Party room- a place for fun, pity, commiserating, or any other thing you come up with

[Big Joe]

Yep. Time for Christmas shopping. It has been very tight this year. Especially being laid up for several months now. I sold a couple of my guns that don't get used much so we have the money to get the grandkids stuff for Christmas. My little (and not so little) buddies deserve what we can do for them. We have taken care of them pretty well considering everything. We have so much to be thankful for. We have 8 grandkids, and they are all extremely bright and doing so well. They are all in good health and that makes life so worthwhile. One of the advantages of being a bit short at Christmas time is we really remember the reason for the season. It is not about getting or spending or the excess that seems to get celebrated. It is about the fact that God gave his only begotten Son for us. The angel spoke to Joseph (Mathew 1:21) and said, "You shall call his name Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sin". What a wonderful memory!

[Mark N]

Joe, you are so right about what we should be focusing on during Christmas, everything else is a bonus. Hearing about your 8 grandkids makes me thankful we just have one right now. I have to say it is easier buying for little ones so it was easy this year. It is good to hear you are doing well during your recovery.

As expected I slept all day yesterday follow my trip with Tyrel to college. Thankfully we got everything done even though one office was closed. The trip itself wasn't too hard except when I tried walking across campus. It was a rough time but after the first walk Tyrel said I didn't need to go with him and if he needed me he would call then I could go in. Today I am going to try and do a bit of the trip along the walls. I will have to go out and buy more so I may do that this afternoon.

[puddykat]

Got everything straightened out here altho when I hit 'reply to thread' I still get sent to "quick reply", then haveto hit advanced reply But it could be worse. Also figured out diff tween 'home' and 'forum'. Not due to problems here, just having over-all problems w/puter; over 10 yrs old, seen it's days; hope to get new one. Have new laptop, nervous around that one, Don't think SO liked not using mouse as he picked one up. Still bring 'homework' home on wkends.

We got silk long johns/tops for 3 grandkids for xmas (yipee, just what we wanted, clothes!!!!) SO had to help me as I was getting confused with sizes, colors, kids etc.; got myself a set too.....whoa expensive but at least they'll be warm playing, waiting for bus, snowmobiling etc. Shopping done! A lot of $$ to spend but I had it this year, as in other years I didn't, who knows the future. They're at age they didn't know what they wanted, hard to guess for them. Knowing SO he'll find something else for 2 yr old to rip open I'd like to find some jewelry for the girls too......Never forgot one year as I was 'blooming' my pkg contained a bra, everyone laughing. So many emotions in that one very pretty covered box....funny how some things you just never forget....

Normally family xmas is week before around here as kids have too much going on on 24/25th. My gosh, they're coming Christmas Eve!! Never had that happen before. Suspicious nature in me thinks something's up as they haven't asked about food/what to bring, nada, altho we have it planned - easy, should say SO has it planned, then know usually something's up. Esp w/only one item......

Weather's been cold, windy; skimpy details of snow on Christmas Eve/Christmas Day but weatherman not comitting that far ahead, just that teaser. SO will be home soon as he has a dinner tonight; eat lunch, get a nap in before tonight. Doesn't want to go, but 'playing' the game.

Big Joe, you're oh so right about the meaning of Christmas I hope you are feeling better, Joe. and not over doing anything like a certain lady that posts here does.....speaking of her

Brig, glad you slowed down for awhile, took time for yourself, read, read, read in your 'space' but also sounds like your in fast forward again.....but it is that time of the year, crunch time is knocking at the door; go here, go there, company coming.......know that feeling, just take it a little easy on yourself so you can enjoy what's to come.......and go..........and come

And then comes New Yr's Eve Parties and we just keep our footies planted at home where it's safe, cozy,, maybe rent a movie, eat some snacks.

Hope all of you are doing well in pain department and the P word is behaving itself. Take care all, hugs and love, kat

[Mark N]

Kat, for some reason I am having the problem with reply to thread tonight but it doesn't bother me to do a quick reply. Good to hear your Christmas shopping is done. Ours is done except for my mother. I think you are right about something up with Christmas Eve. I had to laugh at your Christmas memory but you are right about certain years are more memorable. I bet this year with a 20 month old we will get more out of her at Christmas. She was too little last year to really get into the presents. She is going through a shy period so I don't know how she will be Christmas Day. I guess I hope it is Christmas day as we have to wait and see when Megan has to work over the holidays. They have to keep the nursing home staffed so someone will be working that day. We haven't been cold enough for snow yet so I have to hope we have a white Christmas.

