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Sunday, December 26, 2010

Boxing Day?
I know it's the day after Christmas but I don't know anything else.


ps- the big crazy family party went well- blizzard just started so the numbers were down and the committee tried to move things along at a good clip so people could get home safely- pics tomorrow.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

JANEDOE12345 12/27/2010 1:16PM

My almost-best-friend is from Manchester England, and her family traditionally had an open house on Boxing Day. Now in the USA, she often does, too, and it is a time to eat, drink, and relax from the holiday. Christmas is for family but on Boxing Day, all the friends come to see the tree, swap whatever gifts are left, and enjoy some spiked eggnog around the fireplace. I love it and wish she did this every year! Report Inappropriate Comment

SUZYMOBILE 12/27/2010 10:46AM

Boy, did I have a major misunderstanding of Boxing Day! I thought it was the day you boxed up and put away all your decorations. And before that, I thought it was a traditional day to put on the gloves and engage in fisticuffs. Now that I've read Wikipedia, I am enlightened! Comment edited on: 12/27/2010 10:46:38 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

NEW-CAZ 12/27/2010 3:07AM

Boxing Day? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boxing _Day Glad the party went well Elizabeth Report Inappropriate Comment

_CYNDY55_ 12/26/2010 11:40PM

Canadians Shop Till You Drop Day After Christmas. Glad Your Family Party Went Well! Report Inappropriate Comment

LALASLAND 12/26/2010 9:52PM

Yes! Boxing Day is a Canadian holiday, the day after Christmas. It is a big shopping day, and most have it off of work unless they work in retail. Then, it's a huge work day. It's kind of like the USA's Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. I hope that explained it! I have Canadian friends who told me, and I had to laugh because I thought it was some holiday to celebrate the sport of "boxing", but that was wrong! Report Inappropriate Comment

SCHATZI4MO 12/26/2010 9:34PM

boxing day?? i'm of no help! Report Inappropriate Comment

DEBBIEANNE1124 12/26/2010 8:12PM

I know, I know, I read about boxing day, too and like you never heard of it. But hey, it does sound good. Report Inappropriate Comment

MARTY19 12/26/2010 7:41PM

I am snug at home just watchng the snow fall. Glad the party went well. Marty Report Inappropriate Comment

MEXGAL1 12/26/2010 7:39PM

Our Eagles game is canceled for tonight....big snow storm happening in Pennsylvania. Not sure about boxing day. i will look on your post to see who might answer. We do skype. it is great but yesterday the kids were too busy with Christmas and company. they had like 28 people over for dinner but we connected this morning and got to talk to both grandkids. they were cute. santa was good to them. have a warm night. Peanut Report Inappropriate Comment

CINDYWAGNER1 12/26/2010 5:42PM

How much snow did you get? Where are you located? Hope you had a great Christmas. I did! Report Inappropriate Comment

oh, that's just great!

Sunday, December 26, 2010

I made 40 ham salad rolls last night, bought 2 gallons of cider, and wrapped about 50 token gifts for the little kids and now we have a blizzard warning for this afternoon and evening- 12 inches of snow or more with high winds!
Life is surely interesting- I'm just glad I only have to drive a few miles to get there.
We'll probably just wrap it up quickly (if such a thing is possible for my family).

On a happy side, I GUESS, the Plateau Queen here peeked at the scale and I weigh what I have weighed every Sunday morning (within 2 pounds) for the past 15 months- yes, that's since September, 2009!
How do you spell M-A-I-N-T-E-N-A-N-C-E???
Unfortunately, I'm stuck half-way to my goal!

Have a relaxing and peaceful Sunday!

Oh, here's a 4 generation picture from yesterday with my FIL, DH holding Lucy, both sons and daughter Mimi and new baby William:

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SCHATZI4MO 12/26/2010 9:40PM

fabulous pic!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

SIRIRADHA 12/26/2010 7:47PM

I think it's just plain amazing that you could maintain that long, even if it's not where you wanted to be! Our Christmas in the foothills of the Rockies is just as expected--dry and brown. We always joke, when it starts snowing later in the season, that if we just hang on until Christmas it will be warm again! Report Inappropriate Comment

