Ciao, 2014

New Year's Eve is very therapeutic for me. It teaches me to reflect on the past year in the "big picture" mode, not zooming in on the daily stresses and challenges that can feed our negativity.

I look overall and I see a great year. Did not lose any loved ones. We're relatively healthy. We're employed. We have wonderful friends. And, this year, we even extended our family!

It was fitting that we received a holiday package from Germany today. What a great reminder on a new blessing in our lives. Lukas sent us homemade treats (I think he calls most cookies "biscuits"), very good chocolate and some special ornaments.

There's a tradition with the pickle ornament in front. The German custom is that the pickle is hidden in the Christmas tree and the first person to find it gets to open their presents first. I have seen pickle ornaments before and never understood them. Now, I get it. Another new tradition to add to our holidays.

And did you look closely? My sweet boy remembers my love for ice cream! I just wanted to cry. That's so special to have this bond. I'll be jealous when Carter gets to go stay with him next summer and Jim and I won't! Some day...

While Lukas was already ringing in 2015, we had a fun evening with friends tonight.

Started off with dinner at Ebbe's Lake Aire Supper Club with our friends Mike and Christine – and a host of others. Had a very delicious seafood Alfredo dish. Even got some grasshopper pie to go. No room left in my tummy for it. But tomorrow there will be!

After dinner we headed to a gathering of some of our Assumption friends. This was less than a mile from home so we could have headed out anytime if we got tired. But lo and behold, we made it until midnight! So we're so young, ha. I texted Carter at midnight to make sure he wasn't kissing anyone at the gathering he was at. He insists that he was NOT!

Got home just before 2 a.m. and me thinks we will sleep in tomorrow / today. Now we'll get in bed and say our prayers, thankful for another good year and the great people in it! That includes YOU.

Happy New Year!

6 Geese A Laying ... Around

On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: 

6 geese a-laying...

Here I thought tradition meant 6 geese laying eggs and being productive. On the contrary, these geese are laying around. I don't have to tell you a took a cue from them and ended my own productive streak.

Wait, can it be a streak after only one day??

Anyway, I took a hiatus from the decluttering / organizing business only because I had actual work to do. Yes, I'm technically on vacation but a few things had to be done. Then there was that list of other non-work "work" projects that needed to be wrapped up by year's end.

So I ended up sitting on the computer 'til almost noon. Productive but not anything anyone else in the house could see. I got on the treadmill for an hour after that, watching Season 2 of Orange is the New Black. Yup, I renewed my Netflix this morning for that free trial month anyway. At least I can catch up on OITNB and maybe we'll keep it after that. (Hubby is watching Wolf of Wall Street right now on it. I gave up after 90 minutes. Still can't get the storyline or care. But he's enjoying it.)

I made some chocolate cookie type treats and banana bread this evening, too. Nothing compares to Jim's accomplishment of the day, though.

When he went to give blood this morning, he got a t-shirt acknowledging his 7th gallon! Wow. So proud of him! I admire his ability to do that. I have tried numerous times and can't do it without fainting, even if they set me up with ice and have me reclined and all that. Just can't do. So glad he can and does and that he makes a difference.

Now I would earn a 7-gallon t-shirt in the ice cream or coffee club, but that's not helping anyone else.

It does keep me going, though, which is more than my geese can say today!

Ring a-Ding-Ding

On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: 

5 golden rings!

I realized today my "rings" are actually the circles I am running in as I try to accomplish those New Year's resolutions I made last year ... and again at Lent... and probably reiterated on my birthday.  Ha.

No, I am not suddenly eating right or exercising (too much eggnog and Hallmark around for that). But I do recall a few pledges to declutter and / organize things.

So today I relegated myself to the kitchen. No baking Christmas cookies this time. Just me and my well-intentioned ambition. Ha. I now have a full box of items to donate to charity tomorrow and a bag full of garbage, including expired food and some dish cloths and towels that exceeded their life expectancy long ago.

Then there's those items I am not sure what to do with – like those cute little Vikings baby bibs tucked in the back of the drawer with the potholders. Precious, messy memories!

Tonight I am rewarding myself with a Christmas movie. (Shocker.) I am down to only 3 in the DVR queue. So I need to space these out and during the rest of my vacation. I'll make myself a deal that I have to accomplish something in the day first.

Unless my 6 geese a-laying tomorrow lay a golden egg and I can hire someone to do it for me...

In the meantime, I may have to pick up a few more gigs as that very retired Vikings cheerleader. Here's the photo I promised, courtesy of my sister RoAnn:

I know. Don't quit my day job.

Happy Skol-idays

Heading to Minnesota on game day was as exciting as, well, heading to Minnesota on game day. Only this was no ordinary game day.

Sure, it involved Vikings and other Scandinavian lore, but there was not a football or helmet in sight. There was one cheerleader, but I'll get to that later.

