Happy New Year

It is done. Deleted social media accounts for my online shop. Need to pay sales tax and income tax before shutting down the shop website and account permanently, but not taking orders other than the outsourced stuff. Website not changed for Valentine's Day so still on Christmas. Doesn't matter since nobody buys anything anyway. Happy New Year. I will home in my sweats watching TV until Midnight.

Extended Family Christmas Lunch

Sent in another Ebook for self-publishing. Will see if approve for distribution. It is available in their own shop. X fingers.

Had a lovely time at my brother's house with the Extended Family Christmas yesterday. Nobody told me they were eating early so I show up late when everyone was eating dessert. Thanks. I checked messages and no, no message telling me lunch will start at 11:30 AM. Saw my cousin from Chicago, 2 aunts, uncle, Mom's cousin, and my siblings with families. Passed out the souvenirs. Brought a pie from grocery store bakery, French Silk Pie.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas. I got candy, dogs got cookie plus squwaky toy, and kittens got bouncing balls plus toy in our stockings from Santa. Cooked the ham for roommates to enjoy for Christmas Dinner. Fed some to the dogs and kittens.

Sister decided to have her big meal at dinner instead of lunch so aunt from Omaha had time to come and chat witht her family. Arrived late int he afternoon. Brother and sister-in-law decided not to go to Michigan from train cancellations, but stayign home to prepare the house for Extended Family Christmas on Saturday. I dressed the dogs to visit their aunt's house again. They seemed confused goign home and not staying. Of course they got some ham and chicken. Sister disagreed with ham for dogs from too much salt so fed sister's dog some chicken. They know me so well. Photo is my dogs dressed in their best for the family Christmas visit.

Order ornaments on Christmas Eve??

Got another message from someone requesting my mason jar lid ornaments and want me to remake them if sold out, then blocks me from answering. Why?

Weird Day

Some people are so weird. Someone messaged me about my online shop PJs being available. I replied yes, they are available. They ask for the link. Now I'm blocked from answering them. I have a shop button plus a QR code on my Shop Page to direct people to the shop.

Out in the yard, reattaching cords to Christmas lights that were disconnected. The neighbor came out asking if it was me. She hadn't seen me for a few days, my car was gone, and the dogs were missing. I apologized for not seeing her before I left to tell her that I was leaving for a week. I told her about my trip and how my sister took care of my dogs, and my roommates watched the kitties. Apparently, they knocked on the door, and the roommates told them I was on a trip. Good to know I have good neighbors.

Home Sweet Home

Landed safely in my city from Dallas and picked up my dogs from my sister's house. They were so happy to be going home. Sister said Rufus loved their dog's food so I guess I should buy Mr. Picky the food brand. Got to work tomorrow. Will be busy passing out souvenir keychains, magnets, and whatever I could find in shops. I grabbed vegimite off the breakfast buffet for people to try. Very strong yeast taste. I didn't really care for it. No baking this year and no gift boxes full of cookies, toffee, and fudge. I don't have time.

Return home

Took the bus to the Hobart Airport waiting to go to Sydney. Had a panic when saw a flight time to Sydney at the gate and thought I missed my flight. Checked boarding pass and flight will board in half hour. Relief.

My goodness. Navigating the Sydney Airport is a job in itself. I'm exhausted, hot, and sweaty. Got off plane from Hobart. Walk downstairs then walk upstairs. Walk across terminal to get my bag. Then walk more to find ticket counter to be told this a domestic terminal and I need to go across the street to international terminal. Cross the street in 100 degree heat and I am wearing a sweatshirt. Make it to ticket counter. Again, this is a domestic terminal. I need to go downstairs, pay to take a train to the international terminal. Do that and find the ticket counter to check in my bag. One less heavy object to carry. Find departures area and go through security and they don't like my boots so have to take them off. Then walk through a mall of stores to find the gate I need. Now I can rest before 14 hour flight to Dallas, Texas. At least I lose a day crossing the International Dateline the other direction.

It's called Rubbish

Had a maid stop by asking if I need service. Got water bottles and towels. Then said she could take the garbage. Then remembered they say rubbish here and I think she is not Australian to understand what I meant. Rephrased to say she can take the rubbish. Swam in the indoor pool for a while. Water was lukewarm.

Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery

Walked to the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery today. Walked through a section of town with shops. I walked through a Target store. Very interesting experience. Stopped at a shop to buy a piece of clothing to remember Tasmania to buy Rudolph slippers and navy blue vest to match my navy dress pants. And now realize I must return it to the store cause clerk forgot to remove the security tag. Why didn't I set off the alarm and they stop me from leaving? Anyway, this is a painting of Hobart in the 1800's.

