I emptied the dishwasher, checked emails and read the news, wrapped some stocking gifts and got them into one box to mail. Took a shower and went downtown, had my hair cut and colored. I came home and did just a bit of housework, cleaned my everyday jewelry, and went back downtown to the PO, bank.

It is absolutely pouring down rain. Since yesterday. But it's not cold at all.

Now I'm about to start some split pea with ham soup. A neighbor came over with a crab so we're having soup and crab salad for dinner.

I didn't do as much as I should have. I mostly fiddled around with my new iphone trying to learn all the doo-dads. I also did some quilting and made potato soup for dinner.

Went grocery shopping for all the necessities to make Christmas dinner. Even with a list, I forgot a few things. I just might have to go out tomorrow, but then again maybe not. I dread it. It's bad enough I couldn't get everything I needed in one store and had to go to a second store, but did

I did dishes, stirred up a batch of sugar cookies, got a turkey ready to go in the oven tomorrow and went to the banks Christmas party with 3 friends. Turkey is not for Christmas it is for us tomorrow. We like turkey.

My dd and I volunteered at a girls home from 9:00-12:00, then we went to the post office, Academy and lunch. We came home and wrapped lots of presents, along with cleaning and laundry. My son and his gf are coming over for supper so I need to get that started. We are having steak, baked potatoes, salad and crescent rolls. I ran to a new Dollar Tree late this afternoon and it was so picked over I had to go to another one. Traffic was crazy with crazy drivers doing crazy things!

Had a girls day out with one of my friends that I hadn't been able to get together with in months.

Came home from work, made breakfast,cleaned a little, slept until 2 pm, made a homemade pizza for SO to eat when he gets home, then fed the fur heathens and the feral cats,got ready for work, went to the post office for another stand off, though this one was more pleasant, even if it wasn't productive, then to Walmart to get food for tonight,(mistake! I would have been better off hungry than fighting those crowds) then back to work.

When I got to work I had to make the grocery list for the Christmas gathering I will be cooking for and sent it to my mom. I'll be at work until 5 in the morning. I will go walking at midnight,work permitting,as I always do. When I get off in the morning, I will have 2 days off to finish my Christmas shopping.

Went for a long walk this morning, as it was brightly sunny and didn't feel as cold as it should have (temps in the mid 20s). Took pics of, and posted a couple of items I am trying to sell on craigslist and FB. Also got some good photos of the hawk that is stalking my bird feeders. Made a big pot of vegetable soup with ground turkey. Lastly, went to a couple of carpet outlet stores, looking for a room sized remnant for my cold family room floor.... found a couple the right size, with nice thickness and texture, (lots of the thin cheap sort out there but I want it to feel good) but the colors would be a real compromise (grass green, or gray, or yellow - the green and yellow are the nicest quality, the gray would be just okay - I'll look more tomorrow)

Got up a 5:30, fed the dogs, then went back to bed. After DH left for work I got up, did 2 loads of laundry, cleaned up the kitchen, then I took a shower. Even though I'm officially on break for the rest of the year, I ended up going to work for about 4 hours. Amazing what I can get done when no none else is in the office.

Went to the post office to get stamps. They had a line just for stamps! Had an easy in & out there! Went to Target and picked up a gift card for Christmas present. It wasn't too crazy there, but not far from it!

Came home then worked on addressing invitations for a big event at work in January.

I need to go to the store, but have decided to make that a grocery pick up.

As morz8 noted, despicable weather here! Had to run some errands earlier and got drenched. Even the dog can't be bothered to stick his nose out further than absolutely necessary. Since such a good day to stay tucked indoors, I did some Christmas baking, cleaned up the kitchen, ran dishwasher and unloaded, swept floors and putzed around with the houseplants. Brewed up some fresh hummingbird juice but haven't yet braved the elements to pull the feeders to wash out and refill. And the birds themselves are keeping a very low profile in this weather anyway.

As is my wont, I have basically procrastinated today. I work better under a time pressure. Yesterday I injured my hip so moving about is a problem. Managed to wrap five gifts for the grands, made supper, thought about making that pear bread before the pears rot (will start doing that in a few minutes), thought about doing some laundry (tomorrow will do), have cards to write tonight... It's a good thing the holidays are a SEASON. I need all the time there is! =)

Took the new truck to the dealership to get the recall part replaced and left it. We drove my new SUV for the 1st time to pick up a sweater "and" warm neck scarf...just for fun...75 miles to a nearby town. We picked up breakfast when we were there too.

