Melissa McLean Montgomery

Holiday reminder: in this time of wretched and lovely excess, remember not to complain too loudly if your latte isn't hot enough, or if the person in the car in front of you signals left and then turns right. These are First World Problems. I first heard this expression a month ago from my neighbor, complaining that her Facebook privacy settings wouldn't behave . " I know, I know.....First World Problem!" she declared to me in an email. I immediately took to this expression and now when I'm feeling stressed, scared, or impatient in the lineup at Safeway, I remind my self I don't have to walk miles to get water and that I have a warm bed , a flush toilet and food in the fridge. Happy Holidays!

Parties are fun but they are a lot of work, especially if you are hosting. Lunch for 60 ain't easy. My feet are tired but my belly is full. And the leftovers, oh the leftovers!

My grandfather Gordon Spencer, fought in the First World War. He fought at Vimy Ridge. He was lucky to come back alive. He was blind for a year from mustard gas poisoning. Then he got his sight back. He had a weeping rash on his neck that never went away. My dad was born in 1931. My dad told me his dad never talked about the war. I wear a poppy every year for my Grandad. Because of him, I am here.

Dealing with the mentally insane/unstable/senile requires truckloads of patience. And I mean a big truck, not a small Datsun. Just when you think you're home free, quiet, time to get stuff done, they find their way to you to harass/harangue/annoy/test/try you yet again with the same questions they asked you earlier. It's OK, I'm sane, I can deal with it. I can't help it and neither can they.

After battling the flu for one week I am an expert on: tissues ( where to get them on sale ) , channel surfing whilst checking emails and coughing uncontrollably, dispatching orders for tea, more soup, and sweating gracefully. I think I'm the perfect patient but my partner disagrees.

I'm watching The Prince and the Showgirl. I enjoy escaping and entering the lovely world of TCM. It's my drug of choice. Gorgeous movies, uncut and commercial free. Its almost as good as any Royal wedding ( Royal weddings are better because they are real). The movie tells the story of a haughty prince who possibly, maybey falls in love with an outrageous showgirl. It has everything, politics, intrigue, international travel, a wedding and comedy ( a fat lady in waiting!)

I downsized again. Anyone who follows this wee blog will know that downsizing is an ongoing theme. I filled up my friend's car and headed to the Salvation Army. Plus, I sold a bunch of stuff. I find it relaxing and there is a sense of renewal when I let things go. I am ready for whatever comes next.