New Year’s Eve…

Well, let’s see – not a lot exciting happening here.

Matt and Christi arrived safely last night. Christi was volunteering at a camp in Baraboo from 12/27 through 12/30 and didn’t get done until after 4. Matt not only drove her there but also drove back. They said it was snowing quite heavily in Baraboo but when they got closer to Iowa County it stopped. I’m glad they made it safely.

Today – well it was going to be a day to visit family. However Matt has quite a nasty head cold so I think we’re home bound for a while. That’s all right as we can then relax a bit and enjoy some time together. We can watch movies and things and maybe I can do some baking to clear out the cupboards of a couple of things (cookie mix, a bread mix, and a couple of other things). J We also have some games and things we could do to pass the time. I doubt very much that I’ll make it to midnight awake but I guess I can try.

Christi wants to go to the National Treasure 2 movie that came out about a week ago. It’s in town tonight so we may head out to see it. That could be fun. I checked – the theater is closed tomorrow (I had thought we could see the matinee – it’s cheaper). J

Tomorrow – well Matt and Christi will be going back to their homes. With their jobs and things, it’s hard to get everything done and accomplished in the short time they are home. With Matt being sick it’s that much more of a challenge.

Oh – this is another vacation day for me. I’ll still lose over 40 hours of vacation time – I just can’t seem to use it up. I’ve applied for and will hopefully hear shortly after the start of the New Year whether or not that time can be reinstated. I know that even this time off has been a problem for many of my farmers so I’m kind of cautious in being excited about getting back to work – there’s simply too much to do and taking time off just makes it pile up higher and higher. Oh well.

Best wishes for a safe, happy, and healthy New Year!

Pictures of the family Christmas...

Twas the day before Christmas...

Matt and Christi made it safely home last night. It was a very slow drive with the weather the way it was. I'm so glad they made it all right though.

A busy day ahead. lots to do and take care of yet - way too little time and energy right now.

The storm is done but the aftermath is dangerous and annoying. The snow that is out there covers ice in a lot of spots. That makes for some hazardous walking and driving. I've now shoveled the car out at least 3X and never actually moved it from the driveway. I know - that's really sad. The darn snow plows keep coming through at bad times to plow up a huge mound of white stuff again and again...

I'm tired of shoveling. My back bothered me last night. I had tried to clear off the area in front of the house so they could park there. It just wasn't meant to be after the snow plows left such a huge bunch of snow.

Today is our family get together. It should be interesting and good to see everyone again. I've still got some work to do to get the fruit and veggies ready. I've also got some goat cheese that I thought I'd take along. Then there's some dip for the veggies. Besides that, it's turkey dressing sandwiches, chili, and oyster stew (all Dad and Gloria); cheese and crackers (Gary and Sue); and desserts (Linda). We always have too much food. 'Tis the season I guess.

I volunteered (or is it was coerced - sometimes it's a fine line) into going down to help with getting the turkey dressing, chili, and oyster stew together. Yeah - the thought of driving in this weather isn't really appealing to me but oh well I guess...

Best wishes for a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season!

TGIF, Shortest day of the year, and a winter storm...

Let's see - I'm a bit behind the times on posting.

Friday - I spent the day at work. I had lots of end of the year things that needed attention. There's never a dull moment. We just had lots to do and take care of. I had a lender review in Mt. Horeb. Roads were very slick and the fog didn't help. We were short staffed at the office due to the holidays but we managed. Dad had a physical therapist and an occupational therapist visit them at the house. Hopefully that will help. That is if he does the exercises and things he's been given to do.

Saturday - the shortest day of the year - well between really bad fog (about a block to a block and a half visibility in town) and the storm coming in I was pretty much home-bound. Since I had lots to do yet for Christmas (wrapping and things) and was quite tired, this was probably all right. I think Dad and Gloria wanted me down there again but after so many nights of driving in the fog, dark, and cold I really needed some time to get a few things done. Although I still didn't get everything sorted and ready - well I'm closer.

