Cruising - Not Snoozing

The commute into the city for work is either Nascar on crack, or the scene where Hans Solo was frozen and not going to move for a LONG time.  I was spoiled in Indyy with a 15 minute drive from crash pad to work.

So it means planning for extra commute time, no matter what shift I'm on, which means a clock that WILL wake me up. Partner in Grime came up with this one, and there is NO hitting the snooze on it as THAT alarm is even more annoying

Have a safe and happy New Year, and hopefully you don't have to get up too early in the morning..

12 Days of Christmas

And a Cartridge in a Bare Tree. . .

We're cleaning up boxes and wrapping and a few projects in the basement. I'll be back soon with a review of the Glock 21 and maybe a recipe or two.

Happy Holidays

Merry Christmas 2015

Christmas arrived, the first one I didn't have to drive or fly 4 or 5 hours to spend with family. Dad and I visit a few weeks before or after Christmas, when weather is a little more conducive to the trip and I know the ferry will be running. 

It was great on Christmas Eve to just have a little time for Dr. Who in the den and a toast after evening services were done and the neighborhood was quiet.

We both pondered that it was just four years ago I was here in this house, sitting in an old recliner with a package of frozen peas on my knee, the meniscus of which I'd just torn in a fall, outside as I arrived to help him prepare for a party.  I asked Partner if he thought at that time, that four years later we'd be married.

He just grinned and said "I figured that since I broke you, I had to keep you".

So many changes, so much grief in those years, losing my brother and Barkley and so much to be grateful to as well, friends, a warm home and the friends that have become family and opening our heart up to another black lab - Abby Normal.

Like my family, there are traditions. The retro aluminum tree that Partner found at a yard sale for $3. The little Nativity scene that was Moms with the silver, pink and purple wise men that don't match the rest of the set that I just refer to as "pimp my camel". I remember playing with those with my brother 50 years ago. The tiny baby Jesus there took more than one ride in a hotwheel down the hallway.

Breakfast, like Mom used to do, is a big danish pastry of some sort, freshly baked and served with lots of black coffee.

Then after giving thanks for all of His blessings, we open the presents from one another.  We never spend elaborately, finding small, fun and often usable things that will make the other smile. I also take the amount I spend each year for gifts and give that same amount to one or two people quietly, those folks in blog or Facebook land that are disabled and/or have small children and unexpected medical expenses, so they can have a little better Christmas. I'd rather do that each year than buy a flat screen TV and a bunch of expensive stuff we really don't need.

I have fun shopping for Partner in Grime though.

A gun barrel pencil/pen holder

 Dr. Who ice cube tray (I have some Daleks freezing for cocktails tonight).

 Pajama bottoms and a t-shirt

Everyone needs a tactical flask, but nothing says "emergency hootch" like Kevlar (the Glenfiddich Santa got for me so that's a nice pairing).

And for a little afternoon getting derailed - a Mexican train set with  a wooden train stain and cast iron trains.

I had just as much fun with my gifts.

First the card, which it appears someone altered.

I chuckled as we brewed some tea.

with the new  teatanic - tea infuser

A new computer bag/backpack with Minion accessories - and something to have on hand for one of "those days" at work.

The meeting skunk. . .

and bubble bath stuff Partner actually braved hippies at Whole Foods to buy because he knows I like it.

 An inlaid travel cribbage board.

I think this is a hint to make Danish pancakes for breakfast tomorrow.

 I'd dropped enough "clue by fours" to Santa that I needed this.  Thanks!

Even Abby got in on the fun with toys from friends and her dog walkers.

And it doesn't matter HOW old you are, every kid that secretly (or not so secretly) lives inside an adult wants a stocking filled with goodies to eat and play with.

You know how people are often asking on social media "who IS that person that actually buys and eats the black licorice?"  That would be me.

Then it was time for a little cowboy action darts in the kitchen (thanks Peter and Miss D) 

Until lunch - carne asada tacos with chili verde salsa and beans cooked in bacon fat.

Another Christmas tradition - listening to more carols while playing an assortment of board games.

This antique board has seen a lot of games over the years.

Soon it was time for supper - Partner in Grime had checked out his new book earlier, hatching an evil plan for dinner.

which will hopefully be made without blowing anything up.  This time.

On the menu - Beef and Ale pies, garlic roasted potatoes, bread and minted peas. This is from last year, Partner in Grime is making some special garlic mashed potatoes tonight to go with the pies, which are in the oven.

But before the fork will be  lifted, we will take a moment to bow our heads and pray, for although the toys and fun make the day special, it is not the reason for the celebration. . . HE is.

This is a celebration of a Holy birth, a day of love and forgiveness. One I am so very grateful for.

Merry Christmas everyone.

Christmas Eve is Better with a Dog

 What's that?  I heard the sound of a bowl.

 I hear it, I smell something.

 Could it be?

Yo, Mom.  Dad has food and I don't! It's a bowl of Great Nuts (I hear they're made out of stone-ground squirrels).

 The prosecution objects!

Look - I'm not against bribery.  Will $15 get me a bowl of Great Nuts?

 Fine - distract me with throwing a stuffie.

 He Shoots. She Scores.

Oh boy, that's the ball my friend sent.

 I got it!

Seriously Mom, you're not on your game, first the cereal and now a Chewy box full of food and treats that's been sitting here for like four YEARS.

I'll just sit here and starve to death, you all go ahead and open the boxes and wrap the presents.