Yesterday started out fine, but tanked in the afternoon. Got a call from Betty and we had a good chat. Met the volunteer coordinator at the library--this was for the "bringing books to shut-ins" activity, which I know I'll enjoy. The Ocean County Library system is very well-organized, considering both this and the "Conversational English" program. The rep gave me a thorough briefing, and followed up with a packet containing all the information I need, including a job description. As a former HR person, I appreciate the professionalism and attention to detail this shows.
Got home to make Pat's lunch before he went to the bay. Got a call from the other rep for my conversational English class, which will start in February. She asked if I could make it on Monday evenings and I agreed. (Will have to catch the Roloffs another day.)
Spent an hour in the garage sorting through the Christmas stuff to take to Jen's after I have lunch today with former colleague, David, in Allentown. Went to Acme. Then--as I always do in late afternoon--checked the mail.
The mail. What's this from Stafford Township? A summons? Whatever for?
Omigod! I've been charged with "passing a school bus while picking up or discharging." I was informed that school buses are equipped with video cameras and there, at the bottom of the page, is a picture of my car. I'm told it happened on October 9 in Manahawkin, but I have no recollection of doing this. I called the court and can't just pay a fine, but must appear in court on--get this--December 21, my birthday.
Got a letter from a attorney in the same mail and called him. We discussed this, he reassured me he can negotiate to lower the points--as it stands, it's a five point offense!--and advised me not to go without an attorney. His fee is $410. I said I'd get back to him.
I told Pat, then e-mailed all my children to ask their advice. Heard back from Alison and son Mike and they think I can negotiate it myself. Ellen will be here and can go with me. Not sure what I'll do.
Alison called on her way home from work, but hadn't yet received my message. She was calling to say she had submitted her resignation and her last day will be--yes, December 21! The job is very stressful and occupational therapists being in great demand, she gets invitations to apply from other employers frequently. Brave and smart that she is, she decided to end it and, notwithstanding that big, beautiful, costly addition, took the plunge and resigned. Whew, what a bombshell!
As ever, I felt a lot better after talking to her. I'm still very much concerned about our insurance going up, but she's sure I can negotiate it down myself. Still don't know if I'll go with representation or not--we'll see.
Today, I hope to forget all this while I have lunch with David, then show the Christmas stuff (my whole back seat is filled) to Jen. Alison had a good ploy: She asked me to imagine I had a friend in this predicament and think what I'd say to her. Well, I'd tell her, "Don't worry, it isn't as bad as you think, you'll get through it, it's not the worse thing in the world...." That helps and I'm feeling a bit better about the whole thing.

Satisfyingly productive, but not frantic, day yesterday. Went to Macy's early to get Mike's birthday present (decided to take back the first one), and was successful in not wandering around looking at all the merchandise--just got straight to the point. I was stunned at the prices in their men's department. Isn't this supposed to be a middle-priced store? Or have I just been out of the loop so long, I'm not up on modern-day prices? Whatever, to spend $75 on a plain, white shirt seems criminal--and believe me, I didn't.
Had just gotten home when Marge called to see if I was available for lunch. Hey, you know the answer to that. Made Pat's ham sandwich and tea, then picked her up. We ate at Dynasty Diner, as we both had several errands to run. We agreed Dynasty food is okay, but the wait staff is barely pleasant. Annoying, but it can be ignored.
Once home, I wrapped Mike's present and took it off to the P.O. He'll be in Tokyo this week, then Hong Kong, so may not get it for his actual birthday (December 5), but I'll call him then, too.
Gave Pat the final Thanksgiving leftovers, and ate the rest of my Caesar salad and broccoli for dinner. Afterward, Susan called to ask if she could bring granddaughter, Sophia, over for a visit. (Susan and her mommy were in from Connecticut, just for two days.) But, of course! Susan, her daughter, Julie, and almost two-year-old Sophia came and we greatly enjoyed chatting--and watching the baby's antics as she immediately started playing with the toys I had gotten out. Took pictures with the digital camera, and I'll send to Susan and Julie.
Today, I meet the volunteer coordinator at the library re bringing books to shut-ins.

Finally tackled the mountain of paperwork that needed to be gone through, read, categorized, filed or tossed. That took hours. I still have to assemble the rest of our financial picture for our advisor, born to us almost 41 years ago, but at least the other stuff isn't weighing on my mind.
Decided to make noodle soup with the turkey carcass (now think: Isn't that the bones of a corpse we're stewing, then--UGH!--eating?!) and the stock simmered for several hours. Smelled good, too. I then took the meat off the bones and added more to the pot, plus onions, carrots, and assorted spices. I gave Pat that for dinner, along with beef tips, smashed taters, and peas, followed by a chunk of leftover pumpkin pie with whipped cream. Even had a minuscule portion of the menu myself (sans pie) and if I write it myself, it was all yum, yum, yummy.
Earlier in the day, I was at the computer with my butternut squash and ice water (a common snack for me), reached for something and dumped over the water! Darn, it went all over the place, soaking the birthday card I had ready for Mike's present, as well as a lot of other stuff. I dried the card, but decided to send another--will include this bedraggled one in his present, which may arrive late, especially as he's going to Tokyo this week.
Ellen called and we enjoyed our usual Sunday night talk fest. She's looking at houses to buy, as the real estate market has tanked around there--yay! Of course, that means a two million-dollar condo might go for only one, but still, it's a hopeful sign. She also got her tickets to come for Christmas--happy day!
Did a lot of other mundane--but oddly satisfying--household stuff and last night, was snug and warm in my new jammies. Not quite like being snug and warm in my husband's embrace, but....
If you live long enough, you know time is a thief.

