I have been packing.   And packing.   And getting rid of things.

I swear, things procreate in houses.   The more I clean out, the more there is.

We had that really bad snow storm and it has remained cold so the snow is not diminishing.   Nicky is really struggling.  His little short legs do not do well in snow that deep.

I went to mass on New Year's Eve with my neighbor, Jean.   This is the time of year when one has holy days strung in there.   I only have two more weeks of attending St. John's.  That will be quite a change, I have been here for 9 years.   Only two more weeks of Bible Study too.  Wow.    Next Saturday night the choir is singing.   That will be my last time with the choir too.   Lots of last things.

Tomorrow, I will be going to the Roadside at 11ish to meet some neighbors.   Alison, Kay, Pat and I will be celebrating our friendship with Bloody Mary's and lunch.   They inform me that the Bloody Mary's there are great.   

Until tomorrow

Did Dhuit

Mary

I got a lot done today, though anybody looking would not see it.

Nicky has settled down a bit from the shock of the storm.   He is pretty much back on his bathroom schedule.   I felt so sorry for him yesterday.   His poor bladder and insides must have been stretched to the limit

Today I went to the bank and closed my  safe deposit box and kind of said good bye to my Wells Fargo friends though I will see them several times before I leave.

A lot done and I am in communication with my Oklahoma home purchase and insurance people.

God be with me - (and you all too)
\
Dia dhuit

Mary

At home all day.    Even if I had wanted to go somewhere, we had the storm of the year and it was after 3PM before I could have gotten out of the garage anyway.   Maybe a bit earlier, but with the wet deep snow, it took a long time to get us all plowed out.

It was very distressing for our Nicky.   He took one look at the snow this morning and headed right back into the house.   He managed to hold himself until after noon when the guys got to the driveway and he could walk around a bit.   He really has not felt too well today anyway or maybe because of the problem.    Poor little guy.

I got a lot done as far as organizing and some packing.   Tomorrow and New Year's day will also be good for that.

I only have about three weeks so need to hurry things up things a bit.  

Everybody in Oklahoma and Texas are OK.   I called them yesterday.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

What a lovely Christmas Day.

I went to church at 8:30AM and sang with the choir in the 9:30AM mass.    It was great.  We sang our hearts out and even got a round of applause at the end of the service.

Then I spent the rest of the morning preparing for the Christmas Dinner.   Richard and Brenda and Bobbie and Bill arrived at around 3PM.  I had put out fruit and dip, chips and dip and olives for snacks

We had decided to eat at 5:35PM:) :)   So that gave us time to visit and share a glass of wine or two and to unwrap presents.  Then we sat down to eat.   We had Mexican Chicken and Mexican Mushroom casseroles, roasted squash, refried beans and seven layer salad.  We had assorted cookies, candies and sweets for our dessert with coffee.

An altogether glorious day.   We got to skype with Leslie and Bill and Sara, John and Matthew were there so we had a fine visit.

I can't thank my children enough for the presents.  They were just perfect and made me feel loved which is the most important part of presents anyway.   I hope I was able to convey my love also.

Bless all of you.   I love you so much.

Dia dhuit

Marymom

P. S.  Nicky is exhausted.

A whole day at home.

Nicky and I really enjoyed it.  I spent the day getting caught up on my finances and making sure that things are ready for the closing in Oklahoma.  I need one more document to finish things off (Barring unusual circumstances.)

I tas a foggy warm day with occasional rain.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Another busy day.  But tomorrow and the next day, I should be able to remain at home and get things ready for dinner with my kids.

Shanna came and cleaned the house this morning.  Then I went to Klips and Tips to get my hair cut.  I was beginning to feel like a cockar  spaniel.   I think I lost ten pounds.  It amazing how heavy one can feel.

Teri, my hairdresser, (I will miss her so) gave me the cutest hamster, Irish Christmas ornament.

I broke a tooth a week ago.  As it didn't hurt and was obviously a cap, I ignored it til I got back from Oklahoma.   Dr. Joseph says it should have a root canal and be caped but as this would take too long for him to monitor before I move.   Since it doesn't hurt, I can wait until I get relocated.  Don't I have the best caregivers?

I have the appraisal on the home which looks fine.  There are a couple items that need to be done, but I have Joe to take care of them.   I have gathered the last information that the Mortgage Banker needs and will get it off tomorrow.  So we should be ready for the Jan 25 closing.

Still SO much to do.

Love you All

Dia dhuit
Mary

Monday.

A busy Monday as usual.  Went to Bible Study at 9:30AM.  There were 8 of us there.  Please pray for our Ione, who had a surgery a couple of weeks ago and is having a few problems.   She sent candy with her daughter in law for all of us.   What a gal.    We are finally to the story of the Samaritan Woman at Jacob's Well.    We have a lot to say about that, we found out.   We like that lady.   She is gutsy.

