wonderful year coming to an end

Despite what a lot of folks are saying about the economy and other problems, we've had a wonderful year. We've had some nice vacations, are all in excellent health, and have multiple jobs. We've also been blessed with our memories of a great animal companion who has gone now to his reward. Blessings on all our cyber family and friends, and we wish you all the best in 2009. Photo is from the classic, It's a Wonderful Life. To quote Clarence the Angel, "No man is a failure who has friends."

happy new year

The photos are really just random today. Last night we had a nice party at the group home which included subs and ice cream sundaes...always a bit hit. Last night Elle was at a birthday party for a vocal jazz friend, and tonight she's planning to go to Eva's house for a new year's bash. Paul is playing in Oshkosh. I am staying home and planning the menu for January 2nd, when we'll have friends over for dinner. Every year we try to be creative and have very unique dishes. Some of our favorites in the past have been french onion soup and beef bourguignon, and orzo and pignoli. I was thinking of something Indian...perhaps a chicken curry. Must get moving. The grocery stores are closed tomorrow. Happy celebrating to all!

kitten's coat now has stripes

Little Leo (from Stan's farm) is weighing in at a whopping 3 1/2 pounds, and is getting a most beautiful striped pattern on his fur. He is the nicest kitten. He comes to the door when people visit, and is very affectionate. Last night he was sleeping on his surrogate cat mother, Lena. The Marian girls just love him. He also comes to work with me on occasion. The staff and residents love him too.

some pictures from church today

pouring rain now...

Just back from a visit to Elise's vocal prof who lives just 2 blocks away. We walked over, but it was raining hard when we came home. More than an inch is predicted, followed by snow. Temp has gone from a state high of 63 degrees at 3 AM to 50's and now down to the low 40's. We're just drying out watching a movie this afternoon. Also yesterday we had a wonderful visit with the two newest baby cousins: Hazen and Mason. They are just 3 weeks apart, but Hazen is just 10 pounds and Mason is 20 pounds:)

strange weather

Just a week ago we had 28 below wind chills. This morning, the high is 57 degrees and we are under a flash flood watch, as well as a dense fog watch. While running an early morning errand, we noticed parts of Johnson street (near Hickory) under water. What next. This has certainly been the strangest weather year I can remember. On a lighter note, today will be just for relaxing. Spinach lasagna is on the menu for brunch, and tonight we go to Sebastian's for steak. Hope the fair weather holds:)

Christmas photos at Jo Jo's house...

another 4 inches

While the high in Nashville this weekend will be 76, here in Fondy we got another 4 inches. Elise hasn't shoveled in over a year, so we gave her the honor:) Today it's off to Manitowoc to see Grandma Marilyn and the aunts and uncles.

Couldn't resist adding these holiday photos...

Merry Christmas

Wishing all of our family and cyber friends a wonderful Christmas.

Thanks to Mary...

Special thanks go out to friend Mary today. She found a recipe collection which was put together by our cadet troop of girl scouts around 1974. She copied the booklet and sent it to the girls in the troop. What a nice memory:) There were some old favorites I had forgotten, which include Dilly Bread and Bohemian Rye bread. This was such a nice surprise. I am going to make a few of the dessert recipes today at work (my kitchen there is really a 'test' kitchen.) Also want to welcome James and Elise to Fondy for a 4 day visit. We have lots planned, including a trip to Manitowoc and of course a visit to James' favorite steakhouse, Sebastians. Paul is planning some quartet music for Christmas (midnight mass) which includes James, Elise, Eva and friend Paul Thompson who sang for Elise's wedding. Should be beautiful. Blessings to all.

Go here to help if you can...

I've had several inquiries about my co-worker. If you can help, go here: The Baneck Family at Farmers Exchange Bank, P.O. Box 197, Neshkoro, WI 54960 Thanks so much.

Happy 1st. Anniversary to Elise and James

Remember our friends who lost loved ones...

While we all get ready to celebrate the holidays with our families, I'd like to ask our cyber friends and family to remember in prayer a coworker of mine. 'Nellie' lost her Mom, Dad, and brother in a house fire in Washara county on December 5th. A sister is in Milwaukee in critical condition. Also prayers please for Eva's friend Brian, who recently lost his father unexpectedly.

Thanksgiving Day photo from Elise and James:)

cross dresser Drumstick

Our Drummy was not happy today when we put Lena's sweater on him. You know cats...they can be completely humiliated, but they take it.

little tree big tree

peppermint mocha twists

Today Elle and I purchased our Christmas trees, and followed up with a Starbucks visit for Elle's favorite blend. We picked out a Fraser fir for the family room, about 10 feet (ceiling in there is 14) and a smaller 5 foot for the living room. It will be Monday before we have a long enough stretch to decorate them. Paul has started his latest project of gutting the office (he always seems to do these things at the busiest time of year:) and painting and carpeting same. Eva also had news when her laptop just 'died' and needed a $500 repair:( Needless to say a new one is only $700 so the decision was made to purchase a new one. A little early Christmas gift, I suppose. Elle was disappointed today when the high school could not march in the holiday parade because of the cold. I was also planning to bring a few clients, but it was too uncomfortable. Hoping things will warm a little so we can work on the outdoor decorations. Elle chose to stay indoors tonight, and she and friend Lisa are watching Sweeney Todd and making fudge. Yum.

busy but time to enjoy

The last week has been busy with work, and a few unusual problems with residents, but it's also been a time to think about relaxing. Paul and I have decided to take the girls on a vacation for Eva's 21st. birthday, January 12th. We will pick a balmy and warm place to escape from the already frigid temps of Wisconsin. More to come:)

looking forward

I'm taking a little break tomorrow and meeting 'the sisters' in Chilton for a visit. Jill always has me pick up some Hughes candy for friends and co-workers, and Kremer Pharmacy does such a beautiful job of wrapping, we ordered some ourselves. She also had me pick up fresh scallops and shrimp from Fondy Seafood for a belated Thanksgiving feast with Krissy and Dave. I've been working literally every day for weeks, in order to take off the week of Christmas. Not being at my new job quite a year yet, it's hard to take off, but the break over the holidays will be nice. I guess the big celebration will be on the 26th. in Manitowoc, which works well for church musicians:) We really can't leave Fondy until past noon on Christmas Day. Paul gets 'massed out' as he puts it, with playing for 7 services in 2 short days. The music will be great though, with several visiting musicians, and of course the new church will be lovely. Blessings to the cyber folks.