Some people say that they can tell when it's going to rain or snow because they have joints that ache.

My sinuses tell me.

A day, sometimes up to three days before a front moves in, my head starts to clog up, leaving me with what feels like cotton in my nose.

The bigger the incoming front, the more severe the pressure, until sometimes it's a nagging headache.

Although I generally check the day's weather as soon as I get up,

sometimes I don't have to -

my head tells me what I need to know.

I don't think the local news wants to have me on air to report these physical feelings,

but if their equipment ever breaks down I'm ready in a pinch to help out.

~

I went to bed last night at midnight, when I usually turn in at 4am - mainly because I work nights.

Had to hit the hay early because today was Jury Duty day.

I got up at 6am to make sure I was there by 8am.

I signed in and went to wait in a room with other potential jurors, 20 in all.

Had to wait 2 hours before being called into the court room.

I was one of 6 excused.

I'm really happy I didn't make the 'team', because it's a murder trial that's expected to last 5 days.

God smiled on this nervous, and now humble, old man.

By the time I got to my car I was literally shaking.

At least they can't call me back for 2 more years.

Oh, happy day!

Christmas is over.

I tried twice today to call my insurance agent about my dented car, but the last time I called her voicemail was full, so I figure she didn't come in today.

On Tuesday I have (ugh!) jury duty.

Once I get past Tuesday it will be two more days to work and then a four day weekend to usher in the New Year.

I, for one, will be glad to put 2021 in my rear view mirror.

Soldiering onward!

~

Natures curative for almost anything.

~

Christmas day (so far):

I awoke to the sound of birds twittering.

At first I was confused, then I remembered I had bought myself a new alarm clock and 'bird sounds' is one of the alarm settings.

It was pouring down in rain outside (no snow this Christmas), but I watched the local weather just to see when the rain would cease.

That done, I did a couple of loads of laundry.

Real exciting stuff, huh?

Once the clothes were in the dryers, I made myself a big mug of coffee, settling in to scan some local news.

Getting tired of the shootings and thefts, I figured I would prep for this evening's dinner instead.

That accomplished, I drove down to the local convenience store and bought a couple of scratchers -

Who knows? Winning some cash would be a nice little present to myself.

Came back home, folded laundry and decided to check on messages via the 'net.

All that remains to be done now is to shower and shave, cook dinner and later call my family in California.

When my conversation is finished, I'll have a drink or two and watch a movie before I call it a (by now) night and hit the hay.

All told, a quite relaxing day.

Oh yeah... it is also Jesus's birthday. I'll have to remember to include our Lord in my after dinner toast.

~

For her, I'd do anything to be her Santa:


Have a safe and happy holiday, everyone!

~

A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ONE AND ALL!

I received an email today from my insurance company about my claim.

I now know the name of my local agent assigned to my claim and I know that said agent has seen my claim.

I returned information regarding the estimate I had done and who to contact about it.

The ball is now back in their court.

~

So I got an estimate on my dented bumper.

Over $1,300.00!

I had done a little research on costs before I took my car in.

Generally, it costs $250.00 to $500.00 to fix, but around $2,000.00 if the bumper needs replacing.

I was willing to pay out of pocket if it was around $500.00, but $1,300.00 will be turned in to insurance.

Like the guy who did the estimate said:

"It's why you pay for it, ain't it?"

And yes, I expect my rates to go up.

'All in all it's just another brick in the wall'.

~

I put a dent in the rear bumper of my car.

Today the process of filing the insurance claim for repairs has begun.