Well, last night, instead of finishing up my personal shopping, I shopped for our office's joint gift to our boss. I volunteered. I'm not quite sure how the words came out of my mouth, but they did.

I found a pair of hand-made earrings at Art & Artisan that I thought were lovely and that would suit my boss' style. Thank goodness, when I brought them in this morning, the others agreed. So just need to wrap it up tonight to give to her tomorrow. I'm out only $8 when everyone else pays their share.

I also picked up the pie for tonight's party. I settled on an apple pie on the advice of the piemaker. I explained that it would not be served until this evening and that it could not be refrigerated. And there could be no nuts. It's really pretty; the upper crust is decorated in oak leaf patterns. Or maybe they're holly leaves! The pie was $24.

This morning I went to City Hall to pay my wheel tax (city sticker). They did not make me pay the $50 late penalty, since I am a first-timer, so it was $75. That was a relief. I hate the very idea of paying $50 for nothing.

Then I drove to work, since I have the party tonight (in a neighboring suburb). I will have to get some gas before I go home -- and it just may be warm enough to get a car wash, too. On the way back, I'm going to stop at a big Jewel store along the way and buy fortune cookies for the grand-nieces' gift boxes.

I got the okay from my son to buy popcorn for his dad. He thought it was a good idea. I'll take care of that on Friday.

So, just one gift for the older grand-niece. I'd still like to get a scarf in her college colors, but I think getting something at Bath & Body Works will be easier.

Weather prediction for this weekend is either snow, rain, or freezing rain. That may mean icy roads, so I may not see my friend this weekend!