun. Captain and Vanessa came and seemed to enjoy themselves. Captain still taking it a little easy, just a little whisky on the rocks. Vanessa had one or two drinks. I was excited they were offering hot drinks. I had two hot toddies, not very strong, but very comforting and relaxing after my day. We picked up some baguettes at Big City Bread. Ham and turkey were provided and a few side dishes. but omg the desserts! Vanessa brought some homemade cookies, but they were overshadowed by the cakes and sweets, so we got to bring them home. My kind of party, we were home by 8:30 and I was soon dozing on the couch, waking up now and then to watch a little TV (with my sweetie).

The fund-raiser seems like it was very successful, lots of people there. We had over $7000 in sponsorships, and I am sure we made at least $5000 more. Two bands: Thieves market and Modern Skirts. They were both good--not my very favorite, but listenable. There was a silent auction. Fortunately, nothing I really wanted to bid on, but one garnet ring was at $300 when I left... The space was really neat. We have a new green hotel, the Hotel Indigo, and I like it a lot. There is a "club" room downstairs, a bar with couches and cool decor and a small room with a stage. It was set with little tables with buckets of champagne for the sponsors in front and then chairs for the rest of us. The whole thing was organized by numerouno, a hair salon and event planning business and who knows what else. John Robert is the main guy. He is as flamboyantly gay as you can possibly be, way over the top for Athens. I saw him kiss another man on the mouth last night--and that was as he was arriving. He was wearing a sort of Tyrolean hat with a silver-edged white plastic poinsettia on it, gold dangly earrings shaped like Christmas packages, tight jeans with some sort of plants or flowers textured into them in 3D and boots I think. Eye makeup I'm pretty sure. Also the ever-popular 5 day beard stubble. He made almost all the decorations, huge feather and fake-flower things (from things he bought at Michael's). He also made some women's tops that were in the auction that I quite liked (for someone else). Some of the women were wearing some quite glamourous outfits that he may have loaned them--short diaphonous jewel-toned dresses. I sure wished Amelia and Molli were there. He was such a stereotype--asking me twice how I liked it--and declaring it a disaster when he couldn't pick up the hors d'oeuvres because the streets were closed due to the Christmas parade. I sent Ray and Jaron and one of the Athens Academy students to pick them up on foot. There were only about 4 trays of hors d'oeuvres. I and many others, I'm sure, were planning to make dinner out of hors d'oeuvres. I had one delicious bronie and one sort of bruschetta. I passed on the pickle and radish and someone else said the dates with fennel were really good. Ray finally went upstairs and bought a burger and a panini that we shared with Mom. Mary Kelly invited her to sit at her table and share their champagne. She had a good time, I think, but was exhausted and could barely walk to the car. Valet parking.

Kent S. was a sponsor. He and Becky were there. some of the staff. Joanne P. (Elizabeth's mother), Sharon A. (marla's mother), other people I knew somewhat, but mostly people I didn't know, maybe fans of the band or friends of numerouno. A good time, but I did wake up in the night with painful stomach cramps and diahrrea. I do not want to go to work right now! Of course, yesterday was crazy, but I did manage to do the necessary prep for today's DCA audit and work some on the grants. Jaron was keeping the list for the door last night, but somehow an old version got saved over the new version and we had to go back and check all the emails. Hopefully we didn't leave anyone out.

In between, Ray and I went out to the funeral home because Phyllis Barrow died. She was 89. It was nice to see John and his brothers and sisters. Parker was there. Also, little Jim who played the monkey with us in Inherit the Wind. It is always a little strange to be having conversations with people with a dead person lying in the casket next to you. She even had her glasses on. She was 89 and was a great model for all of us--6 kids, taught at the university 20 years, politically active...she had been sick and no one seemed very sad. Lots of pictures of her when she was younger--quite beautiful.

Must go--it's 7:00.

Harvest for the Homeless tonight!