The big news about yesterday (aside from my .4 weight loss) is that I bought myself two pairs of flannel pajamas and a warm robe. Carrying around 46 pounds more than I do now, I used to be hot all the time--now I'm cold. I've wore nightgowns for years, but I've been having to add socks, a robe--but both mine are summer-weight--sometimes a sweater, and lately, sweat pants to keep warm in bed.*
Of course, I was an idiot to shop the Sunday after Thanksgiving, but it wasn't too bad. I also got a birthday gift for Mike, whose big day is December 5. I well remember his birth, you can be damn sure, as I was in the hospital for a week, and then did my Christmas shopping for my 7, 5, and 3-year-olds, husband, mother, twin, and assorted friends. Of course, I also decorated the house, made Christmas cookies, and completed all the other holiday chores. I always think I have more energy now, but maybe not.
Incidentally, Pat R. is absolutely right about .4 being more than a quarter pound! I feel lighter now! (Geez, not only do we have to know what a fourth and an eighth are, but then they mess us up by putting it in decimals!)
Today, I MUST get to sorting out the rest of the Christmas things in the garage. I asked Jen is she wanted to look at some, before I cart them off to the thrift store, and I'll probably go up on Wednesday. E-mailed former colleague David P. to see if he could meet me in Allentown for lunch the same day.
*Okay, you jokesters, I know there's another way to keep warm in bed, but let's not go there...

After our walk, spent most of the morning cleaning up from T. Day. Emptied the dishwasher, put some of the leftovers in the freezer, and tidied up the guest bath. I had left the pots soaking in soapy water in the sink (something I almost never do), so they were easy to wash. Replaced the Thanksgiving plates, napkin holders and other Thankgivingy items in their storage places, and removed the padding from the dining room table. Washed, dried, and put away the napkins and tablecloth, and did three loads of everyday wash, too.
It's funny that I get a real sense of satisfaction and pleasure out of working to have everything "back to rights," as the saying used to be. Either I really am just a dull and limited housewife, or--oh, yes, it's gotta be this--I like it because it's at least something I can control, as opposed to my husband's illness.
Was alarmed at lunchtime to discover I was out of broccoli. Good lord, a crisis! Went to Acme to replenish and bought three kinds of squash, my blessed broccoli, and a huge head of cauliflower. That should last me a few days.
Talked to good friend, next-door Barb D., who told me her elderly father had been admitted to the hospital (in Westchester, NY) on Thanksgiving. She and Frank had planned to drive down to their daughter's in North Carolina that night and she was pretty disappointed they weren't able to.
Called Alison just as she was leaving work to wish her "Happy Birthday" on her actual one. She was born on Thanksgiving and what a joy that was and continues to be! I'm a lucky woman.
Talked to and saw Mike and adorable Vivian last night, when he called on the Web Cam. Vivi chatted for awhile, then went to get her "jewelry" and model it for us. She had put on several rings, a bracelet, and a choker necklace. She also told us the names of her friends at school. I said I'd send her the picture of her cousin, Joely, in the native American outfit he made. She then got tired of talking to grandparents and ran off to get ready to go swimming.
Will pick up Leslie at 9:00 for Weight Watchers. I'm pretty sure I've gained, but will take my lumps and soldier on.
Later: Back from WW; lost .4 pounds, which brings me to 153.6 and an even 46 pounds off. "Only" a quarter pound? I'll accept that with pleasure.
(Will resume going on Thursdays, so next time, it'll be a short week. Will see what the scale does then. Regardless, I'll be fine with it.)