JANEDOE12345 12/26/2010 4:58PM

I am so sorry your plans were blizzard-ized! I can't see outside to tell how much snow is in the yard, not a good sign. I keep hearing the snow plow so ther emust be something. Let's all stay home tonight for sure...parties and such can wait. Happiest of New Year's Eve's to you -- yes, that's next! Maybe all that cider can go in the freezer? Comment edited on: 12/26/2010 5:04:06 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

MARTY19 12/26/2010 3:38PM

Wonderful picture! Moments to treasure. As of January 1, I am going back to ww, reprioritizing my life and gonna make goal. Hugs, Marty Report Inappropriate Comment

LATVIAN_SANDY 12/26/2010 2:47PM

What a great pic! Hope you don't get snowed in! Report Inappropriate Comment

EDWARDS1411 12/26/2010 1:57PM

On the positive side, you haven't gained during the last 15 mons. and that in itself is very impressive lady! Great four generational pic!! Have a good time today!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

HIPPICHICK1 12/26/2010 11:39AM

I'm sure with the help of your trainer you will overcome your plateau/maintenance in 2011!! Report Inappropriate Comment

DEBBIEANNE1124 12/26/2010 11:32AM

Happy Holidays! Report Inappropriate Comment

MIMICOTO 12/26/2010 10:52AM

Hope your evening included all of you getting home safe and sound! Report Inappropriate Comment

NEW-CAZ 12/26/2010 9:42AM

for keeping trim Elizabeth. Hope your plans aren't scuppered. Report Inappropriate Comment

BEGONIAC 12/26/2010 9:42AM

I feel a little wimpy worrying about the forecast of 35 tonight! It is windy and wet and pretty dang miserable for Tampa. Been the coldest December on record so far! I really don't think I'd make it moving north. And I know I wouldn't be able to drive if the snow started to fall...give me a hurricane any day!!! Stay warm and safe my friend! Report Inappropriate Comment

46SHADOW 12/26/2010 9:27AM

Wow, your maintenance is heartening! Report Inappropriate Comment

THINAGAIN66 12/26/2010 9:27AM

Unfortunately, when we live in a state that is cold enough to get snow the unexpected can happen too. Hope you were able to get together with your family and everyone was able to travel safely. Have a happy holiday! Report Inappropriate Comment

Had myself a merry little Christmas!

Saturday, December 25, 2010

When DH and I woke up this morning, it was the first Christmas in 41 years that we had no kids at home with us- that would have been in 1968- our first year together- and our only kid-free Christmas.
We were so poor we had agreed not to exchange gifts (any extra dollars we put our hands on went to buy baby things for our first- born in Jan 1969). We had no tv- no telephone- no car, living 3000 miles away from home and family- 16 and 19 year old newlyweds. We were so in love and happy.
A few days before Christmas, his dad sent us a check for $100- a fortune to us so we bought a little scraggly tree- made some paper and tin foil ornaments- and bought each other one gift. I bought him a $25 wedding ring, which we had not been able to afford for our hurry-up wedding and cross-country move and setting up our first home, etc., I can't remember what he gave me.
So, this year, for the first time in a long long time- all three of our kids were around for Christmas, along with our two grandkids, Lucy and baby William.
We celebrated here at my house this morning, then went to DH's 86 year old dad's for dinner (they took Lucy home to nap). I'll post some 4 generational pics tomorrow.
It was the best Christmas in many years for me.

Tomorrow we get together in a rented hall with my huge, wild and crazy family of origin (80 or so of us) for a feeding frenzy, complete with Santa, Yankee Swap and plenty of beer.
I'm the white sheep of the family.

I didn't do too bad with the eating today-maybe a few extra cookies- had a Mimosa this morning- turned down wine twice in the afternoon- drank plenty of water.

I hope all my sparkfriends had as enjoyable a day as I did.
Merry Christmas!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

FRAN_CVLRN 12/29/2010 1:45PM

What a moving story! Married as teenagers and still together-that says a whole lot for you and DH. Have a wonderful New Year! Report Inappropriate Comment

SCHATZI4MO 12/26/2010 9:38PM

a wonderful example of true love ... you and DH bring a smile to my face and a tear to my eye. oh i just wanna hug somebody! Report Inappropriate Comment

MIMICOTO 12/26/2010 10:54AM

Your blog brought tears to my eyes Elizabeth - what a wonderful history you have built with your DH! Wishing you and your family a wonderful, healthy 2011! Report Inappropriate Comment

PATRICIA4472 12/26/2010 9:10AM

Wonderful! Glad you had a happy day and wonder what today's huge family gathering will be like!! Report Inappropriate Comment

