I stopped at Walgreen's last night and transferred my one prescription, thus earning a $25 Walgreen's gift card. I will use it for Christmas somehow, whether as a straight gift, or to buy gifts with it. I have some family members who would welcome very practical things.

Spent my usual $5 on the prescription,thus emptying my flexible spending account.

This morning I bought my train pass for December -- $105. Later, when my business office opens, I'll go get my $30 voucher for next month.

The repairman who was coming to fix my intercom was running late yesterday, and had not yet come at 10:30 when my niece had to leave. So I rescheduled him for Wednesday morning, when I will be home, getting ready for my trip. I hope it will not take a long time, as I want to get on the road. On the other hand, I have lots to do -- packing, baking a pie, laundry -- so I won't get on the road TOO early in any event.

I have been trying to reach my sister about Thanksgiving, even though it is pretty clear she is not joining us. Her internet access is gone (this happens regularly) so I called and left a message on her cell phone. She never listens to her cell phone messages -- doesn't know what her password is. Are you starting to see the problem here? Oh, and she rarely answers her cell phone either. (And she often loses that account, too). So she is pretty much impossible to reach, when she doesn't want to be reached, and she usually doesn't. Well, this morning, while I was on the train, I get a call, and it's from her! I answered, but the train was noisy and I couldn't hear. Then it went dead. When I got to the station, I called back. It rang three times and then it stopped, like she had turned off the phone. I think the first call was probably an accident. C'est la vie. She has cut herself off before, and I've learned I can't do anything about it. It usually means grave money trouble, and I can't do anything about that either.

At least I will see my brother this Thanksgiving, and quite a few of my nieces and nephews. One of my sons and his family is coming, too, if some health issues are resolved. So it will be a happy Thanksgiving, if also a little bittersweet.