I'm looking forward to an evening of music and hors d'oeuvres with my sweetie and my parents and some other good people at the new Hotel Indigo. The Board tells me I don't need to do anything except enjoy myself. what to wear? hmm dress and boots?

Yesterday it rained hard off and on all day. Poor Jaron was out trying to get restaurants to give us gift certificates. Then Mary wanted to see the list and check on everything. I said you'll have to prioritize, tell me what you need first. I was working on the grant proposals, along with other day-to-day stuff. I had him working on the list. Then a man wanted to donate a painting, so she wanted him to drive all the way to the East side and pick it up...

It was a little crazy, but not awful. Our current guests are mostly pretty quiet. There are some colds going around. One Mom has Medicaid for her child. The doctor gave her lots of prescriptions and told her to buy Mucinex for him--over the counter. She tried to explain that she had no money, couldn't buy anything, unless it was prescription. sigh

potluck, choir. I am actually a little disenchanted. Amber chose a small group to sing at the Benevolence market. We made an effort last year to perform there, even though she was on maternity leave. I am a little hurt. supposedly it is about the venue. And I have to be there for the Homeless Shelter anyway. I am thinking it may be time for me to sing with one of the community groups and take a break from UUFA. It is a tossup--I would like more challenging music, but I like the frequent performances and variety of singing for the service. We just haven't been doing much new music this year.

Stayed up until almost 10--and didn't get up until after 6!

Raining hard, cold. I have a headache and stuffy nose. Been awake since four reading a detective novel. Doesn't help with the stress. I have to figure out how to deal with it. Work stress. The board delivered the posters for the fund-raising event tomorrow on Monday. Interns put them up yesterday. Yesterday afternoon I get an email that there are more places to add to the list--and could the interns solicit some more donations? There are supposed to be 52 restaurants, 52 weeks of free food. They have 37. and tomorrow night the winner will be drawn. Tell me from the beginning what I have to do and I will make sure it gets done. Tell me the day before and I will freak out. Actually I dumped it on Jaron. He is the Americorps VISTA participant and I spent some time yesterday looking for any information about what our obligations and expectations are regarding him. I found an email from 9 months ago; his primary purpose is recruiting homeless and formerly homeless people for a speakers' panel. But he is supposed to do fund-raising, grant-writing and public relations work for us as well. So I gave the board member his name and contact info. and told him he might need to put everything else on hold for a day or two. Of course, going door to door in the pouring rain trying to solicit gift certificates is not fun.

I also had a call from the state DCA office--she wants to come audit us on Friday. I said that wasn't a really great day, but we will not turn you away. She needs to look at financial records and case files to verify our reimbursement requests. I can do that. But Kerri will be teaching and won't be around until afternoon. She also wants to see policies and procedures for the two programs, as well as financial policies and procedures. Kerri and I found them; whether we follow them or not is another question. She wants an example of a resident who was asked to leave, so she can see if we are following our own policies or not. Terrifying.

Plus, I didn't even look at the grant proposals yesterday. One of the grants ends in December and the money should be used up by then. In some categories, it has been used up for months: child care, transportation. But we still have lots of health care money. People either have Medicaid or don't need health care...I guess. and mental health care. We can't get them to go to counseling. Or we don't have to pay.

Had lunch with Becky--very enjoyable--fajita and flan. Thought of Molli and Mexico.

Left at almost 4; talked to interns about their jobs. Made dinner with Ray, went to Arabic. Only 2 of us, reviewed letters and sounds and writing words and sentences. Hopefully I know most of them now.

Yesterday morning I felt pretty crummy, but after I was at work for a little while, it got better. I had a cup of tea. As it's the end of the month, I started working on the reimbursements. Kerri had been out of town and gotten in late, so she didn't get to work until almost 2. People called and came by for her. I worked some on the grant. I took a little break to run across the street to a funky new thrift store that I read about in the paper on Sunday. I admit it, I had to buy a purple hat for $10. Even though I don't need any more hats. Sigh. It cheered me up and gave me some exercise, so I could stay until about 4 when I headed to the bank and then to pick Ray up.