The winter storms moved in Saturday and into Sunday. It started as rain (which on snow/packed snow = slippery). The rains here started later than I thought that they would (late afternoon Saturday). We only had mist/drizzle until then. I'm not sure when we really started getting the snow. Right now I'd guess that there's about 6" out there - but it's hard to tell with the winds blowing so hard (25-35 mph according to the weather channel). Daisy didn't want to go out at all this morning. As I'm hoping that I get my Sunday state journal paper I did shovel to the street and to the car (for later getting some things out if needed). Right now the car trunk is froze shut though so it's a later issue.

Christmas - well still some to work on. The gifts for 12/24 are already loaded into the car. As there's nothing to worry about freezing it seemed like a good idea to organize and put out.

Weather channel just stated that it's 12 degrees F with wind chills bringing it down to -7 degrees F. That's a lot of wind. They're predicting high wind, and the chance for more rain/snow today.

I'm a bit concerned for all the travelers out there. Matt and Christi had planned on coming home this morning. I'm not sure that's wise and I think we'll talk about it.

Well, I'd better get going.

Hope everyone stays warm, dry, and safe (wherever you are!).

Only 5 more days until Christmas...

This morning I went to work for about 6 hours, then went to Wal-Mart pharmacy to pick up Dad's meds, and then off to Darlington to deliver them. That was interesting.

I've got lots of people who want help to close loans and finalize things before the end of the year. With everything going on around here though I'm having a hard time juggling things. I have a lender review tomorrow morning and then a busy afternoon. Not sure exactly what will be happening but I've thought about checking in with Dad and Gloria again.

Dad was in a fairly good mood today. The county nurse was at their house for about 2 hours. They're assessing his condition for insurance and need. Gloria is so patient with her patient! :) Anyway, after the nurse left, I hung a few decorations and sorted the new pills into the mix and basically tried to organize things.

Friday (tomorrow) Dad will have more visitors as the physical therapist and occupational therapist will be there (9AM and 2:45PM). He'll probably be tired after that but he does like the attention! :) I'll have to see how the weather, work, and things cooperate as to whether or not I'll be down there tomorrow. We'll see...

I haven't been able to locate a key gift for Matt though I've been trying. I've been on waiting lists at stores in 3 different towns and even tried using some connections to help me but so far it hasn't worked. I'm about to give up and give him some cash so he can find it. Frustrating - it's the first time that I've gotten so worn out and been so unsuccessful in getting an item that's really wanted. Bummers!

Other than that - not much except it's only 5 more days until Santa arrives!

He's home again...

With Joe's help, we got Dad home. It took Gloria, Joe, and I to coordinate traveling the short distance between the hospital and home. Since that involves wheelchairs, walkers, and human support, it is a process.

Well, perhaps I should start at the beginning. I left work before 7 and went to the house in Darlington. Gloria had had a rough night so I waited for her to get ready and then we went to the hospital. At the hospital, we talked to the doctor and went over options and things. Gloria was adamant that if Dad was willing to try and get better (moving around so his muscles don't further atrophy and taking his medicines) then she wanted him home. After losing both her mother and father, I think she feels a strong need to help Dad and it's obvious that she loves him.

Anyway, at that point we had to wait for more tests. While he was getting some of those done, Gloria and I went and got his walker (rented for $5/6 months from the county nurse). After that we took time to get a new pill box and a spacer for his inhaler. We also stopped at Dick's for a bit so Gloria could pick up some healthier foods for Dad. Then it was a quick (as in drive through and eat in the car) meal and back to the hospital. At that point, Dad still hadn't been cleared to leave and was eating his lunch.

We went over the meds and things with the nurses, Dad got more tests done, and we scheduled some future appointments. It's all very challenging to coordinate. Then Joe was called and when he got there we went through the interesting and difficult job of getting him home. Joe did most of the driving (and even backed the car into the parking spot). I really don't think moving Dad can be done efficiently or well with less than 3 people.

