movie

Catherine and I went to see Black Swan. Dementedly fantastic. More cleaning and purging today. All trash and recycling bins packed to the brim for the Monday pick up.

what to do on a day off

After a balmy few days we had snow two nights ago and yesterday I took a mental health day. I went back to bed after the kids were off to school and finished a mystery novel. Cleared out another carload of stuff for the goodwill and then did a little Christmas shopping. Apparently mum and Alison have a deal going beginning on new years where they reward each other. Mum will give money and Alison will give decluttering help. If only I could get her here. I think we would make her day. Mum's problems are chump change compared to what I have been contending with. I am not a neatnik. No doubt there. I accept that it is a challenge for Craig to live with a person who begins things and doesn't quite finish. Vacuum cleaner abandoned where last used and that sort of thing. But, my god, does that man have clutter. Quick, look up the word 'packrat' and you will see Craig's smiling face. He has every note taken in college and law school - boxes upon boxes, he has numerous old hard drives that "have stuff on them I want". I found not one, but two sets of rabbit ears to plug into a TV. I know my kids think our TV is that old.... but actually, we do have cable. If I suggest getting rid of them...."you never know when we might need them." I did get rid of a bread maker, a second toaster, coffee grinder, mini-cuisinart, clock radio, ancient laptop (weight about 20 lbs), mac computer from Malcolm's old company that we could never break the password on, bags and bags of clothes, etc. etc. etc. Maybe, one of these days I will find the missing Christmas lights....

After these exertions, I took my snowshoes and went up Millcreek:

beds

I mentioned that Craig has been mumbling things about beds. Here is a picture of something he tried - thank goodness it only lasted one night.... He promised that if it 'worked' he would saw off the bit sticking conveniently out to fell one on the way to the loo in the middle of the night.

Holiday parties

Almost fell into my previous posting drought, but home nice and early from Craig's work holiday gathering... When the guests are predominantly mormon, there is no wine and people seem committed to getting in and out with efficiency. This is not to imply that it wasn't lovely, because it was. The food was delicious. We each bring something and his boss does the turkeys. They set nice tables and after eating and imbibing some caffeine free soft drinks it is time for the white elephant gift exchange. We made out rather well this year. Craig got, and held onto, a plug in mug warmer and I ended up with something called "fire sparkles" which may need to be regifted to Sam for Christmas. Apparently you sprinkle a tablespoon onto a roaring fire and "enjoy the colors". There was a blessing over the food so we should all be fine in terms of food poisoning. You never know how long someone's "covered dish" has sat in the car. To contrast this to events connected to my work, add massive amounts of drink and no blessings.

Last night we got the tree and put it up. Couldn't find any lights so did our part to boost the economy and rushed out to buy more. There was a bit on Science Friday this week about how to keep the needles on your tree for as long as possible. The bottom line, useless advice, was to buy a tree that has been properly handled from farm to selling point. Useful advice though was to use only white lights which are best at encouraging continued photosynthesis. Do not turn them off at night. I like it when I learn something genuinely new.

Other news: Craig is murmuring things about new beds... Zoe has taken a turn for the better so we now think she "had the flu". The children are in school until the 23rd which sucks for them but is quite nice for me.