It was good to get away and out of my comfort zone. It did make me realize again, however, how small my world has become. I found myself noticing EVERYTHING. Things like gadgets and toys and clothes that are available to shoppers and oh yes, the prices! Good Lord! While I sat at Gene Juarez beauty shop waiting on Mary, the steady stream of women entering and leaving with expensive footwear, expensive clothes, expensive jewelry, expensive hairdos, and yes, even expensive strollers was a never ending show for me to watch. (As I sat slurping on my orange julius) And I was amazed when I ordered the smallest size drink and had to dish over $4. What?! I thought they only gouged you at the theater.
It's just as well I don't travel to malls very much. I can see where it could become a bad spending habit. The variety of stuff you have to choose from is overwhelming. I finally gave up in Macy's because there was too much to try and find exactly what I wanted. Now that I'm signed up (for free) on Mary's Amazon Prime Account, I can order things to my heart's content without paying shipping or return charges. That's the way to go. Especially when you get tired walking the mall a whole lot faster than you used to. I was tired walking from the car to the mall entrance. How'd that happen?!
I found myself picking up little things for Jake here and there and it was hard to resist. I think I'm pretty much done buying now. Mainly because Mary and Andy have been given A TON of gifts. They have a huge network of friends and many have passed along their kids' outgrown toys, outfits, and equipment. Several people came by with whole dinners too. I loved that part!
Yesterday a friend came by with her 4 month old baby who she is nursing. I had to laugh when I saw the cloth she used to cover herself while feeding the baby. It was called a "Hooter Hider" and was made specifically for that purpose.
I think my greatest joy this holiday season was being able to observe and take in just how happy Mary and Andy are. It literally brings tears to my eyes to watch them dote on their new son. They stand over his bassinet just watching him, and if they're busy in some part of the house, their ears are always tuned in hoping he'll call for attention. And they come running at the slightest whimper. They also circle the bassinet wondering how much longer he's going to sleep -- and yes, they go over and shake the bed to make sure he's breathing. I guess we've all done that. If ever you could say you've seen peoples hearts bursting with joy, I saw it this past week.
Mary had to run a quick errand and left me and Andy home to babysit. She couldn't get back fast enough. Andy goes back to work on Monday and I overheard him discussing an app he can put on his phone to watch Jake in every room of their house while he's gone. Ha Ha
Catie and I had a nice visit as she brought me home last night. Was sure a long trip, though, and I know she had to have been tired since she had been up since 4:30 a.m. or thereabouts. The freeway slowed down a few times to a crawl but that was okay with me. She was so patient with me using the brakes on my side of the car and gasping now and then if I thought some big truck was trying to get in our lane.
We took a detour at one point so she could use the restroom but we took the wrong exit, I think, as we drove around trying to find something. The one place we stopped didn't have public restrooms and she was getting ready to use the bushes. We finally found a Rite Aid in Port Orchard and then got back on the road again.
We stopped at 7 Cedars (to stretch our legs) and decided to donate $10 a piece before leaving. I thought for sure we'd leave with our pockets full of green stuff but we didn't. I did like the band, though, and took a picture in the parking lot. I LOVE the Christmas lights that the casino has set up along the highway stretch through that dark area. It is the best!
I love my new cell phone and got instructions on how to use it while in Renton. I tried the camera out this morning when it was still dark to see how it did. Almost looked like snow outside.
Well, I could easily sit here at this computer for another hour but I must get going on "the list."
50 years ago today I was getting dressed at Ruth Stapf's house for my wedding. Now we're both in physical rehab. Me for my knee and her for her stroke. I didn't do my exercises over the holiday. I think I sort of knew I wouldn't but I'm back on that bike today and every day this week. I would have liked to have stopped in Silverdale to visit Ruth last night but it was getting late and we would have had to hunt for the place in the dark. I hope to get over there soon, though.
Happy New Year everyone!
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