At that point, I left to get his medicines (a trip to Dodgeville Wal-Mart pharmacy) and then back. I stopped and picked up some sandwiches on the way for dinner. The pharmacy took over an hour to get everything straight. When I got back to Darlington, Dad was sleeping so Gloria and I set up his pills. When he woke up (about 6) we ate and then I came home. Gloria is really having to fight with him to get him to cooperate (especially with the medicines). He knows that he's going to have to do it or he will be in the nursing home. He actually got up (by himself) and used his walker to get back and forth from his chair to the bathroom and kitchen which is a good sign.

I know this isn't very exciting - I guess I'm just updating and venting a bit.

Another day...

Well, I spent most of today with Gloria and Dad. After I went into the office this morning for a couple of hours, I left for Darlington. On the way I called Gloria and got her breakfast order which I picked up at McDonalds. We went to the hospital after breakfast but missed seeing the doctor.

Today was more blood tests, a physical therapist doing an assessment, and a breathing test (interrupted by 2 ambulances and the nurses were needed so they stopped and will try again tomorrow), and countless blood pressure and pulse checks. Dad has a hard time breathing - just scooting back into the chair or walking a few steps leaves him breathless. The nurses when they try to move him encourage him to help them (otherwise it's their total work moving him) and he keeps telling them "I can't". It's frustrating. He's gotten a rash of sorts on his stomach folds of skin and that's irritating him too.

I left tonight after listening to about an hour of solid "I have to go home", "I can't sleep in that bed - it hurts my back", "The doctor doesn't know what he's doing", "The nurses don't want to help me", "There's nothing they can do", and similar. I told him off several times (to the point where about 25 years ago I'd have gotten the belt) but it doesn't seem to sink in. A big part of his problem is that he won't take his medicine like he's supposed to (like he knows more than the doctor). Several of the meds (I reviewed them with Gloria this afternoon) say that he has to go off them gradually and some I suspect he takes when he wants and not regularly. It's beyond the pill sorter that tells him which ones he needs to take - he just refuses to take those that he's supposed to and picks and chooses whatever he wants. Gloria has said that she asks him which ones he's taken and he says that he can't remember and that she interrupted him and made him forget. (oh my!).

He has meds for high blood pressure, cholesterol, prostate issues, diabetes, fluid retention, and something else that I can't remember. In the morning, he has about a dozen different ones (including inhaler medicines for his asthma). It is a challenge but he doesn't want anyone to tell him what to do and when. It's frustrating.

Part of his problem seems to be sinus related too. He tends to breathe through his mouth a lot which may be causing other issues. He doesn't sleep for long (5-10 minutes at a time) and didn't like the sleeping pills he was given last night (not sure what is up with that).

Saint Gloria seems to be holding up well. She told him tonight while I was there that she wouldn't take him home until the tests were all done (which means he's staying overnight). She said that he wouldn't let us bring him back for the tests if they weren't done now.

On another note - he's not complaining of chest pains. He made a good point tonight when he said that his chest doesn't hurt when he can breathe. It's when he can only get short breaths that it hurts him. Hopefully soon they can figure this out.

Well - Gary was going to visit him after I left tonight. Hopefully he's feeling better and doesn't give him a hard time (Gary's been putting in a lot of overtime at work).

I'll try and keep posting as I know more...

Next - News about Dad/Grandpa Gordon.....

After arriving home so late after the concert, I arranged to take the day off. At about 11 I got a call from Gloria that she needed help getting Dad to the hospital or clinic - he was having chest pains and didn't want to call the ambulance. I got ready as fast as I could and was off. I met Joe at their house and Gary arrived (must've been flying) from his job in Monroe. We'd each been called.

At that point, I called the emergency room and Gary brought the car to the front of the house. Dad was having a hard time breathing so we managed to get him to the back door and then into the wheelchair for the sidewalk trip to the car. After getting him into the car (thanks Joe!), we loaded the wheelchair and went to the emergency room. They didn't have a wheel chair big enough so we ended up unloading the wheel chair from the trunk again, loading him into it and getting him inside. Then things seem to happen quite quickly - blood pressure, pulse, EKG, chest x-ray, blood tests, and any other number of things.

