Move Over, Red and Green

 I realized last evening after I blogged that there are a lot of colors of the season besides red and green.

Early sunset views from the front yard showed vibrant orange and yellow.

Then, maybe as a nod to our Vikings victory, there was a hint of purple. Beautiful!

Just so pretty to capture. No filters used or needed!

Of course, don't forget RED as a seasonal color – especially the Red Kettle campaign for the Salvation Army. Glad I ran into my favorite Riverkings hockey player from Assumption tonight as they rang the bells. I told him the poster behind us almost looked like him.

In other words, you never know who you are helping when you share some "green" for good causes this holiday season!

Baby, It's Cold and Pretty Outside

With wake-up temps below zero for the first time this fall, I wondered why people say autumn is their favorite season! But then I remembered it's the pretty colors...

Like tonight's sunset. Such a pretty drive home. Even though I was startled at first, thinking this was a massive fire. But it was just he glorious sun reflecting off and through the "smoke stacks" at the food-processing plant.

You can kind of tell it's cold, though, can't you?

Tonight I was grateful that where I bell ring for Salvation Army I am situated between two doors. Unfortunately, they are pretty much open the whole time because there's a busy after-work crowd at the grocery store.

Still, it was 10 degrees and not windy and I had a warm hat one.

That's me – Robyn the Red Kettle Reindeer – hoping warm hearts would warm the air before my nose turned red like Rudolph's. Yes, I entertain myself to stay warm! I even had to dance to my Christmas tunes tonight so my feet wouldn't get cold.

But then I remember why I'm doing it. So there's a warm place for people to go instead of sleeping out in this cold. I can't over stress the importance of what the Salvation Army and other programs provide for those in need. If you can't give time or money, at least pray for them during these last cold days of autumn and the Christmas season.

Let there be peace – and warmth – on Earth.

Secret Santas Revealed

Isn't this a beautiful sight to come home to at the end of the work day? We think so!

Not only did our Secret Santas deliver a purple tree on Friday, but strung lights on it Saturday when we were Up North. The best elves. Ever.

Since we had 4 hours in the truck on the way back from Luck, hubby and I put our heads together and figure out who left the tree. Our friend at the tree lot insisted it wasn't her. So we decided we should ponder the usual suspects. Who usually is responsible when something mysterious (usually baked goods) appears on our door step? Using my old reporter skills, I tricked a confession of sorts out of our good friends and neighbors Mike and Cindy.

Our suspicions were confirmed when Mike came over yesterday to fix the outdoor outlet so the lights would work. Not every Secret Santa is an electrician!

Thank you so, so much you two!

I can tell you, being the recipient or the giver of Christmas cheer really lifts your spirits.

If I hear "Last Christmas" one more time!

Tonight, though chilly, I had a nice time bell ringing at one of our locally owned IGA stores. It's the same one of rang at since Carter was younger and we started this tradition. Even ringing solo was fine because the time flew by. Saw several people I knew and one young man kept me company while waiting for his cab.

Donations were good but there are so many shifts to be filled yet. If you have 2 hours of time between now and New Year's, please consider ringing! You can find time slots and sign up at www.registertoring.com. You won't regret it. Even standing there dancing to my music to get warm, at least I didn't have to sleep out in this cold. It's so important to support the Salvation Army and all organizations who can bring people in from the cold.

God bless our neighbors for loving us Viking fans unconditionally. And God bless all of you who are doing your part to pay the spirit of Christmas forward!

What Then Must We Do?

Even though I was traveling home from Up North today, I was at my church in spirit – with this week's column on the spirit of giving...

What then must we do?

The multitudes asked (John the Baptist), “What then must we do?” He answered them, “He who has two coats, let him give to him who has none. He who has food, let him do likewise.”

– Luke 3:10-11

Poor John the Baptist. His story falls right into that black hole between Thanksgiving and Christmas, where the turkey’s gone and all we can think about is preparing for Christmas – shopping, decorating, and more shopping. Oh, and maybe some thoughts about the birth of Jesus.

John was preparing for Christmas, too. But he didn’t need to find the greatest deal online or that perfectly shaped tree. He just needed open minds and hearts to believe in the coming of the Messiah. And, in case you didn’t notice in today’s Gospel reading, he also set the stage for charitable giving. “He who has two coats, let him give to him who has none. He who has food, let him do likewise.”