I went from there to grocery shop.   I have everything I need for our Christmas Dinner now.    Tomorrow will be busy also but Wednesday and Thursday will be good prep day.    I am looking forward to fixing dinner for more that me again.

I had a chiropractor appointment today.   Not too bad.  I did feel better in Oklahoma.   I think that the dry climate will help when I move there.

This afternoon at 4PM, my neighbors, Dave and Norma, had a party at their house for those that have been gathering during the summer in my honor to say good bye.   They will be leaving tomorrow and will be gone until spring, so I probably will not see them again.  Aren't we blessed to have computers to keep in touch with each other?   As past secretary of the TallGrass Association, I have all their emails so can do that.  It was SUCH a great evening.

Tomorrow is quieter but I will be seeing my dentist, getting a hair cut .   My housecleaner is coming in the morning too.


So I will have a clean house to entertain in:)

Dia Dhuit

Mary

A lovely day.    There was no wind.  It was a bit cloudy most of the day but quite comfortable with a winter jacket.

I was home all day.

I baked Mom's Christmas Stollen today.   It looks pitiful but tastes very good.  I don't know HOW she always got it looking so pretty.

Nicky and I went for several walks today.  

I talked to Bret.   He is doing well and will be with Janet on Christmas.

Tomorrow will be busy with Bible Study and a chiropractor appointment.   I have noticed that my neck was not nearly so sore in Oklahoma.

dia Dhuit

Mary

Hi You all I am not exactly southern but will be moving to Oklahoma which is close. I got back close to 1AM on Friday morning. An exhausted person. I got up at my normal 7Am so that I could get up in time to mail my Christmas packages and pic up my Nicky. I missed my Nicky. He is always so glad to see me. I have been so grateful for Chris Kuitert, who has been my pet sitter for over 20 years, beginning with our Zero (the wonder dog). So, Friday, I sent out my Christmas packages, and picked up my Nicky. He was walking with Chris when I got there. She couldn't distract him from a particularly attractive bush, but when he saw me, he dragged her back. They are so good to him. Don't know exactly what I will do in Oklahoma. Bart and Barb will watch him, as I will watch their critters, but if we go together, it could be a problem. Sufficient unto the day.

What a busy day.   I was home for most of it, but caught up on my finances and email.   I went to Mass at the 4PM mass.  The choir was singing.   I found out that the party for the choir will be in spring.  I will not be here, but that is OK.  I have enjoyed their company and combined worship.   Perhaps I may join the choir down in Lawton.  Again.  Sufficient unto the day.\

I had a lovely party on Friday night with the mortgage bankers that I worked with all those years ago.  It was such a pleasure to meet the children that Betty and Dewey had about the time I retired now,  teenagers and just delightful.  To be with Kay and Betty and Jan and Evelyn again after all these years and to be able to say good bye but not good  bye in this world of computers.  I hope they all come to visti.

I will be spending this week getting ready for Christmas and then plunge into the logistics of moving to my new home which will be available after I sign the documents.  How nice that I have "a home to go to."

Dua Dhuit 

Mary

The last two days have been wild.

Yesterday morning,Jeff and Kathy and Tim, the guy who is buying the condo came and removed the ramp from the garage.     Jeff hauled away all the loose wood and the wood that was in the ramp itself.  I got to feed People!!!!!    I had chili with cheese and crackers and then buckeyes and Lizzies for dessert.   It was such fun.

After they left, I got to prepare venison liver, bacon and onions for Bobbie and me and still had plenty of chili left for Bill.   Bobbie and I enjoyed wine and bubbly and an absolutely wonderful visit.   I am going to miss those visits.

Today was the annual budget meeting for the Condos.  I acted as secretary as Bredt, the new secretary is out of town.   Always an interesting meeting.  

Then at 4PM I went over to Pat Cook' s condo and she and I and Kay and Alison enjoyed an evening of heavy hors d veours, wine and conversation.   Will miss them all too.

I got the packing about done for tomorrow.    I will go to the 9:30 AM Mass, then take Mr. Nicky to his sitter and be back to finalize my packing and neatening of the house before I get picked up go to the airport.   They are picking me up at 2:30PM   The flight leaves at 6:15PM so I need to bring something to read for sure.

You won't hear from me tomorrow, but I will check in during the week.

Wish me the best in my hunt for a home.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

It was a fairly warm day but this afternoon the wind came up and blew like crazy.    We had a little rain when this evening when I went to choir practice.

Practice went well.   We have lots of lovely music for Christmas.   There are two things that I must review on my own, because I won't be at the last practice next week because I will be in Lawton house hunting.