Dad hasn't been taking his medicines or letting the doctor and nurses do what they need to do. He's avoiding some prostrate things that apparently are causing some of his problems. Anyway, the doctor called it angina or congestive heart failure - though he seemed to think it was more related to the added water weight and not directly his heart. At least that's what I got from it. It was rather confusing really. Dad seems to want to avoid doing some things that just need to be done and then blames the doctor for not feeling well. It's sad in a way....

Anyway, when Dad finally agreed to an overnight stay in the hospital (good for Gloria too!) Gary (back to work) and Joe left and Gloria and I went with him to his room. We stayed until about 5:30 and he was getting quite tired. We left and went down town to eat dinner. After that - she took over some of his meds (the nurses had asked for them) and I left for home. Hopefully everyone will get some sleep tonight.

I've made arrangements to take time off work tomorrow and go back down to help out with whatever I can. We'll see and I'll try and keep posting.

Best wishes!

First the concert...

Trans Siberian Orchestra (aka TSO) was quite good. I was amazed not only by the talent displayed the guitarists, pianists, and violinists were outstanding. The vocalists were good too. It was just an amazing night for music.

In addition the lights and special effects were good. There were movable lights, spiral lights and just about any other type of lights (including cool green laser type lights). Fires that changed color, firework type effects and all sorts of other neat effects - including a snow maker! I'd hate to think about the cost of moving everything from venue to venue.

I guess that TSO will be in Madison in early January. The almost 3 hour concert was nice. Parking was overpriced at $15 a vehicle though. :)

It was a long night with the concert starting at 7:30 getting over well after 10, the wait to get out of the parking lot, and then the drive back to Linda's (she did all the Milwaukee driving thankfully). Then I had the final drive home and arrived back here at about 2:30. It was a very long day and a very short night.

Oh - before we went to the concert...I went to the Johnson Creek mall for a few stops and met up with Ashley (who was working at Land's End). We had a bit of dessert and some milk and hot cocoa during her break.

Then it was time for me to go to Linda's and have some most excellent lasagna that Alex made. It was really good - loaded with meat, a variety of cheeses, and well spiced. He's got a talent.

Since I'm now done with my MBA, I'm thinking that I'll start work on a family cookbook. :)

Take care!

The most elusive picture of the 2007 year!!!

There it is - in color - a smiling picture of Alex and Joe. They don't like having their picture taken - especially Joe - so finding one of both of them smiling was a true challenge. Congratulations to Christi for braving the situation and getting the winning picture of 2007.

Thanks of course to Alex and Joe too for being good sports about the picture too!

Today should be interesting. I get to travel to Linda's this afternoon for dinner with the family. Alex is cooking his lasagna which should be quite a treat. Linda had kindly asked me to go to a concert (the tickets were a 40th Birthday gift from Alex, Ashley, Jessie, and Kelsey apparently). Linda's friend Bob isn't able to go so I'm the lucky one. I haven't been to a real concert (not one at a fair) since REO Speedwagon in the early 1980's so this will be a treat! Of course the REO Speedwagon concert I went to with Jeff Makos (we were dating then) left me with ringing ears for about a week after that (we were too close to the speakers!).

The concert is Trans Siberian Orchestra ( http://www.trans-siberian.com/intro.html ). It's mostly a Christmas type concert - I think that's all they do. More of an electric rock guitar type music where during their concerts they tell a story of sorts. They are very popular in the area and tickets for their concerts sell out quickly. It should be fun and it isn't often that Linda and I get to do things together. The concert is in Milwaukee at the Bradley Center (where the Milwaukee Bucks play home games so it's a huge venue). I'll try and keep postings going so that I can tell you more.

As it is, I have lots to do this morning to get ready. There never seems to be enough time and resources to get things done timely and well. Then I have to remember how to get to Linda's efficiently - it seems like it's been quite a while since I've been there...