John calls us to examine our true needs and to share with those who have less. He wanted to prepare us for Christ and help us start thinking like Him.

But I’m not rich, you say. What can I possibly do?

Thanks for asking. Did you know how many opportunities there are at First English Lutheran? (Insert YOUR church or community, too!) In case you glossed over them in the bulletin, consider supporting:

THE CHARLIE BROWN TREE: Please help a few local teenage kids by picking a tag from the tree, buying and wrapping their gift, and bringing it back to the church prior to noon on December 20.

DECORATE THE CHRISTMAS TREE FOR THE NEEDY: Pick an envelope, take out the ornament/candle, put your name on it and hang on the tree by the church office, then put your donation in the envelope, put your name on the envelope and place in the box on the table. 

RING THOSE BELLS: Salvation Army bell ringers are needed. This is a great way for youth to get volunteer hours or for anyone to spend 2 hours with family or friends, spreading Christmas cheer.

When the multitudes ask “What then must we do?” there is no shortage of answers or opportunities. Open your hearts and minds – and even your wallets – to spread the message of love and hope for ALL this Christmas season.

A fitting way to prepare for our Savior’s birth.

Just Jingle All The Way

Tonight was my fourth and final night at the Red Kettle. I chose to just go each Wednesday of the season so I could go straight from there to choir practice. Of course, the downside is getting home for the first time of day/night well after 8 p.m.

The upside, obviously, is that I have a home!

Since my friend Cindy managed to jingle with me 3 of the weeks, it was a good time. It was also nice to have someone else actually see in person what I have the privilege of seeing each holiday season. People, no matter their current lot in life, are willing to give. Pennies to twenties. Almost everyone gives.

I especially like when I see parents giving their money to their children to place in the kettle. Hopefully they are teaching them a lesson on giving for the season. Typically at least once a shift I will have a little one ask me why I'm ringing the bell. Usually I can point out, "So that we can help little kids like you who don't even have a nice hat (jacket, boots, etc) like you do to keep warm in the winter." They might get it. If not today, eventually.

In case YOU didn't know what the Salvation Army does, here's a few things it does in Wisconsin Rapids anyway...

The local Wood County Salvation Army provides qualified individuals with short-term emergency financial assistance. Assistance programs offered include emergency services, housing and rent help, disaster services, Christmas projects, medical, emergency services, financial assistance for utility and heating bills, special projects as identified for needy persons. In addition, qualified individuals and families can receive emergency gas money (a maximum of $15) one time a year. Medical and prescription assistance may also be offered.

That's a lot.

Pardon my language, but you can see there's no place for half-ass jinglers. We definitely need to jingle ALL the way to help those in need!

If you can't find a red kettle near you, drop a donation online. Join us jinglers in Doing the Most Good.

Just a Couple of Ding-A-Lings

College Boy has been replaced. Sort of.

This marks my 7th Christmas season ringing the bell for the Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign. For the first 5 years, I had a mostly willing partner in Carter. Last year, when he was off to the Big Time, I spent all my shifts alone. Just me and my streaming Christmas music.

It's just not as fun doing it alone.

This year – unprovoked, I swear – my dear friend Cindy volunteered to ring along with me. Sweet! Nothing like two Desperate Ding-A-Lings from Blue Jay Drive to bring holiday cheer to shoppers at IGA.

And we did.

Despite a nearly hour-long train delay – I timed it, for real – we were on the job from 5-7 p.m. Time goes way faster when you can chat your way through it. Plus there were plenty of shoppers on hand to keep us ringing.

I always pick the west-side IGA because hubby is great friends with the owner and, selfishly, we can stand sort of indoors. Plus, it's a smaller store so you have a more personal contact with people. There's always someone who stands out for their generosity or inspiring story.

Tonight, a young man took his groceries out to his car and came back in to put change in the red kettle. He said, "I know this is only 11 cents but I am putting something else in the bucket along with it. Hope."

I told him we'll take donations of all sizes and always welcome hope and prayers.

Think about that this holiday season. I'm not loaded with cash, but I can give my time. Every little effort can go a long way to help someone in need.

Unless they're waiting for the train to get through Rapids. I can't help those people.

