I had a wonderful visit with my BFF Patti. She gave me some time to take a few breaks and relax. She is such a great organizer. She organized much of the plastic containers/covers in the cabinets and also helped me put together the 20 Xmas bags for senior citizens that I planned. They will be dropped off this week and distributed by the group the following week to local nursing homes. When she was not doing that she baked brownies and cookies using the leftover homemade cranberry sauce. She's already returned home and off on another adventure.
My heart and mind are two-fold the past few days. I am blessed and filled with love when I think of my life and mom. I am also sad when I think of what I miss in my life - I was supposed to be on the adventure with my BFF, but canceled at the last minute to stay with my mom. I was also invited to NYC for the weekend to see friends and attend a party and turned the offer down. I know I'm where I'm supposed to be, doing what I'm supposed to be doing, and things happen for a reason. I know my situation will not last forever and I will off having new adventures some day. When I feel a bit down, I simply have to stop and think of my blessings. Sometimes when I'm sitting with my mom, I tell her stories about why I'm glad she's my mom and how blessed I am. I know somewhere down deep she feels the love and might remember a story or two. I know in my heart of hearts that although she does not recognize my face that she knows my craggly voice and feels the love I have for her.
Yesterday was definitely a slow day for me. Other than lots of laundry and a few nice walks with Lady, I caught up on a few Hallmark Xmas movies (don't worry I have at least 10 on the DVR and I'll always recording new ones) and ate fantastic parmesan garlic popcorn. Every once in a while I order flavored popcorn from Coastal Maine Popcorn Co. and although I stick to some of my favorites (cheddar, dill pickle) I'll try something difference at least once. Well the box arrived yesterday and I have popcorn for a couple of weeks...maybe. I am one of those people that enjoy the popcorn tins at Xmas...LOL!
I finished reading: CODE GIRLS The Untold Story of the American Women Code Breakers of World War II by Liza Mundy. Excellent read and I learned so much about this period in history. I knew women did many things during the war, but never knew about the code breakers. I worked in the Intelligence Community for many years and I can't believe I did not know this history. This book was recommended when I participated in the FB challenge, another excellent selection. Now back to murder/mayhem for a few days.
I saw that this is Bingo month and it brought back so many memories. When I was a kid, I played Bingo all the time in smoke-filled gymnasiums/cafeterias (yes before age limits and no smoking). My Aunt Barbara loved Bingo and many times I would meet her at work and she would call a cab (she did not drive) to take us to Bingo. I remember the routine of the game, how people sat in certain places and had certain rituals, and the 50/50 chance tickets. I have not played in years except at the casino once in a blue moon. My mom loved Bingo and played a few times a week up until she took ill. As I sorted through some stuff I found more Bingo chips/dobbers, good luck charms, etc. than I can think about and I laughed each time.
The daily and wacky holidays for the week...provides something lighthearted to think about:
DECEMBER:
Month:
- Bingo Month
- Write a Friend Month
2 National Fritters Day
3 Advent begins, date varies
3 National Roof over Your Head Day
4 Santas' List Day - we hope you are on the "Nice" list
4 Wear Brown Shoes Day
5 Bathtub Party Day
5 Repeal Day - The 21st Amendment ends Prohibition. I'll drink to that!
6 St. Nicholas Day
6 Mitten Tree Day
6 Put on your own Shoes Day
7 International Civil Aviation Day
7 Letter Writing Day
7 National Cotton Candy Day - would you like some fairy floss?
7 Pearl Harbor Day
8 National Brownie Day
8 Take it in the Ear Day
I am going to leave it here for today...time for another coffee and a sweater, getting chilled sitting here. I hope you have a wonderful week. Spread some holiday magic. Take care! To those celebrating: Happy Hanukkah!
"Somewhere, someone else is happy with less than you have." - Anonymous
"A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it annoys enough people to make it worth." - Anonymous
"One small positive thought in the morning can change the entire outcome of your day!" - Anonymous