Normal or Killer Strength?

When our guests arrive, they are greeted by 2 coffee pots on the counter - "Normal" and "Dissolve your Spoon" strength. W & I like Normal - the rest DYS.

Years ago when we were at my parents house, my bro made his DYS type pot. I commented it could knock you over. As he walked back into the kitchen, I was splayed on the floor, mug in hand.

He was not impressed, ha,ha,ha.

I had as much chance getting this tree into it's box as I did getting into my size 4 pants.

My bro has the exact tree and claimed it was easy to get it back - just smooth the branches first. No go. Then I thought of smoothing and tying each section.

It fit well but was about 1" from closing. Duct tape to the rescue.
One down and - - -

Orange You Clever!

When our guests were leaving tonight, I asked if anyone had seen the cat - was afraid he'd get out. Shirl laughed and said he's OK and in the living room.

When pressed further, she could barely talk for laughing - he's lying behind the Christmas tree - on the tree skirt with his head resting on a pile of orange peelings!

I guess one needs fresh orange peelings to deter a cat! Too funny.

Oranges and Afgans

Did you know that Christmas ornaments explode when dropped on laminate flooring?! Every Christmas, the odd ornament falls onto our tree skirt. This year I "puddled" afgans around the tree before setting the skirt in place. I like the look rather than so flat on the floor.

Also, big scoop. As you peel the Christmas oranges, lay the peels around the skirt. Buddy, the cat, will not use the skirt as his favorite bed. I read cats dislike citrus scent. It works. Yes, I'll pick them all up before company arrives.

Christmas is supposed to evoke warm and fuzzy feelings and it does but I am thinking about a friend who lost his Mom in July. He posted a remembrance of her on his blog as it would have been her 65th birthday.

These firsts are so difficult, birthdays, Christmas, Mothers Day.

Thinking of you at this time, Friend.

Ha,ha,ha. No, I'm not ready.

Thanks, Shirl!

Well, my Sister came to sit here this morn so I could "run" on my own. It's the strangest feeling. Got lots done but all I did was go thru one mall.

A huge bonus is that she polished my silver flatware while I was away! (A job I just don't do)

Anyway, a big thanks. Shirl.