ISO: Ding Dongs

Despite the rain and above-freezing temperatures, the Salvation Army Christmas Campaign is in full swing. Quite literally. And they are in search of a few ding dongs besides me to help raise money this holiday season.

Can't quite recall when I started bell ringing. I think 6 or 7 years ago when Carter was in middle school. It was a way for us to donate our time for a good cause, while getting service hours for him and mommy-son time for me. Since that first season, I have been on the automatic call list so I always hear from the local coordinator by November to sign up for some shifts.

Tonight was my first. Since deer hunting is over, Robyn the Red-Nosed Reindeer could come out of hiding and ring that bell!

Is it obvious I enjoy what I am doing and have no qualms about embarrassing myself? I bet Carter misses doing this with me this year! Right.

Sometimes you have to do something to make people notice you. They can hear that annoying bell and walk right by. But if I am playing Christmas music on my phone and wearing a goofy hat, they'll at least break their stride, say "Nice hat" and usually plop some money in the bucket or tell me they'll catch me on the way out. And they do.

I say "thank you" but it does feel weird saying "Merry Christmas" already. Mother Nature and I aren't ready for that.

That might be part of the problem plaguing the volunteer centers. People aren't thinking Christmas. People aren't thinking Red Kettle. In the Wisconsin Rapids area alone, 1,458 shifts have been filled this season. You know what? There are still 3,032 time slots available! The are so desperate for volunteers, they have even made one-hour shifts available in some places instead of the usual 2-hour stand. I'm guessing we aren't the only locale experiencing the need for ringers this year.

To see what's available, go to www.ringbells.org and select your state and town. For South Wood County folks, you can check online as well or call the coordinator, Stacy Wills, at 715-697-9552.

Grab some friends or your kids or classmates and ring. Sing some songs, play some music, dress in costume. Or just ring.

It can be your Christmas gift to the nearly 30 million Americans who receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. About 82 cents of every dollar spent is used to carry out those services in 5,000 communities nationwide.

That takes a lot of ringing. A lot of "doing the most good."

I still have a few shifts on my schedule. You are welcome to join me or, better yet, do your own. My reindeer hat or collection of Santa hats can be borrowed any time.

Thank you. And Merry Christmas!

Stressed, Nuts, Posting by an Open Wire...

Love these 5 tips for happy holidays I came across tonight. You know you might be a little stressed when "Chestnuts roasting by an open fire..." transforms into I am Stressed, Nuts, Posting (blogging) by an Open Wire (or wireless).

OK. I'm not THAT stressed. Work is crazy busy, but that is good. That means I am contributing as a real employee who may know what she's doing. There will be some long days to finish out the year, but I will feel accomplished.

Tonight I couldn't stay late because I had previously scheduled bell ringing from 5-7 p.m.

Or as I like to call it, belle ringing. Ha. Don't I look like a southern belle (or something) decked out in my sparkly hat?

The time went quickly tonight as the store was super busy and lots of people stopped to drop in everything from pennies to twenties. I have quickly been reminded that you can't judge people by their looks. A scruffy-looking guy in dirty clothes comes in followed by a sharp-dressed lady in killer heels. Guess who puts a $10 bill in the kettle on the way out? Not her.

When a toddler put a dollar in and I gave her a piece of candy, she used sign language to say "thank you." Well I just wanted to cry. This cute little girl in pink will never have the kind of life I (and maybe some of you) take for granted.

Feel so blessed. Every time I give – of my time or talents – I always get something back. At a minimum, I find reason to count my blessings.

Tonight I was also grateful that there was a ringer before and after my shift. Last week I had an empty bucket to fill. Tonight, I was relieved by a group of 8 or 10 boys who planned to sing carols. What a special gift to give the shoppers and generous souls who walk by and contribute to the kettle.

Take a tip – or 5 – from me. Stop and enjoy the season before you get stressed and nuts and postal!

Doing the Most Good

With a couple of false starts, winter finally arrived around here last night. Based on the forecast, it likely will all melt by Friday and Saturday, but still it was nice to enjoy the beauty knowing I only had a 10-minute drive versus a 50-minute one!

Some poor animal must have been seeking shelter in our house. Thankfully our new front doors are airtight... just in case it wasn't a friendly beast!