A lookie loo, came by to drive my old SUV I'm selling. He looked happy AND thrilled, then said he had to ask his wife if he could buy it. ha ha so funny!

Met a neighbor, named Jane for the 1st time. while I was hanging out talking to another neighbor. Rented a movie. Made chimichangas for dinner.

Everyone has had a busy day as usual for this group. I applaud you.

I finished Christmas gift shopping, went to the market and picked up the non- perishables for Christmas Eve dinner. I am pleased to have that done.

I am getting worried that DH and I will infect our family as we are still coughing with bronchitis. Thank goodness we are feeling much better and are mostly over it except coughing. I am starting to think that cooking and hosting on Christmas Eve is not a good idea, but I am hopeful that the coughing continues to ebb. If not, Christmas Eve may have to be Christmas the day after or Christmas Eve Flipped.

My neighbor came over for lunch. I made chili, cornbread muffins, fruit salad and cookies. She stayed until 4:30. After she left, I met hubby in town. Were going to eat dinner, go out for a beer and after that will go home and watch tv until it's time for bed.

I went shopping to Costco, which was very busy but I made it through surprisingly quickly. Then came home and had lunch, and read part of a biography of a woman veterinarian. I made Mexican lentil soup and biscuits for dinner which were really delicious. Also watched an episode of The Great British Baking Show and once again was amazed at some of the amazing creations produced by the contestants.

I got the oil changed in the car, picked up a few more gifts, and finally managed to get the nativity up, and the ornaments on the tree! I don't think I could have managed anything more. No energy.

I arranged a lunch party for a lovely lady that turned 93 today. She is the oldest member of our Garden Club. We had a great lunch at a Mexican restaurant. And a Sock it to me cake . She was surprised.

roxana7, hello from another procrastinator! Hope you hip isn't to painful, and gets better quickly.

Happy2b, if the bronchitis is bacterial, and you have been on antibiotics for more than 24 hours, no worries, you just won't sound good. If it's viral, then you might need to rethink it.

Raven, happy birthday to your friend!

Grandson and girlfriend came over and trimmed my hideous tree (another long story that I'm repressing...oh well...). They then set the table for my Monday night family dinner, and then Henry polished the last few pieces of silver that my yard man ran out of time to do. Put the tureen for the centerpiece in my car. I took that to the florist.

So, everything is almost ready for Monday night. I need to put the small things that are on trays (to make dusting easier for cleaner) back on the tables, and then I'm ready.

Smartest thing I ever did was to hire someone to cook and serve the meal. It's something I've had before that she does (braised short ribs - fabulous!) and know it's good. It will not be a "fancy" meal - just using placemats and all but the sterling flatware and goblets can go in the dishwasher once a year (Wedgwood "Wild Strawberry").

The table still looks festive and pretty and it will be easy and not anywhere nearly as expensive as my usual party. Just a nice family mean. No coats and ties required but I"m hoping for a sweater and not a hoody... We will see..

Met DIL for brunch today. Delightful visit. She had a breakfast sandwich and grits and I had a waffle and bacon. She and my son will be traveling to VA, Sunday, to spend Christmas.

Let me catch my breath . Started out early this morning. Baking bread, cleaning bathrooms, writing notes to friends, baking more bread. Then baking cookies. Next, pot of soup cooking on stove. Last thing was cornbread for soup. We are invited to a party tonight. Gonna chill out a bit before we get ready.

I got home a short while ago from taking Gino to his mom who works p/t at a dog grooming salon. What a ruckus!!! Dogs in cages waiting to be groomed barking, whining, howling. I was allowed in the back where they were working, 1/2 dozen tables, so I sure got my doggie fix!!

Now there's a home-made pizza in the oven for dinner. I'm currently sipping a glass of wine while waiting.

Except for the main Christmas tree, my house is decorated for Christmas inside and out. I reorganized some Christmas storage boxes. I polished silver which was fast work with Goddards's Siver Polish Foam someone on KT recommended a while back. I am ready to begin wrapping, so I feel like I am on top of things.

Devoted all morning and part of last night into making tamales. They are so labor intensive, and I dirty up everything in the kitchen. But they are so worth it . The ingredients never come out the same. This time I have meat left. Will freeze it and maybe make more for New Years.