cktc
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Post by cktc on Dec 12, 2019 17:49:29 GMT -5
Baklava is sitting for a holiday/birthday party tomorrow. Also painted 2 dog ornaments and picked up a gift card for the birthday girl. It's one of those gifts I'm excited to give because I think I got it right.
Cards are ready to mail and we're going to zoolights in an hour.
I wish the tree was up. I feel like this would all be much easier if I was surrounded in Christmas spirit.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 13, 2019 11:55:56 GMT -5
The line for stamps this morning was not bad at all which is a total surprise. Gotta buy cards today and address them tomorrow.
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shanendoah
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Post by shanendoah on Dec 13, 2019 14:09:57 GMT -5
I got almost all of my kid shopping is done. On budget for Pop Tart & Family (thanks to Amazon reward points). A little over for BFF's baby boy, but I can then spend a little less on BFF.
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Tennesseer
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Joined: Dec 20, 2010 21:58:42 GMT -5
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Post by Tennesseer on Dec 14, 2019 10:44:50 GMT -5
Inexpensive Christmas gift. Introductory price of just $.99. Samuel L. Jackson’s Voice Arrives On Alexa Devices With An Explicit OptionFor those of you that have always dreamed of falling asleep to Samuel L. Jackson’s dulcet tones, I have just the thing for you. Well, Amazon does because its new celebrity voice program for Alexa has kicked off with the 70-year-old actor, allowing you to listen to the legend from the comfort of your own living room each and every day. You can download Jackson’s voice for a special introductory price of 99 cents, and can do so by simply asking your Alexa: ‘Alexa, introduce me to Samuel L. Jackson.’ Once you’ve done that, you have the option to choose whether you want the ‘clean’ or ‘explicit’ version – let’s face it, if you’re not choosing the latter you need to have a serious word with yourself. Just as you can with Alexa, you can get the actor to tell you the weather, play your music, set timers, wake you up, tell jokes, sing Happy Birthday, the list continues… Here’s where it gets interesting though, because you can also get Jackson to tell you information about his career and personal interests. And as if all of that isn’t enough, you can even get the Hollywood A-lister to swear at you. Because why wouldn’t you want that? Complete article here: Samuel L. Jackson’s Voice Arrives On Alexa Devices With An Explicit Option
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Knee Deep in Water Chloe
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Post by Knee Deep in Water Chloe on Dec 14, 2019 12:27:42 GMT -5
Well, 85% of our decorations are up. This includes 50 yard inflatables. We'll get to the rest this Thursday and Friday evening.
33 Christmas Cards are addressed. I'm waiting for another box of cards to be delivered. That's 30 more cards, plus I need to purchase stamps.
We're hosting an office party breakfast on Dec 20. It should be about 20 people at our house for 1.5 hours. Need to determine a menu and shop for that this weekend.
Most of the presents are purchased. DS cannot decide if he's still with his alcoholic girlfriend. I've purchased a few small things for her, but I don't know if I'll purchase anything large for her.
I've purchased employee gifts for DH's employees and for my employees. I need to wrap those.
We also need a plan for actual Christmas Dinner--which will be at our house, but I don't think will be more than six of us. Let's see: Lots of rain this week, so we should get the final ten large yard decorations up later this afternoon.
62 cards have been addressed, signed, stuffed into envelopes, and postage attached. They'll go in the mail today or tomorrow when I feel like leaving my house. 36 of the cards had to be ink-stamped. I hadn't done stamping in a few years, so that was a pleasant half-hour.
DH went to pick up DD#2 from college on Thursday, and they were able to get three more presents taken care of. They were at stores that were not any closer than the city where DD's college is, so that was definitely helpful and time-saving.
Still need to work on the menu for the office party, then the shopping list and shopping trip. Cleaning of the house also.
We have DH's side of the family's party on Dec 21. We'll leave the late afternoon of the 20 and return on Monday the 23rd.
Christmas dinner plan still not set. I should probably ask my mother what she's doing for Christmas Day.