Speaking of really friendly beasts, though, my furry friend Diego helped me bell ring tonight for the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign.

Our Citizens Policy Academy Alumni Association is selling these to help raise money for a new canine officer in Wisconsin Rapids. Yes, the fake ones are all named Diego. I imagine I could change it, but that's all I've been calling him in the past few months I owned him.

Every day he rides along with me so I have someone to talk to and, well, so I finally can say I have a dog! Diego is a little like "Flat Stanley," though. You gotta take him with you so you can capture him visiting unique places. I shared this one with the PD through their Facebook page. I'll see if they mention it.

Of course, the other reason I brought him with me is to prove anyone can ring a bell.

Our area is woefully short on bell ringers this year. In fact, when I arrived at my store (same IGA I always ring at), there was no one ringing. I always have relieved someone of their duties. But not this time. I had to "start." And that was at 5 p.m.

I think a lot of communities are dealing with this manpower shortage. To sign up for a shift – anywhere from 1 to 2 hours – visit www.ringbells.org to find an opening in your area.

Make sure to dress warmly as my toes were cold by the end of my shift – and Diego was huddled for warmth in my apron pocket!

After bell ringing was done, I tried to do more good at home, where I had baked 100 cookies for a cookie walk at Jim's church this Saturday. Since I wanted to dress them up a little bit, I drizzled almond bark on top and put them in the freezer to set before putting them in the containers for the walk.

When I opened the freezer to get the first batch of 24, the pan came crashing to the floor and most were lost. A curse word or two may have escaped my lips. As I stared at the broken mess, clenching and unclenching my fisted fingers, Carter, "Well I guess that means there's only one thing we can do with them....

"Eat them!"

That might not be doing US the most good, but that "shift" might just be over for the day.

The Sly Elf

Once upon a time there was a Sly little elf who was so Sly she got out of working hard at the Toy Shop by hiding in Santa's hat supply. The purr-fect place for napping!

I want to grow up to be just like her.

I'm getting pretty close, too.

Today I had off and I slept in past 8 a.m. That's the first good sign. I saw Sylvester napping in the Santa hat pile and I took a cue from there.

Well I did get a few little projects done. And I put in some time on the treadmill. But then I made sure I knocked off a Hallmark movie. (We don't want to the DVR space to fill up and delete any, do we??) Of course, I wasn't as sly as Sly since Santa works from home and could keep an eye on me. When he did finally leave in the late afternoon to go visit his aunt and uncle in Marshfield, I was out the door shortly after.

Tonight Carter and I had our final bell-ringing shift of the season. It went great. It still amazes me in hard economic times how giving people are. Even just some change out of the pocket is something. To some of them, it probably is a lot to give. I'm sure the Salvation Army will appreciate it!!

Relieving us tonight was a small group we believe was a Spanish teacher and Spanish Club since there were singing Feliz Navidad. Good to see more teens involved!

When we made a quick stop at Wal-Mart on the way home, we saw a group of teen girls ringing at one entrance and a group of boys at the other. We just happen to enter the store there and we knew two of the guys. They were all singing, too. Love seeing that.

It puts me in the Christmas spirit – almost as much as a Hallmark movie... or nap in a Santa hat.

Friday Fax

Just a few facts from Friday...


Sleep Deprivation: Why do I keep staying up past my bedtime? Well that could be a Carter question, too. I know I've been wrapping up a few projects but Carter has been on homework overload... plus a few interruptions. The other night he should have come straight home after Pep Band instead of going to a hockey game and getting home even later than we did from the hoops game. He claims he didn't get any sleep that night. Then last night, he got called into work so it was another late start to homework. Tonight he has a friend over so who knows when they'll get sleep but I bet they won't be up before 10 a.m. I hope I'm not either but that's just wishful thinking. My mind will start working long before my body is ready to get out of bed!

Funny Stuff: I can't believe I forgot to share this last night funny moment from bell ringing. A guy walking into the store says, "Do I stink? I just got done butchering a cow." I was just about speechless but then, remembering I was wearing my reindeer hat, I responded: "Well as long as you don't gut a deer next." (I'm just glad he really didn't stink. I don't think I could handle the butcher odor without keeling over the kettle!)

