i received a couple of dearly awaited checks from my brother's estate a couple of days ago, so some big upcoming bills are taken care of, whew!

And it also will let me do some Christmas shopping. I did some yesterday in the mall, and last night online - those special gifts for those special people that you just can't find in a store, ya know? And today I did some for my family. I'm not going all too-generous this year, as the money just isn't there. But there are things I can do that don't cost much, and I've got the time so that's a good thing.

Because it finally dawned on me. Surgery, 9 days before Christmas. Home, at the earliest, 5 days before Christmas. I'm not going to be in any shape to shop or drive anywhere, most likely, until the New Year. So I've got to be in my thriftiest, and most aware, shopping mode until the 10th of December. That's my cutoff date; if it's not done by then, it just ain't gonna get done. And that's okay this year, lol!

Now, if I can talk hubby into making a roast beast, and can keep it "just family" - that will be the real trick. We shall see.