Best wishes for a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season...

A visit from Matt and more snow!

Matt came home last night then left this afternoon. It was a short but nice visit. He had some errands to take care of here in Dodgeville (sometimes I've found it's better not to ask). :) He spent a lot of time on his laptop though I'm not sure what he was doing but I think it involves a lot of conversations with someone... Daisy and Buddy seemed to really enjoy his visit too.

Matt stopped to pick up the calendars yesterday before he came here. Unfortunately there were some serious issues. They had printed 2 December sheets and there was no cover or back sheet. I'm a bit upset myself as they had promised it would be done in the morning and it wasn't ready until late in the day and then they had it messed up. Matt is going to review it again and pick them up if the changes have been made. Hopefully it's done and it's right this time...

I finally had time to watch the Harry Potter 5 movie (Order of the Phoenix). It's quite good. Since we saw it in 3-D, it's the first time I've seen it in it's normal format. The 3-D did add something to it - it seemed scarier or maybe it's just that's the way I first saw it. :)

Christmas- Only 10 more days...

Well hopefully the calendars will be correct and ready. That's a big worry in itself. Matt said he'd take care of posting off the New Zealand calendar soon for me since he'll have picked them up.

Cards - I'm still getting a few that I hadn't already sent out to so I'm trying for a fast turn around. I've got the cards I've received hanging from garland that I have hang along the one wall. It looks pretty festive if I do say so myself.

Shopping - I'm feeling a bit scrooge like. I have the money saved but I'm reluctant to part with it. Sad but true. I do have the lists ready and some things done (Matt and Christi's are the final items to pick up). Besides - I still have a few days left!

Wrapping - well I'm caught up with that job. At least as far as I can go until my shoppings done. Matt found more colored comics from the Sunday paper while he was upstairs so I'm using that up now. That goes on the gifts from me to Matt and Christi so it's eco-friendly and very green recycling...

Snow - well it's finally letting up out there. It started at at about a quarter to five this morning (Daisy and I were out walking when we saw the first flakes) and it's really just flurry-ing now. I think we probably got about 1 1/2-2" more now. It's kind of hard to tell since it's quite light and fluffy stuff and the wind has been moving it around. If snow were money right now - everyone in Wisconsin would be rich!

Best wishes and Take care!

An interesting visit...

I was in Wal-Mart here in Dodgeville tonight after work and ran into Betty Williams, her daughter Penny Wolter and Penny's son Cody. It was nice to see them. Betty is doing well. Sam Wolter lives with her and works at the Shullsburg Cheese factory. Cody just graduated from high school and is having serious problems with seizures now. Penny works at Land's End. Betty's brother (John I think she said) now has had his leg amputated just below the knee (diabetes complications). Christa Jensen (Betty's daughter/Dean's wife and the home farmers) had both knees replaced this summer.

Betty said that Lucky Clover Leaves 4-H club is no more. Apparently they only had 3 people sign up (none from out in Redrock) and they needed 5 to have a club. Therefore, no more club. There are very few clubs left according to Betty. It's kind of sad really. On a more positive note, the county dog project has now expanded to include agility as well as obedience so that group is doing well.

Other than that - well I got my copy of the movie "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix". I can't hardly wait to see it again. But - still lots to do so I'll have to be patient and maybe watch it in bits and pieces. :)

Take care - and stay warm if you're reading this from Wisconsin!

More snow and ice...

Well, it happened again. Today started with rain, freezing rain, sleet, and snow. By 5AM about 70 schools in the area had already closed. By about 4 this afternoon the snow had stopped and we have about 4" of the stuff out there and ice underneath it. I went out and shoveled and cleaned up so I can at least get the car out tomorrow.

I'm getting tired of winter...

This morning when I was walking Daisy, a cat came out from behind a parked vehicle. It was slippery at 4:30 AM so she went after the cat and my feet went out from under me. The cat quickly disappeared so that left me lying on the ground with Daisy trying to figure out what was wrong with me. It was actually tough getting up again because of the ice. We finished the walk quickly after that.

