The last time I blogged I talked about how warm it was in November - I just read that through now and couldn't help but marvel at this crazy country; yesterday and today we have finally emerged from a bitter deep freeze. It was all the way up to minus 10 this afternoon and everyone was treating the day like it was spring. After 40 below with another 10 degrees in windchill for ten days, it's a wonder we all didn't freeze solid.
I think I have finished all my Christmas shopping. Even the wrapping is done - I think - who knows, I probably have things hidden around this place that I'll find in July.
The decorating is done too. It's not as extravagant as some years, but it's also better than others. Somehow, this year, there will be no little children coming, so it hardly seems worth the effort to put lights up outside; we live three miles off the highway so it's not like anyone but us or our guests will ever see them. The tree is up and the main rooms are sporting some finery. For 2009 it will have to do.
Where I have really failed this year is in the baking department. There just hasn't been time and heaven knows, we don't need the excess calories. There will still be way too much to eat, but it won't be butter tarts and shortbread cookies tempting us - just chocolates, nuts, and other snacks. Even without all the sugar-filled temptations my New Years resolution better be to join my friend, Janet, at the fitness club in town. But not until January 1st. No point in spoiling the pleasures of the table before then!
Glen has been enjoying a slow down at his work. He has had time to get things done with the cattle and finally, today, sorted the cows away from their 2009 calves for weaning. It should have been done ages ago, but first they had to have their fall inoculations and he didn't want to stress them right away, and then it got so cold and he didn't want to stress them more so it got put off again. We have the most un-stressed, coddled cattle in the country. Tonight, though, it's plenty loud out there - mamas on one side of a very stout wooden corral fence, and their 650 pound babies on the other side - all bawling at each other like it's the end of the world. Being able to see each other helps, though. Again, we do it that way to lower their stress level.
My work has been crazy. That's the deal when you work for the post office at this time of the year. Tired as I get, it's still my favorite time - delivering the things people want, sending off thousands of cards and good wishes, everyone is a giving and happy mood. It's just a fun time, all around. After tomorrow it should start to slow down a bit except for the leave-it-for-the-last-minute people who'll be Expressposting like crazy on Monday.
That being said, I had better get myself off to bed and re-charge my batteries for the morning.
