Christmas Eve

The snow has stopped for Christmas eve and the winds have calmed. It's sitting at -28C and with the wind chill it is a happy -33C.

 DS1 headed out to the farm with grandpa yesterday. The top of the quonset and the greenhouse were buried in about 5 feet of snow. Far too heavy a load and things could collapse, especially the greenhouse. My dad had gone out by himself last month to do it when  we had a different dump. IMHO 76 is too old to be out there by yourself, climbing up on things and shoveling for hours. I told the boys to tell him that he was too old to do that and they had this look of horror on their face. I'm not going to do it!! they both yelled. So we compromised and the boys will take turns going out with dad. They were out there about 5 hours yesterday and DS was amazed at my dad's stamina (read - stubborness). We used to do this in the winter. My sister and I would go out and she'd go down the rungs on one side of the quonset and I'd go down the other and we'd race to see who could get their side done first. 50 or 60 trips up that ladder just about did you in. So did the bolts that hit you in the *ss if you didn't center your behind properly. Ahhh good memories.

We had a nice evening last night at the in laws. SIL was sick with the flu so she mostly curled up in a blanket in the living room. Her husband and grown kids finished the meal. We got to see the nephew - I think that's all we see him is once a year even though he only lives an hour away. The house was full of two dogs and four kitties so in the quieter moments, there was certainly something to focus conversation on.  Turkey meal #1 was good. (not as good as my mom's but shhhh don't tell them that)

The to do list today wasn't too long. Go to the bank. Run to the cable store and buy mom and dad their gift card. Run to the pet store and get a present for their dog. Get seriously distracted by the cats at the pet store including one that stole my heart and I wanted to bring home. We had a great time shopping and he helped me pick out a toy for the dog. When we went by the cat toys he let me know which one cats would like best. I let him eat one of the feathers as a reward. Man pet therapy is amazing.

I made a quick run to walmart and was taken aback by the lack of folks in there. I didn't have to fight anyone in the aisles nor did I have to wait in line to pay. Very unnerving.

I just finished making 120 lil meatballs for the sweet and sour meatballs for tonight. They are in the crockpot and DS1 is driving them over to grandma's as we speak. Our Christmas Eves the past few years have been an appy meal - meatballs, wings, salads, mini lasagnas, dry ribs etc. Mom made a blueberry cheesecake for dessert. We will head over around 4 to help get things ready and visit. Sister 1 and 3 will be there with their families. Sister 2 is away with hers.

DH may well have to work tomorrow. They are digging and may not get done today. If so then we will just wait to do our gifts when all four of us can be at home.

So now I have a couple of hours before we have to head over. Time to do some laundry and some dishes.

I wish you all a wonderful Christmas with your family and friends.