O Cork-mas Tree?

Ok. You can say it. I'm the world's biggest dork! I'm a geek. I'm a dweeb. I'm a nerd! Pick a label and that's me!

Below you will see photos of my first meager attempt at a Christmas Craft. Here they are... Christmas trees made of used wine corks. I like 'em, but the bow on top is pathetic. I'm going to work on tying better bows and replace it with a better one as soon as I can. Until then, here's my "Masterpiece".

Turning the Page

Tomorrow I turn the page. I'm not talking about a new chapter in my life. I'm only referring to turning the page on the calendar. I can't believe December is here.

December brings three thoughts to my mind:

1) The Christmas Holiday Season
2) Winter barreling toward me like a runaway train
3) The last month with my mom until she heads to Florida until April

I won't spend any time talking about Christmas today. Many of my December blog posts will be dedicated to this blessed season.

Winter. Yuck! I can't stand it! I don't like to be cold. I don't like snow. I don't like living in darkness. I don't like being cooped up indoors. I don't like anything about winter except Christmas. I'm sure you'll see quite a few posts documenting my disdain for everything winter in the next few months. I am not quiet about it. Get ready folks!

As if winter wasn't bad enough, it gets worse for me when my mom and Cliff go to Florida for 4 months. I really, really miss them when they're gone. Don't get me wrong. I am happy they get to escape the clutches of Cincinnati winter. In fact, I'm downright jealous. There is one good thing about mom and Cliff spending their winter in Florida (other than the obvious advantages of warm weather and sunshine). Since my sister lives in Florida, mom gets to see her on a regular basis. That's something she doesn't get to do in the spring and summer.

If I can't go to Florida in the winter (I can't because I'm not retired...), I at least wish I could be like a bear and hibernate until spring. I guess there's not much chance of that either. I'll just have to slog through another cold, dark, dreary, bone-chilling, slipping and sliding winter. Oh woe is me!

The Gang's All Here!

Hail! Hail! The gang's all here! (or at least they WERE).

Last week, my sister Cheri, her husband John and their two girls were in town from Florida. They've only lived in Tampa for a few years, but it seems like much longer. Unfortunately we don't get to see them very often because of the distance between here and there.

It's sad that the times are rare when my mom and all three of her kids (and their families of course) can all be together. We were blessed last week when we could all be together for Thanksgiving. It's strange... I know I miss seeing my sister, but I don't realize how much until I'm actually with her.

Mom and Cliff put together an incredible meal and we all ate until we were stuffed. Then we hung out, played games and enjoyed catching up with each other. It was a real blast! We were also happy that Cheri and her family finally got to meet Sveta. That was a big plus for the day.

The fun ended much too soon. It would have been great to spend a lot more time with them, but alas, all good things must come to an end :-( I don't know when I will get to see the Florida contingent of the family again. Until we do, I only have one request. Send us a little bit of that Florida sunshine this winter. We'll be freezing up here!

Gettin' Down With My Crafty Self!

Last week I admitted to my participation on a website called Pinterest. It's a very popular site and even if you don't use it, you are probably familiar with it. I have continued browsing on Pinterest and have gotten some really neat ideas from it. Tami teasingly says I'm the only guy on Pinterest, but I personally know of quite a few men who are on it. They may not freely admit it like I do, but they're on there!

I never thought I'd be the type of person who developed an interest in crafts, but because of Pinterest, I have. Don't worry, I'm not turning into some girly-man. Lots of guys like crafts. Shucks, my grandpa was really good at creating stained glass projects. I had one grandma who knitted and the other grandma crocheted. Those would qualify as crafts, right? My own wife created container candles for a few years. She got really good at it and made awesome candles. In fact they were so awesome, she sold out of them quickly every time she made a batch. She'd probably still be making them today, but when we moved to Indiana she no longer had the proper facilities to make candles.

Well... last night instead of wasting my evening watching garbage on TV or surfing the internet, I decided to try my hand at one of the simpler crafts I found on Pinterest. I am making Christmas trees out of wine corks. I got a good start on them, but won't be able to finish until tonight. I am very eager to see what they look like when finished. I think they're going to look pretty cool. I'll post a photo of the finished product as soon as I can. My only problem is I am now running low on corks. I have two choices... I can either drink lots more wine or ask my friends to save them for me. I think I'll opt for the latter. Wine is expensive and I have no interest in developing a drinking problem. Does anybody out there have wine corks laying around? If so, I'd love to have them.

