This week I ordered the last of my gifts for Woody and friends.  Everything I ordered has come except for a sweater that had to be returned.  I gave it to woody the first night  of channukah and athough it was his usual size, it was so big, we both could have fit into it together.

I returned it  and ordered it in medium.  Amazon sent the wrong sweater, a totally different sweater different color.  I called customer service. After 8 minutes of dealing with a robot who was programmed to ask three questions, none of which applied, but the robot kept asking the same questions again and again.  Eventually I got an agent, who couldn’t comprehend what I was talking about.  Finally I got another agent, whose accent was so thick I couldn’’t understand her.  I did what I thought she said to do, but it wasn’t helpful.  I was having a dreadful time trying to communicate and asked her to speak more slowly.  She hung up on me.

So I finally just returned the wrong sweater and ordered the right one in medium. I am hoping what arrived this time is the one I ordered.  It used to be [showing my age] if you ordered something – say from Macy’s – you could call up and talk with a human being. But what corporation wants to pay a life person when they can have a robot programmed, preferably to get rid of customers calling.  If they have a form it is never rlevant to what you are calling about.

No snow so far.  The weatherpeople lament.  I don’t.  It’s still easier to get around than it will be. 

We’re having a small party tonight –13 people including us.  i’m just serving seven things, but guests are bringing dishes, especially desserts. I can’t cook ten dishes any longer.  I can cook for 20-30 with Melenie’s very able and fun help.  But she must stay home with the new cat who is living in  her office until the introductions with Pearl are safe.  Louie was Jay’s mother’s cat, but she developed dementia and went into a nursing home.  Jay had an appointment in Philly with a bunch of people in theater to see if they are interested in his one man play.  Mel was there for that. Then she went home to get back to work.  He stayed on to clean out his mothers apartment and then bring Louie to Easthampton.  They both arrived Sunday night last.

I won’t return to my book till the 28th of December. Then I plan to read it through in print-out and make notes on what should go in and what should be cut as well as what needs sharper writing.  I have only written two poems this week as I’ve been rather busy.  I got all my recipes for the party printed out Thursday, so Woody could buy anything for Friday.  I can do a couple of dishes in advance.  Everything will get done today. I’m done wrapping except for what  hasn’t come, or course.

We used to give a much bigger solstice party, but without Melenie’s help, I have to pare down.  I sent her presents off last Monday along with Jay’s.  I would normally have sent John Nichol’s, but the day I intended to send his annual gifts, he died that morning. Last week.  I’m still a bit shaken by it.  He had a bad heart, but he had been so strong and athletic, I didn’t expect him to die so quickly.

It reminds me of my dear friend Elise. She had lived with pancreatic cancer for at least three years and then on Thanksgiving began to feel ill and was dead in 11 days. We’re losing so many friends as time inexorably grinds on.