Let it snow:)

Excited for tomorrow and the 'big dump' which is expected. All of us, minus Paul who is booked for a dance, are planning to go sledding at the UW hill:) Any locals who are interested, today at noon at the PAC is the Night of Silence dress rehearsal. It's free with most of the area middle school kids attending. If you can't make it to the Sunday or Monday evening performance, this is nice alternative. It really is a great concert, and it's always packed. Elle has another Cardinal Singers booking tonight at 8 PM, so the day will go long again. Eva is busy wrapping up the semester in finals. Off I go to shovel the 2-4 inches from last night!

Cute Elle with Jon

Thanks to Elle for the cute picture this morning. They thought it was funny that they 'matched' on that school day, and had 'matched' for 4 days in a row without planning:) Weather wise, I'd say this is the calm before the storm, so I'm taking advantage by finishing the outdoor Christmas decorations. Later, I have to run an errand to the Fond du Lac Seafood store (THE greatest place for fresh seafood) and then pick up a box of Hughes chocolates for the holidays. Yesterday we baked some mint surprise cookies, from a recipe my Dad sent me 20 years ago. We make them every year and they are a still big hit. Off now to a few hours of work and a quick bike ride before the expected snow.

Holy Day

Today we remember the Immaculate Conception of Mary, and Paul has 5 masses in 4 venues throughout the day. I was surprised when a friend told me that the Islam religion also believes in the Immaculate Conception of Mary. Might be fun to do a little reading on the subject. I'm going to Marian at 12:15 for a mass/concert with Eva's group. Yesterday I caved in and moved the stationary bike in from the garage to start our 5 miles a day routine inside. It was just too cold to be out walking/riding the trails the last few days. Thursday should be warming up with a good chance for snow, so we'll have to dust off the sleds and toboggans and head to the UW for a little fun. The pictures today are really just random. There are a couple cute ones of Belle, Elle showing off another delicious trifle, (this time cherry chocolate chip,) and Elle and Eva from last night getting ready to entertain at the Grande Cheese Christmas party:) Busy season. Bring it on!

Good friends...human and canine:)

Had a nice visit with some old friends and their critters before the vocal jazz concert at Marian. Elle had to record some Cardinal Singers music at the Cathedral so couldn't join us. Taco bar all ready when the concert ends!

Amy and Belle

Thanks to Elise for the nice picture of Belle and her Godmother Amy. James and Elise shopped while Amy watched the baby:) This holiday season is proving to be as busy as last year. Between Friday and today, we've had 2 concerts, an afterglow for one at the Elks, provided the entertainment for 2 Christmas parties, Cardinal Singers, Cardinal Ringerz, the holiday parade, practice for the young composers recital, and the usual rounds of choir rehearsals and masses. Whew! For the locals, the Night of Silence concert is next weekend, on Sunday night and again on Monday night. Everyone really enjoys that concert. Today Elle and I are planning to shop for new winter coats, and then get some groceries for tonight's taco party. Hopefully the Packers will beat the 49-ers, and everyone will be in a good mood. Also a shout out here to high school friend Rhea, who lives in Alabama and owns a llama ranch. She is such an optimist...I love her comment on upcoming winter. She said she "is looking forward to the winter solstice so we can start making our way back to summer light!" That's great.

So cold but so pretty!

All alone on the trail in Taycheedah...a great hike:)

Cold walk, warm cookies :)

Ok it's time now to switch to the indoor track at the Y. It was SO cold yesterday and today, but I managed about 5 miles each time. Also decided to bake a few dozen cookies, which are cooling now, and then plan to head over to the group home for a little surprise. Henry is warming up to strangers lately, and when the city water crew came in to inspect sump pumps, he asked, "Are you a good boy?" They thought that was cute. The other night he wanted to be held by a student's father...he'd never done that before. He was very gentle. Good boy Henry:)