Today was the Hedberg family Christmas celebration, this year hosted by my brother Ron and his son David and daughter-in-law Sara. They rented a cute little conference center at the Spring Lake Reserve, just south of St. Paul near Rosemount. The Vikings were playing at home up the road, so  to speak, but only half of us cared. Apparently I will need to just be IN Minnesota on Sundays next season so they win more games!

Today we had an interesting smorgasbord of Swedish- and Norwegian-inspired dishes. There was pickled herring, linden berry jelly on rye crackers and a variety of sardines. Trust me, even something Cajun spicy flavored could not entice this wimpy Scandi-hoovian to eat fish with heads. No matter how little. For the main course, I did try some Swedish (potato) sausage, some potato dumpling thing and, of course, Swedish meatballs. My dishes weren't quite as original.  I made Viking Purple Grape Salad and Ole's Eggnog Gingerbread Dessert. That went well with Lefse and Krumkaka!

After lunch, we had our traditional Christmas program, which brought singing, laughing, crying and an entertaining game of Holiday Family Feud. For the Austin clan part, we had to go with three of us since the big boys didn't arrive until later. I was a retired (for many decades) Vikings cheerleader and Jim and Carter were backup dancers while I sang "O, Lutefisk," that old Norske favorite to the tune of "O, Christmas Tree." (I hope someone took a picture for me!)

After the quality program, there were presents exchanged and games played – including several rounds of Bunco. Good times.

Since many have to work tomorrow, we wrapped up the party by 8 p.m. We decided to head all the way back to Rapids (3+ hours) instead of getting a hotel since we're all awake AND we can sleep in tomorrow.

Granted, it's very late, but I will share a few quick photos...

My creative niece team of Caryn and Michelle made Mom (Grandma) a special snow globe with an old family photo inside. Cool idea!

Speaking of cool... Snuggling with my eldest awesome niece Caryn! (She still wouldn't give me her cool hat, though!)

All I want for Christmas is to be as tall as my twin. And in this case, it was accomplished by standing on the fireplace hearth. Works for me!

My favorite gifts every day of the year... My great guys! Love them! They – and my entire family – make my season bright!

Merry Christmas or, as the Norse Force says: God Jul!

Top Secret Santa

Can't tell you much about today since most of it involved preparations for tomorrow's Hedberg family Christmas.

I was up and baking by 8:30 and sat down very little for the next 9 hours. Made something for the lunch, something for dessert and something interesting for the "girls."

That pretty much took me to supper and cooking a turkey breast, later served with mashed potatoes and gravy with dinner rolls. I know. This domestic kick has got to stop!

Sat down in front of the computer to do a quick graphic design thing and it dawned on me that I have not come up with a part / song / poem / skit / presentation / game / something for the annual family Christmas Program tomorrow! Often times I do think of something on the way to the celebration, but the drive is only 3 hours not 4 so I better not press my luck.

So I'm blogging now  – telling you basically NOTHING about my day – so I can log off and turn my thinking cap on.

And since hubby just returned from town with a "this is your last chance to get an eggnog shake" from Culver's for me... I am now inspired! M-m-m... yes!

Lordy, Lordy...

One day after Christmas in Wisconsin and look who's 40! Mother Nature!

Just typical of the Midwest's atypical weather. We are shoveling in late October and November and ready to get Mr. Deck Chair out of hibernation in December!

OK, I went one too far on that. I did manage to go for a walk/run with minimal layers. Not shorts. Certainly don't need to shave my legs when tomorrow is going to be cold and snowy already.

I know other areas in Wisconsin and Minnesota had their white Christmas. Ours will come late and hopefully not create any hazardous road conditions beyond Saturday. On Sunday, we travel to Minnesota for my family's Christmas. It will be far from 40 degrees, but for now (knock on deck wood), it looks like no precipitation.

In prep for the gathering, I went grocery shopping today for a few things I am making for the potluck. And since I was in Wal-Mart, took advantage of a few "day after Christmas" sales. Just some things for the party. Oh, and a little Reese's peanut butter cup "tree" for me.

Spent my evening wrapping Bunco gifts and watching a Christmas movie. Hubby relaxed in front of a different TV. And Carter is working.

Are we still in the Christmas spirit? Here's a hint. Jim just said: "I wonder if there is anybody else in this town who has 3 eggnog containers in their fridge. I bet you there's grocery stores that don't even have that right now."

OK, OK, I better go have a swig.

Taking my cue from Hawaii, where it's always this "tropical": Mele Kalikimaka to me!

Merry Memories

Merry Christmas!

When my oldest sister started posting nostalgic (that means I'm OLD) Christmas photos, I was immediately drawn back to childhood memories. And grateful to be making new ones with my own family.

Above, clockwise, it's me on the red stool, then RoAnn, Romey, Dad, Ron, Rachel, Renell, Raylene and Mom. My sister Rayna (the budding photographer) took the picture. Somehow all 8 of us fit around the table – with its lovely vinyl/plastic table cloth – and there was enough food for one and all!

