Kathy,

Yes dear the holiday season is officially upon us now. Only one year did I venture into the stores for "Black Friday" and that was post stroke. Guess I was more brain damaged than I thought I was lol. My kiddo saw that Target was having a special on an mp3 player that she wanted. At that time we were in walking distance to Target (well walking for her pushing me in my wc) so off we went. We got the player but she had to wait until Christmas to use it hehehe. Since then I've developed ways to keep her from knowing in advance her gifts.

I also baked but with the help of Schwan's and a yahoo im reminding me of the time. Did a pumpkin pie - quite tasty. I've always loved to bake especially for the holidays.

Yes, there are challenges post for all of us; however, we are blessed to still be here facing the challenges.

Kathy,

I have been wanting to see the movie, glad you liked it. I have read the book three times (Way of the Peaceful Warrior). I have given it as gifts to at least two people. It has as a great message of "life" regardless of religious beliefs.

I wish I had the talent of baking pies! My crusts never turn out well. I know not to overwork the dough, but it seems I am not good at rolling it out. One side is always thinner, or it's too thick, or some other issue. I bought a couple of pies from Perkins this year and they were perfect-lol.

Kristen

Kathy:

cross my heart. I love reading your blogs.your movie souds awesome already put hold in library & will get book to read too. I can't bake at all & scared of it too.

wish you wonderful holidays ahead.

Asha

I have (in the past ) gone out early shopping.. definately NOT 4 am. I did venture out Friday... John's friend came over.. and the 2 of them picked up tools, saws, hammers and decided to finish installing the "French Doors" from family room to living room (ahhm that John started last year). So I decided ... I'm outta here.

I hit 3 stores.. Sales run from early am until noon or 1 pm anyway. I hit 3 stores.. last one just a short ... go thru to see if anything "jumped" out and to pick up some "household" items anyway.

Hope you find some relief for your arm. The cold weather.. doesn't do much good for aches and pains.

Happy Holidays.

kathy,

I never bought in to the whole black Friday thing pun intended. I've always looked at it as if someone offered to pay me what I would save to go out and shop for them in that nightmare it wouldn't be worth my time, so I'm working far too hard for the money and it's just not worth it. Never even bothered to try. Years ago a Macy's one day sale was good enough lesson bargain day shopping for me.

I'm glad you're enjoying you're refound New Englandiness and are enjoying venturing into baking again. If we both get our arms working we can have a two person NY Bahston cookie exchange - won't bring in the volume the usual exchange does but fun none the less.

I'll have to see The Peaceful Warrior, but not sappy? Ah comeon we have sappy so perfected we make it look good. Is this what snap out of it has brought you to. You were never sappy to begin with...you just needed a little snap out of it upside the head to knock the sap outta ya.

Love ya,

Maria

kathy, i think you do so well in all your endeavors post stroke, baking getting out and enjoying your new home with connor being close to you now. i have only shopped on black friday a few times all pre stroke of coarse. the craziness is to much for me. i will stay home and shop online to get my shopping done. i hope you enjoy your holidays, just slow down when you need to and rest, don't get stressed again and get down for a few days with your folks there.

i'm glad you enjoyed the movie but i feel bad that you are hurting these days. enjoy your baking and i will sample anything you need.LOL i wish i had the motivation to try and bake again but i do not. have a great holiday kathy.

hugs and love,

kimmie