Thursday, Dec. 8

Up around 7 a.m., and after breakfast, I did a treadmill session, then helped Mother take a shower, before I got ready for the day.

Today, I dressed in holiday wear to go with Hubbie to the Master Gardener Christmas party. Hubbie opted out of taking a gift for a "Dirty Santa," exchange, which was the right thing to do, since only four people brought gifts. Apparently, the group never came to an agreement on whether to have the exchange or not, so most folks just didn't bring anything.

It was a brief party...once we'd all eaten, we left. The tables were set attractively with alternating red and white plastic table clothes, and centerpieces of potted live poinsettias, and various kinds of little Christmas trees (wood, metal, etc.).

The meal was good...a potluck of foods, with lots of the dishes being fruit or vegetable salads. There was also roasted turkey and cornbread dressing, and an array of desserts. There were lots of leftovers, so we brought home a plate of food for Mother, which she enjoyed for her supper tonight.

At past parties, besides a "Dirty Santa" gift exchange, someone presented a short Christmas-themed program, and each member received inexpensive gifts. One year, the gifts were little green teapots shaped like artichokes. And there was always Christmas music. No Christmas music this year. Wonder if all this is a reaction to the downed economy?

The party began at noon, and we were back home by 1 p.m. This afternoon, I stayed very busy...changed Mother's bed, and cleared and dusted all the surfaces so Mother could put a few Christmas decorations out, especially her small nativity scene, which Hubbie fetched from her house.

I finished decorating the big tree in the sunroom...at least I put all the special ornaments on it. I also decorated the top of the China cabinet, put an assortment of Christmas-themed mugs on a lazy Susan on top of the fridge, brought Christmas books downstairs to put on an end table, ironed a tablecloth for the dining room table, fashioned a centerpiece for the table, and put other touches of Christmas around the house.

Then I put together two gift baskets...one for the Water Babes Christmas party tomorrow, and one for Daughter, who will be here for a visit on Saturday. I also gathered items for a gift bag for Niece, who will also be here Saturday.

All the decorating today was not only for our family visitors Saturday, but also for a couple of friends, who will visit Sunday afternoon. Our friend from a town about two hours away is visiting for a couple of days with our other friend here in town, so the friend here in town called today to ask if we'd be free Sunday. They are anxious to see Mother after her recent illness.

Finally, around 5:30 p.m., I was ready to relax. Except for submitting a monthly report to the Literacy Council, I was done for the day. I'd prepared Mother's supper around 4:30, since she'd had an early lunch. Hubbie and I waited until around 6:30 before we had a supper of leftovers.

Then we watched a TNT mystery movie, "Silent Witness." A teacher is accused of killing a student, and he calls upon his defense attorney friend to defend him.

Mother watched the whole movie, and then went to bed around 8:30. Hubbie and I continued watching TV until bedtime.

Note: tonight we were invited to a formal dance party at the local dance studio, but since I don't own a formal or semi-formal dress (in fact, I don't own a dress of any kind), I opted out of the event.