Today, I barely made enough for the 5 of us! Well, I tried a new sausage-egg bake recipe. It turned out so good that maybe a 9x13 pan isn't big enough. (Again, I am obligated to document all domestic moments in the kitchen.) It was easy and tasty and something I will make again with some variation. And I had plenty of time to prepare it.

Jim went to 10:30 a.m. church and the boys got up after 11. So it really was closer to lunch than brunch. Then we opened presents and dug into our stockings.

Clay wanted money towards a PS4. I am still figuring out Nintendo 64 so I am a bit behind on the video game systems. But he was happy, so that's what counts.

Apparently Carter blew out his speakers in his car doors so Santa brought him new ones. Installation NOT included. We'll make a gearhead out of him yet. He also got some clothes and ... some clothes.

Dad and Casey are wondering whose gift will keep them warmer this winter – Jim's Carhartt bibs or Casey's plush robe? I will be happy to test-drive the robe, but not the bibs, since those must be accompanied by shoveling or snowblowing.

The shortest elf in the house got a gift certificate to pick out some new running shoes. That will be awesome – especially when I am fueled by eggnog and cookies. I'll be so fast ... until that sugar crash!

This afternoon, while the men were entertained by a John Wayne marathon on TV, I did actually get out for a little exercise. I had to. The temps were in the mild 30s and the sun shone on the Son's birthday! Hurray!

I even saw my shadow. That means 6 more weeks of Christmas! Fa-la-la-la...

Candlelight to Silent Night

All the candles on the Advent wreath have been lighted AND we even had a candlelight church service at 1 o'clock in the afternoon. Now that is a special way to kick off Christmas.

Carter and I hit the early service since we knew we'd be eating at Grandpa and Grandma Austin's for the 4 and 6 p.m. services. Since it was a cloudy, dreary day, it was just dark enough in the church to make the glow of candles shine. Very pretty.

I love the Christmas service, not only for its message, but its music. We sang lots of Christmas carols, which I love! I really enjoy the ones we did way back in high school choir – especially when I can remember the harmonizing alto part. Yup, doesn't take much to impress myself.

On our way home from church, Carter and I swung through McDonald's and got small eggnog shakes. Did we really NEED them knowing we'd be eating just 3 hours later? Probably not. But last time I tried to get an eggnog shake on Christmas Eve, they were out! I was mainly just doing it to see if they'd improved their customer service.

(Will lying get me on Santa's Naughty List??)

We headed over to the in-laws around 3:30 and had a really nice afternoon and evening. Ate good food (naturally), played some cards, exchanged some gifts and had some laughs. Oh, and got our annual picture of the four C's....

Cousins Colin, Carter, Clay and Casey. It seems year over year that Carter is the only one inching upward. The rest are just looking more like "men" now than boys. At least they all still believe in Santa.

They better!

Casey and Clay are staying overnight at our house and Santa has that programmed in his RPS (Reindeer Positioning System) already. According to house rules, it doesn't matter so much if you are naughty or nice... As long as you have brown eyes and dimples, you'll be spoiled Christmas morning.

Hopefully green eyes qualify, too, since I'll be making breakfast. I guess we'll see.

First, some silent night...

Christmas Cheer

It was another jam-packed day off. And I'm OK with that since everything focused on Christmas.

This morning, hubby and I went to the Golden Mass at Assumption since the public is encouraged to attend. The gymnasium is transformed into a beautifully decorated and lighted place of worship. Carter and the band played some Christmas music and the choir sang several numbers, including my favorite, The Hallelujah Chorus.

Afterward, the gymnasium was transformed into a, well, gymnasium, for tonight's basketball game.

In between those two events...

The students could leave after Mass so Carter was able to join us for lunch with a handful of other friends of ours. I think there were 9 of us eating a scrumptious meal at Great Expectations. Good stuff!

After lunch, I really wanted to take a nap but had some grocery shopping to do. This is the second trip this week and again, I had an impromptu visit with friends. Apparently Wal-Mart is the new social hot spot. At least this time I looked presentable.

Got home and did some work (sh-h-h, don't remind me about vacation), then headed into town to drop Jim off at the bowling alley at 6 p.m. His subbing has become quite regular. Santa probably should have gotten him a new ball bag and shoes this year... but Mrs. Claus wasn't thinking!

Too bad he couldn't go to the game, it was a good one. It started off cheerful anyway. Here are a few photos of Carter and the pep band getting into the Christmas spirit and me, well, being my dorky selfie elfie self.

Carter's friend Olivia and one of their other classmates "bulked up" to dress Santa-like. I want those green, Grinchy shoes! Carter is wearing our "5-foot tall" stocking hat. He opted not to wear his Royal Blue one because he didn't want to match the previously mentioned dork...

Can I help it I love the Christmas season?? At least I am color-coordinated to show both Christmas Cheer and School Spirit! Unfortunately, it was not enough to get our boys a win versus Stratford. Very close, exciting game and we ended up losing by 2 points. Heart-breaker.