Make fun of me if you want to, but I'm having s ball with this new found hobby. It doesn't cost anything (all my projects will be done with things I already have or can acquire at no cost) and it keeps my mind occupied... almost therapeutic I guess :-)

Climate Control

I've taught at St. Bernard Elementary for 23 years. In all my years in that building, the climate control has never worked properly. In the warm months, the AC doesn't work well and it's hot in my classroom. In the winter, the heat doesn't work well and it's cold in my classroom. Every year I tell my students the same thing. If it's cold outside, it's going to be cold in the classroom... dress accordingly. The same thing happens during hot weather except it's the opposite. Of course kids don't listen and wear short sleeves in the winter and sit in my class and shiver. Some of them will never learn!

The classroom next to me is even worse. It has a HUGE vent that leads straight outside (about 8 feet by 8 feet). In the warm months, hot, humid air flows directly into the building. In the winter, the cold wind howls and blows frigid air directly into the building. A few years ago I was sitting at my desk grading papers when my teaching partner yelled, "Mick! Get over here! It's snowing in my classroom! I'm not kidding!" I went over and sure enough there it was... a light dusting of snow accumulating on the carpet just below that large vent. It was snowing outside and apparently the wind was blowing JUST right... the snow was coming right through that vent. How many teachers out there can honestly claim it has snowed INSIDE THEIR SCHOOL? I can :-)

So when I tell the kids it will be cold in the building if it's cold outside... I'm not joking around. Yet another reason I love winter (*Sarcasm, of course*). Brrrr!!!!

O Tannenbaum!

O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum, how lovely are thy branches. This was the scene in the Meyer home tonight.

After Tami cooked a delicious dinner, Michael, Abby and Meredith decorated the Christmas tree. As stated in a previous post, I assembled the tree on Saturday (not the fun part). We listened to Christmas music as the tree began to take on its familiar Christmasy look. As I observed the decorated tree, it occurred to me there are a lot of memories on that tree. There are ornaments both my grandfathers made. There are ornaments I made as a child. There are ornaments all three of my kids made. There are ornaments from our first house in Finneytown. There are ornaments we've collected from family vacations over the years. To the casual eye, it would be a typical tree found in millions of American homes. A closer inspection would reveal a Microcosm of the Meyer Family.

Above all the family memories, the tree reflects what it is supposed to... The tree is placed in our living room in honor of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. A baby born in the humblest of settings, sent to earth to save the souls of mankind. Alleluia!

What a great night it was!

Here's Michael and Abby putting on some ornaments.

When I was a kid we listened to Christmas records. Here's Meredith as our Christmas DJ from the 21st century. Ahhhh, Christmas music on the MacBook :-)

I've never seen the star placed on top quite like THIS---

While the kids decorated the tree, I got all "Crafty" with this idea from Pinterest. We used to put our Christmas cards in a basket. Now we display them like this---

Spreading the word

It has been my experience in life that any time my family has a need, God fills that need. This has always been the case without exception. We pray about the specific need and God answers... not always in the way we think He will, but he certainly fills the need.

It has also been my experience that if I tell anybody and everybody about the need, God will provide someone that will help.

In this case I have two specific needs:

First, we are possibly in need of a relatively inexpensive and reliable used car. Michael's car is hemorrhaging oil. It's not dripping, it's not leaking steadily, it's absolutely pouring out of the car. Without getting too technical, we found out the repair would be very involved and in turn very expensive. The advice we received was it may be better to buy a different car rather than pump a ton of money into the current one. I'm thinking this is sound advice and have begun the search for the right car. So, to all my friends and family out there... if you have (or hear of) a used car that isn't a rolling hunk of junk, I would be interested in hearing from you. It doesn't have to be a Cadillac... just a solid used car for a poor college student.

