lowbridge: LOL! It's a shame about the synogogue folks...next year try a "Kwanza" decor...see if that flys!
I've had a couple of good days with friends, going to church services Sunday and again last night, singing carols, having a great time. But I don't want to be part of someone else's family celebration, especially since I don't know my current friends all that well, having met them just a few months ago...
My sister and daughter sent lovely presents, which I put under my potted palm, choosing not to put up a Christmas tree just for me. Opened them this morning with my cat in attendance and Nutcracker ballet on tv. MaiseyJane loves those ribbons! We made it as festive as we could.
My sister did her shopping on eBay and came up with wonders! A menu from Antoine's restaurant in New Orleans, circa 1940 when those sublime dinners were priced all the way up to $2.50. Plus, you will never believe, a little recipe book from Antoines dated 1948, so now I can make Oysters Rockefeller with the best of them. Like, yeah, sure, I'm about to spend 8 hours in the kitchen. Nevertheless, when we were kids, we visited New Orleans many times to see my grandmother, who lived there, and absolutely loved Antoines and everything else about that city, so these were very special gifts indeed.
Next year, I refuse to be alone again. This is, in spite of my best efforts at being merry and bright, rather a bummer.
If worst comes to worst, y'all come see me next year for Oysters Rockefeller and a big turkey and bring any other stray Freeper FRiends willing to risk a rainy Christmas in Seattle. (It's gloriously sunny today, and I'm going for a Christmas walk on the beach.) Again, keep your grumpster chin up and have a Merry Christmas!