Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

 It is raining and will rain for a few days for the first time in a few years. I distinctly remember last year it was cold but not too much and not even a hint of rain because the neighbors over the fence bought a trampoline for their kids. Which has hardly been used of course.

 I am thankful for so many people, family and friends around me that understand it is out of my control when I can't give gifts. I am also thankful for once again having an understanding landlord so we aren't out on the street if we don't pay on time. I am thankful for gifts of what I need most and what makes other happy in giving them to me.

We are okay on money, just okay but hoping in a few weeks we will be much better. Going to Amber's for Christmas dinner and see the grandkids playing with that they got. Jon got me a watch, not just any watch but a ladies Invicta he found on sale. I have had a digital watch for close to forty years and this is the second one he bought me that is mechanical. His face when I told him thank you (even though I knew what it was) was a gift to me as well.

 It has to get sized to take two links out at least. So now I have an option for wearing a watch when we go out. The previous watch  he bought me was lovely with abalone pieces on the band and the face but it is dead, can't be resurrected at all so I'm hoping some day to take the shell off and have it reconstructed into a bracelet.

Looking back on my life and the previous years I had hoped my retirement years would be more like my parents. I have no idea if they were getting social security or not, they never discussed finances in front of us. I am still hoping for a time when I can have a house that people can come visit and a yard for pets and kids to play in. 

Almost time to leave for Amber's and a ham dinner prepared by Wellman (boyfriend) and likely lots of other things including a cheesecake from Costco we got to bring. Won't forget it this time like we forgot the pumpkin pie last time.