ALMOST CHRISTMAS

 Gentle Readers . . . and Maxwell,

Pardon my absence. I've been exhausted by my work. J (my new, albeit temporary, supervisor) said, There's no such thing as a slow season anymore. A little more than a year ago the company fired 2,000 employees, many of whom had worked there 20 years or more. A lot of people found other jobs after learning we have no job security, or they were fed up for other reasons. The loss of so many worker bees keeps the rest of us hopping, even though we're seated at desks. 

At my advanced age, I don't want to apply for another job. Perhaps I'm less likely to be fired because I'm fairly cheap labor. I didn't get a raise this year. The late B gave me a negative job review, and I did not move up to a higher classification. But I keep toiling away, keeping the girls in kibble and myself in healthcare benefits and a 401K.

I went through a rough patch recently, shedding a lot of tears when I learned Sweet Cheeks, the man whose bottom graced my blog in the past, has cancer. I offered to take him to appointments and care for him in any way necessary, including inviting him to recuperate in my home following surgery. It was hard for me to accept when he turned down my offer, and even harder to accept that he's so ill. We were together for about 10 years. I loved him, and I still care for him. 

I miss my kids a lot at this time of year. We used to have such fun during the holidays. A lot of parents hated it when their kids were out of school. I loved it. I loved every holiday that closed the schools. Snow days in Maryland were the best!

But I'm dealing with all those feelings. I'm okay now. Maureen took me out to lunch recently, and Rebekah took me out for Taco Tuesday on Saturday night. Both meals were fun treats and time spent with beloved friends.

Princess and I have gone for some great walks to see decorations in the neighborhood.

I hope I don't worry the people who live here when I stop to 
admire their house. The landscaping is pretty. Nutcrackers
stand guard at the door. Through the window I can see their
beautiful Christmas tree, along with the wonderfully kitschy
leg lamp from A Christmas Story.

I hope this Godzilla reindeer doesn't attack
the neighborhood. He's a bit much.

I've done some decorating of my own. I began with the mantel.

Princess has stayed cozy in her hoodie that says Mama's Little Bear.

Penelope's red sweater keeps her warm while she naps.

I'll work every day this week except Wednesday. My hours on Tuesday will be different so I'm done earlier. My Christmas plans are the same as my Thanksgiving plans. I don't want to talk to anyone except the dogs. I hope Princess and I will be able to take a long walk.

Some years it's uncomfortably warm as Christmas approaches, but this year it's chilly  enough that I might be able to have a fire in the fireplace on Wednesday, so I need to bring in some wood. I'm reading Cher's memoir. I can curl up in a recliner to read for hours. 

I hope you can relax and enjoy the holiday. 

Infinities of love,

Janie Junebug