After the game, I picked up Jim from the bowling alley and we met up with some other "I'll have a Royal Blue Christmas" fans. We all have off tomorrow from work so why not stay out past midnight like the cool kids?

Logically, this little elf should be resting up for a busy 2 days. But I never claimed to be smart.

Just spirited.

Best Buys

I wasn't necessarily looking for the best buys today, just good deals with my best friend!

With a little Gingerbread Latte coaxing, my friend Christine got me out the door at 8 a.m. and on the road to Appleton. She had to get an oil change and maintenance checkup over there so why not make a girls' day out of it??

Seemed logical to us.

That and the need to nab a few final presents on my list.

The car dealership had a shuttle over to the Fox River Mall. How convenient! The shuttle driver joked with us that our hubbies had already called him and told him to put us on a limit. Nice try.

I was looking for bargains – seriously – but when I saw the "one day only" diamond party, I thought, "Wow, it is time to start filling Robyn's stocking!"

Oh c'mon. You know I didn't. A bargain shopper like me had to stay on task.

Between the mall and another store stop on the way home, I think I got everything I need. It was all mainly for Carter. I just have one more thing I will have to try and find time to get in the next 48 hours.

Besides the shopping success, it was just nice to hang out with the bestie. Had fun and, even though we're a mere 2 days from Christmas, were relaxed.

I was actually more on edge tonight at the girls' basketball game. We traveled up to Stratford and they led after one quarter. Then Assumption took it and ran with it, in the end, defeating the tigers 57-30. When we got outside, we had the snowy, drizzly mixed precip going on. It was a slow drive home. So glad Jim was driving. Do not need any stress during my vacation.

Unless you bribe me with good coffee first...

Short on Time

The shortest day of the year and it was jammed.

I squeezed in a glorious Christmas Cantata (courtesy of our amazing church choir), a Christmas movie (courtesy of Hallmark Channel) and finished gift wrapping – all before noon. Apparently I thrive on deadline.

I also managed to sew a button on Carter's shirt (it's required I point out my rare domestic skills), watched the extremely disappointing end to the Vikings game and went to Book Club.

For my fellow book worms... Today we discussed the book Lullabies for Little Criminals. It was a pretty disturbing fictional story of a girl growing up in a world of poverty, neglect, drug use and prostitution. I'm sure it is the nonfiction reality for more children than we could possibly believe. Sure made me feel fortunate for the many blessings for myself and for our children.

Got home after 6 and squeezed in one more Christmas movie. I was down to one left in the DVR queue (oh no!!) but managed to find another station called ION TV or something that had a bunch of them I'd never seen.

Set "record." Whew. Crisis averted.

Did not manage to exercise – what with the limited time and all. Oops, and I didn't get around to those Saturday chores either. I guess starting tomorrow, I'll have a little extra time to do that!

That's how it works, right?

Not To Do List

Things NOT to do on your first day of the weekend AND vacation....

Wake up early: Got that covered. Did wake Carter up around 7:30 to 8 a.m. and figured I'd "just lay down for a few minutes." Next time I looked at the clock it was 11:11 a.m. Oh yeah!!!!

Anything involving a broom, dust cloth, vacuum cleaner, dish towel: Totally played hooky on my Saturday chores. Yes, I know I have to do them tomorrow instead, but it felt good to bypass them for a day.

Work: The easiest way to not work is to stay away from the computer. In fact, when I went into town to the bank, library and store, I didn't even bring my phone with me. Granted, I forgot it on the charger. But I did manage 2 hours without it!

Diet: I didn't overindulge too much, knowing I have to pace myself to keep the Festive Fifteen weight gain down to a Festive Five this year. I actually went for a walk for an hour. Granted, I spent 30 minutes of that talking to the neighbor in her kitchen, but I had good intentions.

Follow a schedule: When a person sleeps 'til almost noon, can they really plan anything? That's fine. I enjoyed an impromptu visit with a girlfriend in the aisles of Wal-Mart. Had a nice phone call with my twin. Visited the neighbor (as mentioned). And, no need to ask, made time to watch a Christmas movie. This one might have been DVR-d from Lifetime instead of Hallmark, but still good. Ha.

I think I did pretty good NOT doing much today. The question is: Can I keep up the pace over the next two weeks?

You know me. I love a challenge!

Closed for Renovation... and Rejuvenation

We did it! At 3 p.m. today, I hung a sign outside our department with this photo and a caption that said: "Closed for the holidays!"

While we can't really close a magazine department, the three of us will not be there physically until Jan. 5. And hopefully not there mentally either. We all have a few tasks to complete over the next two weeks but nothing that will require a commute from any of us. We happen to have a gap in deadlines so this is a perfect time for us 3 editors to relax and rejuvenate.

Whoo-hoo!

Hello, couch. Hello, blankie. Hello, Hallmark Channel. Let's figure this vacation thing out!

To get it launched, I actually bypassed a Christmas movie for a live action one. As in real live action. Jim and I went up to Auburndale to watch the Assumption boys basketball team. It was a nail-biter of a game and we ended up winning by 1 point. The first time, I might add, since 2006 that we have beaten them.

