H-haid experiencing final Christmas rush on The Murfreesboro Post

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H-haid experiencing final Christmas rush

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By: MIKE WEST, Managing Editor

Posted: Sunday, December 20, 2009 8:26 am

Well, dang it … Christmas is nearly here.

When the holiday season began, Hammerhaid was ahead of the game. Yep, he got an early start on putting up the decorations and an early start on shopping, but now, he’s found himself playing the catch-up game.

Uh, what’s left?

Getting all those Christmas cards out for one. Sure, H-man and Betty Lou haven’t got nearly as many as in past years, but there’s still a bunch that’s gotta go out .... as soon as Hammerhaid finds his address book.

“I think some folks are waiting to see if they get one from us before they go to the expense of sending one out. It’s like a big swap out,” Hammerhaid suggested. “Whatever happened to the Christmas spirit?”

And there’s gifts still left to buy.

‘Cause Hammerhaid likes getting gift cards, but he hates giving them out ...

Why?

“I like knowing what my relatives like and need for Christmas, which makes it tough cause some of them already have everything and anything you’ve ever heard of. Special little gifts are so hard to find these days with youngsters wanting big, spectacular gifts,” he said.

And don’t forget that special, top-secret gift for Betty Lou.

“It doesn’t matter that Betty Lou and I worked out our Christmas gift for each other months ago, I still got to find time to get her something special,” he said.

Trouble is H-haid and his wife has entirely different ideas on what’s special.

The last two Christmases, Hammerhaid’s “special” gift for Betty Lou went straight back to the store without hardly a comment.

“I’m about to decide to forget about that one. There was a glimmer of hope a few weeks ago, when she said she would like some new curtains for the bedroom, but what she wanted cost more than $300 a window. I counted one ... two ... and quit before I got to the third window,” he groaned.

Of course, there was that lovely outfit they had at one of her favorite shops.

“That was gone before I could even get back to the store without her and when I asked if they were getting any more of them in they just acted like I was a crazy man. The ‘spring’ line is due in any day now. Or at least that’s what they told me,” he said.

While out shopping, Hammerhaid even dropped a hint or two only to get a dirty look from Betty Lou and the words, “no lace.”

Well anyway, there’s food issues to take up those last shopping minutes.

With dishes needed for work, home and the relatives, Hammerhaid likes to turn to old reliable ... his recipe for broccoli, rice and cheese casserole.

“It’s tried and true,” he said.

“It’s worn out and fattening,” Betty Lou quickly added, “besides, my family doesn’t like broccoli.”

“I beg to differ,” Hammerhaid said. “It’s you who doesn’t like broccoli.”

“I don’t like rice either,” she added. “Maybe you should try something else????”

Nope, broccoli and rice is the only thing Hammerhaid can make that’s not grilled.

On to the next project ....

Freshening up the holiday decorations.

“Hammerhaid honey, don’t forget our first party of the season. It’s a progressive dinner and we’re serving the main course. I am handling that, but you need to rearrange the furniture,” Betty Lou announced.

He had to admit after being up since Thanksgiving, the Christmas tree was looking a bit rugged. So first he launched into a “freshen” up project by rearranging the tree including fixing the sagging branches where the cats like to play.

He was about half finished, when Betty Lou explained what he was really supposed to be doing. Moving all the furniture and cleaning the carpet .... again.

Finally it was done or so he thought.

He was finally climbing into his recliner when Betty Lou popped back into the room to give it an once-over.

“Hmmmmm, it looks so bare where the dining room table once stood. How about moving the tree from the corner next to the fireplace into the dining room. It will look so beautiful out the front window,” she gushed.

All he could say in response was .....

“T-t-t-that’s r-r-r-r-r-r-r-ight.”

Tagged under Hammerhaid, Mike West, Voices

Member Opinions:

By: acdsrool on 12/22/09
You're a good man, Hammerhaid! Of course, Betty Lou is a good woman, too, so this seems to be a match made in Heaven. Merry Christmas to both of you!

By: mikewest on 12/22/09
Merry Christmas to you and your family....from ol' H-haid and Betty Lou.