HSMOM2FOUR 12/26/2010 7:15AM

Sounds FABULOUS!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

MSWEEZER 12/26/2010 7:11AM

A true "love" story. Thanks for sharing and enjoy your day. What a ride you've been on but sounds marvelous and congratulations on still being together and clearly still loving life. Report Inappropriate Comment

NEW-CAZ 12/26/2010 3:09AM

Glad you had such a great day Elizabeth Report Inappropriate Comment

NURSELM 12/26/2010 2:23AM

so glad you had a blessed christmas you deserve it!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

_CYNDY55_ 12/26/2010 2:11AM

Have★* 。 • ˚ ˚ •。★FUN★ Way To Go...Awesome ***White Sheep***! Report Inappropriate Comment

CINDYWAGNER1 12/25/2010 10:53PM

Thanks for sharing. I had a great Christmas! Enjoy your time with your family! Report Inappropriate Comment

EDWARDS1411 12/25/2010 10:18PM

So glad you enjoyed your Christmas - I did too, but tomorow will be a chill-out day for me. You on the other hand girl, party on - have a great time!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

CHEFKATLEANER 12/25/2010 10:11PM

Merry Christmas to you too, my dear friend. Sounds like an absolutely wonderful day. :D Report Inappropriate Comment

DREMARGRL 12/25/2010 8:50PM

YOU DID GREAT!!!!!!!!! FABULOUS!!!! I wish I could say the same as far as eating, the holiday was GLORIOUS! Our story is similar....getting married at 18 and 22 in 1966 and off to Germany....Southern Bavaria where we spent four years away from family and friends. A bond that could NEVER be broken and after 44 years...it's still wonderful...I'm sure you can say the same....What a beautiful testiment to you and your hubs! XO Happy new year 2011 XO MaryAnn Report Inappropriate Comment

LALASLAND 12/25/2010 8:43PM

You're a FUN white sheep, too! I hope you have a blast! Report Inappropriate Comment

46SHADOW 12/25/2010 8:29PM

Sweet! i had a wonderful day too! Report Inappropriate Comment

SUZYMOBILE 12/25/2010 7:44PM

That does sound like an absolutely perfect Christmas! (One year we decorated our tree with Bud cans. Hey, they're shiny!) Comment edited on: 12/25/2010 7:53:13 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

oh, dear!

Friday, December 24, 2010

It's 9:18 and I ate a big high protein breakfast as I tend to nibble a lot less when I do and I tracked it all, plus the slice of Panettone DH toasted for me with butter and I'm already up to 700 calories!

I refuse to stress about it- will pack my usual cottage cheese and peaches, v8 and an apple for lunch (gotta work for a few hours) and enjoy the excitement of the day.

Have a wonderful Christmas Eve!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

_CYNDY55_ 12/25/2010 1:25AM

Have A Merry Christmas Elizabeth Report Inappropriate Comment

BEGONIAC 12/24/2010 5:41PM

Enjoy!!! Merry Christmas Elizabeth! Report Inappropriate Comment

MARTY19 12/24/2010 3:24PM

Merry Merry Christmas! Enjoy and be happy. Marty Report Inappropriate Comment

TRENTDREAMER 12/24/2010 2:27PM

"Have a wonderful Christmas Eve! " You as well. Thank you for your friendship and support this year. I really appreciate it! Report Inappropriate Comment

EDWARDS1411 12/24/2010 1:46PM

Absolutely right on!! Do not stress about it and have a wonderful Christmas!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

HIPPICHICK1 12/24/2010 11:01AM

Well, you needed extra calories anyway, right? And you work out almost every day, right? I don't see a problem here. Just remember to avoid the broken cookies (apparently they DO have calories just the same as the whole cookies), and practise moderation for the rest of the week or until the food parade has passed. Have a lovely time with your family! Report Inappropriate Comment

LALASLAND 12/24/2010 9:50AM

At least you're tracking it! That will really help! Report Inappropriate Comment

NEW-CAZ 12/24/2010 9:43AM

Have a wonderful Christmas hun Report Inappropriate Comment

SAMILUVSPINK 12/24/2010 9:26AM

Its okay, all is not lost yet. I think the important thing is to keep tracking and do not get discouraged. Good luck and Merry Christmas! Report Inappropriate Comment

What an emotional day!

