December 26, 2009 Saturday Morning

Had a very good Christmas.

Spent most of Christmas Eve day just listening to music and doing things around the house. Tony got home from work around 2:30 and our nephew came over around 3 PM. He is 11 years old, was visiting his father here, and we usually then exchange him with his mother, Tony's sister when we meet for Christmas Eve. He is a good kid and loves his uncle Tony and Dave. Got to Tony's family Christmas around 5 PM. Had a good time, I guess. Seemed everyone was rushing and just couldn't wait to go home. We were home by 8:30 PM. Not much of a Christmas Eve when you start so early and home so early. We went to bed shortly after 10 PM.

Christmas Day Tony and I exchanged presents. I of course got him things he needs and asks for throughout the year. He got me......................2 of the most ugly shirts I have ever seen in my life. I actually asked him where and when I would ever wear the one. His reply was 'when we go on vacation'. Yah, like we go on so many of those. LOL. When I found out how much he spent on the two shirts I immediately asked him for the receipts. They will get returned today. I do not spent close to $100 on TWO shirts. I am more frugal than that. I had given him a list of items I would want. Not one was gotten for me once again. Christmas is not Tony's holiday. He hates it. He hates shopping. Hates having to buy stuff. He grew up in a family where his dad handed out cash. So after he saw my face and I told him how disappointed I was in his lack of shopping he handed me $500 and said to go buy what I want. Jeez. I have $500. And hell it is really just like handing me my own money when you come right down to it. Oh well. Not one of Tony's strong traits. Never was. Left around noon to go to my parents house. Spent the afternoon with them. Had a nice time. I really do enjoy my time with my family. There was a time I had big anxiety prior to going to their home. In the last 10 years I have felt comfortable enough not to have any worries. In fact. I know they all enjoy me being there. I keep the conversation and the topics flowing, popular or not. LOL Got home around 6 PM. Fed the dogs and cleaned up the house from the Christmas presents we got from my family. Mom buys a few items each year we can count on: Couple bags of dog food (always appreciated when you have 4 dogs), a box of frozen steaks (who doesn't want steaks), and of course 'The Envelope'. This year we each got $400. Always the funny part of the afternoon. We all know that is 'the gift' we are all waiting for. All the brothers and sisters then make up stories with each other as to how much was in 'their' envelope. We always all get the same, but we kid each other like we were the special child this year that got more. LOL

Today I am already showered and waiting for Tony to get home from letting in an employee at the shop. He has a convict on work release so he has to be at the shop every morning at 9 AM and night at 6 PM to let him in and out of the shop. He gets dropped off by the jail. It is better than being in jail for the day. He is a nice guy and Tony's sister is now dating him. So she now spends most of her day's there locked up with him. Long story. Thinking of dragging Tony to the mall to make some returns. Can't wait to see his face when I tell him we are going to the mall for the day. I will blame it on his lack of buying abilities again this year. Also thinking about buying myself a Grandfather Clock at JC Penny that is on sale. I have always wanted a Grandfather Clock and the one I like is on sale. Might buy myself my own Christmas present this year. Light snow is falling today. It rained most of Christmas Eve and Day here in Milwaukee. Usually much colder on Christmas....global warming?