PS. Took the vest back to the store and clerk apologized for missing the security tag.

Bus Tour

Took a bus tour to visit a few places. Left the city and drove through the country to our 1st stop at Tasman National Park. Had a 30 minute walk to Devil's Arch and Devil's Kitchen. The trees had burn marks and guide said there was a fire some years ago.

Then went to Tasmania Unzoo where I watched wallabies, birds, and a Tasmanian Devil get fed. I fed a wallaby. Guide intructed not to touch the Tasmanian Devil or it would bite our fingers off.

Next was Port Arthur where convicts from England were sent to complete hard labor sentences before released into settlements. They gardened, built ships, and cut down timber. Some took up trades like making shoes and other house servants while others continued their life of crime in Tasmania. Men, women, and children starting at age 9 were sent here. Children were pickpockets to be educated and taught trades. The bricks of the buildings were made by the children. Church service attendance and religious study were compulsory for all. Now it's in ruins.

We received a boat cruise around the bay near Port Arthur. The island is Island of the Dead where 1100 convicts were buried. Criminals choosing a life of sin were not allowed tombstones until 1843 when one could have a tombstone, but somebody had to pay for it. There are few tombstones on the island. At night they do Ghost tours.

And finally took us to an ice cream and sovenir shop. They sell lavender ice cream. Then came back to Hobart. Worked out in the hotel gym. Pool maintenance is finished so will take a dip later.

RIP Rob Reiner

RIP Meathead. I loved "All in the Family" and movies he directed or had scenes in like "Stand By Me", "Wolf of Wall Street", "Primary Colors", "1st Wives Club", "Postcards from the Edge", "When Harry Met Sally", and "Throw Mama from the Train".

Ordered dinner

Ordered McDs via Doordash. The lobby of the hotel is playing Christmas music from the 1950s. Bing Crosby, Gene Autry, and Eartha Kitt. Ran into the houseman that knocked on my door this morning asking if I need service and I asked for a bottle of water. He didn't have my dinner though. I caught traveler's diarrhea so eatign familiar foods. Held off sight seeign until I felt better.

Visited the Maritine Museum today after a bus tour of the city. Hobart is much like my city, not much here to see.

Long Trip to Tasmania

Lots of changes at the airport since I worked here in 2010 at a car rental. Parked in garage. It was so full I had to park on the roof. At least I was by the elevator so can find car easily. Security didn't like my knee high boots so had to take them off. Flew to Dallas Airport before flying to Australia then Tasmania Longest flight was 17 hours. Large airports look like malls with many shops from cosmetics to clothes to jewelry to toys to souvenirs and dozen restaurants. Had to take trains to another terminal.

Landed safely in Melbourne and lost a day crossing the International Dateline. Had to collect baggage, exchanged my money, then go through customs where they put cans in our luggage straps to help train their dog. Cute dog, maybe golden retriever type. Next had to exit the terminal going outside and enter the next door over for Domestic flights. Dropped bag since tagged and have boarding pass. Then go through security and find my gate to wait for flight.

Landed safely in Hobart, Tasmania. Took a bus to my hotel. Then was so exhausted I had to take a nap. Woke up and there was a shooting in Sydney at a Hanukkah Celebration. People asked me if I was at the event or in the city. Um, no, I was in my hotel hundreds of miles away. And I don't attend Jewish celebrations being a Christian. So sad. I do fly to Sydney on my way back in a week. Photo is a sunrise over the Pacific Ocean.

Off to Tasmania

I think the dogs know I'm going somewhere when I got out the suitcases and started packing last night. Kittens wanted to play. They knew something was up when didn't go to work this morning. Maybe they think it's Saturday. Almost ready to go. I know they say not to advertise vacations on social media cause people can rob your house. Well, my unemployed roommates are here all the time. Good luck robbing my house.

Usually dogs don't watch me leave. I grab my purse and they head for the bedroom. Today Anna sat at the glass sliding door watching me leave. She knows. I waved at her from the car as I backed up. She looked so sad. I'm sorry I can't take you with me. Quarantine lasts longer than my vacation and Pet passports take 6 months and many vet trips to get. She will have fun at my sister's house. Sister has a dog so will see how long they last. Sister won't take the kittens so roommate is stuck with them knocking off ornaments off the Christmas tree. That's life.

Christmas Decorating Finished

Got my yard lights up, and the yard is so pretty. I decorated my desk at work. Decorating is done. Won't have time for baking. Vacation in 2 days.

Kittens 1st Christmas

Kittens enjoying their 1st Christmas. Until I spray them with water when branches and garland get messed up. I have 5 lbs ankle weights under the tree skirt so tree doesn't fall over.

