Christmas, Shristmas

Lord, the inmates are running the asylum! Mabel has been "out" twice this week. Yesterday morning she slipped her chain because of the cold it had froze open. She was rewarded with biscuits that a lady used to coax her into her van - because it was so cold for her outside. (poor puppy) (my eyes rolling)......

So I had to run over to Humphrey Middle School and bring her back. Like mornings aren't crazy enough around here. When I had originally announced she was gone - I swear I saw smiles on Sadie and Rexy's face.

Mabel is a menace. She helps herself to anything on the table - we've now had to move Rexy to the counter top so Mabel doesn't eat her food. She also thinks that Sal's basket of stuffed animals was put there just for her - she practically skips when she's wrestled one away from Sal.

A tree seems almost impossible with this monster in the house. Let alone presents under the tree. Ugghh.

Sal has a new phrase...... She was trying to tell me about what she had made for the Book/Art Fair ...... Garland? Rings? Painting? Each guess was met with more and more exasperation.... "put your teeth together, Mom" as if I would just do that I would understand what she was saying. ;-) Finally, after MUCH frustration she said "you, killing me about this".

Where in the world did you hear that? I asked. She went on her way to her room to where her people would understand what she was saying. Her dumb old Mom was left in the kitchen to chuckle and marvel at even though Sally hadn't come up with that saying she did use it appropriately. That night I found out she had made a GARGOYLE! Of course, I said out loud - that's what she was saying. The art teacher thinks I'm a little off the beam - she's right of course. :-)

The last couple of days have been hard. Harder than the usual. I don't know - I've come to the part of the grief ocean where it's too cold and I have to go back to the beach. They say grief is like an ocean and you wade in and then back to the beach - further each time. I've been doing VERY well for SO long and lately - I just feel so very down. Probably the bathroom issues with Sal lately and the combination of the holidays.

Sally seems to be doing well in school. It now is more apparent how limited she is, physically. Oh well,.... always something. I guess it's the old saying "ya gotta keep on keepin' on."