Wow!

Wow, is it really Christmas eve? It does not feel like it. I still have one gift to make and several to do finishing on.
Ben and I just put on a big pot of spaghetti sauce. We took round steak and pounded it out real thin and put a mixture of shredded Parmesan cheese, oregano, parsley, minced garlic and olive oil in the center, speared it with a toothpick and now it is simmering on the stove.
Tomorrow, we will have the traditional Christmas ham and trimmings. Friday, we will have a mexican feast with Mike's sister and the gang. Sat, we will go visit my mom and take her out to eat. I can feel my backside swelling!
This week has brought a lot of stress, so I am looking forward to some down time, celebrating with family and friends.
We came back from Branson to learn that Mike's 86 year old dad had driven himself to the hospital at 3 in the morning, Sat. He has weak lungs, so pneumonia is a constant worry at this time of year. He got to come home today.
Sunday, we came home from church to the sound of rushing water under the house. Mike and Ben spent 2 days doing the job of plumbers. Thank God that we did not need to call a professional! Mike had to replace my microwave/ventahood last night. My old one died on me before we left for Branson. I felt like a cripple buffalo without a microwave. I use mine constantly. I love my new one. It has all the bells and whistles.
I had a friend ask me if I kept a list of all the things that I make all year. I had to say that I did not, but had thought about it. That is a very good idea. I plan on going to buy me a new journal just for that purpose. It would be nice to place photos of the finished items with their new owners. I sat down and did a quick and dirty list of the things that I had made last year. I am sure I missed a few. Later next week, I will post a list. Thanks for the idea Becky!
Knitting progress: Still trying to finish my second socks from last week.
Traveling Shawl progress--It will spend Christmas in Pawleys Island, SC. Check out our blog here.