We’re supposed to have a big ole’ heat wave headed our way. Why, it’s forecasted to get up to 29° F today. While still pretty darned cold, it sure beats single digits.
When I was a kid, I thought it was hilarious to make a face with my eyes crossed. Mom would yell at me to stop — claiming my face could freeze that way forever.
What about this face Mom?
Relieved my face didn’t stick like that… and thrilled it didn’t shatter into a million crystalized ice shards when I wasn’t acting stupid. Whew! That was close. 🤪
Blind people can drive?
While at Mr. Pesky’s eye appointment yesterday, there was a dude in the waiting room using a red-tipped cane. I heard him struggling with his memory too — he asked the guy sitting beside him, (who was 85) where he worked at least 3 times.
I walked to the car and saw the dude come outside. He was using his cane to navigate the railings on both sides of the steps that led to the parking area. Tap. Tap. Tap. Then, I watched as he walked to his truck, got under the wheel, and drove his blind self right out of that parking lot!
Mr. Pesky didn’t drive and all he had was a pair of dilated eyes!
Now you know: In 1988 Ivan McGuire, an experienced skydiver with 800 recorded dives, jumped from the plane for his 3rd dive that day. He had his camera rig with him but completely forgot to equip a parachute rig, thus he jumped to his death from 10.000 feet. The camera footage of the fatal fall survived.
My 4 hours and 3 minutes of sleep were gone by 3:00 PM yesterday. That’s about the time I needed to start fixing food to go with the ham of the century!
Smoking at 275° with cherry bark and cherry glaze is what made this thing amazing! The glaze consisted of 1 18oz jar of cherry preserves, 1/4 c siracha, 1/3 c molasses, a healthy splash of flavored soda (cherry coke is good) and 1/4 c bbq rub. All the ingredients go in a pan that also sits in the smoker. Glazing (and glaze stirring) begins once the internal temp reaches 100° — and again every 10° thereafter — until 145°.
The pesky neighbors smelled it and came running!
(Note the photobomber between my legs. Heh.)
2023 wasn’t so bad. To check out a recap, click here!
Not one single resolution — just looking forward with hope and determination, envisioning the possibilities that the coming year holds.
Happy New Year! 🥳
Now you know: A bear was the first living being to survive a supersonic ejection.
Traditionally, our family holiday gathering is on Christmas Eve. But not this year! Here I am on Christmas Eve morning and there’s not one present left under the tree.
And although the lights are still twinkling, there’s not one present under this tree either!
But I’m grateful!
Just because we didn’t celebrate this year on the same specific day and was minus a sibling, many of our traditions were still intact. I always cherish the moments our tiny family spends together. The warmth of these relationships are a precious gift.
Being able to celebrate Christmas in good health and with a sense of well-being is also something I’m grateful for. And expressing gratitude — especially during the Christmas season — is a wonderful way to appreciate blessings.
Here’s to creating beautiful memories and embracing the love that surrounds us.
May the spirit of giving and kindness fill your homes — and warmest wishes for a joyful Christmas. 🎁
Now you know: Candy canes are shaped to resemble a shepherd’s staff as a way to remind children of the shepherds who visited baby Jesus.
Yesterday began with a trip to Rising Sun to see Perry’s Mom for Christmas.
I think I’m a deer magnet.
I could barely stay awake on the drive there and back, but did manage to open my eyes just enough to see two deer at the side of the road. This time, they crossed directly AFTER we passed them. The drive beside the river is beautiful, and you know you’re in Madison by the iconic view — it’s almost the 1/2 way point.
Even though Perry’s Momma doesn’t look thrilled in the photos below, the surprise visit from Perry’s nephew, Coty, was the highlight of everyone’s day.
Our family Christmas is in the books – sort of.
Last night was our Christmas with Coco here. The presents are all unwrapped even though we’ll still get together Christmas Eve minus the granddaughter. My photos last year were awful because we didn’t have walls — this year, they’re lacking for other reasons…
I have lots of photos of Katie’s butt since she played Santa — and this one. 🙄
Here’s when things went downhill.
Carl’s TV needed Perry’s expert repair capabilities so we forgot to do our standard “all together” photo. Ben had to be at work early this morning, so they couldn’t stick around too late… he had to get some sleep.
Next, Perry’s scheduled worker had a family emergency so he had to cover the store overnight. After a busy day already, he left pretty darned ticked off… and sleepy. Carl was the only person that remembered the stove probably needed wood, so he came back and did that so I didn’t have to go out there myself. Perry got back by 7:00 AM, knowing he has to be back to work at 1:00 PM for another shift.
It was a crazy day, but we’re still grateful.
We had a good time for the time we had, and although not perfect, we all were grateful for one another and what time we did get to spend together.
Here’s hoping your holiday is smoother than ours, and you, too, get to spend it with loved ones.
Let me begin this post by letting you know that I’m typing EARLY this morning while listening to the wind HOWL. Snow squalls are possible today. Yes, seriously. Y’all know I want snow. You probably also know I want fluffy stuff that sticks combined with no wind or ice, and I want the temp to be right at 32° F. Not gonna happen today.
We’re doing Christmas when?
Everyone in my family (except for me and those pesky neighbors) have challenging schedules this Christmas. Perry’s and Ben’s work schedules cut back on the options for planning our family holiday gathering. We’d still be ok with the long-standing Christmas Eve date if not for the fact that we had Colette last year for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day — so this year, those days she’ll be with her Mom.
Perry and I will be going to his Mom’s house on the 21st this year. As luck would have it, that’s the only evening Ben and Perry both have off where we can schedule our get together. Not sure how I’m supposed to do this — especially when it means 3 hours in a car to Rising Sun and back… only to get home and be ready serve a meal — but guess we’ll manage.
And then there was light!
Late finishing up inside decor, I had Perry’s help to make the kitchen festive. Good thing it’s small, right? 🙂
Now you know: The Nike logo was designed for $35.00 US but the company gifted the designer stock that is now worth millions. She held it all without selling.
