Jolly Old Elf

Weather forecasted: three days of rain followed by cold (low 40's) so I decided I'd better Christmas shop while I can. Lori elf gave me some suggestions for those I am usually at a loss for. The dogs got left after morning runs and walks and I paid the site rent for the next month, did some shopping on Amazon, and went to Pier One, Macy's, Dillard's and Wal-Mart. The Boynton Macy's is pretty glitzy and they now have a big and tall department that is going to get some business from me. Better value than Casual Male (huge and gargantuan) and lots more style. Malls are designed like casinos-the outside world just sort of vanishes. I really kind of liked it in there.

Nicole and Andre biked over to tell me that the Happy Hour was postponed because Nicole hadn't had time to shop for it. I couldn't help myself: "Shop? I thought we were supposed to be going simple. A can of Vienna sausages and a paring knife and we are good to go." They laughed, too.

The weather forecast was for showers which began when I was coming home from Macy's. Only it wasn't a shower-it was a gale. It was every bit as complete a "whiteout" as a blizzard. Without anyplace for the water to go, the tires were planing. It was white knuckle time. Fortunately, commonsense prevailed. A lot of flashers were turned on and traffic slowed to about 30 m.p.h. tops. I made it home just fine and have been listening to the rain on the roof ever since. It may "shower" up to 3 inches tonight.

A roast is really a good investment. We three have had three meals off it and may get another.

My screenhouse with rainfly's is a good thing. We can actually be outside in this weather. The air conditioner is getting a rest. So am I- a nice nap in the rain took place.