DID SOME PLUMBING

Today I attempted to fix my shower. For the last week and a half my shower head has been losing pressure and hot water. At first I thought it was a hot water heater problem but Brenda was saying when she took her shower the water was piping hot and had a strong flow. It took me a few days to figure out that Brenda and I use different shower heads. I use the regular head and Brenda uses the rain head. So on Saturday I used the rain head and sure enough the water flow was strong and hot.

So, the problem is the regular shower head. I figured out how to take it off (with a little assistance) and soaked it in vinegar. I read this cleans it out. I am not sure it did anything but the little screen inside had some gook in it and that got cleaned out. I tested it and it seemed to flow better but not like it used to. A plumber will have to be called. But I got the head off and back on again.

Until tomorrow...

THE WORLD IS TWIRLING

For about two weeks every morning when I wake up, I am dizzy. I mean like I stand up and if I don't hold onto the wall I will fall over kind of dizzy. Then if I get back in bed and I roll over, I head a head rush when I move my head.  It is quite disconcerting. Especially when I wake up in the middle of the night and I forget. Suddenly I am falling over when I try to stand up.

I did what the experts say not to do; I searched the internet. The internet says I could have a heart problem, a sinus problem, an inner ear infection, or low blood pressure. I doubt it is a heart problem or low blood pressure. 

I guess this means I need to call my doctor. I had this before but I can't remember what I did about it.  I thought it would get better but it doesn't seem to be.  This weird thing is so bizarre and makes me crazy! 

Until tomorrow...

ANOTHER PARTY AND MORE MOVIES

We had another neighborhood party to attend today. It was a nice gathering. I ran into someone I have not seen in awhile. It was good to catch up.

Movies: I have been on a movie binge. Seeking a Friend for the End of the World, Empire State, Turbo, Blackfish today.  We're the Millers and the Hobbit II yesterday.  The Hobbit on Thursday.  American Hustle, Joyous Noise, and Stand Up Guys on Wednesday. 

I would recommend both Hobbits, Blackfish and We're the Millers. I fell asleep during Empire State. 

Until tomorrow...

WENT TO SEE THE HOBBIT

Woke up early because I needed to take my car in for service. Right before Christmas it started making this loud rattling noise and I took it to the shop and they said it probably was a heat shield or something. Bring it in on Friday.

My plan was to bring it in, run an errand and then go to the movies. Why not? I was stuck downtown and there was a movie I wanted to see and Brenda didn't. So that is exactly what I did. I went to see The Hobbit. Well, The Hobbit II. 

The movie was great. I won't give anything away but if you don't like spiders this is not the movie for you. I was glad Brenda stayed home. There was this one scene I swear I would have had to scrape her off the ceiling. I didn't see it in 3D because I would have had to wait another hour but I could definitely see the benefit with this movie. I don't see the benefit with all movies. 

About half way through the movie the car place called and left a message telling me the it was my catalytic converter that has died. Also my water pump is going. Doesn't need to be replaced now but in a couple of months. Such good news! I have been thinking of getting a new car so do I pump more money into this one or buy a new one? Since I am not ready to buy a new car today, it is pump more money into this one. 

Until tomorrow...

DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS SHOPPING? YEAH OR NAY

A lot of people I know love day after Christmas shopping. The sales, the bargains. Not me. The day after Christmas shopping is just like Black Friday shopping. Crazed shoppers willing to do anything for a bargain.  Even though I have to return two things, we are waiting a few days for the crowds to mellow. 

I usually send my packages by USPS.com. I have a scale at home and I print out the labels and drop the boxes off at the post office. It is really easy and quick. This year UPS and Fed Ex both had problems delivering all their deliveries.  I am surprised that the USPS is not using this opportunity to market themselves. We deliver on time through rain, sleet and snow! We got your packages there in time for Christmas. Another missed marketing opportunity.

Until tomorrow...

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Today started as a Merry Christmas but ended not so merry.  We woke up and opened presents. Skyped with family.  Happi had a good time ripping open as many presents as she could.

Then we went to see American Hustle. It was good. I sort dozed a bit in the first 40 minutes. It is slow for the first half. It has to set the stage for the hustle.