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Knee Deep in Water Chloe
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Joined: Dec 27, 2010 21:04:44 GMT -5
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Post by Knee Deep in Water Chloe on Dec 14, 2019 12:28:20 GMT -5
Inexpensive Christmas gift. Introductory price of just $.99. Samuel L. Jackson’s Voice Arrives On Alexa Devices With An Explicit OptionFor those of you that have always dreamed of falling asleep to Samuel L. Jackson’s dulcet tones, I have just the thing for you. Well, Amazon does because its new celebrity voice program for Alexa has kicked off with the 70-year-old actor, allowing you to listen to the legend from the comfort of your own living room each and every day. You can download Jackson’s voice for a special introductory price of 99 cents, and can do so by simply asking your Alexa: ‘Alexa, introduce me to Samuel L. Jackson.’ Once you’ve done that, you have the option to choose whether you want the ‘clean’ or ‘explicit’ version – let’s face it, if you’re not choosing the latter you need to have a serious word with yourself. Just as you can with Alexa, you can get the actor to tell you the weather, play your music, set timers, wake you up, tell jokes, sing Happy Birthday, the list continues… Here’s where it gets interesting though, because you can also get Jackson to tell you information about his career and personal interests. And as if all of that isn’t enough, you can even get the Hollywood A-lister to swear at you. Because why wouldn’t you want that? Complete article here: Samuel L. Jackson’s Voice Arrives On Alexa Devices With An Explicit Option This is fantastic!
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Tennesseer
Member Emeritus
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 21:58:42 GMT -5
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Post by Tennesseer on Dec 14, 2019 13:12:02 GMT -5
Inexpensive Christmas gift. Introductory price of just $.99. Samuel L. Jackson’s Voice Arrives On Alexa Devices With An Explicit OptionFor those of you that have always dreamed of falling asleep to Samuel L. Jackson’s dulcet tones, I have just the thing for you. Well, Amazon does because its new celebrity voice program for Alexa has kicked off with the 70-year-old actor, allowing you to listen to the legend from the comfort of your own living room each and every day. You can download Jackson’s voice for a special introductory price of 99 cents, and can do so by simply asking your Alexa: ‘Alexa, introduce me to Samuel L. Jackson.’ Once you’ve done that, you have the option to choose whether you want the ‘clean’ or ‘explicit’ version – let’s face it, if you’re not choosing the latter you need to have a serious word with yourself. Just as you can with Alexa, you can get the actor to tell you the weather, play your music, set timers, wake you up, tell jokes, sing Happy Birthday, the list continues… Here’s where it gets interesting though, because you can also get Jackson to tell you information about his career and personal interests. And as if all of that isn’t enough, you can even get the Hollywood A-lister to swear at you. Because why wouldn’t you want that? Complete article here: Samuel L. Jackson’s Voice Arrives On Alexa Devices With An Explicit Option This is fantastic!I can just hear the explicit wake up call.
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Rukh O'Rorke
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Joined: Jul 4, 2016 13:31:15 GMT -5
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Post by Rukh O'Rorke on Dec 14, 2019 13:24:26 GMT -5
Hey all! I know this is a bit scattered over various threads, commentary, etc. but how about a dedicated Holiday todo lists and spending plans thread? And support and cheer each other on? The goal: Everything bought and wrapped and the house decked out by December 18th.Tasks:Procure Christmas TreeProcure several poinsettiasSupplement decorations as needed- Wrapping paper, etc.
- Overload on food and cheer! aka no shopping from December 19th through January 3rd.
- Gifts for Kid1 and Kid2
Gift for extended family secret santa 35.11- Stocking stuffers and candy/treats
Budget: 1k
Christmas trees are really expensive this year!! $158.87 on trees and decor. I got some pricier poinsettia arrangement with other plants that I can hopefully keep alive! breaking this part out a bit: Gifts for Kid1 and Kid2 One gameBooks- Clothes
- Something nice??
so far, 274.48
Total so far: 468.46
Doing ok so far I think.....but wait - omg - I only have 4 more days left on my timeline!!!
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Rukh O'Rorke
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Post by Rukh O'Rorke on Dec 14, 2019 13:29:13 GMT -5
I'm totally not feeling Christmas this year at all. Zero interest in taking part whatsoever. The tree tote is brought up from the basement, but not up yet. I have bought a grand total of 2 gifts. One for my nephew and one for older son. I spent 2 hours perusing Amazon last night trying to become inspired, but was not at all.
Work has me really stressed out and busy which is probably part of it.
Time for a christmas miracle!!
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Rukh O'Rorke
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Post by Rukh O'Rorke on Dec 14, 2019 13:29:47 GMT -5
The line for stamps this morning was not bad at all which is a total surprise. Gotta buy cards today and address them tomorrow. ooof! Gotta add this to my todo list....
