Countdown to Christmas

The countdown to Christmas has begun.  Today I ran outside in celebration of the unusually warm weather (almost 4 miles).  I also managed to cleanup the "mice poop" and bleached the offended area.

As for Christmas, well ... there is a letter to be written.  My printer announced it requires more ink, so that isn't a good sign. 

Christmas cookies - one batch mixed and in the freezer.  Used the last of my "spelt" for these.  Hope to get the date cookies mixed and in the refrigerator before heading out to the Night Before the Night Before gathering. 

I still maintain there is something wrong about taking vacation to accomplish mundane tasks.  Tomorrow is a half day for me, and that is so I can arrive at work midday for to work for about 5 or 6 hours. 

There is a computer "virus" to contend with, cards to address and send, and presents (I know, I promised, but couldn't resist) to wrap.  Hope I get out early on Thursday or the weekend will be miserable.

The reason for the season ... let us not forget.  That will help me keep all in perspective, keep calm, and have a great time with family and friends. 

"There has been only one Christmas - the rest are anniversaries." ~W.J. Cameron

More Poop!

Use your imagination.  Preparing for the annual Christmas cookie baking, you open your cabinet where the flour, sugar, and other ingredients are stored.  Amazed you continue to stare.  Not only are your materials in the area but (are you ready) MOUSE POOP! No wonder the kitties go on full alert when we return to the house.

Not wanting to face the task at hand, I left home for breakfast and stamps.  Critical error - I entered the shop across the street.  My Christmas resolve for no presents was shattered.  Nothing fancy, but "little stuff" to augment my previous decision.  After all, 'tis the season.

I figure with the coming new year I will be at least $125 less in each paycheck.  That will definitely curtail my tendencies toward "impulse" purchases.  But the economy is definitely NOT in recovery and I can see more recessionary times ahead (just ask the CEO of my company - who has dire predictions for next year).  That said, one more fling of the debit card across the counter and out the door I went.

To counter balance my largess, I headed for the local resale shop.  I need jeans to wear to work.  Two pair for a grand total of $6.  Whew!  I feel much better now.  Then off to the grocery to replenish any impacted larder materials.

After a brief respite, my weary legs are ready for the next task.  Kitchen cleaning, laundry, and an adult beverage while contemplating the annual "greeting letter" for those without access to Facebook and this blog (oh, who might that been in my sphere of influence).

"Oh, for the good old days when people would stop Christmas shopping when they ran out of money." ~Author Unknown

Dead Pigeons

Seems like critters are on my mind lately.  First, mice at home and now dead pigeons in the plant.  Reminds me of an old favorite of mine, "Poisoning Pigeons in the Park," by Dr. Demento.  But that is for another day.

This week someone thought they would be clever and put a notice in the plant "incident" system about observing a pigeon acting erratically and then flopping over dead.  When the "management committee" reviewed the incident there were several "cute" comments about the situation and then the leader asked who would be willing to follow up on the report.  I volunteered.

I suggested that I needed to review applicable regulations and permits to ensure the activity was being conducted within the requirements (I had some prior knowledge of such things and could only hope to influence the group in the near future).

For the unenlightened, there are several regulations that are applicable to this activity.  There are regulations that limit the types of poisons for avian purposes.  There are now new requirements related to stowmwater discharges that require notification to the stat related to the type of pesticides being used.  Finally, there is a requirement related to the disposal of said dead pigeons and the certification (or license) of the appropriate individuals.  I guess that will ultimately mean no more putting dead pigeons in the "hot" trash.

Dr. Demento Rocks!  http://dmdb.org/

MICE!

Great weekend at "el hacienda" - with one tiny (and I do mean TINY) exception.  Mouse poop discovered - not only under the kitchen sink, but on top of my storage container in my coat closet.  Guess the little ones are continuing to party in the house while "we" are gone.  Just proves the saying, "while the cats away the mice will play."

So far the Christmas decorations are intact.  Time to pack up and head for work.

"A cat is an example of sophistication minus civilization." ~Author Unknown