At home, I put the previously made chicken cacciatore in the oven. Ray made the mashed potatoes and the salad. I sewed a little, read a little. My Mom made me an old-fashioned and I had a very pleasant evening. I managed to stay awake until almost 10.

Back to Work

Well, gosh, I either have a new cold or the last one came back with a vengeance. I started getting stuffy and sniffly yesterday afternoon. It wasn't enough to keep me from sleeping, although I woke up several times. Ray is not in the bed, so I think he is asleep somewher else to avoid my noisy breathing.

We all went to the UUFA yesterday for the service, led by Sarah Dan Jones! She is a choir director and talented service leader. We all had a good time. My father even got up and danced--amd tried to get my mother to join him! I was already up, at the first invitation, but that is not for Ray.

Read some, did some quilting, swept the leaves off the porch, worked on re-organizing my clothes for winter.

And now, to work.

Yesterday started badly, with a call from the Shelter. The 8:00 am person did not show up for her shift, so I rushed off and spent a couple hours there. Maybe I'll pay myself overtime...she eventually called and showed up; had it down wrong on her calendar. I think that's why I'm so grumpy. I had a plan for the day...and that wasn't part of it. On the other hand, I didn't have any out-of-town guests or big plans that I had to give up. And I will get paid. And I do have a job.

I had picked out a couple recipes for dinner that needed to be made ahead. But Ray was up when I got home and we went out for a walk. It was such a beautiful sunny cool day, I worked outside a little too. My Dad had to cut down a tree; he couldn't wait, so Ray and my Mom helped with that. There were some chain saw problems too (ooo-christmas idea--heavy work gloves for Ray for moving wood, books about managing your wood for burning, product to help stack it?). I went in and started the dessert, which had to chill for several hours. It was a complicated recipe, involving lots of pans. It was supposed to be "marble", meaning two different flavors mixed separately and swirled together, so twice as much work. It was very good, as it should be, with eggs and heavy cream, but I'm not sure it was important to have the caramel and the chocolate--maybe I'll make just one half next time. Then we all had a late lunch and Ray got ready to go do the sound for a wedding at the Fellowship. My Mom and I had planned to drop him off and do a little shopping, but I was still working on the ragout when he left. It had to be ready because it had to cook for 2 hours. It was delicious I must say. Beef chunks cooked with lots of onions for a long time.

Worked a little on my sewing while it was cooking. Sewing is never as relaxing to me as cooking or knitting. Trying to quilt this huge window covering is incredibly frustrating. I am reminded of when I tried to sew the stripes down the side of Molli's TKD pants. How do you keep the thing straight?

Anyway, I was awake by 4:30 this morning. But what can I expect when I fall asleep at 8:30?

A pleasant day off

Ray and I took a walk--pretty cold and windy, but sunny and nice. Then we took Vanessa to exercise class and went to the grocery store. We were back in plenty of time to pick her up. I did a little sewing in the afternoon and a little work clearing the grass from around the knockout roses. Played cards, made supper, went to the movies. Not very exciting.

We sure had a great time last night. Ray and I probably would have stayed a lot longer, but Vanessa was more than ready to come home. She says some peculiar things sometimes. When we got in the car, she said, "I wasn't sure if it was going to get better or deteriorate." I certainly understand that she was tired--it was 11:30 when we got home! We started playing Fictionary (also known in our house as Dictionary), where you make up definitions for words--booger dance, gobstick, lampong--about ten, after dinner about 8 followed after a break by pie. The Captain said it was the worst pie crust he'd ever eaten. I think that is an exaggeration, but I like our pies better. Deb V. always makes the pies. Laughing and playing with friendly, smart people--that's about as good as it gets. John O. had to get someone to read one of the definitions for him, he was laughing too hard to get it out. Francesca was ringmaster, and there were lots of clowns.

