Last week, my sister and I sold and finished emptying out our parents' home. It was exhausting and dirty work. It was time to do it and we are both happy about the sale, etc., but there was a LOT of stuff to go through. They were big savers of correspondence and memorabilia. My daughter came down with a cold during this, and I had to stay home and nurse her, and of course I caught it too. Breathing dust in the garage likely didnt help much. So Christmas plans have all been on the back burner. The other reason for the delay was I needed some money from the house to afford Christmas!

At any rate, DD is back in school, and I'm on the mend albeit with not a lot of energy yet. Today i ordered some presents online. Tonight I got the tree set up in the living room and got the lights on. Tucker wanted to play with Bella, and she is recuperating from her spay, so he got stuck in the kitchen with a marrow bone, and Bella and Tess were my helpers. Tomorrow we decorate!

This year my email provider switched me to outlook email software, and it won't let me print my card list! They said they haven't designed that feature yet. So tomorrow I get to sit at the computer for hours and address all my cards, a task which I greatly prefer doing on the couch or in bed in a reclining pose... .

But, although all is delayed, it is coming together, and Christmas will happen here in San Mateo. I just have extra stories to tell people. Bella is fascinated with the tree--not sure if she's seen one before. I should have an Xmas tree photo to post soon!

Hope you are doing well, and that your various plans for holidays are in better shape than mine.

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Kathleen, mom to one human, age 17, three canines, and a bunch of fish.

So glad to hear you are back on track and feeling better too. My Christmas hit a snag with my fall, but trying to bring back some Christmas cheer on crutches. Ive been so lucky with my health that this fall really tried to set me back, but not going to let it.

Glad you and your sister were able to get more done at your parents house. This was so hard for my sisters and I when it was time, but so glad when it was finished and house sold.

My family sends many happy Christmas memories for you and your daughter. It has been a full year and know Bella is soaking all this in. Still think this was a wonderful thing you did for her and she for you. Tuck and Tess really enjoy having a new sister to love.

Merry Christmas!

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