Very cool to be a part of the excitement. Stopped "out" for  awhile after the game to celebrate. I figured I blow my curfew since I can sleep in tomorrow. Now I'm just waiting for my mattress pad to heat up and it's go time.

Hello, vacation. Let's do this thing!

Happy Holi-Graze

So far I've only had two or three holiday grazing opportunities this season. But I'm sure that's about to change with Christmas officially only a week away. Got a good jump start on it with our work Christmas Party / Potluck / Food Fest today, that's for sure.

In order to win fabulous prizes you could earn tickets in one of the ways: dress in festive clothing (easy enough), sing Christmas karaoke (heck no) or bring a dessert since the rest of lunch was catered (can do).

I blame Pinterest for coercing me into trying a new recipe. But how could I resist when it is called Eggnog Gingerbread Trifle? Despite the fact that I didn't know what a "trifle" was or the required "trifle bowl," this undomestic goddess got schooled. And quickly.

The result?

Feel free to "oooh" and "ahhh" and be amazed. And yes, for an eggnog lover like me,  it was simply divine.

Not that we were going to run short on desserts...

For the record,  I didn't win anything.  But I brought home leftover trifle,  so we are all winners at my gingerbread house!

Now I suppose since it is the season of giving, I should share the recipe.  My only hesitation is that you'll see how easy it is and you'll lose respect in my Martha Stewart skills. But here goes...


EGGNOG GINGERBREAD TRIFLE

Thaw two cups of Cool Whip.

Mix up a spice cake mix as directed. Add and mix in 1 Tb molasses and 1 tsp nutmeg. Bake as directed in 9x13 pan.

Mix a 5.1 oz box of instant vanilla pudding with 3 cups eggnog for 2 minutes.  Refrigerate until needed.

When spice cake is completely cool, divide in half. Crumble half in trifle bowl for bottom layer. Top with half of pudding. Spread 1 cup of Cool Whip on top for third layer.

Repeat, layering the second half of crumbled cake, then rest of pudding, followed by another cup of Cool Whip.  Refrigerate several hours.

Before serving, top with Craisins and Ginger Snap cookies.


Yep. Yummy yum yum!

The Holi-Grazing is definitely on track to put me in a sugar-craze holi-daze. You too?

Special Appearance

I saw something today I haven't seen in days, maybe even a week. The sun!

I wonder why I've been so tired and it's probably because I've walking and driving around in a fog. And it's been just plain drizzly and dreary. Now that the temps have dropped to their typical cold December selves, the sun could return to trick us into thinking it's warm out.

Better a special, limited-time appearance than none at all. Even bundled up, it felt good to HAVE to don some sunglasses when driving over to the fitness center at lunch.

Was dark by the time I left work, though. I am diligently trying to cram three weeks of work into one so my slacker self can make a special appearance for the last two weeks of the year. I have been working my butt off to make that happen. It looks like it will be close. If anything, I'll just have some odds and ends to tie up from the home office between Christmas and New Year's.

What a pleasant thought! That brightens my day as much as the sun.

Now. Back to work!

More Sounds of the Season

There wasn't a Christmas season concert tonight, but I did get to hear Carter and the Pep Band play for the basketball season.

Tried as usual to sneak a picture and this was the best I could do before I was spotted and shunned.

Hubby and I had the privilege of working concessions starting with a the freshmen boys game at 4:30 p.m. That was followed by JV and Varsity match-ups versus our rival Wausau Newman. Our JV won and every time we sneaked a peek at the varsity game progress, it was tied or close, the lead going back and forth.

It's always a bummer when people come to the concessions stand and say things like, "Too bad you're stuck here. You're missing a great game." Well, we all have to do a shift so it's better to get ours out of the way early in the season. Plus, we didn't miss ALL the excitement.

We got to see about the last 2-3 minutes of regulation play and then... overtime! So really, it was like the game was starting over for us, but was only 4 minutes long. We ended up losing 56-50.

Too bad the Pep Band was all packed up and gone before the first tipoff. They could have used a little Eye of the Tiger or Gonna Fly Now to get the boys pumped up.

No worries. Lots of season left. For hoops, holidays and harmony.

It Came Upon a Midnight Clear...

Due to our surprisingly mild temperatures, we have been living under a thick blanket of fog for the past few days. We're talking low visibility Saturday and Sunday and "zero visibility" warned for my commute to work this morning.

It is a good thing I can practically drive to work blindfolded. I know the route pretty well, even in fog and rain ('cause we needed to throw that in the mix). I just hoped others had headlights on – and the deer stayed in the ditches.

Even though the dense fog warning was supposed to expire at noon, the drive home was just as bad. Thankfully, I made it to and from work safely. I kept hoping I'd hear the Christmas carol announcing that "it came upon a midnight (or afternoon) clear," but I had to wait for my music fix later.

The fog has yet to lift.