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jerseygirl
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Post by jerseygirl on Dec 14, 2019 16:06:45 GMT -5
Last year bought a dozen poinsettias instead of a Christmas tree. Will do the same this year , much less mess. We just gave grandkids who have trees at home I do put evergreen garland on mantle in family room with little pine cone Santa’s, German Rausch Men we bought in a Dresden Christmas market. Just a big decorated wreath on our red front door That’s it for me
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Rukh O'Rorke
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Post by Rukh O'Rorke on Dec 14, 2019 16:18:23 GMT -5
The goal: Everything bought and wrapped and the house decked out by December 18th.Tasks:Procure Christmas TreeProcure several poinsettiasSupplement decorations as needed- Wrapping paper, etc.
- Overload on food and cheer! aka no shopping from December 19th through January 3rd.
- Gifts for Kid1 and Kid2
One game
Books
- Clothes
- Something nice?
Gift for extended family secret santa 35.11- Stocking stuffers and
candy/treats
Budget: 1k
so far, 274.48 on kids
Total so far: 468.46
Doing ok so far I think.....but wait - omg - I only have 4 more days left on my timeline!!! [/quote] ok - I've lost track of the money side of this....I've gotten minally more done. Will be having a tree trimming party tonight off to clean and ready - will need more food....drinks....hmmmmm
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cktc
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Post by cktc on Dec 14, 2019 17:23:22 GMT -5
Tree is up and decorated. Cards are in the mail. Boat parade tonight. I still need to gift shop
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 14, 2019 19:53:24 GMT -5
I'm totally not feeling Christmas this year at all. Zero interest in taking part whatsoever. The tree tote is brought up from the basement, but not up yet. I have bought a grand total of 2 gifts. One for my nephew and one for older son. I spent 2 hours perusing Amazon last night trying to become inspired, but was not at all.
Work has me really stressed out and busy which is probably part of it.
Time for a christmas miracle!! Yeah. I'm kind of screwed. To top it off, Carrot's dad gave me the rundown of everything he got him for Christmas and there's no way I can compete so I'm even less excited about shopping now. Like, I was going to get him a Harry Potter Lego set. His dad got him a $400 one...with another $120 for a light kit for it. I was going to get him a couple games for his DS. Dad got him a new Nintendo Switch with several games. Seriously, he had to have spent over $1000 just on those couple gifts.
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Rukh O'Rorke
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Joined: Jul 4, 2016 13:31:15 GMT -5
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Post by Rukh O'Rorke on Dec 14, 2019 20:41:01 GMT -5
Time for a christmas miracle!! Yeah. I'm kind of screwed. To top it off, Carrot's dad gave me the rundown of everything he got him for Christmas and there's no way I can compete so I'm even less excited about shopping now. Like, I was going to get him a Harry Potter Lego set. His dad got him a $400 one...with another $120 for a light kit for it. I was going to get him a couple games for his DS. Dad got him a new Nintendo Switch with several games. Seriously, he had to have spent over $1000 just on those couple gifts. Ooo! Sorry that's getting you down ... Why do you feel like you have to compete though? Seems like a good thing dad is into it. I know it's hard but focus on the positive aspect? Bake some cookies? . With carrot...like build experiences, traditions...
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plugginaway22
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Post by plugginaway22 on Dec 14, 2019 20:59:27 GMT -5
A rainy day here but a lot accomplished. Did some shopping and bill paying, DH got the tree set up! Plan to get it decorated tomorrow and hopefully start wrapping gifts. The days are flying by.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 14, 2019 21:38:44 GMT -5
Yeah. I'm kind of screwed. To top it off, Carrot's dad gave me the rundown of everything he got him for Christmas and there's no way I can compete so I'm even less excited about shopping now. Like, I was going to get him a Harry Potter Lego set. His dad got him a $400 one...with another $120 for a light kit for it. I was going to get him a couple games for his DS. Dad got him a new Nintendo Switch with several games. Seriously, he had to have spent over $1000 just on those couple gifts. Ooo! Sorry that's getting you down ... Why do you feel like you have to compete though? Seems like a good thing dad is into it. I know it's hard but focus on the positive aspect? Bake some cookies? . With carrot...like build experiences, traditions... Yes and no.
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tcu2003
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Post by tcu2003 on Dec 15, 2019 1:47:54 GMT -5
Just ordered my FIL’s Christmas gift, so that one is done.
