So, the Christmas season is in full swing now! This weekend I spent $236 on gifts. I didn't get any particularly great bargains, but I think I made good choices. This is in addition to $200 in gifts I got free by using Discover rewards. I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. The grandsons are done, and their parents are done. My Florida son's family is getting token gifts from Amazon, and I will send a check as well, since I think their real need is cash. I will also send another gift to my granddaughter. I have a gift card for my niece and nephew, but I still need little gifts for their daughters. Also need to get gifts for my DIL's mother, and for my ex & his wife. (All these people will be at gift openings, so needs must....)
My girls' weekend was much cheaper than it's ever been, thanks to the generosity of the girlfriend who opened her home to us. She also made a breakfast and a lunch -- insisted! And what did I do? I broke a big bowl, trying to be helpful. So I will need to replace that. Unfortunately, that piece is no longer being made, so I will have to scour thrift shops -- or eBay. I did take her a hostess gift but it was only a couple of boxes of tea -- I feel quite beholden!
And speaking of her home, it was simply lovely. Built in 1893, it was full of beautiful built-ins, high ceilings, plaster molding, original hardwood floors -- but updated in the right places, the kitchen and the bathrooms! Very gracious, yet not at all ostentatious. I wouldn't exactly say I felt envious, but I could really see myself there! I kept threatening to stay forever.
Anyway, the cost of the holiday tea at the Drake Hotel was $66, and I chipped in $4 for a taxi. My only other cost was what I spent on gifts during our shopping foray. It was fun shopping on Michigan Avenue, though it was very crowded. All the clerks said it was much busier than Black Friday.
I came home too tired to grocery shop or put up the tree. I did manage one load of laundry.
While it was clear on Saturday, the snow came down in buckets on Sunday. It's lovely, but of course it adds that extra challenge to the daily walk. I have to be ever so mindful not to slip and fall. I refuse to fall this year! I simply refuse!
Just got a free (early) lunch. Tasty treats left over from an alumni reception -- brie, crackers, almonds, pumpkin bread. I have the makings for a peanut butter sandwich, but now it will wait till tomorrow!
On Friday I will get a wonderful free breakfast -- a Christmas tradition, where the food service chefs set up a fantastic buffet, along with omelet tables, for the whole staff. I've always wished I could be a camel and eat for the whole month in one sitting! (Not sure that's what camels do, but you know what I mean!)
'Tis the Season
December 9th, 2013 at 05:08 pm
December 9th, 2013 at 05:13 pm 1386609184
Give a heads up on the make and model of the china. I am on the lookout for some Black Windsor Tower china and have regularly been checking out Goodwill and the other resale stores in the area I go to!
December 9th, 2013 at 05:32 pm 1386610340
December 9th, 2013 at 07:36 pm 1386617762
Okee-dokee, I looked up the Pfaltzgraff pattern and am pretty sure I can remember it. I will keep me eyes open for the large mixing bowl. Maybe one of us will be lucky!
December 9th, 2013 at 08:06 pm 1386619589
December 10th, 2013 at 01:49 am 1386640165
Other than that, glad you had a nice time.
December 10th, 2013 at 03:14 pm 1386688497
My friend says no need to replace it at all, but of course I want to do this.