Seasonal package tally

[flea]

Previous to this week:

1 package, wrapped gifts, from MIL and FIL
1 package, not Christmas-related (containing small oriental rugs, which mr. flea informs me were the indirect cause of his grandmother's death, but are still cute), from SIL
1 package, gifts wrapped by Amazon, from father

This week:
Monday: Harry and David thingy, from Mother
Wednesday: gifts wrapped by Amazon, from Grandfather & wife
Thursday: UPS rings bell at 6:30, cheery guy offers to leave packages on porch, which is wise, because one of them advertises its contents very clearly even to non-reading children. Total 2 large boxes from Mother, moved from porch to basement after children are in bed, we are ordered not to open.
Friday: USPS brings Amazon order (mine), box addressed to mr. flea from Nutty, and (drumroll)

LARGE box from my brother, containing wrapped presents! For us!

I did send him something after all, and emailed him to let him know it was coming, and he replied that this box was coming, so I didn't fall down in a faint when I saw it. Our cynicism is such that mr. flea commented, "Maybe that new roommate is a good influence on him."

Packages yet expected:
SIL (Amazon)
White Flower Farm (my order)
at least 4 more from Mother/Sister (not sure who sent which; there was cooperation here).

All unopened boxes AND all wrapped presents are in the basement. I'm not sure which child I trust less, the inquisitive 17 month old or the sneaky-pants 4 year old.

Did I mention I suggested to relatives that we have a minimalist Christmas, because we are too cluttered with stuff?

Comments

[casperflea.livejournal.com]

Yup. Tripped, broke both arms, was lying on the floor unable to get up or get help for 8-10 hours, had a stroke some time in that period, nursing home, downhill from there. She was already in declining health - mr. flea's mother was going over to her apartment every day to help out - but that certainly speeded things up.