Well it's the day before the day before Christmas...

and my mind is mentally back in July somewhere. Although the fact that there is snow on the ground and the temperature is 34 degrees would indicate December and the holiday season, I am so not ready! I have just finished writing the last couple of Christmas cards, but there is no chance in hell that they are going to arrive in California by tomorrow..ah, well, it's the thought that counts, as they say. My tree is half decorated..I couldn't even find the garland that I usually use. None, I repeat, none of my presents are wrapped, although they are bought. I still have to go to the stores tomorrow for one more gift card,groceries,liquor and bank, along with mailing these darn cards at the post office. I just couldn't get my act together this afternoon after school to finish up these last few errands. So it's out with all of the other procrastinators tomorrow.

Part of my excuse for my last-minute-ness is my back and leg problem. Ever since October 16 and my trip to Rhinebeck, I have been suffering from pain. It started as, what I thought was, simply another bout of sciatica. Apparently it is more than that, after trips to my primary care doctor, xrays, an orthopedic doctor visit,and an MRI. There have been some major and not so major drug therapies involved, as well as heat packs and ice packs and more. We are still trying to determine what the actual cause of the pain is, but I will just be happy to have some relief. Actually, knock on wood, things have shown some sign of improvement over the last week or so..but I think all of this last minute rushing around stuff has caused some reversal of that progress. Hopefully no school and a somewhat unplanned 10 day school break will help me to recuperate. Woe is me...

On the book note..I just posted my 22nd entry for the year. It is definitely not looking good for the 52 books in 52 weeks accomplishment this year. Surprised? I guess I will try again next year. And if Santa brings me the Kindle that I asked for, hopefully I will be able to read at least a comparable quantity.

Knitting wise I've been somewhat at a standstill as well. I have been working on my Boneyard Shawl which I hope to finish this vacation. Sock wise..not so much. I've finally finished my Mr. Greenjeans and have actually worn it a couple of times. It's quite warm and snuggly..but I'm afraid that the yarn is going to pill prematurely and that will make me very unhappy. Fingers crossed that it survives.

Alrighty..I really must address this situation and at least start to sort out my gifts with an attempt at wrapping them. Although both of my children want me to be "green" and abandon the wrapping for this year. And now that the clock is quickly ticking away..I may just take them up on it. Is it wrong of me to hand them each a trash bag of stuff and call it Christmas?? The Grinch in me says..definitely not!
Happy Holidays all!!