Today was a good day, I took it easy but did some work on the woodwork for the walls. Tyrel is deciding on the AF if he can get in. IO don't see any problem for him unless his earlier sports induced asthma is a problem. I am glad he is choosing the AF even though I was in the Marines. My dad, brother, and cousin were in the AF so he will be following a tradition.

PS we have often wondered where all the people have gone and I found several on this site if you would like to check it out *******************************.com/forum22.html
it looks like our old forum and I think this is the one many went with when ours was down.

[puddykat]

Mark, I think all youngsters go through that shy period as mine did too. They saw grandpa almost every day but suddenly wouldn't go near/look at him.....went away as quickly as it came on. At her age believe she might have more fun w/wrapping papper/boxes etc than what's inside<G> Just they way they're programmed I think <G>

Now one more questions re: BT.....could anyone tell me what the vCard is for when you're editing your profile.....asks if you want to DL it or now.....haven't a clue what it's for or how much space it takes up. I thank you ahead of time for you help.

Weathermen haven't expounded further on possibility of snow for holidays. Would be beautiful, kids would love it, but I'm not a kid anymore.....so if we get any, I'm very glad we got it for the children this holiday season. It's also great they all have 4WD trucks to get up our driveway which is very steep, but our snow jockey is great at keeping it clean; he knows we both have health issues, might have to get in/out in a hurry; very special guy.

Thanks for the info Mark.....hoping I can get that to work.....you know me and puters lately<G>LOL Have a great Sunday - to everyone!! love/hugs, kat

[puddykat]

Hi Mark,

Brain isn't working, knew I'd have trouble with that url..........could you type it all our just as it should go in the top.
I did it a few ways, came up w/interesting things, let me tell ya......no I won't<G> Or email it to me, I'm free up for that too. Maybe email, then you can explain that darn V thing to me too. Otherwise write a BT message to me. Thanks Mr. M, knower of all things :) hugs, kat......hope you sleep well and are painfree tonight. kat

[Mark N]

Kat, I see the site wouldn't put the URL in my message. I will try and get it to you through PM and see if that works. I haven't used the vcard so I don't know what it does either. Christmas time is the only time I want snow and I hope we all get a good snow fall for Christmas.


I slept all day making up for not sleeping last night. Last night was a night from hell as I was very sleeping and my eyes were burning severely, felt like grit was under my eye lids, but I couldn't drop off to sleep. I hope to get a couple more hours of sleep before morning rolls around.

[Melanie]

Just a quick hi, I know, I went missing again, sorry. Been a lot going on around here with various health issues for various family members. But I had a minute before going back to baking and wanted to say hi :) I'll try and pop in and get caught up soon.
(((hugs)))

[Mark N]

Melanie, it is good to hear from you but I am sorry to hear family health issues have been keeping you away.


Not a lot going on around here. I have been up despite not sleeping last night. I put a roast and potatoes in the crock pot so we had that for lunch, just the three of us. I did another section of trim for the wall and now have to wait until I get more wood. I ma progressing enough it will be time to paint soon and then I will spend time finishing all the trim for the flooring and doing all the baseboard. I am waiting for a call so I can go visit Emery and her family, Emery is napping now.

[Big Joe]

Well, I think I have overdone it a bit this past week. We have been trying to get our Christmas shopping done. It is nearly complete... and that is a record early for us! I don't mind buying for the younger grandkids, but the teen aged ones are a bit harder. They really could care less about a ball glove or the things that were normal when I was young. Now everything is electronic. Not only do I really have no idea what it is, it can be quite expensive! But, God is good and we have found a way through all this and have our shopping done.

I think I am going to spend the next day or so just resting. I get bored so easy it drives me crazy, but I do need to heal up a bit. Today we had our Christmas service at church. We begin practice (band... I play guitar) at 9, service begins at 10:30, and they we had dinner there after service. I was busy from 9 to 12 just playing and doing what I needed to do at the church. Then we had dinner so it was about 2 when we got home. That does not sound long, but for 3 hours I was sitting on a stool leaning over my guitar. That puts a bit of discomfort to the back. I was tired when I got home, but watched the Titans almost win and then fell fast asleep for a couple well needed hours of rest.

