I've been just incredibly absent here lately, though I do try to lurk when not in full Thanksgiving panic mode (now nicely turned to full Christmas panic mode). Work and home have been stressful, and I'm lacking oomph. But I have been having fun, too, so I shouldn't complain.

( You've got the basics in the first paragraph, but if you want long rambling details, c'mon in. )

In other words, a typical Lorie entry. ( Do you have to warn for spoilers on a 60+ year old film? )

I'm feeling good today. The sun is shining, which helps me forget that it's still rather cold out there (I'm carrying my furry winter hat and gloves in my bag, and I'll probably use them on the way home as usual). Rich is in Round 2 of the Cold That Will Not Leave, as is a friend here at work. I never got over it, period, though I'm hoping I'll ( Read more... )

Rich and I have been talking about my habit - inherited from my mom -- of peeking in windows as we drive past the houses and apartments of Oak Park. ( Read more... )

Many thanks to shirebound for the lovely card you sent!

And a happy belated birthday to the first person who friended me back on LJ, baranduin. I'm wearing my lovely scarf from you today (it's very cold here in Chicago) and was thinking about you even before I realized I'd missed your birthday. Hope you're feeling better.

( The weekend update )

But first -- elanorgardner, you'll be happy to know I'm once again using Heifer, Inc. for holiday gifts. My newly minted grand-niece, Hayley, is giving a Peace Basket to a village, providing them with food and the means to breed more animals. She's getting a little stuffed rooster to play with, too, but I'm very happy to be giving something to people who are ( Read more... )

Because when I have plenty of time to write, no other claims on me, then I sit here procrastinating. On Sunday, when Rich was working all day, I did absolutely zero words on my NaNoNovel... and today, with my boss away, I'm already finding myself pretty scattered and useless. ( Of course, writing a LJ entry is just another delaying technique... )

I just found out that my friend, Terry, who made the macrame jewelry I adored, is dead. ( Yes, that's the same macrame jewelry I foisted on some of you who came to Chicago. )

So now I can officially say Thank you to frolijah_fan_54 for my lovely gift!

( Vacation babbling of a random nature )

First of all, thanks to cyberducks for your lovely card. Pre-Raphaelite art! Just lovely, as were the sentiments inside. Thank you very much.

And -- *chomps on a jellybean* -- thank you SO much to trianne for the seasonal vgift.

( How I spent my vacation days: see inside )