Second, I am seriously considering a part time, second job. With the current economy, things have gotten a bit rough financially and we have tightened our belts in the last 6 months. We cancelled satellite TV, stopped all recreational activities that cost anything (going to the movies etc...), we only drive when it's necessary, we have worked at buying the cheapest groceries possible (have you seen the prices at the grocery store lately?), and are wearing clothes until they are threadbare. Let me be clear about something though... we are making ends meet (barely) and we have no debt (other than our mortgage). We are not sinking. It's important to note that I am not poor mouthing it here and we are blessed beyond measure. We have EVERYTHING we need... and I do mean EVERYTHING! But getting back to the second job... I would be interested in a second job, but it must be a good fit for me. After school hours, but not too late. Not too physically demanding (I'm not afraid of physical labor, but I am getting a bit older). Something that will be worth my time away from my family (not minimum wage). I guess as a teacher with nearly 25 years experience and a Masters Degree, I can afford to be a little bit picky about a second job. So I guess what I'm asking here is if you hear of somebody or someplace in need of a reliable, trustworthy, part time worker with an iron clad work ethic, please let me know. Who knows? Maybe somebody out there has just what I need. I do know I won't find out unless I ask.

You may rest assured of one thing. I am praying about both these needs and I would ask you to do the same. God is sovereign and His will not my will be done.

The wonder is NOT gone...

I woke up this morning, dragged the large box out of the storage closet and began the arduous task of putting together the artificial Christmas tree. It was my plan to assemble it, put the lights on it and then finish with the ornaments. In years past this was an activity we did with the kids and it was a big event. I thought this year was going to be the end of all that. Michael had to work all day and Abby had plans that were going to keep her busy most of the day. I was kind of resigned to getting it put up and just being done with it. However, just as I finished assembling the tree itself, Michael came into the room and asked if I was planning to do the whole thing myself. When I told him, "Yes, that's my plan", he was very disappointed and asked if I'd wait for a time when he could help with the ornaments and lights. How could i deprive my son of something that obviously still gives him joy? I agreed to wait. A bit later Abby came into the room and basically repeated what her brother had said. Just when I thought the kids no longer cared about decorating the Christmas tree, I am smacked in the face with the realization that the wonder of Christmas isn't gone for the kids. Sooooooooo........ Monday night Michael is bringing his girlfriend to the house (she really loves Christmas too) and the three of them (Michael, Abby and Meredith) will decorate the tree. I'm sure we'll play some christmas music and the hot chocolate will be flowing. It makes me pine for the days when Jessi would help with the tree, but she has a family of her own now. I'm glad things worked out this way. We may be on our way to being empty nesters, but we're not there yet.

It's a ROOSTER!

We spent Thanksgiving with the Morton side of the family. At some point Sveta's Uncle Brian brought her a chocolate turkey. The turkey was covered in colorful foil. Somebody asked Sveta if she knew what is was and she said, "It's a ROOSTER!" We all laughed. Some of the funniest things come out of the mouths of babes!

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving! Take time today to thank The Lord for His provision, boundless grace and countless blessings. If weren't for Him, we surely would not be.

Enjoy your meal. Enjoy your family. Enjoy the traditions you have built with your family. Enjoy the day off. Enjoy the Thanksgiving Day Parade. Enjoy football on TV.

Stay away from shopping tomorrow. Let retailers know Thanksgiving is sacred. They can open as early as they want Friday morning, but leave Thanksgiving alone!

Now if you'll excuse me, I have a few prank phone calls to make. GOBBLE! GOBBLE!

Gobble Gobble

Many years ago, my brother Kerry and his best friend Joel would try to be the first to call the other on Thanksgiving morning and make turkey sounds into the phone. These good natured prank phone calls went on for a long time. In recent years these two friends have drifted apart somewhat, so I decided to pick up the torch. Now I try to be the first to "Gobble" at my friend, Joel. (I failed to mention that Joel was a mutual friend between my brother and me). It's been fun each Thanksgiving morning to be either the "Gobbler" or the "Gobblee". Being the first to make the Gobble Call is not as easy as it may sound. We are hard working guys and it IS a holiday after all. You don't want to be disrespectful and wake up a guy who is sleeping in. So the trick is to wait long enough to not wake him up, but not too long because he will "Gobble" you first. I know this is all very childish and sophomoric, but hey, tradition is tradition :-)