I made rolls and whole wheat bread, Vanessa and Ray made the sweet potatoes--all home grown. We have one whole pan left. There was turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, acorn squash (with maple syrup and butter and rosemary), two kinds of cranberry relish (plus canned for the V. boys). Artichoke-spinach casserole, quinoa with green beans and dried cranberries, stuffing. I'm sure there was more. Deb V. also made wheat bread, with walnuts and raisins, yum. She has a bread maker. We talked a good bit with Michael and Alice, who have recently moved to DC. I want to be more like her, understated and calm, but right. Tom and Deb V. sat at our table too. Captain and Vanessa sat with Bertha--and Francesca and the V. boys. Harry is going to be playing Romeo in UGA's Romeo and Juliet in February. We all want to see that. One of the fun things is we will talk all day about who said what and what we liked and didn't. Both Molli and Amelia called to wish us all Happy Thanksgiving. My phone died while I was talking to A., so M. called Janna's house--she knew where to find us!

Other than baking yesterday, I watched the entire Macy's parade. This is the first time we've had DVR, so I could pause it while cooking and then fast forward through the commercials--or any boring parts. I did a little vacuuming and took a bath. While I was in the tub, Janna called to say, "don't come at 4, don't come before 5." So we played cards until 5 and we got there about 5:30--we were still the first ones and there was a lot more last-minute preparation before we could eat. Tom V. was allowed in the L to carve the ham and turkeys. Alice (who is a nutritionist) was occasionally allowed to consult. And Janna began to get panicky at one point--how do we make this happen every year?? gravy, mashed potatoes, everything ready at once. There were 22 people, I think.

Sigh of contentment, followed by wistful thoughts of how she now has her children to do things with for the next few days, while I do not.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am thankful for so much today. A job. Health--mine and others'. Friends and family who love me and take care of me and each other. My nice safe home. And even my government, although it is hard not to add "but" or "except". The technology that allows me to be in touch with my far-flung children. Food...and much much more.

We had a little Thanksgiving miracle yesterday. On Tuesday night, when our 6th family had just moved in and the weather was turning cooler, we realized we didn't have enough blankets to keep everyone warm. And it was going to be even colder last night. As you can imagine, I am not one to advocate just turning up the heat. We were going to go out and buy lots of blankets, but instead we sent out an email and asked if people had blankets (or wanted to buy blankets) to bring them by. and they did...a big pile of them in my office, brought by workers and families, a steady parade all afternoon. Sniff! it just made me tear up. Some believe in the power of prayer...I will believe in the power of email. I better be careful how I use it.

Also, we have started getting unsolicited end-of-the-year checks in the mail. Awesome! Sam at HED responded positively to my grant proposals. Now I have to write 3 major grant proposals by Dec. 11, without much help. And the fundraiser is next Thursday--I'll have to miss Arabic again. No interns this week; it was kind of nice. A good thing since they will be gone most of December. Although we need to find out how to update the website, because Taylor did not do it before he left, even though I thought he said he would. It looks like none of the Night Staff is willing to work Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve. I might have to put in some time myself. Sigh. I wouldn't mind much if Molli wasn't going to be home. I don't suppose anyone from the Board will step up!

Ray took me in and kept the car and went to his office (even though he was not supposed to, since he is furloughed). He got a lot done, but looked awful when he came to get me. He went to bed when we got home and I haven't talked to him since. It is the same old stuffy head and exhaustion, I think. He could be getting another cold, but I think it's just his allergies. I wish there were something to do about it. Time to build a new house and sell this one??

