Traditions...

Christmas is all about - Traditions - old and new. It occurs to me that my Traditions have changed over the years and now consist of the Traditional Christmas Brunch, followed by the Traditional Christmas Dinner of Saurbraten etc. The first due to the long standing relationship and friendship with Thelma and her family, the second due to the second marriage of my Father and the addition of more members to an extended family. Not to be left out of course is the Traditional Christmas Eve making and eating of the Potato Croquettes, compliments of my Italian descended neighbors next door. Funny how all these Traditions tend to center around food...*smile*

This year despite some misgivings I'd say it was a very enjoyable time all around. Things seemed more relaxed and fun at Thelma's this year vs. last and despite the untimely death of a family member, my Christmas at my step-brother's was just as enjoyable.

Now to gather my thoughts, my aspirations and begin preparations for the New Year. I'm getting a somewhat early start on my day - one load of wash is now hanging in the cellar, a second load is in the washer. I still don't have a dryer since my old one died last summer and yet, I don't really miss it. I seem to be managing fine with a line outside and the lines downstairs. We'll see how it goes. I should probably replace it, but a refigerator/freezer comes first as the one I have is from 1972 and definately is not energy efficient. Now with the Tax Laws changing in January and the possibility of getting a tax credit for buying energy efficient appliances, I'm more inclined to wait a few more weeks.

Thelma's grandson works at Sears and after the 1st he'll be in Appliances so I figure I'll go there and do business through him and he'll get the commission etc. Since Sears is where I figured I'd buy the appliance due to their payment plans and so forth so why not give the commission to someone I know? Right now I have a side by side, but I'm leaning towards a freezer on top type model now - they are supposed to be more energy efficient. Or maybe a freezer on the bottom....hmmmm. More research to do first.

For now, after the wash and my breakfast I think it will be a paper - related day. Tabulate the damage Christmas did to my finances and calculation anticipate expenses and so forth...only a week left to make those charitable deductions...though based on my calculations so far my adjusted gross income will be low this year so I should benefit tax wise etc.

Write some letters, Thank You's and work on the storyline in the Tomb - it has been idle way too long.