A few weeks ago, AWP member Carine in California sent me her Tuesday, December 25 share-talk so that I could post it on Christmas morning.  Well, I had a ’senior moment’ early in the a.m. on Christmas morning.  Blame it on getting up early, making coffee and having plenty of quiet time before heading to middle daughter’s home to watch g’kids tear open (literally!) way too many wrapped packages!

Or just blame it on “I forgot”.  As I was cleaning a very full mailbox this a.m. I found Carine’s beautiful sharing.  Decided it isn’t too late to place it here, so read on for Carine’s wonderful wish for us who celebrate the birth of the Savior - not just one day a year - but the whole year through. 

“AWomansPlaceHoliday

Happy Holidays to all the fine women who still have the energy to come and visit with me this morning! 

It’s so hard to believe that there are only a few days left in 2007.  Since this is the last column before Christmas, I want to wish everyone who does celebrate this wonderful holiday a very merry and healthy time.  May all your dreams come true.

As for me, I started some time off from the day job until after the first of 2008.  By the time you read this on the 25th my husband and I will be spending 3 ½ days alone together.  There will be no work, no kids, and no other family members-just us.  I don’t even care that we will be in my least favorite city on the face of the earth.  As long as we will finally be alone together.

Since breaking my foot 15+ months ago, it seems we never have any quality time to speak of.  The last time we had a day off at the same time, we hosted Thanksgiving.  Not exactly conducive to couple time.  By the time the family went home, we were so exhausted we could hardly wait to climb into bed.  Hubby had to be at work the next morning.  Before then, it was the 5 days we had in April celebrating our 26th anniversary. 

So off we go to Las Vegas.  We don’t gamble.  Shows will be at a minimum.  We always go to the ½ price booth and chose from whatever they have.  Two years ago we were pretty lucky-4 shows in 3 nights.  And they were all prime entertainment.  Last year, not so lucky-1 mediocre show.

For us, the city represents our “shop till you drop” time.  The city has several outlet malls, so we wait and get long needed items during what seems to be becoming a yearly thing.  This year, we don’t need anything except time to talk, walk (okay, hobble) and be together. 

Still, it’s our Hanukah gift to one another.  As always, we are the romantically practical couple-we’re giving each other exactly what the other needs.

 Have an absolutely awesome Christmas everyone!

Carine”