High School Drama: Not all drama in high school involves cliques and rivalries in school. We see it in sports, too. Tonight, our girls basketball team traveled up to Marathon to take on the rival Red Raiders. Last year, we had to break a tie with them to take the conference championship title. This year, minus some star seniors who graduated, I think the girls just wanted to prevent a stomping. Jim and I drove up and, like the other Royals fans, were pleasantly surprised that our "young" team could put up a good fight. We even led at halftime. But then lost ground, lots of ground, in the third quarter and it was just a dramatic fourth as both teams fought hard – and sometimes got called for a foul doing it. Ha. In the end, we lost, but I hope the girls felt good that they could hang in there. Now, we just need our three injured players to heal and we can get somewhere!

Think Pink: Two of my nephews are expecting baby girls this month. Well, their ladies are expecting! I do not have any great-nieces (just great ones in general) so I was excited to hear one has arrived and is healthy. It would be best if the second one arrived much later in the month. Either way, it's going to be fun to start shopping in the pink department. Hope both Matt and Tim feel as blessed about parenthood as I do.

Most days.

But the weekend's here so no complaints! Sleep tight!

Seasonal Dis-Order

Did you know that 3 weeks from today is Christmas already?? With Thanksgiving falling so late in the month, I feel behind and disorganized with my holiday traditions and "To Do" lists.

So I took today off to get it in order!

I'm not kidding. Plus, I have some vacation time coming to me and I would rather use than lose it. Frankly, it was one of my more productive days – especially holiday-wise.

This morning, I got my Christmas letter done, printed, stuffed in envelopes (while watching a Hallmark movie, of course), then mailed from the Post Office while I was in town running errands. When I got home, I put up the "skinny tree" in our living room corner and decorated it. Decked a few halls and called it good.

This evening, I had my second shift of bell ringing. Carter had to play in Pep Band for the boys basketball game so I flew solo (but did not sing solo, just lip-synced a bit).

True story. I wore this hat last night and maybe had one compliment. Apparently all eyes were on Carter. So tonight I wore it again, hoping to call attention to the Red Kettle even without the presence of a handsome teenager. It worked! I'd say 9 out of 10 people said they loved the hat AND they dropped some love in the bucket!

Sometimes silly can lead to success.

Plus, it was a very warm hat, so I was successful in the anti-freeze department as well.

Things are starting to look orderly.

Different Kind of Bucket List

I have learned that one of my most valuable possessions is time. I have also learned that it is even more valuable when I share it.

That is why each fall when I get the call about bell ringing for the Salvation Army's Christmas Campaign, I say yes. It's the least I can do. Even signing up for multiple shifts in potentially frigid temperatures is nothing to complain about compared to the man, woman or child who desperately needs a winter coat.

Hopefully, enough coins and bills drop in buckets during the season to "do the most good." They added another slogan to their signs this year: "For them. Every drop in the bucket counts."

I agree. While I was ringing in the season of THE Son with MY son this evening, we witnessed quite the range of giving. I enjoyed seeing parents encourage their little ones to drop money in the bucket. I hope it instills a habit and joy of giving throughout their lives.

I enjoyed, too, spending two hours with my son. Not his idea of a good time, but it was good to sort of catch up a bit and annoy him with the Christmas music playing from my tablet. I told him, "At least I didn't put my GLEE Christmas music on there." That was met with an eye roll.

Wow, he can be a Grinch when he is overtired and hungry!

When we were done, he went through the Chips drive-thru for a burger and fries. I had every intention of going straight home, but the sign at Culver's announcing "Eggnog Shakes are Back" beckoned me to their drive-thru.

Ended up having an eggnog shake appetizer followed by a main course of popcorn and a Hallmark Christmas movie when I got home.

I head back out to Red Kettle land tomorrow evening, this time without my Scroogy sidekick. I will be lonely but maybe some new music will fill me with GLEE.

We'll see what does the most good!

Hump Day Headliners

Crunch Time: In the hopes of having the last 10 days of the year off, I am in major crunch mode -- and that does not include any cookies I am munching on! My plan is to get 3 weeks' worth of work done in 1 week. I have done this before when the incentive is right. And I'm pretty sure down time during the holidays ranks as right as right can be. I am doing great. If tomorrow is as productive as the first 3 days of this week have been, I might even get to use one of my "hate to lose" vacation days on Friday. We'll see. Fingers crossed. Mouth crunching. I mean MIND crunching!

