Greetings From California: The December 2010 Edition

Dear Friends,

Holiday Greetings from the California chaos. I am caught in the whirl of Christmas prep, construction and real time drama, as in the school play.

Christmas cards seem like they have gone the way of the dinosaurs. It's the 11th. I haven't sent any and I've received only a handful. Of course, my mystery friends sent their card. It arrived on December 1st. Gorgeous card. Cute kids. I still have no idea who these people are.

Our construction projects are nearing the end. They've been nearing the end for quite some time now. In January, they still could be nearing the end. Maybe our construction crew is facing separation anxiety? We've ordered some furniture and light fixtures. Just add all of that stuff to the good old VISA bill. January is going to be hella fun.

The school play puts on its final performance today. Pride of the Pickle Factory will hit the stage this afternoon. The kids have been working so hard and they had a terrific performance last night. There are some parents that have been slaving away for months, along with our talented and dedicated drama teacher. The children that have the opportunity to work in this program are truly blessed.

Next week we are on for Martini Friday. Just a small group of moms and some holiday sweaters. I'm hoping for some good pics. Recipes should be sprouting up here next week for some truly festive cocktails.

I hope this finds you well in this holiday PREP season. More to come later.

Cheers,

Deb

I Feel Like I Know You: Merry Christmas Back!

Every year we get a beautiful photo Christmas card from a family of six. The photo is gorgeous. The kids are adorable.

The mom and dad are smiling and in their Sunday best. There's not a hair out of place. The kids are smiling and their eyes are twinkling. They obviously look like the kind of kids that never whine or fight.

Year after year we get their very best wishes for a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

The matter of the thing, is that, I have ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA WHO THESE PEOPLE ARE.

For over 5 years, we keep getting a card from these people. We don't even know anyone that lives in the state it is mailed from. We don't know anyone by their name. We have no idea who they are.

This year, I am finally sending them a card. I mean, after this many years, I feel like I'm stiffing them. And, after this many years, I feel like I know them.

Dear Mystery Friends,

When so many of my real friends forget to mail me a Christmas greeting, or I've dropped off their list, you are steadfast and reliable. It's like I feel like I know you after so many years of seeing your family grow.

Best Wishes for the Holidays,

Your Mystery Friends

However, when I send them a card from our family with our picture, maybe THEY'RE going to REALIZE that they don't know us either.