Christmas cards are in and partially addressed. Still need stamps, so hopefully DH can go pick those up on Monday.
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Ombud
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Post by Ombud on Dec 15, 2019 11:30:58 GMT -5
I have a really easy list: $100 each to older 3 grandkids $20 + pjs, 1 outfit, toy in 1 gift bag to little 3 grands (who are decorating house) $1000 check to DD & DS $50 check to hairdresser & dog groomer 5 $20 Sbux cards for those who just pop into Hannukah dinner (know of 3 that probably will be there)
Fast & simple
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Knee Deep in Water Chloe
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Joined: Dec 27, 2010 21:04:44 GMT -5
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Post by Knee Deep in Water Chloe on Dec 15, 2019 13:19:16 GMT -5
Hey all! I know this is a bit scattered over various threads, commentary, etc. but how about a dedicated Holiday todo lists and spending plans thread? And support and cheer each other on? The goal: Everything bought and wrapped and the house decked out by December 18th.Tasks:Procure Christmas TreeProcure several poinsettiasSupplement decorations as needed- Wrapping paper, etc.
- Overload on food and cheer! aka no shopping from December 19th through January 3rd.
- Gifts for Kid1 and Kid2
Gift for extended family secret santa 35.11- Stocking stuffers and candy/treats
Budget: 1k
Christmas trees are really expensive this year!! $158.87 on trees and decor. I got some pricier poinsettia arrangement with other plants that I can hopefully keep alive! breaking this part out a bit: Gifts for Kid1 and Kid2 One gameBooks- Clothes
- Something nice??
so far, 274.48
Total so far: 468.46
Doing ok so far I think.....but wait - omg - I only have 4 more days left on my timeline!!! The cost of a cut tree drove us to buying a fake tree. A few years ago, in the week after Christmas, we purchased a fake tree for at least 50% off. We did purchase a high quality one from Balsam Hill, so we still paid a few hundred dollars for it. This is the third year we've used the fake tree. At this point, we've definitely broken even if we'd purchased this size and type of fresh tree. I'm sure I can get at least five more years out of it.
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seriousthistime
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Post by seriousthistime on Dec 15, 2019 15:26:43 GMT -5
Inexpensive Christmas gift. Introductory price of just $.99. Samuel L. Jackson’s Voice Arrives On Alexa Devices With An Explicit OptionOnce you’ve done that, you have the option to choose whether you want the ‘clean’ or ‘explicit’ version – let’s face it, if you’re not choosing the latter you need to have a serious word with yourself.This made me laugh! And laughing is important to our health and well-being, I think. Before I went out and tackled the crowds to get the last few Christmas gifts on my list, i watched two holiday-themed SNL skits. The first was D*** in a Box, with Justin Timberlake. Then I watched NPR's Delicious Dish with Alec Baldwin as Pete Schweddy, hawking his Schweddy Balls, a favorite holiday treat. I laughed so much I had to watch Pete Schweddy's return to Delicious Dish at the start of baseball season to promote a ballpark treat, his Schweddy Wiener. What's wrong with me? LOL!
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Tennesseer
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Joined: Dec 20, 2010 21:58:42 GMT -5
Posts: 63,510
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Post by Tennesseer on Dec 15, 2019 17:10:47 GMT -5
Inexpensive Christmas gift. Introductory price of just $.99. Samuel L. Jackson’s Voice Arrives On Alexa Devices With An Explicit OptionOnce you’ve done that, you have the option to choose whether you want the ‘clean’ or ‘explicit’ version – let’s face it, if you’re not choosing the latter you need to have a serious word with yourself.This made me laugh! And laughing is important to our health and well-being, I think. Before I went out and tackled the crowds to get the last few Christmas gifts on my list, i watched two holiday-themed SNL skits. The first was D*** in a Box, with Justin Timberlake. Then I watched NPR's Delicious Dish with Alex Baldwin as Pete Schweddy, hawking his Schweddy Balls, a favorite holiday treat. I laughed so much I had to watch Pete Schweddy's return to Delicious Dish at the start of baseball season to promote a ballpark treat, his Schweddy Wiener. What's wrong with me? LOL! What ever is wrong with you, keep it up. You're my kind of person.
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finnime
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Be kind. Everyone you meet is fighting a great battle.