A few years ago I was telling my son-in-law, Barry about this silliness. He loved the idea and decided to join the fun. Now when my phone rings on Thanksgiving morning not only do I get gobbled at, but I also have to try and figure out if it was Joel or Barry. They're both a couple of turkeys in their own right anyway :-)

One more day until the tomfoolery commences :-)

Perfect Attendance

It occurred to me today that I have not missed a day of work in 7 years. It was about this time in November 2005 that Tami and I went to sign the papers to close on our house in Hidden Valley. I tried to get the closing scheduled for after school hours, but the mortgage company refused. That has been the only day of school I've missed in the last 7 years. Prior to that I hadn't missed a day since 1997. So in the last 15 years, I have missed only one day of work (and even THAT wasn't a sick day). Pretty impressive attendance record if I do say so myself!

An EASY week!

Life is good! You gotta love a two day work week. After working Monday and Tuesday, we get to take our five day Thanksgiving break! Who couldn't get used to a schedule like that?

Besides, you all already know how I feel about Thanksgiving. Love, love, love it! Such a wonderful time with loved ones leading into the blessed Christmas season.

It's going to a good stretch through the calendar in the next 6-7 weeks!

Bring on the ridicule!

I was right. I knew I would receive ridicule for admitting to being on Pinterest. My wife told me I'm probably the only guy on there. Although I disagree, I will tell you most of the participants are women.

I am not ashamed of it though. There are some really cool things on there. For example, there are some awesome recipes I want to try. I don't think Tami will be laughing when I serve up some tasty meals. I'm not a person who is generally into crafts, but there are some very clever ideas if I ever decide to do something "crafty". There are even some good ideas for ways to save money. One of my favorites is how to sharpen disposable razor blades. This could work for women's razors too. Have you priced disposable razor cartridges lately? They are ridiculously priced and it seems like you only use them a few times before you have to discard the old cartridge and replace it with a new one. Here's the solution! Watch the video above to learn how to sharpen disposable razor cartridges. Simply use an old pair of blue jeans as a stropping strap. Simply run the razor away from you along the denim and then turn the razor around and pull it toward you. Make sure you stroke the OPPOSITE direction you shave. About ten strokes in each direction is enough to do the trick. I sharpen my blades every time before I shave. Now instead of a cartridge lasting less than a week, it lasts several months. Tami bought me a 5 pack over a year ago and I haven't bought any more since. I also store my razor in a jar of rubbing alcohol. Pour enough alcohol in the jar to cover the head of the razor. This prevents microscopic bits of rust from forming on the blade. This further extends the life of the cartridge. It takes a little bit of effort, but it's worth it to save a few bucks in this terrible economy. 

Maybe the rest of you will laugh at me for being on Pinterest too. No worries here. I can take it. Be careful if you decide to check it out for yourself... it can be a bit addicting. 

They're Stuffed!

Tami and I spent 4 hours volunteering today for an organization that we strongly support. Pregnancy Care of Cincinnati asked for help in stuffing envelopes. With the help of some other members of our church family, we dutifully stuffed 2500 envelopes. PCC is an organization that serves women in all sorts of areas. Pregnancy tests, counseling, parenting classes, providing clothing, diapers and formula to those in need. It also assists women if they have an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy. The ultimate goal is to have these women "Choose Life", whether they keep the baby or offer it up for adoption.

Last year the abortion rate was down in Ohio. That's a positive step, but the number is still way too high (any number above zero is too high). We learned today that in San Francisco, California there were 18,000 abortions last year compared to 16,000 live births. Isn't there something grossly wrong when San Francisco is killing more babies in a year than are born?

A serious note

I found out tonight that my uncle (my Mom's brother) is definitely losing his job at Hostess. He is 61 years old and in upper management. He is too young to retire, has no pension to fall back on and has no idea what he is going to do. I must admit this is an uncle I am not very close to, but I am going to pray for him nonetheless.

I know I made jokes about Twinkies and Ho Ho's, but this is serious stuff. I feel really bad for my uncle.

Goodbye, Ding Dongs!

Goodbye, Ding Dongs. Adios, Twinkies. See you later, King Dons. Ta Ta, Fruit Pies. Bye bye, Ho Ho's.