Pre-emptive Strike: Speaking of crunching and grazing... I found my way back to the fitness center today. In my mixed up mind, I am thinking this is a pre-emptive strike. Burning off those first major calories before I start consuming them this weekend. Hmm... It probably won't help with any holiday weight management, but I can feel it easing my guilt already. The question is: Do you think one day will do it or should I go back tomorrow, too?

Bringing in a Ringer: Rang the Red Kettle bell for my third and final time tonight. I had Carter with me again. Compared to last week's wind and sub-zero temperatures, this evening's 28 degrees felt like spring! We could see everyone was enjoying it. More store traffic and more donations! One woman put a buck in the bucket and then gave Carter a folded five-dollar bill. "This is just for you," she said. "There's no way in the world I could get MY teenager to do this!" Very nice. Proud mom moment!

Early to Bed...: I am knocking off early tonight. Have gotten to bed way past my bedtime all week. Which means I have had no time to read any Christmas books in bed. Want to get some read before the weekend. Would hate to spend my vacation laying around doing nothing but watching movies and reading ... said no one. Ever. Better get on that!!

G'nite!

B-r-r-r-r-ring!

I think most of the Midwest was under an extreme weather advisory today. Not a flake of snow in sight. But temps just hovering below zero and wind chills well below zero -- like minus 25-35. Brrr.

It was definitely a good day to stay inside. Since it was my day off, I snuggled deep under the covers until 9 a.m. Wow. That was a mini-vacation right there. Then the day flew by with stuffing Christmas letters into the cards and licking envelopes -- which I prefer to licking a flagpole in the playground! I also wrapped whatever presents I had around the house.

And yes, though you need not ask, I did this while watching a few Christmas movies.

And yes, I did actually venture outside. Twice. The first time time was to run Christmas "thank you" cookies out to our garbage collectors. The second was to go bell ringing.

Carter joined me this time. And while we thought we were prepared for the cold, we weren't. I mean we aren't in the direct elements. We stand in this entryway between the outside door and the entrance to the store. It's only a decent temp, though, if no one is shopping and that outside door stays closed.

But it's a busy little grocery store. So we got pretty chilled despite how bundled up we thought we were! An hour into it, I actually went inside the store to buy some hand warmers to put in our shoes/boots. That helped.

What also helped was that people felt sorry for us and dropped more change into the Red Kettle.

And, what helped the most, was knowing that we were going home to a nice warm house after our two-hour shift. I said to Carter, "Can you imagine having to sleep out in this if you had no place to go?" It was definitely a reminder that we are so blessed to have a roof over our heads and we should not take that for granted.

If you think of it, take time to support the Red Kettle or any charitable efforts you can this holiday season -- and all year long. Also, please take a moment to pray for those seeking food, shelter, warmth and hope this Christmas time.

Some days we just don't realize how good we've got it.

Thanks be to God.

Hump Day Happenings

Guess what day it is? Guess. What. Day. It. Is! Well, apparently, it's Hump Day but it felt like a Monday since it was the first day back in the office this month. (Ha.) Some of the highlights...

Layer Cake: While I did get to work today, it took me well over an hour. The roads were caked with layers of ice, snow and slush. Not a fun drive, but I was determined I better put on my big girl pants and get used to this! The drive home was better since the temps rose above freezing during the day and melted some of the ice.

Dream Catcher (or Kicker): Visions of sugar plums are overrated. This morning's conversation...

• Hubby: Did you sleep well last night? 
• Me: Yes, why?
• Hubby: About 4:30 you were kicking at me.
• Me: Oh, that's right. I dreamt we had joined a soccer league and I kept missing the ball.

Hope his shins are OK. I was really struggling to make contact with the ball!

Stan the Man: Got some sad news today. The 97-year-old nursing home resident I called Spry Stanley has died. He was such a warm-hearted spirit. He was so good to my dad, encouraging him every day not to give up. He was just so positive and a joy to get to know during our two months of visiting there this spring. I sure hope he was surrounded by loved ones in the end. I'm sure he wasted no time reconnecting with Dad up in heaven. Lots of stories to be told yet around the dinner table. Bless you, Stanley.

