The Day After

So how did Santa do? When it comes to gift giving, we have a tough time in our household because none of us really want to accumulate any more stuff. My mom travels a lot (or we do) and buys things to represent those travels. Plus, when she wants things, she buys them. For our part, we're not sure how long we'll stay in the U.S. and don't really want to have a bunch of stuff to bring with us or sell. So what to get each other? We haven't been in the States in a long time for the holidays, so really the gift was that we were all together, but you still need something to unwrap! The Mom suggested a Key West sweatshirt. That seemed simple enough until we started looking for one. Key West stores need to work on their sweatshirt offerings. There were plenty of cheap ones, but none of the quality we'd want to give someone for Christmas. We weren't having much luck in t-shirts either - too kitschy, cheaply made, or perverted. Hmm....We were recently turned on to Tervis and had just bought ourselves a couple of cups in a store dedicated to the product. I decided to go back and get her a mug. Then I lucked out in a store, Bon Voyage, that was always closed when I'd walked by it in the past. They had really nice quality and tasteful t-shirts, so I took one to the counter with much relief. You'll recall Zura helped me wrap the gifts, and everything was a hit. Beads too.

Michael was easy. He had bought himself a few electronic things in the past month or two saying they where his Christmas presents. So I took one, his mp3, and rewrapped it. Hey - I did download some songs to put on it! Coincidentally, The Mom got him a speaker-thing that would play his mp3 louder for beach, deck, etc. use. The best part about that is that we had a hard time with music on our 18-hour drive. The radio didn't seem to pick up anything and we only had so many home-made CDs we had brought with us. We both have our mp3s with us, so can plug them into the speaker now and jam on the way back. Wahoo! How did she know? I don't know, but she always does. She also got him a 3-piece track outfit so he has something spiffy if he runs....or lounges while watching football (hmmm, which is more likely?).

Michael's Christmas present to me was not spending any money. Really, it's what I wanted, always fits, and was perfect. Seriously, I can not be a cheaper "date": I hate diamonds (there was no engagement ring and my wedding ring boasts a $24 blue topaz stone we picked up in the Cayman islands), don't eat meat (so no steak or lobster), think pedicures/manicures are stupid, and can't stand shopping (even for shoes). Then again, I get itchy feet if I stay in one place too long and drag him all over the world, so maybe I'm not so cheap after all. Um, where were we? Oh yes -  The Mom splurged and got me a Kindle Fire and accessories. How fun! Another item to be tracked by Prey (if possible) - don't forget to register your wifi items (it works)!




The kitties were not left out, because their Nana got them some toys too. And they were a hit. We woke up this morning to little squeaks as Zura knocked the little talking mouse around while we snoozed.

Although Michael & I hadn't thought about gifts for Tico, we do know of a store in Key West dedicated to doggies, Dogs on Duval, that seemed to sell nicer stuff than some of the for-human stores. We'll have to check it out.

Of course, food was served. Lots of it. You'll note that Michael had on his new expandable "track" pants.

The weather has turned ugly. Figures the warmest day here, in the 60s, is also rainy (although it beats tornadoes or blizzards). Tomorrow, the sun should come out but it'll be cold again (in the 40s). We're thinking a movie is in order (The Hobbit). The Mom knows where the best theaters are for popcorn so we're looking forward to munching and vegging. How much do you want to bet Michael has those pants on again? Anyway, we're slowly knocking out some house projects, going through our old belongings, and catching up before we have to head back.

Everybody ok out there? Ready for 2013?