NST DECEMBER Don't Be a Martyr for Christmas

mothernerd

Christmas Eve was a bit hectic - DS2 and his gf called to drop off presents, we were introduced to a new family puppy and last of all my niece arrived (there were a couple of deliveries as well). The gate stayed shut (mum opened it for DS2 but they sensibly stayed outside and wiped each present before dropping them onto the floor for me to pick up). I was going through a pile of veg discarding wrappings and outer leaves. A couple of carrots were going soggy (it was bucketing down when they were delivered) and I wanted to isolate them and check the rest of the pack. The first time mum went into frantic mode (she always sounds as if it's a dire emergency when anyone arrives at the gate) I knocked the carrots on their side and the second and third time I managed to sit on the carrots and had to pull a sheet out of the bed, hand rinse it and then do a load of washing (my lovely bed hasn't been the same since - will add re-doing it from the start to today's tasks) to get carrot mush off them (it was on the back of my dress as well).

Lots of phone calls on Christmas Day but otherwise quiet, meals put together simply and without fuss (thanks to all my advance peeling and prep), lots of presents to open - we have chocolates and chocolate biscuits and lots and lots of tea lights. It was what mum wanted and I 'enforced' (no expensive branded candles, no additional candleholders, wax burners or diffusers) but lots of tealights in simple scents (vanilla, berries, lavender, rose, cinnamon) to go in the holders we already have (plus extras of mine). I also asked people for up to date photos to go in mum's multi photo frame. 2 grand-daughter's had bought a tray with photo inserts of themselves, mum's partner and 5 assorted children which I'm very grateful for as it was the other thing I'd asked for for mum (and saves me the job of putting all the photos in frames). The card from DS1 and his wife was a photo of my grandpuppy under their tree and DS2 has promised to send one of him and his gf in the post.

Mum and I both failed to clear our plates yesterday (safely boxed up for another day) so I had my apple crumble for tea and mum stuck to cheese and crackers. May suggest using up some of the salads (waldorf, beetroot, mushrooms in red wine) and dips with raw veg today and see if we develop an appetite for more later (crumble and custard?). I also need to visit my house over a suspected collapsed drain. I will be taking DS3 and Beloved through a checklist including checking the drain for fallen leaves/ other objects, making sure the washing machine and dishwasher hoses are still in their outlets (they say the kitchen floor is wet) and removing fat and scrambled pasta from the sink and piping (the leak is back). Maybe put white vinegar in the wm and dw (and remove pasta and stray veg from there as well). I can't do it as I'm not allowed in the house (ha ha ha) but will provide step by step instructions and any materials needed. These are all things I have to do at least once every six months and if they have to do them maybe they will think twice before they chuck things where they don't belong and expect the machines and utilities (and me aka the magic house elf) to sort things out. 

Gratitudes - all you lovely turtles, the delivery drivers, postmen and milkmen (and the veg man) who have kept us safe this year. For the padlock on the gate, good neighbours, helpful grandchildren, the pharmacy that delivers (and does the ordering from the doctor's when I ask), Kind consultants and experts for phone appointments and regular check-ins and the district nurses who started the treatment for mum's leg ulcer (and a pat on the back for me for concluding the treatment satisfactorily). For the canal bank, for walkers, taxi drivers - those who helped me move and those who have taken me on infrequent trips to town. For my polytunnel (keeping me sane), for books and music and jigsaws and for the joy of charity shops. 

For food banks (although not the need for them), for Europe and the kindness and politeness of our former partners, for sunny days and rainy days, rainbows and bees (not hail storms - hate hailstone), for rediscovering my love of cooking, for dogs and toddlers. 

f0xh0les

Happy Sunday Morning Turtles, the last one of 2020 so use it wisely and do whatever you want to do with it.

I tried to have a lie in, but by 7.45 I was so monumentally bored I got up and did stuff, just in time to see an amazing hail storm that made me laugh.  Nobody else knows it happened.   It is our secret.

