La versión en español está después de la versión en inglés.
MY SISTER-FRIEND, SUSAN IN Oregon, sent us flowers (above) for Christmas or maybe just for the hell of it — one never knows with Susan. We “met” in March 2019 when Susan decided she liked my comments on someone else’s blog, visited mine, and then dropped me a personal note. We had some kind of magical connection and immediately became the best of friends.
Susan and I exchange brief texts daily and video chat every week — and we never run out of things to say. I don’t video chat with anyone that often. For one thing, I can’t sit still that long. For another, I tend to judge myself after long conversations. Did I talk too much? Did I say something stupid? Was I a bore? But, I never doubt myself with Susan.
I love nicknames. Dear Deedles, another gift from the blog universe, calls me Scoot (click here). I wish that had come up years ago. Susan and I are constantly coming up with names for each other. Most common between us is simply “Toots.” But I find myself mostly thinking of her as my Sister-Friend. I can give several reasons why we connected so readily, but I’ll stick with “magic.” This year, I connected with another wonderful person, Karen from Switzerland, who sends the best links and stories of her life and family. Instant friendship. There’s a lot of magic out there.
The glass curtain repairs were done Wednesday. As the morning latened to early afternoon, I texted the rep to confirm the team would be here before 2 as promised. He wrote back to say he’d be here in 10 minutes. He arrived alone, did the work, and didn’t charge us. It would normally be a couple of hundred euros. Nice apology!
We had planned to spend Christmas Eve with Tynan and Elena, their kids, and Elena’s sister Isa. But I had a cold. Elena has a cold. And we are all just a bit anxious about Covid and Omicron. So, we’re spending the evening alone. Disappointing, but the right thing to do.
I read this morning that, although sneezing has not been a symptom of Covid, it is a symptom of Omicron. So, for all I know, I may have had more than a cold. I’m fine now. Oh, I also read that I can now get my booster shot after three months and not six months. Nothing very exciting about that since it’s already been five months. But I’ll try my luck as a walk-in next week.
Happy Christmas, if you celebrate. Happy Friday, if you don’t.
.
MI HERMANA-AMIGA, SUSAN DE Oregón, nos envió flores (arriba) para Navidad o tal vez simplemente por el gusto de hacerlo, nunca se sabe con Susan. Nos “conocimos” en marzo de 2019 cuando Susan decidió que le gustaban mis comentarios en el blog de otra persona, visitó el mío, y luego me envió una nota personal. Tuvimos algún tipo de conexión mágica e inmediatamente nos convertimos en los mejores amigos.
Susan y yo intercambiamos breves mensajes de texto a diario y videollamadas todas las semanas, y nunca nos quedamos sin cosas que decir. No suelo chatear por video con nadie con tanta frecuencia. Por un lado, no puedo quedarme quieto tanto tiempo. Por otro, tiendo a juzgarme a mí mismo después de largas conversaciones. ¿Hablé demasiado? ¿Dije algo estúpido? ¿Era un aburrido? Pero, nunca dudo de mí mismo con Susan.
Me encantan los apodos. Dear Deedles, otro regalo del universo de los blogs, me llama Scoot (haz clic aquí). Ojalá hubiera surgido hace años. Susan y yo constantemente nos ponemos nombres. Lo más común entre nosotros es simplemente Toots. Pero me encuentro pensando sobre todo en ella como mi hermana-amiga. Puedo dar varias razones por las que nos conectamos tan fácilmente, pero me quedo con la “magia”. Este año, me conecté con otra persona maravillosa, Karen de Suiza, que envía los mejores enlaces e historias de su vida y su familia. Amistad instantánea. Hay mucha magia ahí fuera.
Las reparaciones de la cortina de vidrio se realizaron el miércoles. A medida que la mañana se acercaba a la tarde, le envié un mensaje de texto al representante para confirmar que el equipo estaría aquí antes de las 2 como había prometido. Me respondió para decir que estaría aquí en 10 minutos. Llegó solo, hizo el trabajo y no nos cobró. Normalmente serían 200 euros. Bonita disculpa.
Habíamos planeado pasar la Nochebuena con Tynan y Elena, sus hijos y la hermana de Elena, Isa. Pero tenía un resfriado. Elena tiene un resfriado. Y todos estamos un poco ansiosos por Covid y Omicron. Entonces, pasaremos la noche solos. Decepcionante, pero lo correcto.
Leí esta mañana que, aunque los estornudos no han sido un síntoma de Covid, son un síntoma de Omicron. Entonces, por lo que sé, es posible que haya tenido más de un resfriado. Estoy bien ahora. Oh, también leí que ahora puedo recibir mi vacuna de refuerzo después de tres meses y no seis meses. No hay nada muy emocionante en eso, ya que han pasado cinco meses. Pero probaré suerte como asistente la semana que viene.
Feliz Navidad, si lo celebras. Feliz viernes, si no es así.
• Café del jueves por la mañana en Mesón Salvador, complementos de Cuñado (haz clic aquí).
• Guardado de flores anteriores de Susan.
• Amanecer del jueves.
• Creo que Dudo se volvió a montar incorrectamente.
I wish I could sleep as contentedly as those kitties…alas I was up and blogging at 3:30am. Have a wonderful holiday. And may your twelve days of Christmas be filled with peace and love.
Frank:
12 days of peace, love, and, so far, rain. And the cats are snoozing again. Wishing you and Leon a very merry Christmas and a much happier year for us all.
Lots of magic around this time of year!
The ‘boys’ are making me sleepy……..they look SO comfy!
Happy Holidays to you and SG.