Started playing Christmas Music at work with Iheart Radio and Youtube.

New Poverty Line

So $140,000 is the new poverty line. OK, so I live in a house, pay a mortgage, have a car, and take care of 2 dogs, 2 cats, and 2 adults who can't get jobs. You are telling me I am living in poverty making $40,000 as a secretary/receptionist. Whatever.

Trim Up the Tree

Got the Christmas decorations out. Got to do the Christmas village, tree, and outdoor lights. I was focused on making ornaments last week. Leaving for Tasmania on Friday. And don't worry about the pets, roommates will care for them. I asked my family to check in on the pets and make sure they are okay. Yeah, I live with irresponsible parasites and will be gone for 9 days. Roommates and family have met so will recognize each other. Family wants to take my dogs into their house to get their walks in. My roommates refuses to clean the litterbox or take dogs out for walks cause they have to sniff everything (how dare they behave like dogs).

Church Envelopes

Got my box of offering envelopes from my brother's church. More like a folder than a box. I'm guessing because I started donating since Mom died, they decided to give me envelopes so I don't have to use my own. They start in January though.

Craft Fair in Hometown

It started snowing as the craft fair ended and everyone was packing up. Took me half an hour to get everything into the car. Drove by my childhood home. Mom sold it after Dad died. One of the owners put up a wood privacy fence. A long fence too, cause that backyard is 3 town lots. Saw a For Sale sign out front. I think it's the 3rd owner since Mom sold it. Checked out Zillow to see what it looks like now inside. Lots of changes.

I made a total of $33 selling several items. Last craft fair I made $120 so this is a bummer. Not the crowds like last time. Economy is making people tighten their wallets. Not one person looked at my beautiful Christmas Cards or Christmas Wreaths. I tried so hard and spent so much money to get ready for this craft fair. My heart is broken. Nobody is ordering from my online shop Christmas Collection. I have beautiful items for sale and nobody wants them. I want to cry.

Set up stall for Craft Fair

OH MY!! My knees are killing me. Broke a sweat putting up my stall. 9x9 square feet is a small square to get everything out. Took me an hour and a half to get it all set up. Hope I sell items. I have wreaths, ornaments, beaded items, and Christmas Cards. X fingers.

Last ornaments made

Got the last of the ornaments I have time to make finished. Changed 4 ink cartridges on my printer. My greeting card pictures printed terribly and couldn't use them. Made new pictures. Like? Last time, these ornaments sold out in these colors. Hope people like them. 2 more days.

Deeply Touched

I think I am going to cry. Received a message from brother that his church left a box of offering envelopes with my name on it. I've been attending worship services the past year and half and never asked to become a member of the church. I'm touched. My therapist thought I should join a church to meet new people and then spend time with family. This covered both. Sister was dealing with Mom so was very busy at the time.

Accepted into Craft Fair

Hooray!! We got the information on my hometown Christmas Event. I will be in the Community Center. Never been in it before, so this will be fun. It was named after the country doctor who lived east of town. Her house/doctor's office burned down after she died. Her husband, asleep, was rescued by firefighters, or I think that was what the newspaper said. Anyway, getting prepared.

Back to Work

Had adventures today going back to work after 4 days off. Brain fog trying to remember my job and organized to do list for tomorrow. Come home and Rufus doesn't pee outside. I pet him and get poop on my glove from his back. Rufus backside is covered in poop and back legs are soaked. I asked what happened to Rufus and roommates have no idea what I am talking about. Look around the house for a pile a poop and nothing. Must have had diarrhea event waiting for me to get home to let the dogs outside. Take roommate to chiropractor from his sore neck and headaches. I had to paid for it since lost his Medicaid. Went grocery shopping while he got fixed and came back to pick him up. Come home to put away groceries before going out again for an Advent event at my brother's church. Ladies only event except for the guest speaker Van Harden from WHO Radio Van and Bonnie. They had dinner tables decorated all fancy, bell choir played, said a prayer, sang hymns, lit candles for Silent Night, then heard the guest speaker, and finally ended thanking everyone for coming. Dinner were treats like cookies and brownie squares. I ate a cupcake, a brownie square, and a couple of cookies before enjoying a chocolate mint square candy. I haven't eaten since lunch and I was hungry. Stopped at McDonald's on the way home. I had a McD gift card from my birthday waiting to be used. Got home (again) to feed dogs and kittens, let dogs outside (Rufus jumped into the snow), and then gave Rufus a bath. He didn't like his bath and jumped out as I got shampoo on my hands and happy to rub against my bedspread and bath towel when rinsing was complete. Now reading emails before bed.