Christmas Shopping

Oh my, two blogs in two days--I have beaten my record. Now that I am completely in the Christmas spirit, I decided to go shopping at Fashion Valley after my sumi-e class. I have some specific observations:

1. That mall has become so UPSCALE that the entire look has changed. I noticed it earlier, but during Christmas-time if seems even more upscale. The calendar kiosk has even been relegated to the first floor in a corner when it has always been right in front of the movie theater.

2. There were transgendered folks asking if people had time to talk to them. At first I walked by, but made a point to stop as I walked back in the other direction. It was for a group soliciting support for their cause--can't think of the name of it, but it has Cause in it. I returned to talk to them remembering that I had a transgendered student when I was teaching. Their cause was the law which permits transgendered (the only word auto correct would accept) to use whatever restroom, etc. She was surprised that I knew about it (I try to keep up). I didn't donate, but it was interesting. She told me I was funny. Some things absolutely do not freak me out.

3. Went to the Hollister store to get gift certificates and realized why I always sit outside in front of the store while the grand boys shop. The music is too dang loud, aside from the fact that it is so dark inside.

4. Was fortunate to find a parking space quickly.

5. Two days ago, I would have done everything on-line, but now that I am back in the holiday groove, I will visit the mall a few more times before we leave.

6. I then went from there to Walmart where I thought I could get $30.00 on a 25.00 gift card. Now, I know that I saw that somewhere in the paper, but Alas, manager after manager could not find it. I usually don't make BIG shopping mistakes like that, but I read too much stuff and couldn't remember where I saw it. I did go on-line on my phone, but still couldn't find it. Oh well, I bought them anyway.


So, Merry Christmas!!!

Grateful, Grateful!

After a magnificent family cruise to the Caribbean, and a great time before and after, somehow I could not muster any enthusiasm for Christmas and the holiday season. I did put a wreath on the door and on the fence, but considering how much I love decorating for Christmas, it was a small thing. I had been busy resting (yes, that is possible), because our second Family Cruise was so spectacular and the time we spent with our girls, their husbands, and our four grands was priceless. We missed Christmas with them last year (because of the first cruise) and were prepared to miss it this year as well. We would have been content to eat our smoked turkey and look at each other.

Imagine our surprise when we were face timed by all of them, yesterday yelling for us to read my email. When I looked, they had purchased both of us tickets to Atlanta to spend Christmas with them. Wow, how exciting is that? We are so grateful that we have such caring children. What an expression of love. We always pay for the cruises (and everything else related to their travels) for the grandchildren, but of course we do that out of love, and never expect anything in return. It gives us great pleasure to be able to give them the gift of travel, just as we gave to their mothers.

We are overjoyed by the love our children continue to show us on a daily basis, and this surprise ranks right up their with the Panama Cruise they surprised us with for our fortieth anniversary.

Thank you daughters, sons-in-law, and grands. How we look forward to spending two weeks of the holidays with you in cold Atlanta. Although we seemed to have just gotten off a plane, we are certainly excited to get on another one!!!

Grateful, Grateful, Grateful!!!1