After work, I met up with some gal pals and attended Assumption's choral Christmas concert. I love Christmas music and was looking forward to seeing / hearing my friend's daughter – and a couple dozen others I know.

This year, instead of holding the concert in the high school gym, it was at one of the churches. The beauty of having your child attend a private Catholic school is that you are free to bring Christ into Christmas concerts, where He belongs!

It was a beautiful program, taking us through the real reason for the season with a Festival of Carols and Lessons about Christ's birth and purpose. Wonderfully done.

After the concert, my bestie and I stopped at the bowling alley to peek in on our hubbies. Jim has become a somewhat permanent weekly sub this season. He was having a good game and I didn't to jinx it by hanging around too long. Plus I wanted to get home in the fog and hear a few more carols.

Maybe tomorrow something will become CLEAR!

Be safe out there.

Hello, Kitty

Our pretty kitty kind of made me feel guilty today for all my talk about getting a puppy. She's still a diva but such an adorable one.

She has made a routine now of napping on the pile of Santa hats, but I had to move them this morning to vacuum. So I placed them under the tree and put the gifts I wrapped today (while watching a Christmas movie, of course) in our bedroom for safe keeping.

Sylvester found her hats and was just about to take a nap when we got company. Normally she bolts when we have guests – if she's awake. This time, though, she just sat for the longest time looking at us. I realized then I could finally take a decent photo of her.

And she let me! She is definitely on Santa's "NICE" list.

Isn't she gorgeous for a senior citizen? I know we always call her "kitty," but she is over 10 years old, which is 56-ish in human years. She'll always be our pretty kitty, though.

When I saw how cute the picture turned out I figured I could be all set already for next year's Christmas card.

But let's see how long the tree stays standing or if she gets bumped off the Nice list first. Not that we don't trust our princess after all this time.

But she is Sly...

Nog Blog

I don't always start AND end the day drinking... But when I do it's eggnog.

Today is St. Lucia Day, a Scandi-Hoovian "Festival of Lights" holiday celebration. We observe it each year so that Carter remembers his roots (as if I don't say "uff da" enough), plus why would he fight getting a present?

In the real tradition to honor the Goddess of Light, the oldest girl in the house wears a ring of lighted candles on her head and serves breakfast in bed to the rest of the household. I skip the incendiary devices on my hair-sprayed head, bake cinnamon rolls out of a can and let the guys serve themselves.

Today, I enjoyed a pumpkin spice cinnamon roll and a cup of pumpkin spice coffee topped with eggnog, while Carter excitedly opened his gift of funky socks. Serious about the excitement. He really wanted some fancy and fun socks. Lucky St. Lucy knew!

After that it was a busy day of running errands (bank and library) and shopping for a few Christmas gifts. That took me to 5 stores in Rapids, but did move two people onto my "done" list. Yay. I later figured out what I am getting 3 more people. Just need to quickly get those and then we are done. Oh, except Carter. I'll have to check with St. Lucy to see what else he has on his list!

Tonight, after a yummy chili supper (I do know how to cook ONE thing), Carter took off for a hockey game. Hubby is watching TV and, after a half hour on the tread mill, I figured I earned some eggnog, this time mixed in with my chai spice tea.

I'm not a wimp. I can take my eggnog straight, too. But by mixing it in my hot non-toddy toddies, it lasts longer.

I've been informed the store does make more, though. Hmm... I'll drink to that!

Request for Continuation

In most cases, if I had to wait 20-plus years for a sequel of any kind, I'd pretty much give up on it. In the case of John Grisham's book A Time to Kill, however, a sequel was never expected. So now it has become a pleasant surprise.

Very pleasant.

In the early 1990s, I had picked up a copy of the first book at the Atlanta airport after visiting my sister, brother-in-law and a college friend. Needed something to occupy my mind on the plane ride home. The book was very well-written, entertaining, suspenseful and unpredictable. A very good read.

When I learned Grisham had a new book at the time, I decided to check that out, too. The Firm was the first book ever that had me so hooked on the storyline that I couldn't wait to get home from work to get back to it. Fast-paced and, like the other book, well-written, entertaining, suspenseful and unpredictable. A very good read.

I was a fan for life. What a gift to write like that!

Since I am friends with John on Facebook (sort of), I knew 2 years ago he was releasing a sequel of sorts to A Time to Kill. It came out last year but I did not get a chance to read it. I was surprised last week when it was actually available on CD. A lot of CDs! Typically I listen to a book with 8-10 CDs. This one has 16. And it has been worth every minute.

Sycamore Row has been my commute book all week and it is a really interesting story. Typical of Grisham, it has plot twists you'd least expect, which only draws the reader (or listener in my case) in deeper.

Today, there was a new plot twist just as I was pulling into the parking lot at work. I expected I'd be watching the clock all day in anticipation of getting back to the story. Thankfully, it was a busy day so I survived.

Of course, now that I am home and won't be commuting (except to Wal-Mart probably) until Monday, I cannot face the withdrawals. So, I can listen on an old school CD player while on the treadmill tomorrow. Or I can actually try to READ it.