Hostess snack cakes announced today they will be closing operations forever.I can't really say this is going to affect me though. Hostess products have always been too expensive. My family buys the cheaper, knock off brand, Little Debbies. I don't really know who's to blame in this big mess. It doesn't really matter I suppose... I guess it's just a sign of the times. I must admit however, I do like some of the more obscure Hostess products... The fruit pies, the orange flavored cupcakes, powdered donettes and snow balls are wonderful. I didn't buy them very often though. My wallet and expanding waistline being the two main reasons. On a serious note, I have an uncle who has worked for Hostess for more than 35 years. I have no idea how this will affect him. I'm guessing he's close to retirement. Maybe this will force him into early retirement or maybe he will get a severance package. I surely hope he doesn't have to look for a new job. He's in his early 60's... hardly a time to start a new career.

I'm not normal

I'm not normal. This is not a newsflash to anyone who reads this blog.

I'm going to go out on a limb at the risk of ridicule from my friends and family. I have been lurking on a website called Pinterest for a long time now and finally joined tonight. For those who don't know, Pinterest is a web based bulletin board. If you see something you like, you re-pin it to your own bulletin board for future reference. Pinterest has a lot cool ideas for food and drink recipes, home repair tips, gardening tips, and a multitude of other interesting things. I better watch out or I may turn into a metrosexual.

I miss you, Andy!

A few months ago, Andy Williams passed away. I miss him already. Naw, not because I'm a big fan. It's because he sang one of my favorite, non traditional Christmas songs (I like the old carols best). For many years Andy crooned, "It's the most wonderful time of the year". For me, this really is the most wonderful time of the year... sort of.

In a about a week, we'll celebrate one of the best holidays... Thanksgiving! What's not to like about a day of eating a turkey dinner with all the trimmings and luscious desserts until your eyes roll back in your head in a turkey stupor? Or sitting with the family and debating how to fix the problems of the world? What's not to like about the Thanksgiving Day parade followed by endless hours of football? And what's not to like about taking the time to thank God for the myriad blessings we enjoy in our lives each and every day? Of course there's the wonderfulness of getting to visit with the Morton side of the family, especially that sweet little Sveta! There's nothing negative about Thanksgiving (assuming you don't go shopping on Black Friday... I'm sorry, but there's nothing enjoyable about knocking over old ladies to get a good deal on an iPod. You won't see me camped out in front of Wal-Mart... ever!). In short, Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday and I look forward to it every year.

In 6 short weeks we will celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I'll spare you the sermon, but please, let's be mindful of the one and only gift that's important at Christmas. A helpless babe, born in a manger, sent to the world to save the souls of men.

I love everything about Christmas (except that it's celebrated in the dead of winter). The celebration of Jesus' birth, looking at all the pretty lights, the family gatherings, the seemingly endless stream of christmas treats and snacks. I especially look forward to UDF egg nog every year. it's gotta be UDF (Rum is optional... I prefer mine without). I love the decorations, the music and the traditions of my immediate family (more on those in later posts). I love the extended time off from work and of course will be especially looking forward to my first Christmas as a grandpa. Do you think Sveta will be getting about a thousand gifts from her grandparents on her first Christmas as member of the Morton/Meyer family? I would say that's a very safe bet :-)

There is so much good to come! It really is the most wonderful time of the year. Only one thing would make it better... if this all happened when the weather is 82 degrees and sunny.

Change is hard

Ask anybody... I DO NOT like change. I am a creature of habit. I am set in my ways.

Last Sunday Tami was going to sing in church and asked if we could sit up front near the piano. We normally sit near the back on the opposite side of the piano. Most people would roll with the changes and take the seating change in stride. Not me. I reluctantly, kicking and screaming "agreed" to sit in a different seat. I was completely out of whack through the whole service. I was sitting with a whole new set of people. Don't get me wrong. They are nice folks, but I am just not used to them. I was looking at the Pastor from an entirely different angle. I may as well have been sitting in a church on Mars. I was just plain messed up. Thank Goodness we will return to our usual seats next week.

Change is hard. Have you ever tried to bend a coin? Sorry. Bad joke :-)

There's only one instance where change is good... Diapers!

