Today Dick and I did our grocery shopping a day early. We were right, the crowds were down considerably. Of course, since Christmas was LAST week, tomorrow might not have been bad anyway but we did not want to find out.

It was a dreary day. Gray and damp. I took Chelsea for a short walk but she seemed to be limping, so we cut it short. I think that perhaps there is too much salt on the roads. That always hurts her little pads.

Jim made Spinach Casserole for his friend Dora last night. He said it was very successful. He felt it could have used more cheese but she liked it and as I told him, it is a very "forgiving" recipe. All the ingredients are good and you can't really go wrong.

I got two delayed Christmas cards this week. One from Aunt Velma Patterson, my ex mother in law's sister. Velma is the sweetest person and has to be at least 96. Her handwriting is very strong but she complains about being tired. Sounds like Mom. I was so pleased to hear from her. The other was from my friend Steve Hanson. He has moved to Idaho and sounds good also.

Here are the last two Dog's Rules for Christmas.

6. Likewise, your humans may take you visiting. Here your manners will also be important:

a. Observe all the rules in #4 for trees that may be in other people's houses. (4a is particularly important.)
b. Respect the territory of other animals that may live in the house.
c. Tolerate children.
d. Turn on your charm big time.

7. A big man with a white beard and a very loud laugh may emerge from your fireplace in teh middle of the night. Don't bite him.

So there they are. Hope you enjoyed them as much as I did.

We had scalloped potatoes and ham for supper. That is such a wonderful meal. We have enough for Saturday too. Have a good Thursday.

Mary