I will survive!

It's Monday and I don't have scar one to show you from my fight for survival over the long weekend. Yes, I did survive. There was some clawing, plenty of barbs thrown (no mashed potatoes tossed), and lots of loaded bombs dropped. Am I unscathed? Not exactly, but everything is intact and I think all is well that ends well.

I stole away from work a little early, ran a few errands and stopped off to view the cutest red-headed baby east of the Mississippi. That kid is adorable. I tried to walk off with her, but they threatened an Amber Alert, so I opted just to take lots of photos and hold that baby as much as I could. Princess S is just that; a princess in training.

Our long weekend began with a trek to Cynical's homeland. We stayed up late, played with the baby, visited with family and were tucked away for the night. We began our morning prepping for an early meal, lots more visiting and I finished up my first "ribbed for her pleasure" scarf for my brother. (Shhhhh! Don't tell him the name of it, it's our little secret.)

We packed up all of the leftovers two people can carry and my 80-pound overnight bag and then headed to my folks. We took a deep breath and walked in the door. I had decided to focus on the baby and my prodigal brother and sister-in-law. However, I got very lucky. For instance, a long-lost relative managed to make it along with his daughter. My favorite relative in the world (Cousin Pardner) also came, so that made the day well worth it.

My mom managed to literally mash my beautiful pecan pie into her container and then later complain that it crumbled. My dad was grumpy and cold. But, I steered clear, helped where I could and swept us away before it got too trying. Cynical has a different take, but maybe thanks to the help of my off and online friends I had a different attitude about the whole thing. I went to my happy place quite often: the place where no one yells, there's enough pecan pie for everyone and the mashed potatoes just keep flowing.

After our well-orchestrated escape, my brother, his wife and that cute baby made their way to our house for a visit.

Oh, and I knitted my first hat, unattended, unchaperoned, all by myself! Photos to follow.

Cynical had big plans for an early morning shopping run to grab up a few goodies for us, but he whimped out and I went alone, mom in tow. (Yes, I must be either a glutton for punishment or a good daughter. Let's go with the latter.) A little shopping, no pushing and good cheer resulted in a few gifts knocked off my list, oh, and a few little things for Ragged too. That never hurts.

After lunch with my aunt and sister-in-law, I drug them to the yarn store where I got the fixins' for my next project (to be unveiled later) and then it was home where I could relax and visit with Cynical. Poor Cynical spent the entire day alone at home, but I think he was secretly grateful for the time to recover and relax.

Saturday began with decorating for my company party, followed by lots of grooming for me: hair appointments, make-up sessions and pantyhose. After all of that I strangely resembled either Sandra Dee or Samantha from Bewitched. Either way I was not happy.

After many hours in shoes that weren't fit for many hours of standing, lots of ibuprofen and much making fun of those brave enough to dance, I drove home, brushed through my hair, removed my make-up and snuggled into bed, tired, sore and not feeling well.

On Sunday I had big plans for a day at home, but these grand ideas were foiled by Cynical who had big plans of his own: Christmas shopping. So, after our twenty-first attempt to find a ceiling fan, much looking for elusive gifts for family and lunch, we returned home.

The rest of the day was spent watching television, working on gifts for friends and family and contemplating Christmas decorations for the house. It's too early. It's too early.

Coming soon: photos of the hat and scarf I finished over the long break and a snap of the pecan for your viewing pleausre.