Early Saturday Morning

Still dark out and here I am at my computer. Just waiting for daylight, so I can start my day. A big pot of chili is in the plans for today.Joe's son and friend will be over to talk about manly things and I will make myself scarce, after offering them a bowl of chili. 

I plan to start bringing up the Christmas decorations a little at a time. I decorated the railing this week and today I'm going to put my wreaths above the lace valances in the living room. I have to do it this way, so it doesn't seem like such a job. We love the decorations and usually wait till the day after Thanksgiving, but not this year. I can remember years ago...getting a phone call from my mom. She called to tell me that she and dad had put up their tree early, in the middle of November. She told me that they kept the drapes closed at night, when the lights were on. I had to chuckle at this cute old couple...sitting in their living room ....behind closed drapes....enjoying their Christmas tree....hiding it from the neighbors. My mother's tree was always so beautiful and she had an appreciative husband, my dad, who enjoyed it so. She was always very particular about the tree. It had to be decorated just so. If I helped...she would say, "If you can't do it right, don't do it." Tinsel put on one at a time.. in the early days.My arms used to ache from hanging all that tinsel.  Later the tree was decorated with all class and crystal ornaments and no tinsel.

We will have just a simple tree. Small, with a combination of Joe's and my ornaments from years past...and a few from our 10 yrs together. Another small tree that I call my nature tree is in our breakfast nook. It's there right now with berries, pinecones, and vines intertwined. It stands next to the big sliding glass doors that lead out to our deck and bird feeders. I decided, just this year, to keep it up year round... decorating it for the seasons. With it's white lights, it brings some cheer to our meals. 

Yesterday was the day for Joe and I to have our yearly physicals. I started early with my mammogram and then up to the Dr's. office. Everything was good and the doctor and I exchanged good wishes for the coming holidays. He said that he hoped he didn't see me for another year :)

We always stop on the way home, for breakfast...because we fast for our blood work and are both so hungry. I was going to have lunch, because it was close to noon. On the menu was a favorite....Our own baked macaroni and cheese the menu read. I love a good mac and cheese. It just sounded so comforting to me and I haven't had it in ages. So, I ordered it and wasn't disappointed. Creamy, moist macaroni with a combination of cheeses in the sauce. It was served in a mini casserole with a small salad. It was so delicious. I could only eat half, so the waitress brought me a box. I put it in my fridge, when I got home and heated it up during the evening for a snack. Yum...is all I will say.

Well, the sky is getting light. We've had a cold night and today promises to be a little warmer and nice. Company coming, chili on the stove, and early Christmas decorating...then Mass. A nice day starting.Hope  you have a wonderful day...doing what you love most.

Balisha