Let the Wrapping Begin

We were up early so we could attack our unfinished pre-trip tasks. We changed linens, completed three loads of laundry, and picked the remaining tomatoes and peppers. I wrapped the tomatoes in bags. Had great success with the first bunch. Hubby vacuumed and emptied all trash receptacles. He finished packing the van. But our biggest accomplishment was wrapping gifts for our German friends. The USPS and customs orgs are stress causers. Every item must be weighed, priced, and listed on the customs form. Last year, the post office told us to group items and weigh/list them together. My sister did that again and her package was returned before leaving the country. She will have to pay all that postage again. Thank goodness I asked her about the new process before going to the post office. We reopened our package and started over. And the gifts are now on their way. It’s always a relief having that job behind us. I cannot wait to get to the farm and wrap the other gifts. We were winding down and feeling good about our day’s accomplishments when Kristen called. Chase and many other students at his school were heading home for the day in the rain. He was sitting at a red light in a long line of cars. The driver two cars behind Chase did not stop and hit the car behind Chase. That car then hit Chase but did little damage to his car. He had smartly left space between him and the car in front and was able to stop before causing a larger accident. The kids in the two cars behind Chase were transported to the hospital. Their cars are a mess. Hubby picked up Chase’s dad so he could bring Chase and his car home. He wasn’t hurt but was quite upset by the incident. I was touched that he called me right after speaking with his mom. He wanted me to know he was okay. While Kristen was waiting for the police, she watched another accident happen when someone tried to make a u-turn and hit another car. It is unbelievable how many accidents happen in our county every day. Wishing you a safe weekend. We will be leaving at 5:45 tomorrow morning. Thanks for visiting. “Christmas is far and away my favorite holiday. I love everything about it, from the event that inspired it, hoping for a white one, to wrapping presents. But mostly I love having family and friends gathered, and sharing traditions.” - Ellen Hopkins