Spooky No More

This evening I de-Halloween’d my house.  It was so sweetly creepy but seasonal decorations are called that for a reason.  Nevermind the percentage of people who no longer see a need to take down their Christmas lights (“I don’t turn them on until November” is not a valid explanation). 

It’s like flip-flops—the rules have changed.   Be that as it may, I still say flip-flops in winter is white trashier than anything the white trash I grew up with would have done. 

I have some pumpkins, pomegranates, and persimmons sitting here and there so my house is not entirely back to its normal appearance, and by the time I get around to taking those down it will be time for the next seasons decor.   The mall has been decorated for Christmas since two days before Halloween.

I know they have to start early to sell us all that crap we don’t need, but I have noticed over the past few years (I made a concerted effort to study this) that people seem to be taking their cues from the retail industry: the earlier my mall puts out its decorations, the earlier my neighbors do.

I figure I just have to learn to ignore it.   But it’s not easy when it’s 75 degrees out and someone in flip-flops is mowing their lawn around an inflatable snowman.

I cooked French toast this morning and should have soaked it longer.  It was good, but it could have been a bit more custard-y.  I forgot just how much liquid brioche can absorb and still maintain its texture.   My plum jam went over well so I will give some as gifts this year along with the chili sauce and apricot jam I already planned to.

Aside from six or seven people, I don’t buy gifts anymore.  I give food gifts to most of my family, and friends mostly just get a card and my very best wishes.  I’m glad.  Some of the longest hold-outs were people who would ask me what I wanted and then not buy it.  I don’t think adults should ask for specific gifts as a rule, but if someone directly asks you I think you can respond.  Still not sure why they ask in the first place if they plan to get you a gift card (at a store that does not sell what you asked for).

Speaking of the winter holidays, I started reading a Photoshop Elements tutorial so I can figure out how to use different layers and apply “brushes” and make my own original designs.  I haven’t the vaguest idea what any of it meant.  I am not exaggerating even a little.  I still have a picture of a cat standing on his head. 

If anyone wants to buy barely used Elements software let me know.  I need the money to buy some crayons and construction paper.   You think I’m kidding, just wait until you get your card.

Speaking of cats, Figaro has a girlfriend—  Brick.  That’s what I said.  Whatever, they seem very happy together.  I feel kind of sorry for Slim since she just adores Figaro.  Maybe she’ll take Tigger up on her offer (I told you Tigger has the hots for Slim, right?).  I think I let them watch too many foreign movies.

Teddy has a girlfriend, too, but she is a girl which makes the story anticlimactic.  The little kitten I started calling Ginger seems smitten with Teddy, and vice versa. Come to think of it, I assume Ginger is a girl, I have never actually got a good look under its tail.  Well, she looks like a girl and I’m usually pretty good about getting that right (except for Fannie who is now called George).

I guess that’s it for the moment.  It’s late and I need to take a few minutes to plan my week and unwind before bedtime.