Hi Anj, Hubby and son just spend some time on my computer and think they have fixed the problem. Yahoo! I really missed being able to respond to everyone's posts these last few days.

I'm sorry to hear you got the flu. They say there are lots of strains of it going around this year. Hopefully, the shot at least made it less severe for you. I got a shot too, but am just keeping my fingers crossed.

I gave up on the idea of getting anything painted for my neighbors for Christmas this year. Just bought some flavored coffees and such. I kept waiting thinking I had lots of time and it wasn't even December yet. Won't do that again, December gets too busy with decorating and shopping then you are too tired to work on projects. Next year, I think I will start right after Halloween! LOL

I've had lunch with three good friends and we have a party at one of our neighbors this afternoon. Went with son and GD last night to tour the heavily decorated homes. Parked the car and walked. It is fun because some of them have music playing and their firepits going. Some even sell hot dogs, bottled water or soda, etc. along the way. The big hits of the night were one home that had all the Princesses in displays in their yard and another where there were two golden retrievers sitting on a platform so all the kids could come pet them. LOL

Hope all your shopping and wrapping is done and now you can slow down a bit and enjoy the holiday.

I'll chat with you again soon. Merry Christmas to you too, I appreciate our online chats so much too.

Luvs

I'm so glad you're back!!! It's just not the same without you!! :) Give your DH and son a big smackeroo from all of us here! ha

I don't know about the shot lessening the effect cause it's been a week tomorrow and I'm still not feeling very good at all. DH got tired of hearing me cough so he dosed me up with Nyquil last night.ha It knocked me out good. Guess it wore off about 4am so he woke me up and dosed me again. ha At least I got some good sleep for a change.

I never got anything painted either. I bought some cajun spice and wrapped it up pretty and printed up some little tags to go with it. Everybody has been pretty excited to get it so far. ha I'm liking the easy route this year. ha Let's remind each other to get busy earlier next year! :) I've missed doing my 12 days gifts this year.

Sounds like a fun place to look at the lights if they have food as well. ha We usually take the kids out on Christmas Eve to look at the lights. Most of them fall asleep on the ride so that helps Santa out. ha

I do have everything done and have cleaned my house. Baked some cookies today with 3 yr old. It was just the little Pillsbury cookies with the reindeer on them, but she had fun "cooking" them.

I'm just so glad to have you back. Have a good time at your party! I'll talk to you again soon. :D ~Anj

Oh, Anj, that is so funny about your DH keeping you dosed with Nyquil. I always rely on Nyquil too, but have to say it sure gives me crazy dreams! LOL

I'm all for reminding each other that we need to start early next year. In fact, I'm all for continuing with Christmas/Winter stuff through January this year. I still have a few projects I'd like to paint--and wouldn't it be great to have a few gift items done now and ready for next Christmas? Of course, knowing me, I'd probably box them up and then forget where I put them or even that I have them! LOL

The party was fun, and lots of food. My neighbor was so excited because this is the first time their three kids have been home at the same time for a long time. Two are in the military and one is the most amazing artist! They had all brought friends home with them, and they are young and full of laughter and enthusiasm. Really neat. I loved the homemade tamales and she insisted that I bring some home for another meal. ;o) Another of our neighbors has been redoing his house, so he had three of us come see what he has done so far. Been moving walls and redoing everything--it was fun to see, but he sure has allot to finish up yet! Sort of fun since his house is the same model as mine--but now so different. I feel so fortunate to have such nice neighbors--I think I would like to have a potluck this Spring and invite the whole block--five of us know each other well, and we speak to six other families often too. Might really be a nice way to all get to know each other better. My house isn't very large, but we could use the front patio as well as inside the house. And since the whole block would be invited, we could even set up tables in the front yard too. Sort of like a block party but not in the street. Have to give that some thought!

Well, I need to get off here and go to bed. Sure hope you start feeling better soon. Take care of yourself and don't overdo it, okay?

Luvs