Watched as The Scientist donned lab gloves (from his personal garage stash) to fluff the fake Christmas tree. Shook my head and declared that I needed to resume my weekly updates to document these shenanigans. Decided he knew what was up after getting scratched arranging our mini fake tree sans hand protection.

Commented casually that said lab gloves made him look like he was about to commit a crime. Received a, “Sweet!” in response. Later had it explained to me how they also contribute to Scientist Hands. Sweat=Excessive Dryness

Wore our festive holiday sweaters while decorating until we got too warm and unceremoniously tossed them on the sofa that had already been moved twice to accommodate the tree. Sweater design choice? Metallica for him, and Mrs. Claus for me.

Thoughtfully inquired as to whether or not he wanted me to tell him about the gaps in the fake tree branches. Was politely told to wait. *Minutes later the whole thing tipped over.*

“Oohed” and “awed” over the carefully and sweetly maintained Christmas ornament inventory Brian’s mother faithfully kept for him during his childhood after re-finding it during tree decorating. Held up various ornaments, consulted said list, and then helpfully announced to Brian, “Look, honey, you got this one the year you were <insert age here!>” much to his amusement and my delight.

Encountered the neighborhood historian, aka the person that’s lived here for decades and still kicks himself for not buying the 40 acres our housing development now sits on, while on a walk. Continued to be impressed by the scope of his knowledge and ability to remember intricate details of people’s lives from decades ago. Plus, his dog Molly is pretty great.

Accepted praise from doctors during health check-ups for already receiving my updated COVID and flu vaccines this season. Refrained from adding, “Just give me ALL the vaccines!” Realized it was poor planning, (but immense privilege) on my part to schedule these appointments within the same 24 hour period.

Manifested for snow after hearing there was a wildfire in a nearby county by wearing my most wintry themed sweater. Realized that having no snow on the ground, coupled with lots of brown everywhere, contributed to me not registering that it’s practically December. Good for driving, bad for everything else.

Began to think of myself as an armchair expert on Chronic Wasting Disease due to proximity of the microbiologist doing the testing, and exploring Fish and Wildlife’s handy online data dashboards. (I’m not, obviously, but AM genuinely curious to know if hunters choose to submit samples for testing much to the chagrin of those I ask.) 🤣

Worked late at the empty office. Was incredibly productive in my little booth nook until the motion-sensor lights turned off plunging me into complete darkness, requiring me to get up and literally dance around to get them on again. Repeat every 10 minutes.

Volunteered at the book sale and gasped in alarm to see the line of customers snaking into the actual library a full 30 minutes prior to opening. Wanted to simultaneously laugh and shake my head when I learned folks had actually began to line up 45 minutes even before I arrived. Could absolutely picture folks with their noses pressed against the doors as my fellow board member described them. Yay for book lovers!

Received an online order from Black Friday. Wondered why my package was so dang heavy considering what I purchased was light-weight. Opened it to discover someone else’s faux leather jacket. Was relieved when I checked my account and confirmed I hadn’t impulse shopped, but disappointed it was three sizes too small for me to wear.