It was a neat Thanksgiving! Got all the prep work done and had time to dress--even put makeup on--adding my belt, of course (I have only one).
Talked to Betty in the AM; she was going to Carolyn's in-laws for Turkey Day. Brother Jim called to wish us a good one; they were going to daughter and SIL's Chrissy and Paul.
Joel, Jen, Joely, and Tristan got here first, at 2:00. They had called about noon to ask what veggie they should bring (unlike yours truly, they aren't obsessive about planning ahead) and we settled on corn.
It was such fun to have them here. Big and little Joel and I went out to the driveway to play hackie-sack, then Jen and I chatted while we did a few last-minute chores, and Tristan performed his specialty of gurgling and smiling.
Alison and Mike arrived about 2:45, with string bean casserole, apple pie, and Mike's brother, David. We were a little concerned about cousin John, thinking he hadn't gotten the change to an earlier time, but he got here about 3:45, and all were aboard.
J. and J. told us that Joely had gotten an excellent report from his teacher, who said he was "at the top of the class" in his reading preparation and math skills. At school, he had made an Indian (oops--native American) costume out of paper and modeled it for us--it's really cute and he's a darling kid. He and Alison played chess, then checkers. Wish I had had a grandmother like that--in fact, wish I had had any grandmother.
Mike carved the bird and Big Joel watched him from start to finish, saying he was in training for turkey-cutting. The eleven-pounder was enough, even allowing for generous take-homes by the Alison and Joel contingents, and leftovers for us.
What a feast! I ate everything and plenty of it. If I say it myself, the dinner was superb; of course, the company was what made it so, but the food was tasty, too. I was pleased to have "discovered" cooking the sweet potatoes in the crockpot, which frees up a burner and the microwave.
Ellen called to say "Happy T.Day" and talked in turn to me, Pat, Alison, Joel, then me again; we kept her on the phone about an hour. Can't wait to see her at Christmas.
I had hidden the birthday cake in my closet and Alison was surprised when I carried it into the dining room with candles blazing. Joel and Jen gave her a beautiful gift basket with tea, candles, and jam, and we gave her some green stuff she can use for decorating the addition.
Mike called as we were cleaning up and talked also to Pat and Alison. They had gone to the Mandarin Oriental for dinner--and I can attest it's elegant, as I've been there. He said they allowed adorable Vivian to choose her own "seconds" and she picked sushi (well, you know, she's one-fourth Japanese) and some other non-traditional items.
We picked names for Christmas gifts and agreed on a limit of $30. I kept a record and will e-mail everybody the results.
Alison had brought Santa hats for the kiddies and after dinner, Mike took their pictures for Christmas cards. Joel, at 5, is a little ham and Tristan (they've been calling him "T") obligingly left the hat on his head, even when it fell over one eye; the pics should be great. Of course, I took several myself and am anxious to get them on the computer. Pat donned a hat, too, and we got some funny shots with him and the kids.
Alison cleaned up about 80 %, but I told her that was enough, as I knew she had to work today (her actual birthday). I still have some stuff to clean up this morning, but the bulk is done.
A. had filled the dishwasher to absolute capacity before she left and, after I turned it on, I put on my nightclothes, poured myself a glass of white merlot, and sat down to watch a re-run episode of LP, BW.
Did I have anything else with my wine? Oh, yeah--I consumed handfuls of peanuts, a slice of chocolate cake, and another piece of pie.
Pumpkin. With whipped cream. So shoot me.
This is the first time I've veered from healthful eating and I'll be right back on the eat-rite bandwagon today. Will attend WW tomorrow and if I've gained, so be it. It was a fine day and worth a few pounds, if that has to happen.

As I knew it would be, yesterday was one busy, "getting ready" day. Ran over to Acme for some last-minute items. Rolled out the dough for the second pie, filled both with pumpkin, and baked them. Wanted to freeze one, but read on the Libby's label not to, as the filling pulls away from the crust. Maybe I'll skip that and just ask some friends over for dessert to have the second one. While mixing the filling, I had to run next door to borrow a half-teaspoon of ginger from Barbara. My container had this on the bottom: "April 1975." Think it may have lost some potency?
Made the stuffing, and refrigerated it in a bowl. If you stuff a turkey the day before you cook it, you will die by the quickly-multiplying bacteria it harbors. This is a certainty, just as if you threw yourself in front of a train. (Old joke between Betty and me.)
Frosted the cake for Alison. Started pulling out some serving dishes. Somewhat reluctantly, I've decided to use the dishes and tableware that can go in the dishwasher. If I used my mother's good china and the good silverware, they'd all have to be washed by hand and, boy, is that a chore. I'm sure nobody will mind.
Looked over my tablecloths and decided on a Burgundy which matches some of the design on the plates. Set the table and was able to squeeze nine places around it, using two kitchen chairs and a high stool for Joely. Put the serving dishes for the appetizers on the coffee table in the living room. I have several kinds, but am not sure if I'll have time to make "Nana Mix."
In between, I fielded several phone calls, including one from the volunteer coordinator at the library. We'll meet on Tuesday to go over my duties when I deliver books to shut-ins.
We were delighted to get a call last night from Patrick. We had a wonderful chat and I spoke to his lovely bride. She said, "How are you?," I answered, "Fine," and asked her the same; she responded with "Fine." I said "Koneeshiewah" (or something), which means "good afternoon," and we both did a lot of giggling, as that's about the extent of our bilingualism. She and Patrick will have formal wedding pictures taken in December--can't wait to see them.
Must run. Happy Thanksgiving to all!