photo ~ Country Living
Ok, finally feeling a bit better, helped my father move into a new apartment, then head down last week to the studio ready to wrap up some holiday cheer and publish overdue Christmas blog posts. Hear a scary rush of water, somewhere, somewhere and walk into water, lots of water, pouring into my basement studio. This is not good, not good at all. Hint: always know where the water main is located (thankfully I did). For the next eight hours crew of helpful men move all gift wrap materials and work space to temporary and much dryer location, tear down drywall, rip off baseboards, remove all soggy material and inventory, set up 6 loud fans to dry wet studio, then leave for weekend. Plumber starts repair but will finish Monday, in the meantime no water over weekend as problem is not resolved. We both sleep all weekend with one eye and ear open. Overloaded breaker system fails and security alarm beeps non-stop for 2 days, repeated breaker failures zap and fry computer screen.................are you telling me I don't have a computer? Husband concerned, non-showered, shingles- recovering wife looks like she is going to lose it. Lets edgy wife make non-disputed executive decisions, buys one new Mac laptop and books 2 flights to Oklahoma to see son at Christmas. My plan this upcoming week? Wrap and blog while ignoring non-stop workers and repairs in other part of basement (can't leave house), wrap and ship orders, forget holiday decorating (out of town), find Tulsa restaurant that serves full Christmas dinner on Christmas day, nap at whim, and go with the flow. I just tell you everything, don't I?
While I get settled in my temporary work space and get on with holiday wrapping ideas that should have started weeks ago, I did come across a Christmas Crafts section on the Country Living website that reminded me of what I think is a great holiday gift. Baking, pure and simple. I know you already know this, but if you think it is a tired, worn out, magazine kind of idea, it isn't to anyone rushing through the busy holiday season. Especially when it is that delicious signature item everyone just loves. Make the best apple pie? Give them one fresh, warm one and a few unbaked for the freezer. Wrap them up in white bakery boxes with baking instructions and pretty ribbon and your gift is as good as the latest Coach bag. I probably have too many purses as it is, but a freezer with homemade apple pies.........what a treat since my pie-baking weekend is pretty well shot. If you want to put it along with a lovely linen monogrammed apron (instructions online- click here) and some baking accessories, all the better, but really it's the home baked pie (or that specialty) that they really want this year. Pure and simple. It's that kind of year.
Both photos via Country Life
Bonjour Sandi!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry you've had all these problems - when it rains it pours, huh? Your sense of humour through it all is great! DOn't worry, everything will get back to normal and this will all be a distant memory.
Thanks for stopping by my blog and your kind message -and yes, we do have alot in common with all the Ooh La La. Here's to a much better week!
Hang in there, Sande! Things can only go up from here!
ReplyDeleteOh Sande,
ReplyDeleteWhen it rains it pours, non?
At least you know there is sunshine at the end of the rainbow when you are spending Christmas with your beloved Dr. son! :)
Bises,
Melissa
When I pressed "post comment" my computer freaked out and went to blue screen. (It must be symphathizing with your poor computer.) I am rewriting my comment in case it didn't go through.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry about your chaotic weekend. I hope that the water didn't ruin all of your beautiful papers, ribbons, etc.
Good idea to leave town for Christmas, and at this point I agree to forgo the holiday decorating.
I hope your week gets better.
Uuuugh...things can only get easier Sande. Good luck with all the work and I hope you are loving your new computer, xv.
ReplyDeleteOh, poor you, Sande.There's nothing worse than running water running where it shouldn't !! I bet you don't know if your coming or going. ..... and, why does it always have to happen at Christmas ? Hang in there, it will all work itself out.Take care XXXX
ReplyDeleteI am certain you can wrap this up beautifully as well.
ReplyDeleteWhat a mess! I'm so sorry that it happened. When my last computer unceremoniously committed suicide last year, I just about died. I lost a lot of files and photos - and cried for days. I can definitely empathize.
ReplyDeleteSande,
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your big mess! We just renovated this summer and I've been on the verge of breakdown ever since. I finally feel like I'm getting back to myself. Glad you are traveling for the holidays. And, you will love your new computer. I couldn't live without my Mac.
Talk soon.
Gwen
Ragland Hill Social
Thank you for taking the time out of the chaos to write this post; I once endured a Christmas-time flood at my house, and it about sent me over the edge! I hope you get straightened out soon! Now, as for the baking idea, you are sooo right! xo kitty
ReplyDeletei am so sorry to hear of all of your trouble..i hope all is well now... and thank goodness the computer is ok... whew...
ReplyDeleteOh dear me! What a disaster! Oh, Sandi, you deserve a lovely Christmas and some time to relax and take it easy...I hope you have a wonderful time with you son. I'm certain he is looking forward to it.
ReplyDeleteHope your Monday has been much smoother,xo
Sarah
Oh My Goodness! Sande, I'm so sorry you've had all of this happen. I do hope you start to feel better and less stressed soon. I can't even imagine! I love how you deal with crisis though, I'll be sending warm thoughts your way and hoping for sunshine to brighten up your day!
ReplyDeleteMuch Love,
Judith~
Yikes!
ReplyDeleteOh my Lord! Sande we leave you alone for a minute and look what happens....honey you poor thing.
ReplyDeleteMmm I do love the sound of the apple pie, delicious.
Take care,
xxx
sheesh!!While I was dealing with a few of my own messes here, I can't believe yours. You handled it very well. You did't go crazy. okay, so you probably yelled and had to drink a bottle of wine? I would have. {and did when same happened to us a few years back. Now all my merchandise is safely UP on higher racks}
ReplyDeleteSo sorry Sande, and you deserve one fabulous holiday!! xoxo Lidy
Oh dear! How did I miss this?
ReplyDeleteI hope you have your head above water now!
Feel better. The pie will help.
xo ~ Dana