Well. My family seems to be blogging again and, since I posted comments on almost every one, I feel like I've done my duty. But wait -I haven't posted on shovel and plug yet, or posted about my holidays. So here goes...

First, I didn't take any pictures over the Christmas break. I do a lot of things, documenting my life through photos is not one of them. That is not my gift. I might say (or more often think) "Oh I wish I had a camera, that would make a great picture!" But that's a lie. Because even if I had a camera, I wouldn't remember to get it out, have the patience to wait for it to power up, probably wouldn't have a decent battery in it, and any end product would never look like the photo I had envisioned.

Second, I still have a couple of gifts that I haven't mailed out yet. Prompt mailing is also not one of my gifts. I ordered Goo's back in early November feeling pret-ty proud of myself for being on top of things. But it is still in my office waiting to be mailed. I also have Christmas cards from last year (2008!) all signed and addressed, sitting around somewhere next to my bed.

Third, although several humorous events took place over the holidays, I just can't seem to conjure up much in the way of funny or touching stories today. So here's a brief list of anecdotes I COULD have blogged about. Use your imagination. If you have to know, then leave me a comment or ask one of my family members - they were there. I was never alone.)

Heading: Amtrak heading south

Entries: Bop-It!; vomit girl; the cranky conductor; "Marshall, Texas"; Kimmie, the girl who won't sit down; rummy

Heading: Texas, 1st leg

Entries: the in-laws; rental cars; assisted living; memories (or lack thereof); Polio's tattoo; Over the Rainbow; putt-putt golf; work drama back home; the weather! the food! the thrift stores!

Heading: Louisiana

Entries: allergies; the photos; the gifts; the uncomfortable bed (see LIT's blog); casinos are not for me; science museum; the plumbing (see LIT's blog)

Heading: Texas, 2nd leg

Entries: the weather; the Dagromms; this is why you're fat; not enough time;

good eats

Heading: Amtrak heading north

Entries: yay - electrical outlets!; forgot the food; The Office; the same cranky conductor

Heading: Home

Entries: the weather; shopping; at least we cleaned up; the cat's neurotic again; Christmas morning on New Year's Day (subtitle: waiting for Polio); the gifts; back to work; I hate unpacking; I joined a book club

There you have it - I think you can visualize the trip. Not enough time at certain stops but overall the vacation seemed rather too long. Not sure how that works, not enough time to think about it.

Work is extemely busy as we figure out how to stay in business when the state won't pay its bills. Life is surprisingly good there however. I'm not gonna elaborate in the blogs - I gave out this address years ago and I don't know who still reads it. It's easier to endure the financial and administrative stress when you like the people you work with.

Ok, I'm back in the game!