Veterans Day

I would like to thank all the brave men and women of the United States armed forces. To those who have fought in the past or are currently serving in our military forces... my gratitude isn't nearly enough. It is because of these folks that we enjoy freedom and liberties today.Thank you again and God Bless America!

The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald

If you know me very well, you know of my love for maritime history. I should have been a sailor. I love the water and I love being on and around it. I am particularly interested in shipwrecks and maritime disasters.

As a huge Titanic buff, I can tell you almost everything you could ever want to know about it. (Interesting Fact: One of the victims aboard the Titanic was from St. Bernard. His name was Anthony Abbing. His body was never recovered, yet there is a gravestone with his name on it in St. Mary's cemetery).

On our walk along the riverfront today, we saw a plaque commemorating the worst maritime disaster in U.S. history. The steamship Sultana exploded on the Mississippi River (just north of Memphis) in 1865, Over 1700 people died on that fateful night. I didn't know until today, but the Sultana was actually built in Cincinnati. Interesting!

About 15 years ago, Tami and I visited a maritime history museum in Newport News, Virginia. Aside from being completely fascinated by everything, I remember being practically dragged out of the place. I wanted to read everything and study every display. Tami wanted to give everything a cursory glance and get out of there. Grudgingly I left the museum wondering what I had missed.

Why this post today? Check out the video above. Yesterday was the 37th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald. If it weren't for the famous song by Gordon Lightfoot (The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald), most people would probably have no idea this tragedy ever occurred. This particular shipwreck interests me because it happened on Lake Superior. The Great Lakes hold a special place in my heart because I ran walleye charters on Lake Erie for quite a long time. I understand first hand how wicked the Great Lakes can be when storms come up. In his song, Gordon Lightfoot sings, "Does anyone know where the love of God goes, when the waves turn the minutes to hours?" I remember being 30 miles out on Lake Erie when a storm blew up really fast. Trying to get back to port in 8-10 foot waves really did turn the minutes to hours. It was one of the few times I was ever scared on the lake. I have great respect for the water. It can turn deadly in the blink of an eye.

Today I remember the brave souls who lost their lives at sea (The Great Lakes are inland seas). Shipwrecks have been a part of history for as long as mankind has traveled by water. I continue to be captivated by the peril sailors have faced on the high seas and by the shipwrecks that have brought their ultimate demise.

Taking advantage of the warm weather

The weather was beautiful this weekend. When the temperature hits 70 in mid-November, it would be a shame to waste it sitting indoors. There will be plenty of time for that during the long, cold, dreary winter.

Yesterday I put up my outdoor Christmas lights. I know it's a little early, but in the past I have put up the lights in freezing weather conditions. Not this year... The day wasn't without its problems though. Only about half my lights worked. How can these lights not work? I put them away so carefully last year. It's makes no sense. At any rate, I was only able to put up half the amount of lights I normally do.

Today after church I took the family to Newport on the Levee. We walked across the Purple People Bridge and had a bite to eat afterward. It was a really nice day and it was great to have Michael and Abby together for a family outing. We don't get to do things like that much anymore.

My Melting Heart

A few nights ago when I was down on the floor playing with Sveta, her momma announced they would be leaving soon. We played for a few more minutes when Sveta suddenly stopped, looked me square in the eye, wrapped her arms around my neck and said, "I'm gonna miss you, Goppa!". My heart melted instantly. Tami thinks Sveta was "playing me". I disagree. I think she was sincere. Regardless... she has me tightly wrapped around her little finger, but I don't mind :-)

Cuteness Factor = Maximum

I've spent the last two evenings with one of my most favorite people in the world. Yeah, you already know who I'm talking about... My sweet little Sveta. She was at the Thanksgiving celebration on Wednesday and upon walking through the door was asked how she was doing. Without missing a beat, she said, "Whew! It's a long day!". I'm not sure what constitutes a long day for a four year old, but that's what she said. Very cute!

She was eating some ice cream and somebody said they were going to do a magic trick and make her bowl disappear. Once again, without missing a beat and without looking up, said, "Not yet". I know these cute little statements don't translate to text very well, but when coupled with facial expressions and voice inflection, they are quite hilarious.