Just found out the e-book of Sycamore Row is available to "borrow" from the library so my lawyer's "request for a continuation" has been granted!

Have you ever read or listened to a book that really hooked you in? Please share so I can add it to my reading list and perhaps even assign it for my book club.

Thanks. And happy reading!

Old-Fashioned Christmas

The trend of posting old photos on Facebook on Thursdays – ThrowBack Thursdays (or TBT) – is cracking me up.

I am looking at "old" photos from my childhood and shaking my head at what we were wearing. Will guys of today look back in 30 years and realize it was ridiculous to wear their pants low with their boxers hanging out? I hope they realize sooner than that.

But then again, what do I know about fashion? Case in point...

Whoa. I should have warned you to put your drink down so you didn't spew on the keyboard. Scary yet laugh-out-loud stuff, isn't it?

Takes the FASHION out of old-fashioned, that's for sure.

This is from one of our annual Christmas programs for Mom and Dad. I am on the left, then my sis Rachel, twin Lene and brother Ron. The three of us must be singing a beautiful Christmas carol or perhaps new song since we needed the lyrics. My bro is studying up for his part, which looks like it might involve reading Luke Chapter 2.

We still do that program each year and trust me, some of the other outfits have been pretty scary, too! But we were trying to be. I think.

We can't all be as adorable as we were when we were toddlers and could sit on Santa's lap...

Santa showed up at some local hardware store, it seems. It also appears that we are looking off to the side like maybe at Mom, who is scolding me for saying, "Santa, I want what my twin wants... only bigger!"

You never know. That wouldn't be the first time. Or last.

If I was lucky, I may have gotten one of those beautiful carpet squares in the seasonal backdrop. Ahh, the good ol' days.

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.

Winging It

Look, Daddy. Teacher says, every time a bell rings an angel gets his wings.

– Zuzu Bailey, It's a Wonderful Life

Maybe I've been bell ringing too much lately, but I think I was hearing bells tonight. And I was nowhere near a Red Kettle. Just doing a favor for a friend.

She is out of town for a conference this week and tonight two of her children had special events and her husband wanted to somehow be at both. Her 2nd-grader had his first-ever wrestling match at 6 p.m. Her 9th-grader had his Christmas band concert at 7:30 p.m.

I met up with her husband at the wrestling match. He got to see his son win his first match then had to leave before the second to make it to the band concert. I stayed and was to give his son and a babysitter (also in attendance) a ride home afterward. No problem.

But have you ever been to a grade-school wrestling match? I believe 4 schools were represented with wrestlers from kindergarten through 5th grade. To say it was a zoo is putting it mildly. Somehow it was organized chaos, and yes, did smell faintly of a zoo.

As the sweat of a thousand grade-school wrestlers infested my nostrils, I thought, wow, I am so earning my wings tonight!

The things we do for friends! Seriously, it was a bit insane but not bad. Our cute little wrestler won both of his matches so he was on top of the world. "That was easy," he says. I encouraged him to practice on his big brother and his big dog – not his chauffeur, as I am pretty sure the feisty angel could take me!

I was able to snap some mostly blurry photos to text to my girlfriend. She was pretty appreciative. I recall times I have had friends take photos of Carter for me when I have been out of town. And I know I really appreciated it!

There's something to be said for paying it forward. At all times of the year.

Your ears may end up ringing but that could be the sound of your wings coming in... or just someone talking about you and your generous spirit.

Sounds of the Season

We are not just a band geek family, we are a word geek family. When I left work today, I said, "Well, I'm going to my penultimate Christmas band concert tonight." When I got home, Carter said, without prompting, that this his penultimate Christmas concert.

If you don't have a dictionary app handy, penultimate basically means "next to last." Just one of those words we Austins use when we can fit it into a conversation. (Hey, I already said we were word nerds!)

Onto the concert...

Carter had a cheering section of Grandpa and Grandma Austin plus Aunt Sherry and Uncle Baird... and Dad and me, of course.

In the first number, the high school band members were scattered about, some even performing in bleacher aisles like you see in big-time concerts or the Grammys even! Carter was on main stage by the director so he didn't have to lug his big baritone around.

They did play some of my favorites. I enjoyed their Manheim Steamer version of O' Little Town of Bethlehem and two other uplifting holiday mixes.

Here Carter and his buddy Olivia wait for everyone to get set up for Happy Xmas (War is Over) by John Lennon – particularly poignant on today's anniversary of his death. Love the song. Here's how they did...

(be sure to click on HD so you can see it better)

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152566650182569&l=7873149852598057071

Hope you enjoy all the sounds of the season!

Streak Picks

The two other sports fans in the house are a little hooked on participating in ESPN's Streak for the Cash competition.

Basically, you pick from two options for a sporting event (either a winner or point margin or something unique) and after that competition is complete, you move on to your next pick. The object is to get a streak of winning picks. If you get one wrong you just keep trying to get back into a winning streak again. Each month, the person who gets some crazy unobtainable amount of consecutive wins gets cash. Then a new month comes along and you try again.

