Christmas on the Horizon

So we made it through Thanksgiving. The usual crowd - with one exception. Our nephew from Colorado came out to spend the week with us and bond with his cousins. It was very special to have Jon at our table this year. This is the first time he has ever spent a holiday with us. I think we certainly paved the way for him to come out more often.

As we finish up the last of the leftovers, I am trying to make a mental list of what is next on the agenda:

1. TREE - I'm not gonna lie - I am SO dreading putting up a 7 foot live Christmas Tree with "Brandy" (read that: 75 pound mini-stallion) running through the house.

2. Shopping - SERIOUSLY? hmmmm, Bonds, gift cards, checks - DONE!

3. Baking - This MIGHT happen

4. Decorating Outdoors - I'm thinking a Menorah in the window - really now, who would know the difference?

5. Holly Jolly Attitude - I believe I left it in Key West.

6. Plan the Christmas Dinner - now THIS, I am good at! (Homemade manicotti is on the top of the list!)

7. Clean it all up in anticipation of our Annual January Vacation to a tropical island with cousins and friends.

I think I'll start at the bottom and work my way UP the list!

The Cousins

There were 13 First Cousins. Cousin Paulie died in Viet Nam. That left 12.
2 in Florida
1 in California
1 in Illinois
6 in New Jersey
2 on Long Island

Happy to say we came together for a glorious occasion. It is always fun when a "second generation" cousin gets married! There were 6 of us present. Should have taken the picture earlier in the evening when the guys were still "dressed".

Looking forward to the day when the 12 of us can be together.... Hope it is not for a funeral...

OUCH!!!

What a beautiful Fall weekend!! I had a long list of errands/chores to accomplish and I started very early Saturday morning (while Mr. W. slept).

Breakfast with old friend - DONE

Manicure - DONE

Food Shopping - DONE

Time to wake up Sleeping Beauty (aka Mr. W).

Laundry - Started

Wake up Sleeping Beauty again (not so much Mr. W by this time)

Laundry - Finished

And we (Mr. W and I) are off to do some shopping. Having a wonderful time shopping when all of a sudden - my right ankle gives out!! OH NO!! Of course he wants to call an ambulance - of course I am yelling I AM FINE - GET ME THE HELL OUT OF HERE!!

So Saturday night and all day Sunday I sat in my recliner, foot elevated and ice pack firmly in place. No, I did not go for an X-Ray. No, I do not think I broke anything. I am SO prone to spraining my ankles that I have an air cast on hand "just in case"!!

So here I am today, in my office, at my desk, foot in an air cast, elevated on the garbage pail. I have taken my share of Advil for the day. It is better today....

I am just wondering how I am going to put on my high heels Friday night.... My little cousin is getting married and I am NOT sitting in a chair for 6 hours... I will be on the dance floor AND icing my ankle from the "inside out".... starting with the cocktail hour!!