Day 851 .73 cents

 A retro ceramic tree was just what the little corner in my basement family room needed. Who would have thought that these trees would become so popular in 2024 but if you walk through the stores, you'll find them for sale!  I was a bit shocked when I saw the price tag on a pink tree, half the size of my green one, selling for $70...crazy! I unpacked and displayed each and every item my mom gave me first thing in the morning, finishing it all before 6am. On a rainy, cold morning, unpacking treasures was just what the dr. ordered. I decided to put my Santas on a shelf all together, adding the new ones to the mix to make a fabulous display. A few poinsettias, empty bins and boxes to the shed and the house will be ready for all that is Christmas. Oh, and a few holly centerpieces, I need to cut some holly and make that happen. I even mailed all of our Christmas cards, when the heck did postage stamps go up to .73 cents a piece???? I'm going to have to reevaluate my list next year, hand deliver as many as possible, since .73 cents is crazy! I could have sworn stamps were still .55 cents but I guess they went up last July when I wasn't paying attention. I wonder how they figure the price increase? Wouldn't it make more sense to go up to .75 cents or do they think we won't notice the crazy jump if they shave off the .2 cents? I may have been shocked at the cost of the stamps, but will always appreciate our postal service for all they do, especially this time of year. I'm guessing most people have a system for holiday cards, some have labels printed out and photo cards to make life easier, others, like me, write them out, taking hours of time but maintaining the old school method. As I write each card I mark the year in my address book so I remember who I've sent cards to...and who I haven't. Some people are next level, marking down each person that they receive a card from, crossing those that don't send one from their send to list for the next year. I don't do that, figure some people just aren't card senders but I love them anyway so I don't "keep score", although for .73 cents a piece maybe I should! I was sure to tell Tim that "we" sent our cards, although he thinks we could skip them and no one would care... nope...I would care. I have gifts to buy, dinner plans to make but starting to feel like it's all coming together. I even made a few things for my cocktail party, secret surprises to add to the festivities that will be fantastic. Unfortunately, I'm useless once the sun goes down, exhausted, cold and only interested in my nice warm bed. Thank goodness for early mornings or I wouldn't get anything accomplished! I've realized I could never live in Alaska, my body requires daylight and warmth to function. Since my cocktail party isn't scheduled for the morning, I better have a few shots of espresso that day or my guests will be partying without me! Kidding, once things get festive I seem to rise to the occasion and be able to stay awake....maybe I just need more plans?