With apps on their phones, they can "participate" pretty easily. And often.

I prefer old school streaks, like my weird life events.

Lately, as I previously mentioned, I have had a "streak" of dreams about getting a puppy. This past week, a puppy mill in nearby Clark County turned in a couple dozen small dogs that will need homes soon. Is this a sign from God that we should get a puppy?

Well, no. The puppy dreams have now morphed into something worse.

Last night I dreamed Carter had a new baby brother (we are not getting one of those!!). If that wasn't weird enough, we named him Linus. I haven't seen Charlie Brown's Christmas this year so I wasn't influenced by that. But today, I started a new book for book club and a character in there is named Linus!

Now that's a goocher!

If you aren't sure of what a goocher is, let me refer you to the great movie Stand By Me...

Any strange coincidence can be a goocher, in my opinion. This was the second one this week, though, and I will get a little nervous if I have a streak of them!

The Vikings continued their streak of beating themselves. Oh they managed to pull off a win but it took overtime to do it. Since the Packers don't play until Monday night, I got to watch the game on TV here. And yell at the team "in person"! They just can't seem to get it together. At this point we are just hoping to break the "losing season" streak.

Skol!

After getting some baking done, I did manage to keep up my Hallmark Christmas movie streak. I have enough movies DVR'd for a daily viewing, but will I have the time during the work week to do so? I hate to break the streak, but I'm pretty confident I will waste no time starting over.

I'm pretty committed that way. (Or as the eye-rolling Scrooges in my house would say, I should BE committed!)

Bah humbug.

9 Ladies Dancing

Thanks to my productive decking the halls day on Thursday, I was able to enjoy today in a relaxing and mostly festive way.

I had only two things on my real "to do" list: Make Christmas cookies. Go to a Christmas Dance recital. Yes, for real.

I wanted to make sure I saw Miss Emily– the girl I mentored in confirmation – dance. Plus you might say it was my "daughter fix" since I knew at least 8 other Academie de la Danse girls performing. Easily enjoyed seeing "9 ladies dancing," as the song goes!

After seeing the Atlanta Ballet perform The Nutcracker, oh way back in December of 1997 when Carter was in my tummy, I have loved that musical and seeing holiday dances and concerts in general. Today wasn't quite the same caliber but so entertaining nonetheless. Loved it and was glad I got to go.

Emily did a great job, too, and even performed one number rollerblading (figure skating). Awesome. Her mom – my "half" sister Chris –and I were both very proud.

After the recital, I made another holiday stop delivering Christmas cookies to my friend Becky. Her dad died the day before Thanksgiving so the holidays have already been stressful. I knew she wouldn't have had time to make any cookies yet so I brought her some, along with some hugs and a listening ear. We had a nice visit, considering the circumstances.

Got home in time to eat supper then beat hubby in cards. But then we played a second game and he won. Why can't I quit while I am ahead?

Did not play a rubber match. Instead Jim watched the Badgers and I went downstairs to watch a DVR'd Hallmark movie. Who do you think enjoyed their "show" more??

Carter had to work tonight and just got home. I think I'm still ahead in the "best day" department.

I might even dance about it a bit.

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!

God said to Noah...

If you ever went to Sunday school or Bible Camp, you know that catchy song, "God said to Noah, there's gonna be a floody, floody..." Try getting it out of your head once you remember!

Found these words of wisdom today just in time for the stressful holiday season. And really, it doesn't HAVE to be stressful. These are good words of advice for ANY season of your life...

Number 1 is important in any and all situations!

I like number 2 because it reminds me that even if I think other people's lives are perfect, they have their own struggles, too. The grass may just appear greener on their side of the fence. We are all human and all in the same boat.

I think number 4 is important. If something happened and I had to have the strength to take care of someone else, for example, I don't know that I could do that right now. Stay fit physically AND mentally AND spiritually!

Always struggled with number 5. Have always cared too much about what other people think. Should just make sure God is pleased with me... then Mom, hubby, son and so on...

Number 8 is perfect for a wanna-be runner like me. My motto is: You go slow, you go far.

For me, number 9 means sit back and relax and tune in some Hallmark holiday magic! (Maybe with a bowl of ice cream even...)

I often say "stop me before I volunteer," but number 10 is right on the money. So many successful ventures happen because of people with big hearts, not necessarily big resumes. It does take a village sometimes. (And, unfortunately, someone's gotta be the village idiot. I hate when I draw that short straw!)

Amen to number 11. I don't know why I bother asking, "why me?" sometimes. Obviously, it's part of God's plan. It's really none of my business what that plan is. I mean really, do I think I could do better?

Trust me, I've tried. That's why number 7 is important. Always have two arms nearby for a hug of support – or two fists to knock some sense into you. Just know that I am here for each of you... you choose what capacity!

Time to build my "arky, arky..."