Then we came home to talk to more family and eat dinner. We watched another movie while we ate dinner. We watched Stand Up Guys. It was entertaining. It moved along a lot faster than American Hustle!

After the movie I checked my email. That us when I found out our ex-neighbor and dear friend passed away. His name was Darrel and it is a bit of a shock because we received a Christmas card from him a week ago with a very nice note in his handwriting.  

Dear Darrel, we will miss your kindness and smile.  

Until tomorrow...

CHRISTMAS EVE

It is Christmas Eve!  I am so done that I was bored and antsy today. I went to the post office twice today because Brenda's present was sent to the wrong post office. I finally got it 10 minutes before the post office closed. It really helps that I go to the post office a lot and everyone there knows me. They worked extra hard to find my package.

Then we had a neighbor come over to take our family photo. A little late this year. I think she was shocked by the chaos. Two dogs and a bird. The little dog barking and growling at the bird. Jumping up and biting his tail feathers. The big dog squirming to get down.  Brenda not happy about having to do the photo at all. The photo is for our annual family ornament. Every year since we have been together Brenda and I have a yearly ornament. Some times it has a photo and sometimes it just has our names. Since I was in a hurry I bought the ornament where I put in a photo.  Of course our friend canceled on Sunday. I was going to have her take the photo. Then I had to scramble to find someone else last minute. It turned out okay. The good thing is that the photo is so small it is forgiving!

Happi under the tree

Then we went last minute Christmas shopping. Brenda needed to get a few things.

Then I came home and printed the photo for the ornament and wrapped the presents.  After a quick rest, I started cooking. I made almost all the food for tomorrow. Stuffing, stuffed baked potatoes, mushroom gravy, and brussel sprouts. It is all in the fridge waiting to be warmed up tomorrow. I just have to crisp some polenta and I am set.

Decorations

People have been stopping by with baked goods. Usually it is just my two neighbors bringing cookies. I was worried that I should be bringing them something. I called my etiquette expert and she said since I threw the big holiday party people were bringing me baked goods to say thank you. Since I threw the party I don't have to bring them cookies. I didn't think so but I wanted to check.  I did bring cookies to a few people who missed the party.  I also brought them to a neighbor who brings me warm scones every Christmas morning. Isn't that amazing? Every Christmas morning on my doorstep I have warm baked goods!

I feel weird having nothing to do! I will have to get back to work on Thursday.

Until tomorrow...

ONE DAY UNTIL CHRISTMAS

With one day until Christmas, I spent the day running around. I went to PT, took the car to the shop, the post office (my package was sent to the wrong post office!), food shopping, and Sports Basement. I was exhausted. This evening some neighbors stopped by with some shortbread and then I wrapped presents.

I have been checking my credit and my credit card website because I shopped at Target during the time the credit card information was stolen. I have a credit protection service but I have been paranoid with each news report. 

Tomorrow we are cooking for Christmas so we don't have to cook on Christmas Day. 

Until tomorrow...

LAST MINUTE SHOPPING AND LUNCH

Today we went to the mall to do a little last minute shopping. It wasn't as crowded as we expected. Target was giving 10% off due to the credit card number thefts. 

After shopping we decided to go out for lunch. There is this Dim Sum place near us that Brenda has gone to a number of times with a friend. I told her we would go today. Dim Sum is not great for vegetarians and is awful for vegans. I had a veg rice roll. Eh, it was okay. The rice wrap was rather pasty. Then I had veg chow mein. It was sort of greasy. Then I had a veg bun. It was very bun-ny.  Overall I was unimpressed I don't think it was a good veg meal. I kinda felt a bit nauseous at the end if the meal.

Tonight we went to a holiday party. It was good to see some friends. 

Until tomorrow...

CHRISTMAS TREE

Today I went out to buy a small Christmas tree. The first place I went had no more trees. The second place I went had one small 3.5'-4' tree. I asked how much they wanted for it: $40.00. I said Are you kidding me? I could not buy it.

I went to an art fair and bought a soy candle that smelled like spruce for $16 and came home and set up my small Charlie Brown fake tree.  I will miss a real tree but it is late in the season. 

Merry Christmas!