Is your tree up yet?

Hello Everyone!

I get the biggest kick out of the bouncing Snowman but the Reindeer crackes me up....click on the cookie the shape of a Christmas Tree and he stops to eat it. If it doesn't work the first time, click on the cookie again! It's a hoot!

So, have all of you put your Christmas tree up yet? Did you check all your lights first? You all know how annoying that can be once you arrange all the lights on the tree and one set doesn't work!.....Ugh!

I have been a catalog Christmas shopper for years starting with Spiegel when I was in my 20's. Then after the computer age....I prefer to shop online only with stores that I'm familiar with.....I avoid the madness in the stores, the long lines and searching for a parking space. I usually find mostly everything I need with the touch of the mouse! And, since I live in Florida.....no more lines at the post office....just click "Ship To" and my gifts are delivered. Cool Beans!

Have any of you seen that new marketing ploy directed at women? The "Right-Hand Ring". I couldn't believe this particular Christmas jewelry ad aimed at "power women" with gorgeous and dazzling diamond settings designed (supposedly) for right-hand wear only. Treat yourself---you've earned it! Women work and can buy for themselves! scream the ads in large print, placed in women magazines such as Vogue, etc.

While I love a diamond as much as the next gal, I have to wonder if this isn't all a clever marketing trick designed specifically to prey on our culture's current obsession with working, powerful women and mothers. But do we really need another Hallmark Holiday aimed directly at a flock of female consumers. And, especially during today's economy! Well, of course, we will always have the "rich and famous" with money to burn!

I ended the week with a miserable night at a Christian's Single's Dance, ironically the idea was from a Jewish member of the Widow's Group! hehehehe....I've been to these Single's Dances before and oh, how I hate when they instruct you to form a circle around the dance floor and when the music stops every 5 minutes you change partners....oh my....I had enough of that! It would have been nice if there were a decent ballroom dancer in the crowd at least. There were the same faces from my first experience at these dances about 3 years ago. Waste of a $10 admission fee.

Hey, I know at my age group....there would be no George Clooney look alikes around but give me a break...Che Faccia di bow wows! If these guys have to be that uncaring about their appearance...can't they at least learn how to dance and use deodorant and a sports jacket would be nice too? And, these stingy old men don't even offer to buy you a drink! I did, however, enjoy the talented musicians. Great music, lousy dancers.....a recipe for a miserable night! It's not easy being widowed and single again when you are in your 60s! I'm used to a different era when a man offered you a seat at the bar......you would never see a woman standing.....they sent drinks over to you from across the room just to be polite. And, all the men were always well groomed. The Glitter is Gone!

We women no longer have our svelte figures and flawless, young complexions but at least we make an effort in our appearance to look good when we go out at night. Oh and all the primping...... manicure, pedicure, hair, makeup.....hours and hours of preparation to look good only to meet a bunch of men wearing jeans and looking like they belong at the beach! That's why most weekends, I'm home with a good book lounging in my "Boston" TShirt and eating a tuna fish sandwich! LOL