Oh Christmas tree oh...

NOTE: I have been writing this post on and off for 2 weeks and during that time the tree came down! The outside lights remain. My tree is still up and the lights on it are illuminated 24 hours a day. So are the lights in the garland on the stair railing. The wreath on the front door with its crazy multicolored flashing lights also stay lit until the batteries run out and can be replaced. There are lights up and down the wheelchair ramp (think airplane landing strip) and in the tree outside our bedroom window. And not just because I am too lazy to take them down-really.

I love the lights in the gray days of winter, so cheerful. Our holiday season has not had its big day yet, that is this weekend, so I think of our season as still being ongoing. The tree didn't get put up until just a day or two before Christmas so I'm no where near tired of it yet. All these things may be true but something else is also true: when you have no demands on your time it is tough to get things done!

I have not been into school this week. (I have only been to school once in the last 2 weeks) A combination of a scratchy throat, a bit of a skin wound and a lack of enthusiasm for this semester have all had me erring on the side of caution trying to heal before this weekend. We have rented a house in Bloomington large enough to gather our son, daughter and their spouses (our middle daughter and her significant other won't make it this time and I am feeling that tinge of sadness). With a hot tub, pool table, large kitchen we can use to cook together and a view of the lake has me excited for those 2 days. I try to understand that with spouse's families and my ex the children have lots of folks wanting their presence (not to mention they are charming & fun & witty so who wouldn't want them around). Some family gatherings seem to press for their attendance but I only beg for 2 days a year-this January date and May 9th. We had a terrific time; we played games and ate and did our gift exchange and all envied Josh's new remote control helicopter. So much that next year's theme is remote control & batteries!

Today is one of my favorite days of the year. The Oscar nominations are announced. With the list we plan for movies we want to see either on Netflix or in theaters. We try to find out if there will be best picture marathons and special chances to see the short films, both live and animated, before the Oscar's air. It also means that very soon Turner Classic Movies will be showing, 24 hours a day, movies that somehow tie to the Oscars (don't know how yet) beginning Feb 1 and continuing for 31 days (you can get the schedule at TCM.com)

My Christmas gift from hubby was a 1/2 cello. I love it. I got to use the bow the first day. I am learning slowly by do not care. I love the cello. Doing this makes me so very happy. And it gets me out to school so that I will stay out and go to my lesson even when it is cold and dark. Otherwise I give excuses and struggle to go out - even worse is snow and ice are involved. Totally worth it when I do.

My son once told me that everyone should have the responsibility to be somewhere every day. He was so right. Being needed anywhere changes everything. Right now I do not have to be anywhere. I can promise you that my house is no cleaner nor my stack of craft projects dwindling. I do understand why I am considered disabled- today's pain would have stopped any plans. Not so every day.

It is now 2:30. I am hoping to finish my post (looking good), mop floors, bake muffins and do some reading - and maybe even eat some lunch and fix dinner. I'll let you know how I do.

If you haven't discovered Pinterest give it a try. Lots of fun (would love it if you were to follow me).

Be well!