I am having a hard time getting into the spirit of the season. Anybody else struggling with this also? I don't know why. I WANT to be in the Christmas mood. I WANT to feel happily smug with the hidden Christmas gifts and in the knowledge that the day will get here whether I am ready or not. But I'm not there yet.

I figure it probably has to do with my children getting older so the "magic" isn't there the way it used to be. Even when we were younger but were getting older such as in this picture (1971 Buffalo St), I could still feel some of the anticipation and excitement. Now anticipation and the calendar seem more like the enemy than the blessing it should be.

So I went out and got baking supplies today. I'm going to light up one of the holiday candles and get out my favorite Christmas movie: Muppet Christmas Carol and pretend I'm Martha Stewart. It does help that there's some snow on the ground. You are welcome to join me. I'll give you a cookie and some milk. Or some beer. That would be more in tune with family holiday celebrations!

ME AND MY BROTHER!

OK, WE ALL LIKE THE ODD PHOTOS WE HAVE AND CAN SHARE. THIS IS ONE LORI LIKES. THE BROTHER IS NEVER HAD! LOL!

TAKEN AT THE SAN DIEGO ZOO EARLIER THIS YEAR.

Won the tournament

After a particularly tough game, Ryan's team won the tournament this weekend.

Celebrations Past

This is a picture of Judy and Weenie that I think is especially nice. Not only do both Judy and Weenie look very happy and comfortable, but it also brings back memories of the celebration of Nanny and Weenie's 50th wedding anniversary in November 1982. This was taken at a restaurant and I think it might have been our Thanksgiving dinner that year.

This copy of their wedding invitation shows the ceremony was scheduled for 7 AM! I remember Jessie first noticed this and we can all agree this seemed odd. I clearly recall that neither of them was an early riser. This was in contrast to most of their neighbors at the park and Nanny seemed to take pride in their "signal" of leaving the curtains drawn until they were ready for company in the morning. I am not sure why their wedding was scheduled for that time of the day--perhaps the church schedule or perhaps something to do with effects of the Great Depression. But, 7AM?? Nanny and Weenie??

Their wedding announcement in the Salamanca Republican Press described Nanny's outfit as " a green tweed suit, beaver trimmed; with accessories in corresponding shade. Her flowers were a shoulder coursage of roses and lilies of the valley." Her sister Teen (in brown tweed and corresponding accessories) and brother in law were attendants. They honeymooned in Canada. It seemed like a pretty low key affair by our standards but I believe it was in keeping with wedding traditions of the day.

I don't know about you, but I don't think we'll make it to 50 years married--Can you even imagine the year 2035? It's like that song "In the year" I can hear it now "In the year 2035, when the kids are middle aged... If woman can survive ...They may find themselves ....with a cake..." All right, that was bad but I'm allowed! I'm 78 by then so I'm forgiven alot. Remember that.

A bigger and better Tank

Here is a more recent picture of Tank. I took him to the vet yesterday and she said that he is gaining weight nicely. (She previously told me he was too thin)

Boys are both underway with their basketball seasons. Got to see Patty Anne at Matthew's game the other night, but was not able to stay and visit. His team will do ok, they have decent starters, but the bench is weak. Ryan has only had one scrimmage but looked better than last year. I think if he gets more comfortable, he could be a decent shot.

We are hosting Thanksgiving here if anyone is interested.

If I don't see you have a great one.

Shouldn't we start thinking about dates for our annual Christmas drink fest?

HERE IS MT ST HELENS. THESE WERE TAKEN FROM 6 MILES AWAY. THAT IS AS CLOSE AS THE NORMAL PERSON CAN GET. IF YOU ARE INTO HIKING YOU CAN GET ALOT CLOSER. TO BE ABLE TO SEE STEAM RISING OUT WAS QUITE A SITE! WHEN THIS ERUPTED IT PRETTY MUCH LEVELED 230 SQUARE MILES OF FOREST, ABSOLUTLY AMAZING, TO US ANYWAY. HUGE TREES WERE SNAPED OFF LIKE TOOTHPICKS, AS YOU CAN SEE. VERY INTERESTING IF ANYONE EVER GETS OUT THAT WAY.

Happy Birthday Chris!

Have a great day!