I called in and used a vacation day at work today. It was just too miserable outside. I also was a bit stiff and sore and had a headache so it wasn't the most productive day but at least I wasn't out fighting the weather.

Yesterday was quite nice - I had a good turkey/mashed potato/gravy/bun and butter/corn/milk (in school cartons - never thought I'd go nostalgic for them!) with Christi at Lapham School. It was the holiday dinner there and there were many families, some police officers, the mayor (though I didn't see him), and other local and community people. It's a social event and it was quite well attended. The second serving, well I got to help and work it with Christi. That was nice. Then while Christi had work to do I had the chance to learn about something called finger knitting from a first grader in an after school program. There are some very creative young people in that group.

After that, we went to do some shopping and other things. I finally got some dry cleaning dropped off. It had been in the car for a couple of weeks and with the weather being bad I hadn't gotten it delivered.

Anyway, it was a good day overall.

You know - I do like the idea of a white Christmas but this is getting ridiculous!
I wish we'd have had some of the snow last year when our New Zealand visitors were here!

Snow and cold…

Every couple of days it seems like we’re in for more white stuff. Between that and the cold (I heard this morning our high temperatures about 15 degrees colder than normal), well I’m getting tired of winter already. Since winter doesn’t officially start until 12/22 that’s not a good thing.

I keep hearing the furnace kick in and I hate the thought of that. This house is heated by natural gas and the price is going up all the time. It’s hard for me to justify the costs when it’s just me. I’ve got the window plastic on but still the house seems drafty. The insulation I tried to put around the front door got damp with the fall rains and now it’s falling off. What’s that about best laid plans???

Christmas seems to be creeping up on me. Every time I think I’m doing all right getting things done I figure out that there’s some other things that I really need to get done. Right now the calendar is about finished. I’m doing some formatting and things on it now. The plan is to take it to the printer on Monday so it’ll be ready hopefully by the next weekend.

My Christmas cards are almost all out. Each time I think I’m done I seem to think of someone else I should send them to. I’ve been debating about sending them to closer family members or just waiting until Christmas when I see them.

Decorating – well the tiny tree is up, the stockings are up, and a few other things are ready. I’ll admit it – I spent more time decorating at the office than I have here at home. I tend to spend more time there so it seemed logical. The office is mostly done in blue and silver with a few poinsettas (which I understand are poisounous to cats so I can’t have them at my house – Buddy’s a plant chewer) and a small live fir tree. I’m hoping the tree will continue to grow and add some green to the office. I didn’t put any lights up at the office – sometimes people forget to shut them off and I don’t want to be responsible for a fire hazard.

Shopping – well I’m working on that. This bad weather has slowed me down from where I’d really rather be (which by the way is done if I had my choice!).

Baking – well, I guess I haven’t thought much about that. Since I’ll probably do veggies and fruit for the family Christmas eve dinner, I don’t do much for baking usually. I’ll cook when Matt and Christi are home but I’m not sure about baking. I did have a nice treat at work this past week. One woman took a ROLO candy, put it on a pretzel round, microwaved it to melt the candy and then put a green or red M&M on top. It was a very nice sweet/salty combination.

At work, the new employee seems to be doing quite well. She seems to be picking up things pretty well and is eager to learn.

We got word this week that Federal Government offices can be closed on Christmas Eve day since it falls on a Monday. There is some speculation that it also has to do with 2008 being an election year too. Either way – it’s much appreciated. There are some branches that are required to stay open but I think in the end that will primarily be security, safety, and basic service related. Although our branch hasn’t officially announced that they will allow the day off, we really anticipate that they will.

Other than that – well I think the theme song for right now for me is “I will survive!” :)

Best wishes for a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season!

Winter Storm…

Well, it’s been a miserable storm time here. We’ve got lots of the white stuff. It started yesterday morning (Saturday) at about 8 or so. We had flurries until then but the real stuff started and then it just seemed to go on through the day. By about 3, we had freezing rain/sleet coming down. Total snow was about 5-6” and then about an inch of ice on top of that.

