2019 Joy Journal

December 30, 2019 I'll have to work my way backwards to Christmas, I think. This morning --- this morning has been very good. I just started on the morning feeling happy --- so much of the transition work is behind me. We are just so, so close to being through with the biggest block and with the biggest changes. Once we're over this hump, very little will change over the next five years. I can adjust to the changes and then just not have to worry about it too much for awhile. I feel exuberant, knowing that the things I add to my plate now can be things that I choose for personal quest and happiness. Beth and Morgan and I just had the most wonderful visit at the Cheese Cottage. It is what Beth did for me for Christmas and we just sat outside and sipped wine and ate our cheese board and visited heart to heart.  Enjoying time with Beth and Morgan.

Morgan, when I said "clean kitchen and everything..." something to the effect of having her own kitchen ... "let me just neaten this up for her. "

December 9, 2019 I have ordered some reusable straws that I think will work --- they are metal, but have a silicone tip. Since Barry and I usually just drink water, I don't think they'll require that much cleaning.  I also found some reasonably priced non-styrofoam "to go" boxes and have ordered them. We can use them for SSS, and I can just take my own when we go out to eat. I ordered some plates as well. Paper may be disposed of significantly easier than the Styrofoam, but producing it has some negative effects. I'm going to think about getting some Melamine plates for Second Sunday Supper.  So, I feel happy about those things. The house has been neatened. The laundry is almost back in order. If I get Monday's laundry done today, I will be back on even keel.  Angela and Kennedy came over yesterday afternoon for a little visit. Angela said the Synergy party went well --- her boss and all of the guests seemed happy. Kennedy is winding up her BFA --- f

It is 6:02. Yesterday was Jimmy Lee's last day.  This morning, Barry sat in his chair and put his feet up to watch the news. Maybe that's because it's only 6 am. Maybe it is because he doesn't have to be out there at 6:30 to get Jimmy started on the right thing. 

December 4, 2019 Heard from Evan yesterday. He may come by Sunday.  Heard from Kennedy just now. She has her cap and gown!  Got to visit with Angela a little bit last night. She said she was going to the store so I asked her to bring me some milk, and she did and then she visited a minute. Morgan asked what I was doing next Monday afternoon --- she and Brittany and Angela and I are going to have a cookie making / fudge making afternoon. I can't wait!

December 3, 2019 I just got to have the nicest visit with Angela last night. Just a few minutes, out here in the writing shack. When I told her that I wanted to ask about the ornament for Logan, she seemed really happy about the idea. Got Kennedy's paper graduation announcements yesterday. I asked Angela if she had seen her envelope on the doggy bookshelf. She said, "Yes! My mama's handwriting."  Heard from Brittany and Faith. I think Faith is going to call me today. I'm going to get her to help with Willo's passaround present. Heard from Tyler. He said he was good, and that he was at school. 

December 2, 2019 Barry and I drove down to Firefly last night, stopping at the Mexican place in the Bayou for dinner. It was cold and dark but we spent a little time out on the deck. Mostly just watched t.v. and I went through my Google photos some, trying to get through all of 2019. When I opened the door at a little after 5:30 this morning, the horizon and that first, deep rozy glow of sunrise. It always makes me say, "wow," and is about as good a way to start a day as I can think of.  I spent Saturday working on the Christmas ornaments, and I just about have it, and was able to order them all from the same place. That should cut down on the shipping. I spent Sunday getting organized for December events. I really have a list of lists. ;-) Sunday afternoon I went to the first Sunday Market at Five Rivers and then to the Holiday Market at the History Museum of Mobile. Nothing spectacular, but it was nice to get outside.  Talked to Beverly a little bit yesterday. She a