And I've been running around catching up with myself. WHEW! What a busy, busy life! I have been working two jobs. The first day I came straight home from the courthouse...well...I felt like I had 4 hours to get supper ready. LOL Actually got to sit down for a few minutes. I've been busy with the Friends of the Library, the Chamber of Commerce, and working full time training at the Courthouse.
The Friends hosted our second annual Breakfast With Rudolph last Saturday. 
And we had photo problems AGAIN! The photos are the only charge - or should I say "suggested donation." Breakfast is free. Sitting on Rudolph's lap is free. The $1 'donation' for the photos in no way covers the expense. I think we need to just put a donation jar on the counter and print hahahahaha free photos. Then they can donate whatever they want. We are going to try a different photo approach next year and also tell parents/aunts/uncles/grandparents/whoever to be sure to bring their own camera. Or maybe that's just what we need to do to start with!
That over with - the Chamber sponsored Christmas parade and concert in the park was Monday night. And voting for new directors is ongoing. I've been going to the Chamber office during lunch and after work. The directors' meeting was Tuesday night and with a bit of help, I got the 2011 billing envelopes sealed and stamped and in the mail afterwards. Finishing everything up during noon Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday...sigh... I will now check the mail only a couple of times a week. Yes. Interviews are ongoing for my replacement. And I told the directors that I would train my replacement. One business woman fussed that if this were next year...after retirement...that she would love it! Sorry...
The job training is going smooth. I'm am really excited about the first of the year when the new judge comes in. We've both got a lot of learning to do...her waaaay more than me of course!
All the way from Cherry in Australia!! 
Aren't they just too cute?!
Remember I sent her the Texas shaped sun-catcher? This is what she sent me in return.
Thanks Cherry!!
We went to Brook and Cody's for a delicious Thanksgiving dinner. Drove to the dealership where we got the Tahoe to have a couple of squeaks taken care of. Stopped to see Colt...Yeah...Erin and John too...but they are incidental. ;o) (John was at work.)
Erin is a sweetheart. She said, "I bet Colt wants you to pick him up." What else could I do? Insult her?
I sat down with him, looked at Sam, and told him to get the camera out of my purse. Ta-da!
The dealership called that the Tahoe was ready (we were in a courtesy car). Sam went to swap out. Erin and I went to Target and Hobby Lobby. She said it was a whole lot easier with help. I do remember!
...Awwww 
Funny thing happened.
Sam has a camera.
I have a camera.
I took several photos of him holding Colt.
He pulled his camera out several times.
Guess how many he took of me?
See below...
Yep. That's me on the far left out of reach of the camera flash watching television. But you can see who has 100% of Erin's attention!
I have been pleasantly surprised. When the county judge decided to retire after this term, we knew that we would be getting a new county judge. We had people running in two parties for the position. After the November 2 election, we now know who it will be. Since the judge is retiring...so is his administrative assistant.
After the primary, I plastered my resume around the courthouse because there is going to be personnel changes in several offices. Then, the part time position with the Chamber of Commerce opened up and after interviewing, I was offered this position. I thought that part time would be sufficient. Unfortunately, while it helps "this" month, it does nothing for my retirement. I could see that some day I might have to sell my home and downsize. I do not want to HAVE to do that. If I want to is one thing...but to HAVE to is a whole 'nuther ball game. (Don't know what happened to the font!!)
I made sure that the county judge-elect had a copy of my resume. I interviewed Monday afternoon. Around 5 p.m. that same day, she called and offered the position to me. I was shocked. With this economy...
I learned a long time ago to pray for MY job. Not to pray for "A" job or "THAT" job. This time I also prayed that the CJ-elect be guided in her decision. I do NOT want someone else's job!
I honestly thought that I had blown the interview because of one of the duties that I had no knowledge about. Not something hard...just something I did not expect. The few years that I worked across the hall in the probation department and I did not know that the CJs office handled indigent cases. I repeated that about three times. I turned to the CJ-elect and said, "It's not a problem. I just didn't know that."
I walked out after the interview and did the head thump (when no one was watching of course!). Well, I thought. I'll be keeping the part time job a while longer. So when the call came in. I was shocked. Elated. Jumping out of my skin. HALLELUJAH!
But then I had to tell my current employers. That was hard. I fully intended this job to be my last before real retirement. It's been handled. Now the world knows.
And I need new clothes. YIPPEE...except I HATE shopping for clothes. I pretty much hate shopping for anything.
Oh.
Except maybe yarn.
And definitely quilt fabric. :o)
And we had photo problems AGAIN! The photos are the only charge - or should I say "suggested donation." Breakfast is free. Sitting on Rudolph's lap is free. The $1 'donation' for the photos in no way covers the expense. I think we need to just put a donation jar on the counter and print hahahahaha free photos. Then they can donate whatever they want. We are going to try a different photo approach next year and also tell parents/aunts/uncles/grandparents/whoever to be sure to bring their own camera. Or maybe that's just what we need to do to start with! 
Everyone, thanks for the congratulations and best wishes! 