I had planned on going to visit Madison on Saturday morning but I’m glad that that trip was postponed. The older I get the less likely I seem to be to take risks with the weather. I had some things to do but it just didn’t seem to be a good idea to try. It snows/rains/sleets here about an hour or so usually before it hits Madison so judging times and things is really a challenge. I talked to Christi at about 9AM and they still didn’t have snow or flurries so it’s interesting.

Not much for traffic has been moving around here. It’s probably a very good thing. Snow plows are doing what they can to clear away things.

I’m really glad that I have to only shovel to the street (mostly so Daisy and I can walk out). The rest is cleared away by someone hired to do it.

Walking Daisy has been interesting. The snow/ice comes up to her stomach so she’s been a bit scared about walking out in it. Especially when it breaks through and she falls into it. J We mostly walked the snow plowed street edges last night and this morning.

No State Journal delivery today I guess – bummers!

Things aren’t supposed to be warming up either. It’s definitely beautiful and bright out there but it’s cold too. Bundling up takes a lot of time and I’m going to have to use more Scotch-Guard water repellant on my boots when they dry off – they seem to have a leak near the stitching on top.

Warm things inside have been good. Hot chocolate with candy cane stirrers (I think I’ve been watching too much Food Network on TV I think) and soup (vegetable and tomato) have been mainstays through the cold. I’ve been thinking about doing some baking but I’m trying to convince myself that I really need to get the family calendar done first!

I’ve been using my time to work on things around the house and work on things for Christmas. This morning I did some needle work and put names on Christmas stockings. I have no doubt that if Grandma Kate and Grandma Mattie are watching they’re having a good laugh at my feeble attempt. The stockings are the nice Land’s End ones that I got at Bargain Nook some time ago for $1-3 each. They’re for Buddy, Daisy, and Lily (Christi’s cat). The stockings are complete now (with a few decorative buttons added and the names on them) and are hanging from Command hooks – the removable type hooks that supposedly don't leave a mark).

Christmas cards – well I’ve got a lot of them out already. The tree (2’ tall, artificial) is up and decorated. The calendar – well that’s my next project. I’ve got lots of work to do on that. It typically will take about a week at the printers so I’ve got to get it done soon. There’s also still wrapping and things. I’m thinking of doing some online shopping for some presents to save time and stay away from the crowds. Maybe after the calendar is done…

This past week at work has been very busy. I’ve had to address some performance problems with one employee (this will be ongoing and stressful for some time) and I’m working on getting a new employee trained. In addition there’s a lot of applications and servicing to do. Typical days lately are about 10-14 hours so nights are much to short to get things done around the house. That’s rough but it means that work is getting done and that people are being helped. One issue that I’m trying to get through is that I have a lot of vacation time that either needs to be used or lost (or if I’m lucky they’ll let me extend into next year). We’ll see. It’s a good problem to have I guess.

I’m looking forward to 12/10 and having lunch at one of Christi’s schools and then volunteering to serve food to the groups coming after that. It should be a lot of fun. I hope the weather cooperates.

I see by the calendar that the first day of winter is 12/22 – Oh My! I can’t wait.

The house about a block away has added more lights and things. It’s the one that sets them all to music and it is nice. I think they’ve turned the volume way down. It’s hard to hear the music over the car engine so I’ve walked Daisy down there a couple of times already. It’s quite nice. We haven’t done it since the storm (and I’m not sure they had it on last night). We even walked behind the house to see their display there which includes some inflatable things (penguins in snow globe, Santa stuck in an igloo, elves loading a sleigh, and more lights set to music). It must take lots of time and money to do all that. With the snow we’ll have to make another trip – seeing it all against brown dirt just isn’t quite the same. J There are other houses with some decorations that I’d like to see but this one is so close and there’s so much there that it’s quite fun.

Only 23 more days until Christmas…

Best wishes to everyone for a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season!

Take care!