12/9/2013

weekly update 12/9//2013

After seeing Allen off at the airport on Tuesday, I tried to get back into my boring routine. It was difficult, as I missed him terribly. But in no time, I was back to doing almost nothing. I did get back into my walking routine. Since I really don't enjoy that, I knew that if I didn't get right back into it after the hiatus when Allen visited, I would give it up completely, so I went back to the Y Wednesday morning. I took a picture of some of the scenery I can see as I hike across the street. Between the green pines and the red other trees, it looked like Christmas. 

pretty red leaves and green pine trees

I also dragged out the rest of my Christmas decorations. I've got the nutcrackers all set on the countertop, a few stuffed Santas in chairs and on the spare bed, and I put candles in the windows. I decided not to buy more lights for Audrey, so no lighted tree indoors for me. That's ok - I hung some balls on the fake tree in the dining room, and that's good enough. 

nutcrackers

candles in the window of my condo

Wednesday was Donna's birthday. I had no time last week to shop for a gift, but I did make a card. I took it over to her condo in the late afternoon, and then convinced her to allow me to take her to a popular diner near the condos. I hope she forgets this by the time it's my birthday.

Thursday morning, as I was walking to the Y, I passed Donna and Anthony decorating the clubhouse for the holidays. Anthony, the maintenance man here but also my friend, had put up some lights and wreathes, but apparently one of the wonderful residents here complained because they didn't think they were good enough. Funny thing - they “didn't have time” to assist with the tasteful display, but wanted Anthony to know that what he had done didn't meet their high expectations. So, Donna spend the day purchasing new lights, stringing new garland, adding greenery to the wreathes, and trying to make it look “better”. Since I'd been walking by, they coerced me into helping, too. I have little that I like about both the paid management company and the HOA board, and I've been rather vocal about it. So, I really don't care if they have holiday lights or not, but Donna and Anthony are my friends, so I did what I could.

 

Donna hanging garland at the clubhouse porch

Friday evening, Donna & I went to the historic district because both the Wright Square merchants and City Market were holding their annual Open House events. The shops are open later than usual, and they serve wine and snacks, while trying to convince shoppers to spend money. I saw Elizabeth, the librarian who used to lead our book club meetings, and it was great to re-connect with her. We had very nice hot (ok, warm) buttered rum in City Market as we watched the people. I didn't go to the open houses last year, so it's been a while since I did this. I liked it. 

City Market lights

  

Saturday, I seemed to be very tired. I don't know what it is, but I slept well in the night, and I napped in the afternoon. I was awake to watch the Auburn / Mizzou game, but the DH volunteers party was scheduled for early evening, so at the last minute I decided to attend and drove to the historic district. It was also the evening of the parade on Bay street, so parking was not easy. I only stayed long enough to wish my friends a happy holiday, and then went back to the condo for the rest of the game.

Sunday, I did a tour at BC in the afternoon. It was cool - only in the mid-50's - but I'd watched a little of the Pittsburgh and the Philadelphia games before I needed to go to the cemetery, and I loved seeing the snow flying and the misty breath of the players. Suddenly, mid-50's 

doesn't seem too bad. Sunday was also the annual holiday party for the Savannah Victorian Society. It was held at a member’s house in the Victorian district. His place is amazing - loaded with antiques and memorabilia. It was wonderful. The invitation had read “holiday attire”, and since I am rarely out of jeans and t-shirt, I was stumped as to what to dress up as. I tried my best. It was uncomfortable, but it was what I had to do to go to this party. 

Savannah Victorian Society Christmas gathering

does this look like holiday attire to you?

 

I refuse to say anything about the awful games in the NFL. I'm beginning to have doubts about next year with the Bills. I had hoped for a strong end to this season with a rather easy few games at the end, but they are disappointing me over and over again. Perhaps it's time to change my allegiance to college football.