I wrote this last night around 11ish but didn't post it, so it belongs here: Dear Skyler, one is never ready for doing the dishes. One just rolls the sleeves up and dives in. xoxoxxo P.S., between hash browns and the bathroom, insert washing hands (or do the dishes!) But you probably know that. The teasing over Blagojevich's hair is making me nervous cuz there's no use avoiding the fact that yesterday's haircut left me with a striking resemblance to Mr. Blag's coiffure. Copious amounts of hair gel required to remedy resemblance. The haircutter had a style I've always admired, first seen by me on Julie Christie in "Shampoo," which I told her about. She listened politely but was obviously bored by something so long ago. Haircutter informed me the haircut is called the A-line, long in front, framing the face, short in back. Old-fashioned name is probably just a "bob." In any case, no way would my hair comply. I think the nation is taking this financial meltdown and string of rampant corporate crimes rather well...too well in fact. Just look at how the citizens of Athens register their disapproval, hanging banners from the Parthenon, not to mention Baghdad. Everyone, grab a shoe and let fly. Maybe dangle shoes from the power lines? My wimpy weather report as follows: Rained all day yesterday. Sublime. The plain variety of rain (didn't know there was other kinds before idylls.) Today clear skies, temps in the 40s overnight last night. Tonight expected temps in high 30s. I potted on some rooted cuttings this morning, a Blackbird euphorbia and an anthemis Suzanne Mitchell. The euphorbs love the cool winter temps and look fine all winter. Cindy, I'm so sorry you got snookered into working Saturday. What a Scrooge your boss is! Or possibly just oblivious. One of the stranger things I've seen lately was Elvis Costello interviewing Bill Clinton about his musical influences. Elvis C. has a show on cable called Spectacle. Lou Reed was the previous week's guest. Lou's holding up...barely, but Clinton was a ball of fire as usual, discussing how jazz playing informed his speaking style, etc. Kathy, splurge on really good fruit smoothies. Actually, raspberry margaritas would do, wouldn't they? Sputtering to an abrupt end, waving to all.

I started them in seed starting mix, dipped them in #8 rooting hormone and put them in a bag that burrito size tortillas come in. Don't know if those bags are different than regular zip lock bags but I didn't have the rotting problem that I did when I used the regular ones. I put them on top of the radiator cover (it's well insulated - and acts just like a heat mat.) Then I promptly forgot about them for about three months until I noticed two of the cuttings were blooming in the bags...maybe benign neglect is the answer?

Julie , We had a blast. Always do when this bunch gets together. They got here at noon and didn't leave until 6:00 We ate and laughed and ate and talked and ate and ate.... I feel awfull.....uck... You have to remember that we all had our gifts bought and wrapped, ready to give to each other on the second Tues. of Dec.. So much of our stuff was geared "Christmas" I got a snowman that has a stick and wire fence that is attached to the snowman's body . He has "Cold Hands Warm and a Heart" sewed on the front of him. cute. A candle on a pedestal. Some flavored hot chocs. A walnut little rocker ( I collect small chairs) A pair of mittens made of an antique "crazy quilt" they are tied together with jute rope. A pickle jar covered with material that has hearts apliqued on the front. Makes a real cute canister jar. A really cute thing, it is rusty metal about 6 foot high you stick into the ground . At the top it is shaped kinda like a Christmas tree with a cutout that is filled with glass in the shape of a tree. There is a "shelf" in back that a candle sits on. When the candle burns, it shines through the glass. Real different. I like it. There was a lot of other stuff , little things Yes they did get homemade things from me, but they love them. I think that is why they always make sure I am invited, hehe . Just to get the homemade things. None of them make crafts. FUN DAY!!! Patti

Wow, Movingwest, do I sympathize. I converted to Judaism over 35 years ago, out of belief, not for marriage. Came from a Christian background and we celebrated in a huge and very religious style. I had spent significant time in Israel and returned immediately after converting. Married ex-DH there, and so Christmas was not as issue. But when we came back to the States and lived near my parents, my yearnings for Christmas returned full-force. Ex-DH refused to have anything Christmas-y in our home, but we shared in my parents' celebrations. So our children had Hanukah with us and we all had Christmas with their grandparents. Somehow they kept it all straight. Moving along - divorced, eventually remarried, to a lapsed Christian man who is more Jewish in his heart than most Jews. He has little interest in Christmas other than watching themed movies with me on TV. I, on the other hand, love Christmas music - the real stuff, the Messiah, the old carols. And I love selecting cards to send to Christian family and friends. And for a long time have been wishing for a tree. This, which must be hard for Christians to understand, but you do, has nothing to do with my Judaism, as I've never wavered in that belief. It has to do with powerful family traditions and childhood memories that are impossible to erase. We're considering going out in the next few days and buying a pre-lit faux tree, which I would decorate in blue and silver and gold, with no religious items. I also have the problem of two cats, which is one reason I'm thinking about an artificial tree - no pine needles all over the floor, no matter what. I am thinking of very simple ornaments - the round balls and just a bit of ribbon, to see how things work out with the cats. Am pretty sure that our naughty little female will be climbing. Your larger issue is the fuss and bother and emotion and work. Could you simply do a tree and nothing else? Just to see how you feel? Could you do it early and take your time, so that there isn't a Christmas Eve rush? And yes, if you have Jewish friends, or any others, so inclined, invite them for a little soltice-decorating party? I know many Jews who actually enjoying decorating more than their Christian spouses. Why not? It can be fun! As matter of fact, ex-DH, who was so tough on Christmas when we were married, got remarried to a non-Jewish woman and he is mainly responsible for the heavy tree work, the lights, etc., now. And enjoys it. It's all so strange, isn't it! I think that I would try it this year and see how you feel. It should not be an obligation, though, it should for pleasure. Good Luck - and Happy Hanukah!