The rest of the day was pretty full.   Shanna came to clean the house this morning.   I had coffee and toast with my friends the Hoftiezers at Hub City downtown.   Lynn, Jena and Hope were all in the Plymouth writers club that just disbanded.    They wanted to wish me good travel.   Very nice family.  Lynn is a marvelous poet.

I did a bit more packing and sorting in the house also.  And I am almost ready for the trip.   Tomorrow, Jeff and Kathy are coming and we will be removing the ramp from the garage.    I want to get the van out before they get here and some of the stuff out of the way so Jeff has a clear shot at working.

Time for bed now.    Til tomorrow.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Today was very full.

Nicky had his veterinarian appointment today.   He needed booster shots, his nails cut and a blood test.   I also had them check to be sure that the information on his chip was mine.    I told you that several months ago, I got a call in the evening from someone saying they had good news, they had found my dog.  ( It was funny because when I said my dog was there, he asked if I was sure.)   Anyway, now I have the information so that when I move, I can change Nicky's address and phone number for the chip.

I had lunch with a couple of friends at the Exchange Bank, then went grocery shopping.   I have all the Christmas boxes ready to mail and all the Nativities up.   That is all I am doing this year.

I do have the mini tree up too.

Today is the feast of the Immaculate Conception, so I went to Mass.   I was a communion distributor, which I always love to do.  

So tomorrow I get to be home ALL day.   Yippee

Dia Dhuit

Mary   

I guess I got too tired and busy the past couple of days.  

Partly the season.

Partly the impending move.

Friday was the 10th annual Celtic Tea:

The Tea began at at 1PM the Plymouth History Museum. We, Celtic Women, brought tea and Christmas Goodies to share - cookies, fruit breads, truffles, and of course Irish Brown Bread. And there was the music, provided by a group called Banish Misfortune, who often play at 52 Stafford. Banish Misfortune. What would an Irish celebration be without the music. They regaled us with music and stories for the two hours of the event. This has been my first Christmas event of the year for 10 years. We open this to the public and had a lot of our friends come to enjoy the music and the goodies. Thanks, LuAnn for the super job you did getting this together.

I am proud to have been a part of starting this event and have left it in good hands so that it will continue.

Today was a usual Monday.   A stimulating Bible Study.   Soon I will have to leave this circle of prayer friends.  This is hard but will be OK.  Then I went to Gibbsville to finish my Christmas Shopping.

Home again, I finished several projects.  Tomorrow Mr Nicky sees the veterinarian.   Just a checkup but his last before Oklahoma.

so Many lasts.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

I was home all day.  What a relief.   I baked cranberry bread today.   Just seemed like a shame to go through the holiday without some.   I also spent a good chunk of the day wrapping presents and getting boxes ready to send.    I also sorted the candy that I will be sending to the family.    Buckeyes and fudge.    Got to get that all sent before I go to Oklahoma to find my home.

Tonight Kate and I met at the Plymouth Arts Center for the opening of the Members Christmas show.   Last year, I put a fabric piece in ,  this year I just didn't get around to it.    My friend, Mark Montaba, got the merit award this year.

So time for bed.  Tomorrow is the Celtic Christmas Tea at the Plymouth History Museum.   This is our tenth year.   I have to bake Irish Brown Bread in the morning.  Must be fresh you know.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Well, I had a whole day at home today.

Mr. Nicky did not let me sleep late, but he did not get me up early either.

I spent the day on wrapping Christmas presents and cleaning .   I also made a famous Kunert Spinach Egg and Cheese casserole.   I made it in two casseroles and gave half to my neighbors Bob and Peggy.   Peggy just got home yesterday from rehab for her double knee replacement.

I talked to my sister Nora and my granddaughter Sara tonight so I am not lonely.   Isn't that nice?

Dia dhuit

Mary

Today was a nice day.  It rained during the night but was dry most of the day.

I baked some gluten free cookies to take to the Kettle Country Quilters.    (I had all the ingredients for them and they are REALLY good.)  Helen and Lucy, two of my friends from the club suggested that I come for the Christmas Party.   I haven't been there in such a LONG time but so many of my friends are there and it seemed like a good way to see them again and to say goodbye.   Had a great meal and a wonderful party. 

I brought home a real Yule Log as a door prize.   Now I need to find a fireplace to burn it in.

I did some grocery shopping and went to the post office for stamps and for boxes to mail stuff in while I was out.

I don't have to go anywhere tomorrow.   Yippee.   I am not even going shower.  Tee Hee.

Talked to my niece Suzi tonight.  Sure good to hear her voice.  She is a pleasure.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Well,  It has been a while.   Has anybody missed me.    

