The holidays went by in a blur this year, without the joy and anticipation that usually happens. Shopping was last minute and slapdash. Three of us were ill. We were still wrapping Christmas Eve.

But Christmas Day went lovely. Hubby went down on the Eve and brought Dad up - he's hurting, but doing okay. Very glad to be with us all. Oldest son's GF spent quite a lot of time talking to him.

Dinner went well, though the roast beast was a tad rare (just the way I like it) and I left the scallopped potatoes in the microwave, to be found six hours later. Sigh.

Hubby and I drove Dad home on Saturday morning, then headed to Arizona to see his family. Saw his Mom on Sunday - she's in a nursing home, turned 90 this past October. She called hubby 'her baby' and looked me in the eye and asked me to take her home, she was tired of that place. Broke my heart. We spent about an hour with her, but she kept asking to go home and finally we left as a church quartet started singing in the dining room.

Had many meals out this past weekend, and am vowing to get back to exercising. I refuse to be a frail 80+ year old, and as that's only 30 years away, I'd better get cracking.

Home again, finally. Went to the gym after dozing, drugged out on cough syrup, all the way home. It is bitter outside, and the winds make it feel colder. But inside it's warm and toasty, there's a chicken in the oven and the boys are somewhere about, getting up to mischief thank goodness.

And tomorrow it's back to work. At least, it's only a three day week.

Peace out, people.