My life picked up speed this week; there was evidence of the holiday season in full swing. I stood in line for too long in the post office only to discover they were out of flat-rate boxes! Imagine trying to mail a box of oranges across the Mississippi at the regular priority rate. Sticker shock, indeed.

Secondly, it seems the tradition of sending Christmas cards is a lost art. I sent forty, and as of today, received three. I guess it’s my age that makes me continue to send holiday greetings, for I enjoy seeing family picture cards from my young friends.

Thirdly, as a holiday gift, I treated one of my older-than-me friends to lunch and a movie this week. Granted, I haven’t been to a movie theater in over a year, but I was ill-prepared for another round of sticker shock. When did a small bag of popcorn sell for $10, and a small soda cost $7? My friend had a cheese quesadilla, which was a whopping $18! Really? And additionally, I was charged $16 to park my car. (My fault, though, I forgot to have my parking voucher validated.)

The ticket to the theater was reasonable ($10). Of course, that’s the senior rate. The film was scheduled for 12:30, and at 12:15, the theater darkened and the ads and previews ran a full 55 minutes. Finally, Wicked began. I was so jazzed to see it, for I adored the Broadway play. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo were fabulous, but…. I’ll let you be the judge of the movie itself.

December 15th. Ten days from today, some of us will be marveling, as kids try out their new sleds, snow boards, or skis. Others will watch the children attempt to navigate their paddle or surf boards. Me? I’ll be picking oranges, basking in the sun, and thanking God I no longer live in the Snow Belt!