I was down on the floor playing with her. We were playing billy goat and baby goat. We were pretending to eat grass and were making animal noises. Then I told her to do something and she looked at me and said, "Goats can't talk". The point was well taken and I went back to eating grass.

During dinner her momma was trying to get her to eat some corn. She didn't want to. Somebody had the bright idea to tell her that goats loved to eat corn. For the third time without missing a beat she said, "Not baby goats!"

I think what makes everything so funny is that she is so quick witted. These things just come pouring out of her mouth as if she's been conversing with people for dozens of years. She's just an amazing little girl.

I just can't wait to see her again!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Yeah, you read that right. Happy Thanksgiving.

My brother-in-law and his wife are in town from Phoenix, Arizona and we decided to celebrate Thanksgiving while they're in town. Last night we had a wonderful turkey dinner with all the trimmings, delicious desserts and a fun time visiting with Tami's side of the family. There were only two things missing--- My brother-in-law, Dale and football on TV. Other than that, we had a great time :-)

I must sing the praises of the turkey. No, not the turkey itself, but the preparation of the turkey. Tami brined the turkey. Brining is kind of like marinating. Dissolve salt and brown sugar in water. Add oranges, lemons, sage, rosemary, parsley and thyme. Then put all that stuff in a food safe 5 gallon bucket and soak the turkey for 12-24 hours. Delicious, flavorful and moist. Great job, Honey!

And btw--- today I get to enjoy leftovers. While my teacher friends have sandwiches and salads for lunch, I will dine on a turkey feast. Lucky me!

It's all over... Part 2

The much anticipated election of 2012 is all over.

If you voted for Obama, you're happy today and the country is going in the direction you want it to.

If you voted for Romney, you're not happy today and know the country is in for what it deserves.

Either way, can we please get back to toilet paper and dandruff shampoo commercials? They are so much more desirable than Obama and Romney attack ads.

It's all over

Mary and her Summit teammates fell short in their quest for a repeat state championship. They lost to Fenwick 1-0 in sudden death overtime. It was very sad, but there is no cause for shame. Both teams played their hearts out in this hard fought game. I have never been more proud of my niece than I was tonight. She had an amazing soccer career and now she can focus on the rest of her senior year and bigger and better things for her future. Thank you, Mary. It has been a joy watching you.

VOTE 2012

Tomorrow is the big day! Whether you support Obama or Romney, get out and exercise your right to vote. Anybody who knows me well, knows who will receive my vote.

The end of the line?

In yesterday's post I failed to mention that my niece, Mary, is a senior this year. If Summit loses Tuesday night, it will be her last soccer game. If they win, her last game will be Friday afternoon at the state finals. Either way, it will be the end of a long soccer career for young Mary. Mary has had a talent for soccer since her early years in the lollipop soccer league. We watched her grow and watched her skills improve. This was not an accident. She has worked and trained very hard and basically dedicated her life to soccer. Since Mary has decided to not play soccer in college, these last few games take on an even bigger significance. It's strange to think of Mary and not think of soccer being a part of her life. We are very proud of her.

The Final Four!

Mary and her Summit teammates won their quarter final match today. On a cold, breezy, rainy and miserable day, The Silver Knights defeated Troy Christian by a score of 3-0. Now it's on to the state semi-finals on Tuesday against Fenwick High School. This is the same team Summit defeated in the state semis last year en route to the championship. It should be noted that Fenwick dealt Summit its only regular season loss this year. This is not going to be a soccer match... it's going to be a WAR! Fenwick will be looking to avenge last year's loss and Summit will be looking for revenge for the loss earlier this season. Can't wait!

Here's a photo of Mary on the left. Obviously the photo was not taken today. As previously noted, it was not a sunny day.

Here's another. Mary is #14 on the left.

Going for the repeat!

My niece Mary plays in the state quarter finals tomorrow. You may remember last year... her high school, Summit Country Day, won the girls state soccer championship. We are looking for a repeat state championship, although at this level and at this point in the tournament anything can happen. Go Mary! Go Summit!

Halloween is not a holiday

This is one of my favorite days of the year! November 1st... the day AFTER Halloween. Halloween is now 364 days away :-) Boo Humbug!

Now bring on the REAL holidays... the happy ones. Thanksgiving and Christmas. I'm no Scrooge toward those.