Woke up to a crystally white landscape, thanks to a hoarfrost, and an already snow covered ground. Beautiful, even at 0 degrees F.

I'm staying home today. Two days ago (Mon), I had to go to the dentist to have a couple of cavities filled. He said "silver", which I hope didn't mean "amalgam" (with mercury), now that I heard on the news last night about the problems some people have with headaches and vomiting, thought to be caused by amalgam fillings. The dentist is trying to assess why I've been getting cavities lately. Too many sweets, not enough brushing and rinsing and flossing? Don't know, but I'm going to try to do better. I like my teeth and smile.

Then I went to a health food store for a few items, and to Kmart. I don't particularly like Kmart, but it's next to the health food store. Plus it's never crowded, even during this season. How do they stay in business? I got about half of the things I was looking for--and at that, I spent $110! I mostly bought for myself: a convection/toaster oven and a radio/CD/tape player were the big items. My sister took my old ones to Goodwill replacing them with hers. Then she moved out and took hers with her! Same with a food processor (I looked with no luck). I really hate shopping. Where can I find a popcorn popper, next on my list?

I did find a couple of things for my grandson for Christmas. I'm still feeling guilty about not getting him anything for his first birthday, back in October. Sisters, Father, children: nada. They know: the deal is nothing for me, nothing for them. Did I mention that I really hate shopping? I used to love it, when my kids were growing up. Wives, too. I went overboard. Maybe I burned myself out? (7 kids total, including steps!) It's not a money issue--I have plenty of money. Crowds, decisions, stress, I can do without.

Yesterday, I took a box of ingredients to my Dad's to prepare supper for him. He loved the fish (in corn meal), acorn squash, and Brussels sprouts. Waldorf salad using yogurt rather than mayo. I tossed the apples with red raspberries and dried cranberries (and celery, of course).
He seems happy living alone now, admitting daughter Barbara "drove him out". I can see that. They are barely cordial to one another. "Familiarity breeds contempt", eh?

After supper, we walked over the the huge retirement complex (Wesley Manor) to listen to the church choir my twin sisters play piano (Barb) and sing (Carole) in, do a Christmas Cantata (45 min long). They were pretty good, especially the women. Basses (and I'm a bass) were sad. Dad wasn't impressed. I wearily came home and collapsed for the evening. Consequently, I'm staying put today.