Jim:
You should have been around for Moose at 6 this morning! I think he was excited to open his Christmas presents (he got coal). Happy Merry to you and Ron!
Wonderful Flowers, Merry Christmas to you!
David:
Merry Christmas to you and J. Sure hope to see you this year!
Lovely stories of friendship.
We’re having a mild, mellow, Christmas, too, though Carlos will be playing at the Catholic Church for Mass tonight. i have opted out of going, lest I spontaneously combust, or shout something about pedophile priests.
But I’ll be cooking the Christmas ham, and Potatoes Gratin and Asparagus, and opening the wine and the wine and the wine.
Merry Merry, Mitchel!
Looks like I forgot the second ‘l’!!!!
Bob:
Never worry. First, I knew it was a typo. Second, my father used to forget the second L, and it wasn’t a typo.
Bob:
Hope you had a beautiful Christmas Eve and that Carlos made beautiful music. Wine wine wine!
Your blog is one I followed regularly this past year and it’s been fun to live vicariously through you, Mitchell! May you, SG, Dudo and Moose have a Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!
Tundra Bunny:
I’m so grateful for your visits! Wishing you a merry and happy, as well! Thanks for sharing here!
Dudo is simply loose-limbed. And relaxed.
Lots of family gatherings and other events canceled around here due to Covid exposures. Will be with littlest grandchildren this afternoon/evening–baked ziti and spaghetti on the menu. Just the two of us at home tmrw. No plans for cooking. 🙂 Wishing you and SG a peaceful few days.
Mary:
Dudo is lithe and usually very elegant in his poses. This one really threw me off. Hope you had a love-filled afternoon and evening with the the littles! Merry Christmas and thanks!
Have a wonderful Christmas, you, San Geraldo, and the cats!
Debra:
May you both enjoy the same!
Merry Christmas dear friend, to you and San Geraldo!!
Jennifer:
Wishing you the same, kind soul! May you enjoy a happy, love-filled and UNEVENTFUL holiday!
Looks like the boys are trying to be especially good for Santa!
Hope you get your booster.
Enjoy your intimate Christmas dinner with SG and the kitties. I plan to enjoy mine with Dennis and the pups.
cheers!
Wilma:
I hope it was a blissful Christmas Eve for you, Dennis, and the pups. I think Moose was excited about Santa’s arrival. He tried to get us out of bed at 6 this morning.
Ohhhh, lovely photos, lovely thoughts, lovely friendships! Merry Christmas!
Judy C:
And I am always grateful for you, Seine Judeet! Wishing you a happy, merry Christmas… maybe even filled with some of that good music.
Merry Christmas, Scooter! The flowers are lovely. I sent a card to Chuck about 2 weeks ago. Maybe he’ll actually get it.
Love,
Janie
Janie:
Merry, merry Christmas! Glad you have so much more to celebrate this year… even if SOMEONE doesn’t appreciate you cookies. Chuck has been getting mail. That’s all he’ll tell me. When I’m there in April, we’ll just see all he’s received! Thank you for your kindness. It means a lot to us both.
I wouldn’t be Christmas eve without seeing the cat boys. They look to be lovley dovey today!Why do animals of all kinds seem to be ever sweeter on Christmas eve??? Love the flowers, how pretty and thoughtful. I seem to call everyone toots.
Have a Happy Christmas Eve to both you boys!
🎄🎄🎄🎇🎇🎇⛄⛄⛄💋💋💋🧚♀️🧚♀️🧚♀️
Mistress Borghese:
SG had a talk with the cats last night. They were NOT behaving and both wanted the top of the kitty condo in his office and refused to share. SG gave Dudo his chair and that solved that problem. So, coal for them both this morning. Happy Christmas to you, dear Toots! You are a joy and an inspiration… and very entertaining.
Merry Christmas deArheart x
John:
Wishing you a Christmas surrounded by love!
Hi Mitch, thank you so much for your mention of me. I read a lot of blogs but some for some reason yours ‘hit the spot’, who knows why. Initially it was the Spanish connection but due to life circumstances it became more than that. I contacted you and there was a connection. You ‘know’ more than most just what I have been through during this time and I thank you just for being there, out in blog land but just a ‘human connection’ and a ‘distant ear’ on these surreal times. We all need each other and we find support in these times. As you know we had hoped to travel!!! and Fuengirola was on our map but Covid had other ideas. One day. Thank you blog friend. I’m really touched.
I sent you snow!!! I know how much you love it. LOL.
Karen:
So glad you came into my life. Wishing you and yours a happy, healthy Christmas. Enjoy the snow and your beautiful family! I’m hoping Omicron is the beginning of the end of the pandemic and we’ll meet up in 2022!
Merry Christmas, Mitchell.
Kirk:
Thanks so much. Wishing you the same.
Season’s Greetings to you both! All the best!!
Ron:
Sending you both gigantic hugs.
Beautiful flowers! It’s always great to make a deep connection with someone in blogland. The cats look so contented! Hope you’re both having a fabulous Christmas. 🙂
Steve:
I didn’t mention that Susan is how I found you! She asked if I followed your blog and told me I would love you. We had beautiful turkey dinner, just the two of us and watched Julie & Julia… again. Loved it even more this time. A nice evening. Wishing you both well!
I too wish you a happy Christmas – you, that lovely man of yours, and of course those crazy cats.
I love the fact you text with someone on a daily basis. Every day I send out a good morning meme to a hand full of friends/family; this daily routine makes my day.
Urpso:
Truth is, I often find texting really annoying. I’m either on top of communications like lightning or they sit for days. But Susan and I give each other a kick start in the morning and pleasant dreams at night. Hope you’re enjoying your day and your cocktails!