Turn out the lights ...

..... the party's over.

… and just in time!  To borrow a phrase, I've been gaining weight faster than a month in pajamas.  

I'm so enjoying everyone's accounts of their holidays.  Ours was decidedly low-key, but super enjoyable.

… if you don't count Macie Ann's unexpected dysentery on Christmas eve-Eve.

Scrubbing snippets and bits all about the house (pre-coffee) while Johnny Mathis sings, "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" is not my idea of waking to the wonder.

But then. That sweet face.

I ordered another smoked brisket from a little 'hole in the wall' butchery in old Wetumpka -- right behind this abandoned gas station (above).  They even cut it in half so we could freeze ours and still have plenty to bring to my son's.

Grandson-in-law Josh had to be back at work (North Carolina) Thursday morning, so he and Sarah had to get up early Christmas morning and drive home.  Halfway between their church and ours, they chose a Waffle House to snack and swap stories.

Hey, it's all good … unless you count the black mold décor dripping down the outside of the building. 

(Graphic strategically placed to hide my stomach!)

Candlelight services were lovely.  Even a few chuckles were had. Pastor wrote on her FB page, "When 'church baby' Kennedy comes up to the pulpit during message saying, 'Passer Janet', what does a pastor do? Well, pick up that baby and include her to bring the message of another baby."

Tom and I elected not to exchange gifts again this year in favor of buying something for the house down the road.  Even son and Lois have had to scale back, which is fine with me.  With their busy schedules and her parents and their (elderly-sometimes incontinent) animals living there, I did throw caution to the wind and got them a Rumba.

In addition to the brisket, Lois had prepared a big turkey and gravy, cornbread dressing, green bean casserole, and sweet potato pie.  And I was asked to bring another pan of my green chili cornbread. (Not counting the pan I made for Team #3 at the V.A., I think this is the 5th batch!)

Taste of New Mexico

I've not had horehound drops since I was a child!  Thanks, Debbie!

One of the Bible study gals gifted everyone homemade coconut oil/hemp cream.
Who'd guess?  In just a week it's made a BIG difference in my shoulder pain and mobility.

Oh, speaking of the V.A.  We're still in a waiting pattern. The doctor's nurse (UAB Birmingham) did call Monday to acknowledge receipt of his records. They're just working to coordinate a same-day consult with both the cardiologist and the valve clinic.

  The not-knowing and having to make last-minute reservations at a kennel is doing a number on my nerves.  I know there's no use in worrying, but still. Say a prayer, if you will?

Let's talk again soon.

Meanwhile, you know the drill ... be safe!

Hugs, Myra