The Daily Post: Ready, Set, Done!
Set a timer for ten minutes.
Write without pause (and no edits) until you’re out of time.
Then publish what you have
(it’s your call whether or not to give the post a once-over).
Note: Being a perfectionist, I did give this post a once-over
and made some minor corrections to
achieve perfection.
I am really NOT supposed to be writing this morning since we have company coming for dinner. The menu is prime rib, mashed potatoes, green beans (pre-cooked and just need to be heated) and Waldorf Salad (already made up in advance). It’s a sunny day in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Sunshine is so welcome now because we have had days and days of chilly overcast weather. We even had an ice storm one night that melted the next day.
Almost everything is done except I’m not dressed and the house needs a once over to make it more than perfect. Perfect is the key word here.
Our tree is up and gleaming. The tiny-light wreaths are in the windows so everything looks festive as you drive up. I am ready. I must admit I am a perfectionist so vacuuming, dusting, setting out candles and hors d’oeuvres, and preparing a beautiful table is next.
Tomorrow we are also expecting my niece, Judy and her wonderful German Shepherd, Noche. I am sooooo excited about this and have already bought squeaky toys for the pup and those special chew bones she loves. We can’t wait to see sweet Judy of course, but Noche is like a favorite child coming for Christmas and she makes things all the more festive.
I am wondering if I should hide things or remove them all together from tables and corners – the decorations you know. Will have to ask Judy when she arrives if the dog attacks things. We will all be here so she should feel secure, but she is known to move things around if left alone.
After Judy leaves Sunday, we will wait for Christmas. Son and grandgirls will not be here until after the actual “day” as I have just learned they will be coming in early January instead. That will be fun! All the pressure for perfection will be off and we can all just let our hair down.
This Christmas Day we are expecting good friends, Barbie and Suzanne. They were here last year too and we have such a good time playing scrabble, shopping the day after, and of course giggling and reminiscing Xmas Day with all the goodies we can manage to ingest.
New Year’s Eve will be fun too as we share it with another favorite set of friends and try to stay awake to midnight.
The sun is shining and I must get dressed and wander through the house and kitchen to make sure everything is perfect for our guests. I have a feeling we will all be laughing at once and no one will notice all the perfection anyway. The old adage, “with age comes wisdom” is actually true in some cases. I know if I were wise-er, I would relax, but I still strive to be beyond perfect in preparing for a holiday party.
I will try to remember to take pictures of the festivities.
In the meantime, HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Love,
Dor
If I know you, Dor, your striving for perfection is because you want to show your friends how much you care about them in every little way possible. I just know your dinner will be perfectly delicious. Just loved this post.
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Yes, yes, yes, welcome Mr. Sun!!!!! I was beginning to think it was broken… Have a wonderful visit with your friends and niece. The menu for tonight sound divine!!
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You have a way of making a person glow with pride Barbara and want to live up to your expectations. Thank you – again and again. 🙂
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Thanks Debbie… the menu is on the traditional side but I think our guests will be pleased. 🙂
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Traditional is always good!
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Enjoy your time with family and friends, Dor…that’s what it’s all about. I’ll be anxiously waiting for some snow photos!
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PS. What time is dinner? 🙂 If I leave now, I might make it. xo
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You’re a perfectionist too? No wonder I love you so much :). Sounds like some fun times ahead for you. Enjoy my friend!
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It all sounds lovely. Have a wonderful time. I hope Noche won’t knock the tree over. 🙂
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Great post for a one-off. I had to chuckle at your perfectionism, as I am the same way. I hosted book group last night and being Dec. I had to make it look festive inside and outside. Then of course, cleaning every room, making dessert just before they are arrive, so the spicy, warm smell adds to the atmosphere. Candles, napkins folded just right, blah, blah, blah. (I think I might need therapy!) The good news is they noticed and loved it, so it is all worth it. 🙂
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You have so much to look forward to – how fun! Please give Noche and extra pet and belly rub from me 🙂
MJ
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You ‘ WILL ‘ have a happy Xmas with your family and friends I am sure of that Dora. You sound a bit like me everything has to be just right and I usually wear myself out trying for perfection, but then don’t give a dam when they arrive because that which isn’t done doesn’t matter as we can all relax and make WHOOPEE. especially after a few glasses of wine. HAVE FUN Dora.
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You are so right Rita! Now that the dinner’s over and my niece and pup are here visiting, I am relaxing! Wine comes later. It’s all lovely.
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They are here and Noche is getting lots of belly rubs and hugs. I told her you were sending some too. She is our “Christmas Dog Visitor” and almost as good as Santa.
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Wonder if there is ow an area of psychology dedicated to perfectionist bloggers! 🙂 Love your comment Eliza. You may be equally as weird as I am. 🙂
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Noche’s here and being a perfect visitor so far! The tree still stands. 🙂
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Noche’s here and I’m getting my “dog fix.” We are begging my niece to leave the do here and we will return her after Xmas. No such luck. 🙂
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Ooops! Sorry Jill. You missed dinner. And I must say it would have been great fun to have you here too. Dinner was a resounding success except for the usual mystery about timing a rib roast. One of these days I will know exactly the temp to do it – a no-fail recipe for prime rib.
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We are progressing through the holidays as planned Jill. And each “event” is more delightful than the last. Thank you for your good thoughts and well wishes and for taking the time to sending them on. 🙂 You are beyond appreciated and I am wishing you the same things. Happy Holidays! (P.S. No snow yet)
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fabulous! Enjoy – and I know you will. Tell miss Noche I am having doggie envy 🙂 MJ
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What a wonderful festive time. Enjoy the time with family and friends. Dor, I can relate to your looking forward to Noche’s visit. Our grandpuppy, Riley, gives us such an enthusiastic, tail-wagging welcome, that he just brings us miles of smiles. 😉
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Bummer!
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Love this post and can so relate. I came home searching for the Christmas decorations in our new home. Eureka! I found the Nativity, front door wreath which will go on the gate, and wrapping paper to start wrapping presents. Husband was so confused about what the fuss was all about. So little time and much to do. But I want I this Christmas to be perfect with holiday guests coming for Christmas in the country.
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I know your Christmas will be perfect and your guests will love every moment in your home Georgette. There is nothing so heart warming as a country Christmas with people you love.
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Noche has come and gone along with my beautiful niece. What a wonderful visit it was. May you also have a “tail-wagging welcome” with Riley on hand to share the holidays. 🙂
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She came and went (Noche) and my heart is aching. I understand doggie envy for sure now. 🙂 Dor
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Oh gosh, Dor, are you sure we’re not sisters? Perfection…it’s my problem. I’m not happy unless the house, the food, the everything looks totally perfect when company is coming! It’s something I’m trying hard to change so that I can relax a little more and enjoy entertaining…but you know that old adage…old habits die hard. Sounds like you are going to have a wonderful holiday season!
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Ditto Cindy! I’m trying to learn how to relax too. Yep, we may be sisters. Stranger things have happened….. 🙂
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