Kicking and Screaming!

 I seriously could have titled this blog SO many other things as well but I settled on this because I am definitely going into this new year kicking and screaming! And, it's not so much because I don't want to enter the new year...it's because I am STILL not done with the last!

Those of you who visit here often know that I just never quite caught up with myself over autumn and December. I have tried to blame the hurricanes and some out of town trips but, I am now wondering if  it just because I am not paying attention. As I have said, I usually know what day of the week it is but seldom know the date. When I taught school, every morning started with writing the date on the board. Plus, I had children and other responsibilities that I had to keep track of so the date was important. These days it isn't so much-until it is! Lol

And so, I go back to my "running behind" current kind of life. Now that I am retired, you would think that that doesn't matter but, for me...and all of my seasonal obsessions-it does. It seemed to take a few signs to get me noticing. 

I always have trouble going from one holiday decor to the next because I become very comfortable with the way my house looks. And, of course, Christmas pulls out all of the stops and gives me the safe and cozy feel in "all the ways". And so, I usually hold off on this swap the tightest. Until, I got a sign. Now, I don't think I actually believe in signs but...as I took myself into the family room for yet another warm and cozy evening, I was greeted by this.

Look carefully...

It definitely looks like another half of a string of lights has gone out-why is it always just a half? My first inclination was to get in there and rattle the lights around-that was how my husband always did it and it always seemed to work for him-but I resisted the urge and decided that maybe this was my sign and the next day I would start!

And so, as I have said before, on days like this while my coffee is dripping I head into the living room and just start removing things. Once I do that I know there is no going back. And, after my two cups of coffee and some breakfast, I hit the ground running. I think I have showed you this before-everyone needs a blanket chest! This chest literally holds every bit of the "decor" from my living room and kitchen. Now that doesn't include pillows, large framed pictures, garlands, etc. but it does give me a great start! You truly can't believe what all is in there!

From here I just start moving things into the areas where they are stored and then decorate for the new holiday as I go along. I also clean all of the surfaces before I decorate so the house looks pretty good once I get through all rooms except that I have all of the old decor that still needs to be put away.

And that is where I was last night when I heard a knock at my door. It was already dark so visitors are rare but after a quick peek out the window to see a car I recognized, I went to the door and there was grandson #1. He had come for one more visit with me before flying back to school today. These kinds of visits from children or grand children always make me happy because they are there for "no" reason other than to see me and that makes my heart happy.

Of course it was while I was speaking to Harrison that dates started coming into play again. Usually by this time in January, I have my next year's calendar filled in. But, of course, this year I forgot to buy one so I was waiting for an Amazon delivery before that can happen. Then we started talking about my next trip out of town when I realized that it is this week! Yikes!!

I enjoyed every minute of my visit with Har but once I had said good-bye to him, all of the things that need to be done before I leave started running through my head...not the least of which is getting all of the Christmas put up-starting with the garage.

And so, that is where I have been. I think I have finally found a Rubbermaid, bag or box for everything and came in for a quick break before heading up and down the ladder and lifting these heavy things before I can call it a day. Of course, then there are still all of the indoor things to get put up as well as sitting down, filling in 2025's calendar, making lists and paying some bills before I head to St. Pete. One of my Christmas gifts from daughter #1 was tickets to see Steve Martin/Martin Short in a theater in Clearwater. Since I love both of them, I'm excited to see what kind of an experience it will be.

Before I head back to the garage, I will leave you with a "better late than never" shot...my "Christmas" cactus is about ready to be in full bloom. At least it is red so I am good with letting it keep its spot of honor in the sunroom. Lol

Better get going before I change my mind. Stay safe and stay tuned.