Doing Some Good: I get to report for Red Kettle Duty the next three Wednesdays. After several years of doing this, I am learning a few things. Time goes slowly when you are flying solo. So tonight, since I was ringing by myself, I downloaded some Mannheim Steamroller Christmas tunes onto my phone to play. I tried ringing the bell to the beat of the music. I can tell you with certainty, I would fail any audition for a Hand Bell Choir. Uff da. I think people were giving me money to stop. This one woman said, "You know, some people sing while doing this." I bet that would boost the "hush fund" even more. Something to think about for next week...

Off Key: While I do enjoy singing Christmas carols, I couldn't have tonight anyway. I have been "ignoring" a sore throat the last few days and now it's to the point I need to take it seriously. So, naturally, I went straight to McDonald's after my bell-ringing shift to get an eggnog shake. (My first of the season, mind you.) If that doesn't do the trick, I also stopped at the store for some backup cough drops and that Emergen-C stuff. Probably the shake will work best, though. They don't have an MD in McDonald's for nothing.

Doing Some Good

I don't know if it's the national sense of caring and concern spurred by the recent shooting tragedy or just good old-fashioned Christmas spirit, but my Red Kettle bell ringing stint went quite well tonight.

It felt different this time than when I rang earlier in the month.Sure, I still tried to use my cute Rudolph hat to charm donations, but this time I was also more aware of the significance of what my little two-hour shift means.

I just finished reading the Danielle Steel book "Gift of Hope," a nonfiction work detailing her 11-year outreach to the homeless in San Francisco. It is pretty moving -- mainly because I know this is happening anywhere and everywhere. It got me thinking about what programs/services are actually out there for people in need.

The Salvation Army is definitely one of them.

According to their website, in this new century, The Salvation Army is serving more people in the USA than ever before. "We are already seeing large increases in the number of Americans seeking the basic necessities of life -- food, shelter and warmth. Approximately 30 million people received help from The Salvation Army in 2011, but the magnitude of the mission facing The Salvation Army in communities throughout the United States remains great."

This makes me really grateful I signed up for 3 shifts this year. The Red Kettle is in dire need of volunteers to ring the bell. I see empty "stations" everywhere in town, including high-traffic stores like Wal-Mart. What a shame.

It is not hard to do. Sure, it gets chilly and if you have a bad back like me, it can be difficult to stand the whole time. But you can sit down and still keep that bell ringing. In the scheme of things, how hard is that, really? Is it harder than living without food, shelter or warmth in the winter? Is it  harder than facing your first Christmas without the grade-schooler in your life?

I didn't think so.

Give it a chance. You will feel blessed that you can play some small part in Doing the Most Good. I know I do!

Run, Run, Rudolph!

On Dasher... On Dancer... On Prancer... On Vixen...

Santa wasn't exactly cracking the whip today but 4 of the Desperate Reindeer of Blue Jay Drive got up early and headed south to Nekoosa for the first-ever Heart of Wisconsin Reindeer Run 5K. I was sooo tired from my minimal sleep last night, but I did fine.

We planned ahead that we would all wear antlers or Santa hats on our heads and Christmas socks over running tights!

I had found a Rudolph hat when Carter and I shopped in Eau Claire. It covered my ears so I liked that today. It was in the upper 30s but a bit windy.

We're like a chorus line here.. Dasher (Cindy), Dancer (Niki), Prancer (Niki's daughter Mya) and Vixen (oh yes, I call Vixen. Tee hee.)

Love our fun and festive feet? They didn't actually help us run faster, but it didn't matter -- it was an untimed event. An actual "fun run" with no competition.

I couldn't handle that so just treated it like a race. Didn't walk, ran the whole thing, even though it ended up being almost 3.5 miles instead of 3.1. No wonder my time was off a bit! We had fun, though, and it was very festive. If people didn't have their own headgear, antlers were provided! Plus, Rudolph was there to lead the race ... the first 3 blocks anyway.

Afterward, I came home and showered and Carter and I went to the 6th-grade girls basketball tournament at Assumption. I went to see my friend Jenny's daughter Allison play (Carter babysat her last summer) and Carter went because the 9th-grade girls basketball players had to help out with the tournament. (He's so transparent sometimes!)