So I am on the sofa with a gorgeous cup of coffee, watching The Masked Singer, which is a bit of a change from Andrew Marr, but who knows  who is behind the mask?

Toni'sfriend

Well, we managed to have our delayed Christmas dinner last night and it was lovely. The Boy is coming for dinner today and to get his presents. We have so many vegetables I think today might be a bit of a soupathon to use them all up.

Looks like the rain is about to start again.

apple_muncher

Yep, January looks like being my gig! Am on it...

facethemusic

Sunday - will be another NSD so 16/15, the light fitting saga on the new house continues- every room needs different types of bulbs- so more light bulbs added to the list of essentials to buy tomorrow. 
Have been slightly productive so far- little bit of painting, DD has sorted a small number of toys to leave the house 🎉, some more tidying and lots of recycling out to the bin. 
It's just started snowing and we have to walk the dog so hard and gloves required! 
It's been a strange year, but many personal positives to go with the general negativity that has been around, so I think I will look back on 2020 with happier thoughts than many people, for that I am very grateful. 

greent

Haven't ventured to the shops since 23rd, and no plans to today, either. Suspect we will need milk tomorrow, though. Only online shopping I've done is 2 pairs of funky socks for DS2 from t'bay

DS3 woke me at 6.30am - urgh at any time, but especially after disturbed sleep from the storm. Only 'damage' here was our huge bunch of mistletoe being blown down from the porch - so no issue except for the now missing sharp pointed object which had been pushed into the porch ceiling.....

Lazy day - leftovers for lunch again (mostly gone now) and an afternoon game of an online escape room for all 6 of us (bargain @ 6.49) - we were super speedy and finished it in 35 minutes! We have another one to do at some point over the holidays, too  

Thankful for a warm and dry house, bargain online games to play as a family, easy food, for having more than enough of food and things, for blue skies and sunshine

ditty1234

Hi everybody have actually managed a couple of NSD days lately, just ruined yesterday by buying a new bubble hat for me and ds2 a sit was a bit windy. The path we meant to walk was flooded so we went to vist the black pigs in the wood instead. Very nice if windy walk. 
I am grateful for living on a hill at the moment, as the river went everywhere for the last couple of days and over 1500 homes were evacuated, how often does that happen here!
I am also grateful for boys keeping in a good mood and contributing to us having a nice holiday. We have an other week off, but I strongly feel we will be going into a lockdown after new year, and I am wondering about schools?
I made it the whole 70 miles for my virtual challenge and am now starting the second round - to be completed before the end of January - what ever works. I am still struggling to clear my mind and set goals for 2021, to declutter my house, but I did clean both cars today inside out - 2 hours, so that is one thing done that I wanted to get sorted this holls. 

apple_muncher

Today I am grateful for WSM , for mse, for my new f1tb1t, for still having a lot of food in the house, for my needlefelting.

abundant1972

Morning all...

Yesterday was a quiet day - managed to get to the gym and go for a walk. Lots of thinking time too about work and where I want to be moving forwards. I liked the ideas you gave Mothernerd. 

Few days to go now before NY - time to re-assess and re-evaluate and try and clear away what is no longer needed. 

Am planning in a few things I have been putting off for ages - simple things like a password book, instead of them being scribbled here and there. Not sure I trust online password protection to keep them safe. I would like to go through my cupboards once more too.

Have a great day everyone x

Shrewbie

Merry belated Christmas everyone.

I think I’m only on 6 NSD, but have had a lovely time and haven’t indulged too much.

it has been strange not seeing family and friends in the UK but I whole heartedly appreciate them and this is the first year I’ve realised just how much.

Grateful for, receiving lots of new books, for comfy new trainers and for cheese. 

I also just completed a free 5 week course online which was totally in Spanish and I’m very pleased that I managed to pass it, pleased generally that I managed to finish something that required concentration and surprised that I actually sort of enjoyed it.

Twixmas - love it mother nerd

I do love twixmas for reflecting on the coming year. I want to do more reading and reflecting. Jan 2020 will also be very frugal, in a good way.

lots of love to the turtles