Dorothy, I find a little bit of cheese or other kind of protein helps if I've had a bit too much chocolate or other sugary thing.

SRS, we may use our Norfolk Island pine as the Christmas tree this year. Last year we bought a live potted tree and plant it in the springtime. It's doing well, but they're rather expensive so I don't think we'll be doing that this year. As far as inside the house goes, I have a few little things that Morgan I will put out probably tomorrow, but I already have so much to dust if I don't get that first it really wouldn't be very nice even if I did put up Christmas stuff. I am going to ask Roger to probably put Christmas lights on the tree from last year that's planted in the front yard.

Tonight, we went to Morgan's school to pick him up and go into the main building where they had an arts and crafts fair for the children. There were activity tables set up where they could make decorations for Christmas trees, jingle bell necklaces, and some kind of gingerbread dough which they rolled out, then use cookie-cutter shapes and get them home on a paper plate, after being told they will set up in a day or two, at which time they can be hung on the Christmas tree or wherever with a paperclip. We were there for about an hour, I wore three of my Morgan creations (necklaces) which he pointed out to his teacher quite proudly. I was very proud of him in the way he interacted with the other children and the adults. At one point I asked him to get a chair for me, but be sure to ask the people who were standing in front of it if they didn't mind. He did so very politely and brought it around to me. The woman sitting next to us told me she was quite impressed with how gentlemanly he was. Makes the grandma proud!

I got the annual holiday letter written that will go out with the cards I hopefully will get done this weekend. Haven't done very much of anything else. The doc told me no sweeping, no dishes and I have another treatment on Monday, so I'll be careful this weekend. Which reminds me, have any of you tried out the yoga ball chairs? The doctor recommended one. I found one on Amazon for $68 which has high reviews, but I'd like to hear from folks I know if they've tried it.

It's about an hour and a half after our suppertime. I can smell it so it must be almost ready so I shall go. Before I forget, though, Dorothy, would you mind posting a recipe for your black beans, i.e. what spices etc. you might use when cooking them? They sound so yummy with guacamole and with salads. I'm supposed to be doing a bit more protein I figured be good to have some of those cooked up. Thank you.

kat