Saw one game and came home to get a few things done. Then I dropped Carter back off at the tournament and went to ring the bell for the Salvation Army from 3-5 p.m. I had to follow a shift of two elderly gentlemen who played Christmas carols on their trumpets. Very tough act to follow. I wore my Rudolph hat, though, and that helped attract attention and, more importantly, donations!!

My feet, back and hip were tired by the time that was over. But always worth it when it's such a small gesture to help! When I was done, I stopped back at the school to get Carter and see Allison play her last game of the day. Then it was homeward bound!

Hubby pretty much had the house to himself until 7:30 tonight! Now the Badgers are on so I couldn't get a seat on the couch or chair in the living room if I wanted to. There's a chance there's a Christmas movie on somewhere so I may just have to go down in the basement and watch.

Right now, though, I just don't think I would have the energy to come back up!

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

Their old familiar carols play,

And wild and sweet the words repeat

Of peace on earth, good will to men.

~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Have you ever wondered who a dentist goes to see when he has a toothache? What about a priest who has something to confess? How about a chiropractor whose back goes out?

Oh yes, the week keeps getting better. My poor chiropractor now has back issues of his own so he had to cancel his appointments for the rest of the week. He's lucky my back feels a little bit better. Mainly due to some pharmaceutical help, but also thanks to a blessedly short work day.

Our company gave us Friday and Monday off for the Christmas holiday, then decided to throw in this afternoon, too. We could check out for the weekend at noon. Good plan but I had some things I needed to wrap up so I wouldn't have to work during my 11-day absence from the office.

That's right. My desk chair gets a break from me until January 3rd! Whoo-hoo! C'mon ring those bells!!

Carter and I did ring bells again this evening. This time, he stayed with me the full 2 hours. I know he was bored but I reminded him of how lucky he is -- and what a good cause we are supporting. "I know, Mom," he says, but still gives that very audible teenage sigh. You know the one -- where he makes it sound like we just asked him to walk barefoot across a field of broken glass. Anything that doesn't involve couch time seems to be torture these days!

I have a feeling that's not going to change much in the next 11 days. Hopefully, I'll be a little guilty of that, too!

I was in a lot of pain tonight during that 120 minutes. Not just my back but my legs, too. I really think some time in the hot tub is in order. Then some decent rest to start off vacation.

The alarm clock is not invited to this party. If we want noise, we'll ring some bells! Or sing a carol or two...

Silver Bells

City sidewalks busy sidewalks
Dressed in holiday style
In the air
There's a feeling of Christmas

Children laughing
People passing
Meeting smile after smile
And on ev'ry street corner you'll hear

Silver bells silver bells
It's Christmas time in the city
Ring a ling hear them sing
Soon it will be Christmas day
Not only did we hear Silver Bells tonight, we got to ring them! (Well, red ones anyway.) Carter and I put on our Santa hats and did our annual bell-ringing stint for the Salvation Army.

When they called this year to have me sign up, the only time that coordinated in their schedule and ours was tonight and tomorrow night. Little did I know it would be the worse possible week for me to stand 2 hours at a time (lucky there's a bench there) and that Carter would have to ditch me after an hour so he could go caroling with the confirmation kids.

I still enjoyed having him with me for the first hour. It helps pass the time and people are always more willing to give when there's a kid ringing the bell. That's just how it works. We did pick the same store as last year because we don't have to stand completely outside, the shoppers are relatively nice and the guy who runs the store is an old friend of Jim's.

Despite the downturn in the economy, I observed that people still will give to someone who is even more in need. Whether it's the 50-dollar bill we saw one gentleman slip in (wow) or the 50 cents in nickels and pennies someone else dropped in the Red Kettle... It all adds up and we thanked each donor with equal enthusiasm.

Even though the second hour dragged a bit with Carter gone, I was glad he preferred to go caroling and didn't use bell-ringing as an excuse to get out of it. They had quite a group of confirmation kids go -- and some adults from the church, too. They delivered cookies and sang at several area nursing homes.

I love that the Red Kettle slogan is "Doing the Most Good." With such a little effort, we were able to spread some cheer tonight and hopefully do some good for those in need.

Ring a ling hear them sing
Soon it will be Christmas day...