Thursday, December 23, 2010

My 96 year old client, the history professor, collapsed today on his way to the lunch table.
I'm so grateful I was right there and helped him down to the floor so he wasn't hurt and used his medic-alert necklace to call for help.
We really thought we were losing him- the paramedic asked many times if he had a a DNR (do not resuscitate) card so he must have been thinking it, too.
My guy was breathing deeply but unresponsive when the ambulance took him away.
Well, he's the comeback kid, apparently- he came around, they ran every test they could think of, and they're keeping him overnight just to be safe and probably sending him home in the morning.
They can't find a thing wrong with him other than a little dehydration.
He's 96!!!
We had already been for our little morning walk and done his PT exercises before he collapsed.
I could not eat my lunch after the ambulance left.
I always wanted to be one of those people who couldn't eat when they were upset- that has never happened to me before- and I have been through some pretty traumatic events in my life.
I made up for it with cookies tonight, though, while making up platters (only the broken ones, of course).
My tummy is NOT happy right now.

Oh, btw- I ran errands,
worked 4 hours,
food shopped,
FOUND 45 MINUTES TO WORK OUT AT THE GYM,
welcomed number one son home,
cooked a great dinner,
refused a glass of wine,
made up and sent out 6 cookie plates,
and am heading to bed NOW.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

CINDYWAGNER1 12/24/2010 11:19PM

WOW! Busy day! Enjoy your time with your family. Report Inappropriate Comment

LINDAGRAVEL 12/24/2010 3:04PM

Glad you were there for your friend,Hope you both have a very Merry Christmas Report Inappropriate Comment

MEXGAL1 12/24/2010 3:00PM

wow, that must have been a bit upsetting. Even though he is 96 it's still so hard to lose someone you care for. He is lucky you were there with him. I am sure he appreciates your kindness. You sure are one busy person. Enjoy your holidays. Peanut Report Inappropriate Comment

HIPPICHICK1 12/24/2010 10:56AM

So sorry to hear you had a traumatic episode in your day. Glad to hear your client is okay. Dehydration can bring you to your knees! Report Inappropriate Comment

PATRICIA4472 12/24/2010 7:21AM

Glad you were there! Maybe your 96 yr old is like my grandma at that age: the Energizer Bunny. She kept going and going when no one expected her to. Good for you on your consistency being AF! Report Inappropriate Comment

MARTY19 12/24/2010 7:14AM

I wish I were one of those people too but that hasn't happened. I'm glad he is OK. Have a very Merry Christmas. Hugs, Marty Report Inappropriate Comment

CHALLENGER75 12/24/2010 6:39AM

What a day you had! Merry Christmas! Report Inappropriate Comment

CHEFKATLEANER 12/24/2010 5:02AM

Oh my gosh! How terrifying! I'm glad to hear that he's ok! Merry Christmas to you and yours! Report Inappropriate Comment

SCHATZI4MO 12/24/2010 3:35AM

omgosh ... i'm so happy you were there for your old guy and that he's going to be OK. truly a fabulous Christmas gift :) Report Inappropriate Comment

NEW-CAZ 12/24/2010 3:22AM

Hi Elizabeth thank God you were on hand to help hun, hope he's okay?! Merry Crimbo babes Report Inappropriate Comment

STFY31 12/24/2010 12:27AM

The BIGGEST step in this story is that you refused a drink after a day like that!! Way to go!!! :) Lately that is my way of coping with this journey called "life"! My answer for all of my problems lately seems to be a stiff drink or two... I hope your little/old man is A Ok, (what do you do for a living? I am guessing an assisted living home?) Whatever it be, bless your heart for caring enough to take care of others!!! Happy Holidays to you and your gorgeous family!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

_CYNDY55_ 12/23/2010 11:46PM

Glad You Were There For Your Friend You Were Cool, Calm And Helped Him! To ~You~ *!* On Refusing... Wishing You A Nice Christmas Eve...! Report Inappropriate Comment

DEBBIEANNE1124 12/23/2010 11:21PM

I am so sorry aout what happened to your friend. I'm praying he'llb e better tomorrow. Don't stress yourself. Report Inappropriate Comment

LALASLAND 12/23/2010 11:11PM

I am so glad you were there, too, Elizabeth! I know you really care for that dear man, too! Merry Christmas to you and your precious family! Report Inappropriate Comment