Snow, Fake Trees, Snoring, and (No) Sex

The frozen white specks from the cold winter sky have (sort of) arrived. For those of us in Portland, it usually doesn't happen when it's forecast too....and always does when no one expects it. It's not a rarity here but really doesn't happen that much. So for 20 beautiful minutes yesterday afternoon, it came down. Right after the snap-crackle-pop appointment with my D.O. And a little after 5 this morning, it happened again....stuck just enough to be beautiful. Supposed to fly to a meeting this morning but it was cancelled. Even more snow in Seattle than in Portland. We just plain old don't handle it well....roads are a mess, people freak out and don't know how to drive on it. So, I think the (fake, plastic, made in China) tree is going up this morning. But first it has to be pulled out of its little cardboard box, complete with handle attached. It's in the basement now. We've finished a pot of coffee (Coffee Mate eggnog creamer, of course). Time to light the proverbial firecracker under our ass and get going. Last year, we waited so long that it was nearly past spring break by the time the tree went up. What is it about growing older that takes the excitement and steam out of holidays and other special days. Honestly, sometimes it's so ho-hum. We don't do gifts for either family any longer which is one of the smartest decisions we've made in recent years. Hell, what else do I need? Except for a new spine and neck, the ability to sleep through the night undisturbed, and a little less shimmer on the balding spot at the top of my head (I hear that jock itch powder can take the shine away.)

Last night he popped a couple of NyQuil night time tablets because he hasn't been feeling well. After we climbed into our warm bed and slithered underneath the down comforter, he started putting Vick's vapo-rub under his nose (to help him breathe better). He had already squirted Astelin up his nose to clear things up "up there." And now, the crowning glory, he opens up a new box of Breathe Right Strips from Walgreen's. You see, we've been fighting this snoring thing lately.....and we're pulling out all of the stops to get it nipped. So, with one of us trying to read the tiny-tiny instructions on the box, and with him holding the sticky side of the nose strip hovered precariously above his snout, he lowers the thing into place.....perfectly. And I start to sort of fool around a little. You know, running my cold hands down under the covers thing. And he turns to me and says (with all of the sweetness and smiles that he's known for): "Oh yea, just wait until I've taken my night time medication, squirted Astelin up my nose, smeared Vick's under my nose, and hooked a plastic strip to the top of my nose and then try to fool with me......Not Tonight." We both laughed, pulled the comforter up around our necks, and went to sleep....spooning together just like a perfect fit. Ah, who needs fooling around anyway? Oh, there was not a snore all night......my gosh, how could there have been?

I'm really thankful for the blogosphere opening up for me and being able to meet so many new people around the world. It's been a month right now since I started blogging. To all of you who have posted, commented, and emailed, thank you so much. You're awesome. I really enjoy hearing from you.

And now, off to make another pot of coffee and put the tree up! Happy, safe, and warm journeys to you all today.