Category: Flighty Friday

Where you will find frivolous Friday foolishness. Please do not come here looking for organized trains of thought.

One Friday Night on the Eve of Christmas

~ Lenore Diane ~ 2 Comments

‘Twas the night before Christmas, as I’m sure you knew –
The excitement is building, though the kids have the flu.
The tissues were piling up in the trash cans.
The fevers were making us rethink our plans.

The couch was filled with blankets and boys –
And, TV was preferred over playing with toys.
With plans on resting throughout the day –
In hopes the fevers would just go away.

The weather was changing, with a promise of snow.
And, were were home sick, with no place to go.
Still the presents were plenty, the Christmas spirit alive
We’ll make this a good one, without having to drive.

As the sun slowly sets, Santa hurries to fly –
While we wait to hear sleigh bells jingling in the sky.
So, hunker down now – and snuggle in tight –
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

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Be kind, and take care of yourself and each other.

All Aboard! It’s Friday!

~ Lenore Diane ~ 2 Comments

.:: The Train
I hate that train. Hate it. Okay, so whenever my Mom heard us use the word ‘hate’, she would quickly say, “Hate is a very strong word.” Well Mum, with all due respect, I hate that train.

I love my sister. Love her. But, say it with me – I hate that train.

My sister bought everyone in our family a train for Christmas one year. I don’t remember the year. I don’t believe Rob and I had kids yet, so I’ll guess it was Christmas 2005. The train is suitable for circling Christmas trees. The train is NOT suitable for kids to play with it. Have I mentioned we have two boys? We do. They love the train.

Every year, since our kids could talk, we are asked, “Can we set up the train now?” After setting it up for them once during the ‘off season’, I quickly learned to make it a Christmas-only train. Well, when Christmas approaches – as in Thanksgiving day – our boys begin the quest to get the train set up and ready for play. This year, we brushed them off until December 16th. Go ahead, check your calendar – today is Dec. 17th.

The train is set up. This year, the train is set up downstairs in the garage. I had my first run-in with the train today, with Joe pleading for me to help him fix it. Even though I knew good and well, the train would topple over again the instant it was touched, I agreed to help him fix it. And, being the bad Mom, I muttered ‘I hate this train’ the entire time, while Joe jumped up and down, excited to play with it.

I have a video of Joe playing with the train. And yes, I took the time to upload it to YouTube [click here]. Why not see what all the hub-bub is about for yourself, eh? If you do happen to watch the video, note the rail cars that are off the track. I suppose even Joe tires of fixing the train over and over again. Then again, look at his face. One cannot deny the enjoyment he gets from playing with the train. Yeah, I may not like the train, but I love the joy it brings the boys. All aboard!!

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Let the boys enjoy the train.
Even if it drives us insane.

For Christmas comes just once a year –
Drop the hate and pick up the cheer!

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.:: A Few of My Favorite Things
I’m excited. As Christmas nears, my excitement grows. I haven’t listened to many holiday tunes this Christmas season, and we’ve only visited Santa’s house once. Still, I’m excited.

This week I worked late at my boss’s house. While we were finishing up the billing, a tedious task, I found myself thinking more of Christmas than billing. (Shhh.. don’t tell my boss) Of course, the fact that my boss has the coolest of holiday decorations throughout her house may have something to do with the Christmas distraction.

Joe had his first school Christmas program this week, which added to my excitement. How neat it was to see Joe on stage singing with his classmates. And, how comical it was to watch Joe fidget and focus on just about anything and everything, while also managing to sing all the songs.

Joe came home from school after his holiday party at school. Donned in a cute new apron, he was excited to sit down and eat the gingerbread man he decorated in school. Excitement is a wonderful thing to catch.

Christmas lights decorate countless houses throughout our community. During the holidays, driving at night becomes a magical journey.

Friends and neighbors share their favorite festive baked goods. Holiday cards fill the mailboxes, with pictures and tales from the year. And Christmas videos become viral, as everyone loves a little holiday diversion.

This morning, Joe removed the critter out of the pocket for day 17 on our Advent Calendar. 8 days left until Christmas! May the excitement continue to grow, while we enjoy each and every day.

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Be kind, and take care of yourself and others.

Viewing Friday From Bed

~ Lenore Diane ~ Leave a comment

:: One, two, three “Aaaaaaw”
Being the youngest of six kids, I had my fair share of sibling abuse. Rest assured, I also gave out a fair share of sibling abuse. Sibling sympathy was not readily shared, when we were kids. Even now, we tend to joke more about misery than offer sympathy.

So, having spent the past 24hrs in bed and finding out I have the flu – I can see and hear my siblings gathering around the table offering up a pity party for me. “On the count of three, everyone. One. Two. Three. Aaaaaaaaw!”

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Sick with the flu, cuz I skipped the shot
Fumbling with blankets cuz I’m cold – no hot.

Bored in my bed, little energy to spare –
Looking nowhere in a zombie-like stare.

Tomorrow will be more of the same –
And not being vaccinated is to blame.

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:: The Great Outdoors – Inside
The house is a mess. A mess. I am behind on vacuuming, dusting and cleaning bathrooms. The dogs come in and out of the house so much, we have pine straw and sticks throughout the house. Sometimes, in an attempt to make it seem OK, I close my eyes and visualize a campsite. I tell myself we’ve simply brought the campsite indoors. S’mores anyone?

This morning, after Rob left to run an errand, I wobbled out to the kitchen to get some yogurt. As I passed by one of the bedrooms, I noticed the toys had been put away. I looked more closely at the floor  . . . he vacuumed! Rob vacuumed the entire house! I’m guessing he did it while I was at the doctor. In any case, we are back to living indoors! Good thing, too – I think it is suppose to rain.

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:: Conversation in the Car
Charlie: I want to go in outer space.
Me: You can be an astronaut when you grow up.
Charlie: No, I want to be a doctor.
Me: Oh. Well, that’s good, too.
Joe: Charlie, doctors get sick. And, they get shots, too.
*pause*
Charlie: I want to be an astronaut.

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:: Buzz, Buzz
With the all the respect in the world I want to tell you – Rob makes for one fine “House husband”. I am out-of-pocket two nights a week, which means Rob has to get the kids up and off to school two mornings a week. As a result, he’s had to adjust his work schedule. And now that I am sick, his task list has gotten longer. In addition to a larger task list, he is noticing some annoyances that I have complained about in the past.

I am literally staying separated from the family, in hopes they don’t get the flu. Last night, I was using the intercom on our phone and buzzing for Rob when I needed him. Later that night, he said, “Those intercoms are really annoying.” I had to laugh, because prior to yesterday, I hadn’t used the intercom – Rob had! He used it fairly frequently, and I hated it. He also buzzes me via a walk-talkie we have. Grates on my nerves! But, thanks to me being out-of-pocket, Rob has a greater appreciation for the annoying things in life!

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Be kind, and take care of yourself and each other!