Entertainment Lately

     

     Glad I wrote this a few days ago before the gloomy mood set in. The post's not really where my head is today, but that's ok. I'm home today, wrapping gifts, tidying the house, and hope the nice weather promised will lure me outside for a good long walk. 

     I'm doing a very low-key Christmas. I just decided there really doesn't need to be stress. In past years, that was probably self-created. Instead, I'm just going day to day trying to find the pieces of December that fit my spirit. That's going to be my mantra through the cold winter months. I have a huge to do list, regardless of being low key. But I want to enjoy my time when I can. Here's been some of my entertainment lately, free or very low cost.

• Watched the latest Blanc movie, Wake Dead Man already in Netflix. It was very good and Josh O'Connor is an excellent actor. I had only seen him as the teen- younger adult Prince Charles in The Crown. This role couldn't have been any more different, but so well done. 10/10 for the movie and cast. I wasn't sure how long it would stay available, but it would be a good deep in January watch. 
• Community Christmas concert. I have a few friends in the choir and went with another who I haven't seen since mid-October. I really can appreciate people not only continuing their passion hobbies, but the time investment to create a beautiful concert. We stopped for a hard seltzer at the brewery after, and while we didn't play, we listened in a bit while we chatted as there was The Muppet Christmas Carol trivia going on. To this day, it is my favorite version, and dare I say, probably my favorite Christmas movie. 
• Playing with the dogs. Over the cold last weekend, this had to be done in small snippets multiple times, at least for the big guy. Then we had a warm up and could really get good walks and play time. There's no better joy than a happy dog, romping in the snow, and playing ball. 
• Treat making. I'm going to count this as entertainment rather than a chore. I don't have to make any of the treats but as sharing with people who love them brings me joy, the activity is entertaining. 
• Watched the finale of Survivor...I'm a sucker for a good reality show, masqueraded as a competition. I was annoyed with the interruption of what I later heard (I  turned off) was a demented old man shouting lies and demanding praise. I tuned back in once his rant was done. Just like Kyle last season, the right player, Savannah, won. 
• Browsing in stores and enjoying the decorations. While not impeding actual shoppers, I treated myself to a wander in several stores, including Home Goods, Target, and Menards. Having my shopping done, there was no pressure to buy. 
• Played with an AI image generator. Here's the scene I "created" typing in Merry Christmas from London with Tower Bridge. 
  
  
  

     I kept myself busy, enjoyed some of the holiday spirit, and didn't bust my budget. December is an expensive month, but it is also a happy one (present mindset aside) if I don't let stress get to me.  How are you all doing leading up to the holiday or just enjoying your December?