Thanksgiving was just wonderful.     Richard and Brenda came and picked me and Nicky up about 3:30PM to go to Bobbie and Bill's for a really scrumptious meal.  Turkey, squash casserole, green bean almondine  and on and on and on  - finished off with hickory nut and pumpkin pie for dessert.  Nicky did well but left doggy hair on Bobbie's rug.   Tsk Tsk.   It was a great day despite the fact that we watched the Packers lose so stupidly.   It was nice to see Farve's number retired though and to see Bart Starr, still hanging in there.

Richard and Brenda stayed the night with me, as usual.   We had breakfast and more of a visit in the morning.  They left when they figured there was little danger of icy roads any longer.   After they left, I drove to Jeff's place in Hilbert and helped finish butchering the deer that was harvested in their party.   I donated my meat slicer to the crew as for the past several years, the only time I use it is for the deer anyway.   I also gave them the electric knife which I never use.  So I have some venison steaks and also some liver which Bobbie and I will share soon.

Friday night I went to meet some friends at 52 Stafford to listen to Blarney and have a drink or two.   It was fun.  

Today, Bobbie and Bill took me to Memories to see the dinner theater presentation of an L. M. Montgomery Christmas.  Always a good meal and a nice feel good Christmas play to start the season off.

The other big news is that I have sold the condo.   I am selling it on a lease option which I considered long and hard, but it will work for me, so I decided to go for it.    I will be in Oklahoma from the 13th to the 19th, hopefully to buy a home.   I have several to look at that I have explored on Zillow.  I will have to be out of here by January 23rd.   A lot to do and little time.

So that should catch us up -   I'll try to be more consistant.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

It is still cold, but the snow is behind us for the foreseeable future anyway.

I baked some more today.   Promised cookies to the Plymouth Historical Society for their cookie sale that they have right after Thanksgiving.   I made Lizzies and Scottish shortbread.

Then at 3PM, I drove down to the Cozy Bar on Mill St. in Plymouth.   Alison's mom, Barb had won a Pack Party and was hosting it there.    It was fun.   I have not watched a whole game since Dick is not here.   It has just not been as much fun.   This was a blast so maybe I will be ready to watch the whole game again.   They won handily after the past three weeks of terrible losses which made it worth it, even without the wonderful company.

Alison also called to tell me that the guy that has looked at the house twice is still interested but has some difficulties that he is trying to over come.    Another couple are coming to see it a second time tomorrow afternoon.   Not bad.   I thought with Thanksgiving we would be dead in the water for a couple of weeks at least.

So until tomorrow

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Yesterday, when I got to the end of it, I was just too tired to post.   Full of contentment because it was a glorious day.

Spent the morning with Bobbie.   We went through the Kohler Craft  Fair at the American Club.   It is always fund to do that.   Not alone, but Bobbie and I enjoy it.     We didn't buy much.  I got some Alpaca yarn and sox and that is about it.  But we always like it.   There seemed to be an over abundance of jewelry this year and we know that ponchos are back in style.   I can't even count how many of them I made during the 70s.    Too bad I didn't keep one or two:)

Then I went to see Peggy.   The  swelling is down in her knees and she feels better.  So does Bob who is now in therapy after his heart trouble.  We had a good visit.

I met a friend, Sonya for coffee at 2PM.  We met at the Exchange Bank.   I bought coffee beans and enjoyed a cookie and coffee with a friend.  She gave me apples.

Today I cooked.   I made applesauce and Apple Crisp with the apples Sonya gave me.  I also made a batch of Lizzies (Cookies from a recipe from Mom) for the cookie sale at the Plymouth History Museum the day after Thanksgiving.

I will bake some more cookie tomorrow.

Tonight I went to Mass.  We had a guest priest who has been here before.   A Fr. Jockie.    He told us the following which I would like to share with you all.     He got it off of a Marquis at the Christ the King Lutheran Church in his community.   He said:   "God only has three answers.  1.  Yes   2.   Not right now and 3.   I have a better idea."

God never says no to us.

Wow.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Another windy day.   Still in the upper 40's and 50's but the temps are supposed to drop dramatically the next couple of days and we will get snow on Friday night and Saturday morning.   Just in time for the hunters.   Sure glad I stopped.   My poor old achy bones would not let me sit there all day.

Today I went to see Dr. Wiegand, my chiropractor.    I am somewhat better, but still have a way to go.   She is helping and I think that the MSM/Glucosomine is building up in my system is helping also.   I still ache but it has eased up.

Choir practice tonight.   Went very well.    Scott bribed us with cookies and juice.   We do have a hard road ahead as there are not too many weeks til Christmas and we have some really beautiful but somewhat difficult pieces to conquer.

Dia Dhuit

Mary