We had shrimp for supper. We often have it with pasta or rice, but we had rice the night before and pasta before that. So I was looking for some way to cook and eat it with potatoes. I finally found a recipe for Low Country Boil, which uses shrimp and potatoes and sausage, which we had in the freezer from my parents' trip to Massachusetts--linguica. My Mom and I put it together in about half an hour. We ended up being ready to eat before 6. I tried to wake Ray, but he grunted a no when I asked him. My Dad came out and sat down, took one bite and said he couldn't eat it. He had apparently had indigestion all day and chicken soup for lunch. I didn't know or I would have gone with the pasta and shrimp with cream sauce. I was annoyed, he felt bad. Mom and I ate shrimp and sausage and potatoes. Sigh.

We watched some TV and I fell asleep--before my Mom! I was in bed by 9, so not surprisingly I was awake before 5. I am looking forward to my day off--baking rolls and bread for dinner at Janna's. Watching the parade on TV. Maybe working some outside when it warms up this afternoon. Maybe cleaning some inside. Maybe playing cards. Trying to be upbeat and not miss my kids too much. You see, Casey, the trouble with having kids...is then you miss them when they're gone.

Falling asleep early every night finally caught up to me. I woke up at 4 and was not sleepy. Ray was breathing loudly right next to me, but I don't think that's what kept me awake. I know my snoring has bothered him many times.

The day before Thanksgiving and lots of people are not going to work today--kids are traveling home from college. Of course, not in Mexico or Switzerland, where my daughters are. I don't really mind working today, no guests at our house. We will be joining Janna for dinner on Thursday and need to bring rolls and sweet potatoes, but we don't have to be there until 4 and I am not working tomorrow.

I still have a stuffy nose. It's very warm in here again from Ray building up the fire at bedtime.

Yesterday we had a staff meeting. We have started getting requests for tickets for the Harvest fundraiser and I have not had any direction from the board about selling them. I finally got Mary G. to bring me some raffle tickets. Both admission and raffle can be bought online. I will be notified by Paypal and need to keep track so we know who to admit. They can also be bought at the door. There is no such thing as sold out. She also wanted access to my Quickbooks to make sure the categories were there for keeping the money separate--raffle, admission, sponsorship. It was. She reminded me of a few things I knew--it's preferable to write checks directly to vendors, rather than reimbursing for purchases. I asked her about a mysterious Quickbooks problem I was having (some money to be deposited that is negative). She finally printed it out and took it to her office to study.

I made a bank deposit and picked Ray up about 2. We came home and had a walk. It was overcast and cool, but pretty nice. We pretended to look for possible Christmas trees. There are not very many evergreens. They are cedars (junipers) that do not have the traditional triangle shape, and pines, that have fewer branches than is usual for a Christmas tree. Supposedly, my grandmother was known to wire on extra branches to get the desired look. I think a neighbor took 3 small pine trees and lashed them together to get a nice full tree. We may have to resort to one of these methods.

Vanessa had driven herself to the dentist while the Captain was taking a bath. He had been out digging up the garden and bringing firewood to the house, so was really tired. We had an early drink and snack that ran into an early supper, so I could go to Arabic at 6.

We started writing sentences. The verb comes first. If a noun is the subject, it has an apostrophe over it, which changes the sound. It it is an object, it has a dash under it, which changes the sound. Although I like the challenge of learning the language (and thinking about how I would teach differently), I love when Zuhair tells us about his life. In this case, he was worrying about Thanksgiving dinner. He said last year his wife was watching the cooking channel and added a bunch of spices to the turkey. He didn't like it at all, but had to pretend it was delicious. Meanwhile, apparently neither his wife nor his daughter will eat leftovers, but he hates to throw food away. So he was stuck eating this turkey for about 10 days. Another student, Scott, talked about the schnitzel he was having (pork chops with mushroom gravy--sounded delicious). He said he was in the first Gulf War and for some reason the Army served turkey for about 6 months. He says he can't eat it any more.

Home again, Ray washed and cut up strawberries for us to have with vanilla ice cream and TV. Yup, I fell asleep on the couch before 10.