It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here. After a rather stressful Sunday afternoon, we three women got our Christmas tree picked out, bought, brought home, put in the stand and ready to decorate. I've lived here a long time and it's as close as I've seen the two of them get into an argument when we first started discussing a Christmas tree. Someone once told me I had a quick wit. Denny overheard the comment and put in his two cents worth "If you live with her, it's a smart mouth". Shirley agreed with him when I told her about that conversation before we finished getting the tree arranged. We did enlist John's assistance with some of the tedious chores associated with this task. He was so pleasant that if it was an act, we would certainly be surprised. Putting the ornaments on the tree was a trip down memory lane. Most every one of them had a special memory and association for one or all of us. A new addition this year is a reindeer whose nose lights up when the tree needs water. It really does work!!!

Our little family, Jana, John, and 21 month-old daughter Ellie, left us last night. We surely enjoyed having them spend the time with us. They're excited about their new house and are looking forward to being closer to more of their families. They plan on having Christmas in St. John. Rose set up the tripod and took pictures right before they left. We had some duplicate shots but we're still practicing. Mine and Shirley's faces hurt before we were finished.

We got some wonderful fattening Harry and David chocolates from John and Jana. I had to go for my pre-op this morning and have been trying to gain some weight. These chocolates helped. Rose and Shirley are sure our scales can't possibly be right, especially so soon after they ate the goodies.

Mark and Karen's wedding is Saturday night. They just returned from sailing lessons from some islands near South America. Scott and the boys are coming from Louisville late Friday and have to leave by noon on Sunday. Sunday is Jalen's tenth birthday. Double digits is a big step in growing up he says.

After the wedding on Saturday night, the newly weds are coming here for brunch and our family Christmas. We're having it at ten on Sunday because Scott and the boys have to leave. Mark complained a bit about cutting his wedding night somewhat short but said they will be here promptly at ten. We will be serving some Wild Alaskan Smoked Sockeye Salmon, compliments of Sandi FeLLin. Sandi, I already have to save 2 pieces for friends who won't be here but I've told about it.

Shirley's nephew and wife, Michael and Leslie, came over this evening. Aunt Shirley is their Aunt Rose and Aunt Sue and to her other nieces and nephews. Most of them live in Louisiana, though, and she, like us, doesn't get to see them enough.