I will be fine, but I do realize how to read my body and it is time to slow down for a day or two. I hope each of you are doing well and that you have a very joyous Christmas season!

[Mark N]

Big Joe, between shopping and preforming at the church's Christmas program it is no wonder you have overdone it. Glad to hear you know that you need a day or two of rest to let your body recover from all the activity.

I mowed our yard, it takes 10 min, for the final time this year and ran all the gas out of the machine. Penny was busy painting the stairwell leading to the basement while I was working on trimming out another section of the family room wall. I also started sanding it so we are closer to painting the bottom half of the wall. Tonight I just took it easy and watched some tv. Last night we watch IU basketball against #1 Kentucky and saw them stay undefeated as they won on a 3 pointer at the buzzer. It is good to see IU back in the elite group of ball teams once again.

[puddykat]

I applaud you all for getting your busy work done. Wish I could say the same; I've got to get going but pain and brain holding me back. I have to 'overcome' and get going no matter how I feel. Sleeping all of Sunday made pain worse so tomorrow I dig my heels in and get to it! no matter what. Surprising how lifting heavy wet wash can make a person go grrrr but on lasst load, yeeeeeeah!!.

Those great Packers pulled off another win yesterday.......amazing!
Everyone have a great week! hugs, kat

[newcervie]

Hi! I haven't been around much as we've been busy. Wish I could say it was because I was doing great but based on the piercing pain down my right arm, I'm not a happy camper right now. It's been problematic for awhile but not to this level and this distribution. The kids are sick again. A friend of mine is having spine surgery later this week. She's having two levels in her lumbar spine fused and expects to be back to work in 2 weeks max 3 weeks. It seems like she's pushing it too much. I hope it goes smoothly for her but I'm definitely concerned.

[Mark N]

newcervie, sorry to hear you pain is so bad right now. I can't believe your friend can be back to work in 2 weeks after a fusing. I hope it works out that way but it sure must be a new approach surgery to only take two weeks to get back to work. I hope your kids get over their illness soon as it isn't any fun to have young kids sick as they need all your attention.

Kat, I can understand how you can't get things done right now as I have those times too. Hopefully by Christmas you are doing better and can do the things you want to do. The Packers are living on the edge the last two weeks and I hope they get the defense turned around by the play-offs.

Another day of sleep and taking it easy trying to get over this recovery from the trips. It wasn't too bad as I woke up a couple of times so it isn't like my body shut down. As a result I don't have any news tonight other than wishing everyone a good week this week.

[puddykat]

Big Joe, glad to hear you are out enjoy things you love to do......now time to rest.

NC, hope your pain abates, feel better soon. Poor kids, hope their better soon too; my grandkid were home from school for a day wihta bug; doing better now; as their mom said always around the holidays. Think your friend will find out he/she needs a little more time from work. I was told 6 weeks, needed 8. Good luck to her/him.

Mark glad you're getting some needed rest in there, playing catch up. My pain average is high every day which is probably why I put off heavy work. Think my mom taught me you dust first so it falls to floor, then vac to pick it up. SO can't figure that out. Dad was a neat freak so mom had no choice but to keep things in order - chauvenist he was. Everything was done in certain order; Mom must've loved him alot to put up with some of his 'stuff', he was not very affectionate whereas she just opposite; he'd be sitting in his chair, she'd come up behind him, rub his head, kiss his ears etc, he'd get all flustered in front of us (remember you whispered the word 'sex' in that house'<G>) . Mom was sickly so I helped; was dusting every other day. In Spring the two of us literally tore room by room apart from ceiling to mattresses. Drapes came down, everything vacced, hung outside, moved beds, flipped matresses.....sure some people do that. THen on to next room, that was just upstairs with 5 rooms......downstairs wasn't so bad as it got cleaned weekly.

Squirrel looking at me, inching over to other side of house where all goodies are, wondering if looking at him......and I am. Finally getting warmm in here; my meds went down the right way for a change. Most times my throat spasms - shut - not only w/meds but with food/beverages too. Spit doesn't help either, I choke easily. One pill decided to come out my nose that's how bad it gets....

Well, I have gone on........oh BTW, Mark, that url does not work for me. Do believe our puter's just too old, plus on dial-up.I've tried every way could think of.........no big deal. Thanks for your help.

Hugs/love to all, kat