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Season's greetings Lynette, I can appreciate your message about the limitations and challenges that PD can present in accomplishing the ordinary tasks of life. I've just finished my Christmas card list and it has taken a good part of my day. Part of that being that I love to write a short personal message in each card and part being that I'm just stubborn enough to scrap a card and start over until I've put down my message in a script that is acceptable to me (I am my own worst critic). Guess I'll either learn to get over that or spend a small fortune on cards each year. One thing I've learned to do when it comes to gifts is to use gift bags whenever possible. They can be just as attractive as boxed and wrapped gifts and a whole lot easier to manage. I've also gone to using a table-top artificial Christmas tree which I store away completely decorated with lights and ornaments each year. The only things I remove are the few fragile glass ornaments; the rest remain. I keep it in the storage room downstairs, throw a couple plastic dry cleaner bags over it and it's ready and waiting the next year. I got that tip from a good friend years ago who was not dealing with physical limitations...just part of her nature of being practical and efficient and her tree looked splendid each year. Instead of decorating the house with lights, I change the cushion in my wicker porch rocker to one with a bright poinsettia pattern, grab my dear snowman friend dressed in coat & stocking cap with a carrot nose, sit him in the rocker and place a large basket filled with silk poinsettas next to the rocker. It only takes a few minutes to set up my "props" from the storage room and the front porch is dressed for the holiday. I keep two artificial evergreen wreaths (each with a large red bow) ready to pop over the coach lights that flank the garage door. I use the twist ties that you get in the supermarket to easily attach the bows to the base of the light. I replaced the regular light bulbs with flame shaped amber bulbs that cast a mellow golden glow. Very simple but with a traditional, old fashioned charm. I have been dealing with Parkinson's for only half as long as you and I do not have the responsibilities and demands of a job these days so it has been a lot less challenging for me at this time. I admire your positive attitude and your ability to realize and be thankful for your blessings. Thank you for sharing your personal feelings with us today and I send my wishes to you that you may enjoy a warm and wonderful holy Christmas season. Dee ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn