Roadside America and The Rio Bravo Campground

I know you have been dying to hear more vacation tales, so sorry I was busy doing gypsies work (scrub bleaching the camper clean...like all good gypsy wives do) and sitting in an eye clinic in the search for answers for my M. 

We woke early, got packed up, hitched up and grabbed giant warm donuts and coffee.  This complimentary donut and coffee thing isn’t hard to get use too.

We had a few goals in mind, and they had Roadside America written all over them.

Roadside America stop one: Cadillac Ranch 

 Spray painting our mark on the cadillacs

We drove off the sound of Bruce Springsteen singing CadillacRanch to us. 

Roadside America stop two: Historic Route 66 Midpoint 

We drove off with the sound of Nat King Cole singing Route66 to us.

We can always manage to find just the right song for the occasion, can’t we?

Then it was straight sailing down the highway. 

We climbed in elevation through the Carson National Forest.  The highest point was over 9400 feet and the temperature dropped to 77*--the windows rolled down and the mountain air whipped through our hair.

Finally we arrived at Rio Bravo Campground.  It is a nice small  first come first serve campground with only four electric/water hook-ups. SCORE!

It sits along the Rio Grande.  We took ourselves down to the river to cool off and catch a few mountain sun rays.  The landscape surround is beautiful.  We all agreed that we felt like the Native Americans should be sitting upon horses on the plateau nodding down to us.  It is so fun to let yourself drift back in time and history when out in the mountains.  My favorite place (better than the beach, in my opinion).

 

 

 

This was one of the few campgrounds on our trip that was still allowing campfires in the fire rings.

Let me add the campground host at Rio Bravo was extremely nice and knowledgeable about the area. He was laid back and talkative, so helpful to us.  Bonus is he is a permanent camp host. He was in every sense of the work a host!  


Tomorrow, new location, new Roadside America and adventures to be had.

A Day In Amarillo

Before we set out on a hike in Palo Duro Canyon we stopped at the visitor center and took in the overview. 

We then set out on a hike on the Sunflower Trail.   

The afternoon temperature was a cool 92*.  There was a beautiful canyon breeze blowing throughout the hike.  And, less the humidity we are accustomed to at home, the dry heat and the breeze added to the peaceful feeling felt as we hiked.  

Who’s got the map?  Not I was repeated over and over again, till it was determined that the map was left in the car.  When we came to the end of the Sunflower Trail instead of turning around as we three girls suggested…every good hiker knows deviating from the trail is not good, King Ralph decided to hit the pavement.  Of course I recorded the rising temperature before I stepped out onto the asphalt road 

 I like to refer to this picture as—where is Michael Landon?  That was us hiking the “Highway to Heaven.”

 I swore at anytime Michael Landon would be resuming his role as an angel out to help and save people.  King Ralph has been known to stray from the trails much to our chagrin.  That beautiful cooling canyon breeze was nowhere to be felt on the black paved road.  Of course after about ten minutes King Ralph finally decided to listen to his women--that the car was a long, long, long way down the road and sticking to the trail was the smart way to go.  He, we all turned around. 


We got back to the campground mixed a couple of martinis before showering for an evening out.

In the evening we headed out to dinner to celebrate Father’s Day at the Big Texan Steak Ranch. 

This was another of our Roadside America stops.  You know the home to the free 72 ounce steak—if you woof it down in an hour or less.  There were actually five guys from Australia trying their stomachs at it. 

While we waited to be seated we did the typical touristy snapping of pictures.

Once the night was over we rested and prepared for our next destination—New Mexico.

Father's Day On The Road, Under the Amarillo Sky

We hit the road at 7am after a complimentary muffin and coffee in our quest to take in as much Roadside America as we could while traveling to Amarillo, Texas.

We got our Gornicke on while singing the likes of Frank Sinatra, songs like Amarillo Sky and a sing-a-long song--“Beer Run” cruising down I-40.  For Father’s Day King Ralph played a mean air guitar on his knee with his other hand securely gripping the steering wheel while his ladies belted the tunes. 

We took in some Roadside America…a restored Conoco Gas Station in Shamrock, Texas and The Cross in Groom, Texas—the perfect Sunday Roadside America stop.  I was looking for a wandering minister to offer me communion, but no luck.  It was quite the site, watching the cross twenty feet in the distance drawing closer till finally we stood at its base.  The thirteen bronze sculptures and cross around the perimeter told the Good Friday story. 

Amarillo we have arrived.  The Amarillo Ranch RV Park is very nice. Not many tree lined sites but the park itself is neat, clean and friendly.  The camp host who guided us to our site couldn’t leave he said because he had never seen children helping to unhitch and set up camp.  Hmmmm, seem quite normal to us.  We are in this adventure, like all our adventures together.  King Ralph and I told him we are raising our girls to be self sufficient in case the right guy doesn’t come along. 

Once we had camp set we hopped in the truck and headed to Palo Duro Canyon for a little hike.
        

To be continued....

Avery's Hit the Highway For Vacttion 2012

We hit the road before the sun had a chance to rise.  Gas, coffee and tunes—what more does a family traveling Griswold style need?

Our destination for the day was Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  It was more about stopping after 500 miles of driving than the actual location.  We pit stopped for the night at the Rockwell RV Park.  I don’t have awful things to say about the RV Park but I am not going to rave about it either.  It was camping in an urban area—gravel parking lot, no grass, few trees.  The restrooms were decent enough.  When you have a flush toilet with water that swirls in the porcelain bowl the bathroom rates!   They offer complimentary coffee and muffins every morning; which we grabbed before heading out of town.  The staff was friendly. 

We knew on this stop the one thing we wanted to visit was the Oklahoma City Memorial Museum.  It was beautifully put together.  We first grazed about outside making our way to the museum.  As we rode up in the elevator I began to really feel the heaviness of this past act of terrorism.  I turned to M and expressed my emotion and suddenly felt my eyes well up.  The girls were so small when the bombing absorbed the news waves.  I remember heading out the eye doctor with them both.  Why is it that we always remember what or where we were when tragedy strikes?  But we do.  The older I get the more I feel the heaviness of the situations that infringe upon our country.  The girls, the older they get, the love of country they develop get it, feel it too.

As we took our seats in the second section of the museum to listen to an actual recording of a hearing at the Water Resource Board across the street on that day in April 1995 you are grabbed at your heart as the sound of the explosion is nothing but evident and the lights in the room go black and the faces of the 168 lives lost flash on a screen.  The chairs—sure their representation mark, but the faces, they grab.  Then you see the handfuls of key chains realizing everyone in the building left for work that morning like any other day.  I loved the survivor wall in the outside area.  So many memorials recognize those who sacrificed life but not the survivors--forever changed.      

"Visiting that beautiful Memorial and Museum in 

Oklahoma City is not fun or for the faint of heart, 

but I di think it should be a right of citizenship"

                                                                                              Brian Williams

                                                                                             NBC Nightly News

Then we headed over to Bricktown with its fun, hip urban feel with great restaurants and venues. Next we drove past Chesapeake Arena to take in the excitement of the NBA finals.  

Here we are again this morning cruising down the highway, car choir is full swing, climbing in elevation on our way to Amarillo, Texas for canyon views and big steaks.  Oh ya, and long the way a little Roadside America.   

Summer 2012 Trip Kick Off

What the hell!? Why am I awake whipping up a pot of chili and Bandanna style baked beans at 6am?  Aaahhh yes, we are hitting the road tomorrow (before the sun rises) with our house on wheels in tow.

I have wanted, needed this break for a long time coming!  The kind of break that allows me to take in a huge breath of air and exhale slowly with a sigh of relief and time to refocus--come back into one's self again. Looking forward to laughing together. Because that is what we do best.  Singing as we drive down the highway.  Even though our car choir has shrunk by one....

SHRUNK BY ONE you ask?

It was and wasn't a hard decision to plan a trip minus one of the offspring- D. We had originally planned on waiting till D returned from Germany to have a family vacation.  Things just started to get complicated...Princess A at 22 yrs old needs her tonsils taken out.  Anyway after a little chatting we decided to go without D and not feel a bit guilty--SHE'S IN GERMANY FOR GOODNESS SAKE.  So when ever we start to think we left her out we will just remind ourselves were she is and we aren't. And, we will miss her!

Here I am this morning cooking and dancing around the house singing my age old packing song, Beyonce's song everything you own in the box to the left as the bath towels, pots and pans, hiking shoes...hell everything we own heads out the door to the box on the left otherwise known as-- the camper.   


The big stop this year will be New Mexico.  We have been diligently watching the news, checking and calling to make sure the forest fires and smoke alerts have not drifted up state as far north to our summer respite. So far, so good.

So stay tuned to see where we stop in our quest to our final destination.  As always we will have some our classic roadside America stops mapped out.  Because what is a family vacation without seeing the world's largest ball of string?

Now if you'll excuse me I have packing (and singing) to do
To the left, to the left
To the left, to the left
Mmmm...
To the left, to the left
Everything you own in the box to the left
In the closest, that's my stuff (did I mention the closest is small but we can really pack that puppy good for five, well four)
Yes, if I bought then please don't touch

Auf dem Weg nach Deutschland

Our castle is a bit quieter today--we are one less princess.  

Yesterday we dropped our baby and her 46.5 pound suitcase at the airport at 9am, bound for Stuttgart, Germany to reconnect with her German exchange Carmen (who we hosted for three weeks in April).  She was beside herself excited, heading out on a new adventure with some of her best friends in tow.

D was stoked to be using her passport for the first time and mark herself a genuine international traveler.  She was as giddy as a small child on Christmas morning.

What did my good friend say?...aaahh yes, traveling is not for the weak of heart.  An 11:30am flight to Newark, New Jersey didn't leave till 2:45pm.  Which meant they were most likely going to miss the connecting international flight and be stuck in Jersey till Tuesday.  LUCK or God just happened to be on their side yesterday--it was Sunday after all-- and United decided to hold the plane for them--all twenty-seven of them.  That deserves an Amen! 

2:35pm STL Time, 3:35pm Jersey Time

When D finally boarded the plane bound for Stuttgart she began to text, her stress evident

D: Here on the plane

Me: Sitting next to who?

D: I'm sitting next to two random people

Me: Well, make good conversation and share your Swedish fish. Love u xoxo

Me: Dad says to scare them and read the vomit bag. 

D: Ha ha. They put my carry-on bag some other place and I didn't any time to get out my stuff.

Me: Well maybe they can help you later.  Tell them you need your candies lol

D: I thought I would at least be sitting by someone from my group. :-(

Me: Are they old or people my age?  Hopefully they will be interesting and interested in your lively ability to chat and tell good stories.

Me: This whole trip is about new experiences.

D: Yes, both older but idk

Me: Older folks like to talk to the young.

D: Ugh this is stressing me out.

Me: Babe you can read and sleep. Remember the end result--Stuttgart and Carmen. All will be good. You are friendly. You are the perfect person to sit by randoms.

D: I guess, but they both have on their headphones and I'm in the middle. :-(

Me: Introduce yourself and ask business or pleasure for them.  That is an icebreaker.

Me: Well when the head phones come off strike up chat.  The headphones may be a flight take off distraction for them.

D: Am I allowed to get my bag down?

Me: Yes, ask the flight attendant later in the flight.

D: Ok I guess I should go now.

Me: Have a good flight love you xoxo Remember, time of your life!

2:34am STL Time, 9:34am Stuttgart Time 

The made-it-here call went something like this...  

Mom I'm here in Germany.  Waiting for my luggage. Boy I'm tired. Oh and you are going to kill me, I left my debit card at home, realized two hours before we landed. 

9:55am STL Time, 4:55pm Stuttgart Time 

 D wanted to Skype, telling me all about the flight that turned out to be full of good conversation with the randoms and little sleep...and no carry-on retrieved candies.  She told me how she has been awake for so long; calculating in the time zone change, for 36 hours.  She was tired but is staying awake till it is bedtime.  Whacking that jet lag like a warrior. She was excited to show me the stamp in her passport, her bus pass and all the necessary maps she got at the German school.  She talked of her first meal with her German host family and how she and Carmen got in trouble in school for looking at a magazine together and she wrote a paragraph for Carmen on multimedia in her English class.  She said she feels less stressed at the notion of speaking German all day long and she understood most of the conversation she had with her host family.  D said where there were voids she filled in just fine.  She talked of attending a BBQ this evening at one of the other German girl's home. She showed me the view of vineyards from her bedroom window and said the cool air of Germany was an inviting change from our already hot summer.  Then we discussed how we were rescuing her from her left-behind-debit-card debacle.  

So you can say her stress level has lowered and her advance supply of Euros should hold her for the time being.  

I suppose since it is past 10pm for D she is finally fast asleep preparing for another day of German schooling.

Remember baby girl--TIME OF A LIFE! 

Day 1- Self Portrait or Day 1- Back to Blogging

Let's go to work.

The place were it is sub zero inside while is it a heat wave outside.

The place where you wear your winter clothes on a beautifully warm late spring day, just to stay warm inside.

We've been know to pull scarves and gloves out at our desks just to survive the cold.

You know what?  This is what I call a good hair day!

And this my friends is what you call baby steps back to blogging.

Let's Get Back To This Blog Thing

Okay so it has been a long time since I blogged.  Only a few select people know why I have taken a long break and they won't be talking or commenting because they are good like that.  Tight lipped.  I have always loved writing and it is just time to get back at it!

Now don't you wonderers think anything is wrong with my marriage, my family or my health--that is all good and very much in tack. But it is time. Time to blog again.

So here is how I am going to get back to blogging-- a prompt.

I'll write a little something about my picture.

Anyone  want to join me?  We can see inside each other's soul and laugh at each other.  Or just me. Which is perfectly okay.

Brace yourself for my Day 1: Self-portrait.

The Answer Would Still Be...

Twenty-five years ago King Ralph sent me flowers at work...and then at dinner he asked me a question.

Twenty-five years later he sent me the most beautiful flowers at work.

The card read: 25 years later and I would still ask the same question today.

I tell you all the answer 25 years later would still be: Yes!

This is still my favorite Valentine I sent to King Ralph.

Teaching Old Dog New Tricks

For the first three years of our marriage I worked full time, one of those years I even worked a second job.  Then for the next seventeen years I stayed home, to raise the girls, to be the perfect step-ford wife.  I loved those years!  As the college years for the girls were creeping forward going back to work seemed like the necessary thing to do.  So I got a part time job. Then the natural evolution was to progress to full-time. This is were we are at, today at least...

Stretched out in his "command central" recliner chair

King Ralph: I need clean underwear.

Keeper: So do I.

KR: I need my new pants ironed, they're all balled up in that bag.

Keeper: I need my shirt ironed.

15 minutes later as King Ralph mulls around in the kitchen


KR: Hey, why don't you make us tuna salad for lunch.

Keeper: I'll do that after I secure you clean undies and a pressed pants. (said in a sassy tone)

Okay so here is the point where I lost a gasket.  Seriously why do men think they are helpless?  If women find they have no more fresh panties in their drawer they do their own laundry. Men. Not a chance. I think they would do a repeat wear of crap stained undies before they attempted to work the washer.  Iron?  What's an iron?  Lunch? Starving is certainly an option.

Then King Ralph says, how 'bout if I throw a needed hair cut in while I am at it.

Eeeeerrrrr!

I think it's time to teach the old dog a few new tricks.

Random Chatter

This isn't going to be one of those posts where there is not a purpose to the message, a story so to tell. This is going to be one of those posts where I just chatter like I do when I am with my girlfriends at a happy hour.

******************

Last week we attended our 93 year old neighbors funeral.  He was a WWII vet who fought in the Battle of the Bulge.  The veterans organization had a short ceremony to honor his service. It was very touching. I certainly hope someday this country honors more recent veterans with same degree of respect and gratitude.

When we finally made our way to the casket to offer our condolences to his bride of 70 years, she looked at Princess A & M and told them that Karl enjoyed watching and waiting for them all to return everyday from school and work.  It gave him purpose in his day to stand at the screen door on weekdays at 3pm to make sure the girls made it home safely and without harm.  She said if one of the girls didn't make it back at their usual time he went looking for her to share his concern.  Funny thing is we never knew this, just thought he enjoyed being a "Mr. Kravitz", when all the while he just watching over our girls.  We'll miss our neighbor sitting on the porch with his oxygen tank waiting and watching for our girls, chatting with them about Germany and where they go to college and when they'll graduate.  The open door, it will die slowly as everyday since he was buried the front door is opened to the screen door as if he is still there, watching. Who knew when I waved to him a week ago today standing there that it would be the last time.

Yesterday I opened the back door to let Uli out in the yard, the smell of the cold crisp winter air smelt so delicious.  Is it funny how winter air smells so good yet we can't wait for winter pass?  Today the cold air broke and spring temperatures loom...only to beckon an inch of snow fall tomorrow.  Mother Nature has to be smoking crack these days.

Princess A has taken to making gourmet cupcakes.  I will attest they are double yum!

Tonight she has a new recipe she is creating.  Hold tight I will tempt your taste buds with more tantalizing pictures.

Tomorrow that blasted alarm clock is going to buzz at 540am and I will regretfully awake to it and drag myself out in the world for a paycheck. How I do so a three-day weekend!

REALITY BITES

It has happened every year for the last five years since I returned to the working world--reality bites.  As much as I love working, falling back in the habits of stay-at-home are so easy when given two weeks off the job. And then I fall back in love with wearing sweats and no make-up...when I go out in the world hiding under my St. Louis Cardinal ball cap...scouring the internet for new recipes, and then actually creating them.  It is fun to stay up late watching old movies, rising early and then taking a nap mid-day--because I can.  It was fun hanging with friends and mixing up cocktails when finally everyone's schedules mesh.  It is fun to meet up with girlfriends on a weekday for a lunch date that lasts for hours.

But. Reality Bites.

When my holiday vacation began it was unseasonably warm. Today's bitter bite of winter will welcome me into the second semester of school before the sun has a chance to rise.  I am so not ready for chattering teeth and biting wind chill.

 But. Like I said--reality bites. Yep, I just set my alarm for 530am. Hi-ho-hi-ho it's back to work I go.

To that I say--Good Night.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

'CAUSE YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO SING, BUT NEVER TOOK THE TIME TO LEARN THE WORDS TO THE SONG

I AM PROVIDING YOU WITH A SONG SHEET

  JUST WHEN YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY THINK THE SONG IS OVER...

ANOTHER VERSE 

Should old acquaintance be forgot,

and never brought to mind ?

Should old acquaintance be forgot,

and old lang syne ?

CHORUS:

For auld lang syne, my dear,

for auld lang syne,

we'll take a cup of kindness yet,

for auld lang syne.

And surely you’ll buy your pintcup !

and surely I’ll buy mine !

And we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet,

for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We two have run about theslopes,

and picked the daisies fine ;

But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,

since auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We two have paddled in thestream,

from morning sun till dine^† ;

But seas between us broad have roared

since auld lang syne.

CHORUS

And there’s a hand my trustyfriend !

And give us a hand o’ thine !

And we’ll take a right good-will draught,

for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

MAY YOUR NEW YEAR BE FILLED WITH HEALTH, WEALTH AND HAPPINESS!
I WILL SETTLE FOR HEALTH AND HAPPINESS
AND WILL CONTINUE TO BUY AN OCCASIONAL LOTTERY TICKET

TO TWENTY-TWELVE....

Today: Four Birds A Calling

While most folks think the Twelve Days of Christmas are the days leading up to Christmas, they are mistaken.  The twelve days start on Christmas Day and ends on the eve of Epiphany, January 5.  Plus the history of the song is rather interesting.

I rather enjoyed this little spin on the twelve days...maybe more so because my time off work has afforded me the pleasure of late night TV watching.  



I was kind of thinking maybe they should have had Danny Bonaduce as the Partridge in the pear tree.  I think the dude could have a used a bit of work these days.  Nothing against Shirley Partridge, I mean Jones.

Night Time Conversation With The King

King Ralph: I'm gonna need clean laundry tomorrow

Me: like underwear

KR: yes

Me: you might have to wear your Superman underwear you got for Christmas

KR: I don't know where I am suppose to wear those

Me: you just wear them...anywhere

KR: can you imagine if something happened to me and I was found in those underwear

KR: being found in super hero underwear is something for reality TV

inserting laugh track

I am seriously considering not doing laundry just to see if King Ralph goes for the super hero panties as his pair of "desperates."  We all have'm, that pair of underwear you are forced to succumb to when the lazy part of you skips on the laundry.

Only time will tell...if he longs to be Superman.

Remembering Christmas 2011

I have taken this day to do nothing else than rest.  I am perfectly molded into the cushion of the couch, while King Ralph is perfectly molded into the leather recliner--we have no plans to be motivated.  Laziness has its place today and it feels oh-so-good!

The last several days have been great.  King Ralph's nephew arrived at our house on the 23rd from New Jersey.  He is an Air Force officer (pilot) stationed at McGuire AFB --it has been ten years since he has celebrated the holidays with the family.  The girls miss their cousins terribly.  It warmed my heart to see the three girls making Charley laugh and the four of them all laughing together.  On Christmas Eve we celebrated the birth of Christ at church...our wise men have been moving around the house all month and finally made there way to the manger scene.

 Then we came home were King Ralph's sister and her family joined us for a feast of appetizers, spiked nog and a night of games.  King Ralph in usual Scattergories fashion tried to pass off an "s" word (Sucrets) as a "c" word.  Fail!  We laughed and loved, escalating our Christmas spirit.  Then we all headed to bed to slumber waiting for Santa Claus to do his magic.  And he did.  Under the tree he placed three gifts for each of the girls. At our house we practice: Jesus got three gifts upon his birth so that is what the girls get--three gifts.  Good enough for Jesus. Good enough for the girls. Stockings were stuffed to the brim as well.  Then the girls tip-toed to the living room and placed gifts for each other, King Ralph and I under the tree.  

We spent Christmas Day celebrating at King Ralph's cousin's house. Where after ten years of Christmas cousin pictures with Charley's name written on a piece of paper--the real thing was added. First cousins together like they should be.

      where they got silly

 and sillier

Minus one great grand-kid we snapped pictures to celebrate their togetherness

Then for all the 21 and over crowd we toasted the late and great Gee-Gee with root beer float shots.  Okay so her idea of a root beer float (which she served up to the great-grand kids every time they visited her house) was vanilla ice cream and Vess root beer, while ours was vanilla vodka and root beer...we raised our glasses, just like we did at her memorial dinner, "to Gee-Gee" and slung the shot back.

What is Christmas without playing games?  Cards it was!

Penny a chip.

 My name is D and I am a chip hog.

At ten o'clock King Ralph and the girls drug my Maple Butter Kiss

Ingredients

• Ice
• 1 1/2 oz. vodka
• 1/2 oz. DeKuyper Buttershots liqueur or butterscotch schnapps
• 1/4 oz. real maple syrup
• 1 oz. half-and-half
• Fresh-ground nutmeg

Directions

Pour liquid ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously. Strain into a martini glass and top with fresh-ground nutmeg.

and Chocolate Vanilla martini tail to the car....

No doubt we had a very merry day! I hope you did too.

A Very Merry 2011 Charley Is Home Christmas

It has been ten years since my Air Force captain nephew has been able to spend Christmas with us. We are busy being merry, eating, drinking, laughing, loving and celebrating everything Christmas with New Jersey's most eligible bachelor. Pardon the brief intermission, I'll be back soon after finish celebrating the birth of Christ and hanging with family. As dysfunctional as we may, might be...we laugh and love much!

So I leave you with a song in honor of my nephew's homecoming:

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Where are you Christmas, Why Can't I Find You

There were certain things that I banked on to really bolster my Christmas spirit: children asking me for weeks on end if I believed in Santa (which, for the record, I do!), working on the adopt-a-family program ( seeing the gratitude and humbleness in the faces of the receivers filled the heart with the meaning of advent), holiday art work lining hallways (there is just something about a reindeer built of construction paper cut outs with antlers made of tiny paint hand prints of a Kindergarten child), holiday classroom parties and the reindeer relay.  This year my spirit register is a little low to say the least.  I don't know if it would be fair to blame it on middle school attitudes that visit the chairs next to my desk--it just might be one of those years, a phase.

I had to look around work in which I managed to find a few things, although different from before, that were there offering up the spirit that comes with my "new world."...

It seems my boss got a Christmas outfit promotion since last year. I think he might have liked the Santa suit as much as he liked the elf.  He wore the Santa pants all day long.  I uncovered this costume in the office closest during the transition.  Like me it too got to stay in the building.  A little, a lot, of Febreeze later and it was wear ready.

(I believe this photo should be titled "you aren't Santa, you're a fake, you smell like beef and cheese")

This is where I got a small injection of Christmas spirit.  It came on the last day before holiday break.  The kids of the performing art classes show casing there holiday concert pieces--orchestra, choir, show choir and band.  

Today I have to reach down inside in me to pull my spirit up and get down to business. Heck, I still have a few gifts to get and some grocery shopping to do.  Oh and one more batch of cookies to crank out.

Then I can rest, on this eve of Christmas Eve.

Middle Sister

On this day nineteen years ago you filled our hearts with love and made us smile.

You have kept on making us smile all through the years and our hearts are continually filled with love. 

Happy Birthday "Middle Sister!" 

Christmas Shopping With the Spousal Unit

After we made a purchase at Nordstrom in the shoe department I stood there and gazed around. This is the conversation that I had with King Ralph...

Me: I swear when I die I want heaven to be the Nordstrom's shoe department

KR: This is hell.

ME:  The shoes are delicious! It is heavenly here.

KR: Really?

Me: Yes, I'm serious.

KR: Well if I woke up and the shoe department was heaven then I would be in hell.

This my friends is why I usually go to the mall without my better half, and why he goes to Lowe's and Home Depot without me.