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Post by finnime on Dec 15, 2019 17:21:15 GMT -5
And just in time for Christmas, another SNL production: Macy's
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Post by empress of self-improvement on Dec 15, 2019 18:46:27 GMT -5
Got the triplets done. Ordered three Chinese language books for them last night to go with their electric keyboard. DH's Goddaughter/niece gift is probably going to be cold hard cash this year. She just started college this year and is looking toward nursing school. Money works.
I am unsure whether we should get anything for the grand niece and nephew. See the girl about once a year and haven't even met her brother yet! Born in July or so, I think. Get them something small or no? Bah. DH isn't even getting anything except the opportunity to live so he's all set. I got a deck so I'm all set.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2019 20:59:56 GMT -5
Well, 85% of our decorations are up. This includes 50 yard inflatables. We'll get to the rest this Thursday and Friday evening.
33 Christmas Cards are addressed. I'm waiting for another box of cards to be delivered. That's 30 more cards, plus I need to purchase stamps.
We're hosting an office party breakfast on Dec 20. It should be about 20 people at our house for 1.5 hours. Need to determine a menu and shop for that this weekend.
Most of the presents are purchased. DS cannot decide if he's still with his alcoholic girlfriend. I've purchased a few small things for her, but I don't know if I'll purchase anything large for her.
I've purchased employee gifts for DH's employees and for my employees. I need to wrap those.
We also need a plan for actual Christmas Dinner--which will be at our house, but I don't think will be more than six of us. Let's see: Lots of rain this week, so we should get the final ten large yard decorations up later this afternoon.
62 cards have been addressed, signed, stuffed into envelopes, and postage attached. They'll go in the mail today or tomorrow when I feel like leaving my house. 36 of the cards had to be ink-stamped. I hadn't done stamping in a few years, so that was a pleasant half-hour.
DH went to pick up DD#2 from college on Thursday, and they were able to get three more presents taken care of. They were at stores that were not any closer than the city where DD's college is, so that was definitely helpful and time-saving.
Still need to work on the menu for the office party, then the shopping list and shopping trip. Cleaning of the house also.
We have DH's side of the family's party on Dec 21. We'll leave the late afternoon of the 20 and return on Monday the 23rd.
Christmas dinner plan still not set. I should probably ask my mother what she's doing for Christmas Day. Wait. What? 50 inflatables and another 10 large yard decorations?!? Are you the neighborhood Griswolds?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2019 21:27:33 GMT -5
The last three days have been packed with kid stuff and the grands being in town, but we did get the tree up and lit after some gorilla glue and duct tape repairs (the tree is 20 years old and starting to need some TLC). I bought 11 gifts Saturday evening after the swim meet and Carrot has almost finished all his ornaments that he has to bring to school on Friday. We just need to get some ribbon for hanging them. I'm crossing my fingers that the senior portraits come in next week, but I think that is pushing it. His brochure says 3-4 weeks and I just ordered them 11 days ago. If not I guess they get IOUs.
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Tennesseer
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Post by Tennesseer on Dec 15, 2019 21:49:24 GMT -5
And just in time for Christmas, another SNL production: Macy'sI saw that skit last night. Got a good laugh out of it.
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saveinla
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Post by saveinla on Dec 15, 2019 21:51:43 GMT -5
And just in time for Christmas, another SNL production: Macy'sI saw that skit last night. Got a good laugh out of it. Me too. I needed it so much.
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Tennesseer
Member Emeritus
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Post by Tennesseer on Dec 15, 2019 21:54:13 GMT -5
I saw that skit last night. Got a good laugh out of it. Me too. I needed it so much. God knows we all need a good laugh right now.
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Sharon
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Post by Sharon on Dec 15, 2019 22:04:14 GMT -5
Things are slowly coming together. All the fall decorations are down so that house is no longer decorated with a September thru December theme. There isn't much in the way of Christmas decor out but I no longer have a scarecrow standing underneath the Christmas swag on the front porch. The painting of the witch and pumpkin is gone from the entry way and the wheat sheave candle holders are no longer on the mantle. I also finally put the tube of tree ornaments in the living room and hang an ornament or two when I pass by. Today I went and did some Christmas shopping, the grandkids are done, Mom is done, DSIL I have plan so no panic about that. Absolutely no clue what to do for Dad and I would like to pick up a little something fun for DD. Of course I am waiting for the magic wrapping fairy to drop by and wrap the gifts for me.
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