There'll be much mistle-toeing and hearts will be glowing, when loved ones are near!  It's the most wonderful time of the year! 

So goes the song.  But here in WestofOhio, it's delightful for Christmas Sunday!  High winds, flooding and lots of mud.  A beautiful backdrop for velvet and high heels! 

(Disclaimer: I know I complain about the weather here in my state, but my friends will tell you that I am a fairly-content person.  I love my little hobby farm.  I am happy with my state-of-affairs--well except that whole kitchen deal--and I always appreciate living near all our families...)

As evidenced by this actual phone conversation with my MIL, age 77. (I am in the car, with kids, after shopping all day with Handyman.  We are heading home with tired children, it is--of course--raining.)

MIL: Did I get the Princess dishes for #3?   (I purchased items for her to give, to help out.)

ME: No, those are going to be from my parents.  You got the T and T thing.  (I couldn't say Thomas the tank engine because I had kids in the car.)

MIL: I did?

ME: Yep, remember?

MIL: Well, where is it?!

ME: I don't know.  I left it with you, in your laundry room that day.  Remember?

MIL: Well, I have absolutely no idea where to look for it?

ME: Well, I have absolutely no idea what to tell you.  It's somewhere in your basement.  It hasn't left the building.

MIL: Okay.  (Hangs up.)

Less than two minutes go by, my phone rings.

MIL: I found it! (Very happy.) It was underneath the folded over rug (that I had purchased also.)

ME: Good.

MIL: Now, did I need something else for #3?  I only got her the *****. 

ME: No, you also got her something from somewhere else. (I couldn't say LL Bean because I had kids in the car.)

MIL: I did?

ME: Yes, you were wrapping it the day we were there.

MIL: I was?

ME: Yes.  I put it up on top of the hutch in your kitchen so she wouldn't see it?

MIL: You did?

ME: Yes.  You need to go look at your list.  I can't keep all of your list in my head for you, with all of my list.  Go look.  You got her something from somewhere else.

MIL:  Okay.

This woman is in charge of my FIL's medical care decisions.  I know, I know, we're keeping a close watch on it.  Actually, she does pretty well.  She hasn't called me from the grocery to find her car, yet.

• Post A Comment! • Send to a Friend!