The Week that Was

 

Happy Week Before, ho-ho-ho!

So our company arrived Thursday afternoon -- from Arizona and North Carolina.

Before I yak about that, I wanted to show y'all what (I think's) the great thing since sliced bread!

Anyone who's ever experienced sub-zero chilly conditions while clad in a skimpy shapeless gown should appreciate this.

"Are you cold?"  This, from the nurse monitor.   (Is the Pope Catholic?)

Lickedly split, she pulled out a shiny sheet --reminiscent of mats on which I used to sunbathe.  She affixed a length of hosing, hit a switch and the 'sheet' began to fill with sweet warm air.  Aaaaah!

Another orderly remarked, "You know, it wouldn't be that hard to make one of these."

What my cold-blooded hubby wouldn't give for one of these!

Anyway.  Back to pre-Christmas with Tom's sis and son.  In all honesty, I enjoy them ... but in small measure.  

This is the part I agree with Agatha Christie: "It's astonishing in this world how things don't turn out at all the way you expect them to."   We actually had a good time, enjoying good conversation.  I didn't even have to strong-arm Tommy into taking a look at what ails my conputer.

After travelling all day Thursday I thought they might like to lay low.  Tom had a Christmas concert rehearsal so I kept it simple -- homemade potato soup, cold cuts and parmesan garlic pretzel sticks.

It's been a long time since we had overnight guests -- much less felt it necessary to entertain.  Nevertheless, Friday we drove over to Wetumpka for good food and window shopping.

Best ever "Cowboy burger"!   Tommy discovered how delicious shrimp and grits really are.  (I think he regretted having ordered a boring meatloaf.)

They'd begun decorating for a Dickens street festival ... and this signage still cracked me up:  "Scrooge and Marley, Accountants.")

Friday we paid homage to Prattville's picturesque old cotton mill ...

2 Toms

Siblings

... then onto our favorite smoked BBQ spot for hickory-smoked brisket, ribs, camp stew and fried okra.

Next on the tour, a popular 'Pickers' emporium featuring lots of stuff I'd like -- but little I need.

This permanent resident totally reminds me of my late Aunt Adele.

She's caused me to do a double take on more than one occasion!

Granted, I learned to type on a manual typewriter -- but this slightly predates those at LAHS.

Annette and I splurged on cups of specialty coffee (aka, liquid dessert).  |

This is a "Snowball" -- white chocolate and coconut mocha. 

I've not weighed myself in days but suspect this may well turn true.

Such is the state of my stomach!

I was going to do a Mississippi Pot Roast for Sunday dinner but wound up brewing a breakfast casserole in the slow cooker.

... Which no-one really felt like eating.

Concerned about the incoming storms, Annette and Tommy left early for Atlanta.  I think Tom was a bit disappointed they didn't stay for his Christmas concert/sing-along, but it was still well-attended.

My biggest joy was falling into a freshly-made bed of my very own last night.  Another night on a rickety day bed and I might have become a certified cripple.  (*whine*)

Tom has two out-of-town doctor appointments yet this week, but I'm enjoying the peace only an empty house brings.

Oh!  One more thing!

Normally, Christmas week at ladies Bible study includes gift exchanges ... even random covered dishes.  Desserts.

This year however, I was surprised to see nothing.  Since not everyone was in attendance, I've one left-over book.  (Yes, I've used excerpts from this in several 'Watercooler' posts.)

If anyone would like to have it, please say so in a comment and I'll draw a name by week's end.

Sound good?

Thanks!

Hugs, Myra