Off to Play in the Sunny South

South Wisconsin, that is.  Wishing all a very Merry Christmas!

Happy Campers

There is snow on the ground and the sun in the sky.  It is great outdoor conditions in the Northwoods.  Case has been cross country skiing on the lake, and I have been snowshoeing in the forest.  We didn't get the double digit snow like the center of the state did, but we are happy for now.

Christmas Spirit

Today was the day at church that many of us gathered to wrap all the presents that were donated by the congregation for families whose wish lists we received from the Sawyer County Human Services.  The hall was full of people and presents.  And the wrapping paper and ribbon were flying.   Christmas Spirit filled the room. 

I wrapped presents for 2 sisters, aged 6 and 8.  Of course, there were different tags for each girl.  Of course, different people bought gifts for the girls.  One person bought 2 pairs of jeans, 2 tops, boots, coat, warm hat and mittens and snow pants.  One person bought 1 pair of jeans, 1 top, boots.  Let's just say the 6 year old may notice the discrepancy.  That led to talk amongst the volunteers how their parents balanced Christmas gifts and how they as parents and grandparents try to balance.  My Dad won the unofficial poll.  He set the same price limit for each child.  He bought one or two gifts each and then wrote a check for the difference.  It took a while for me to figure that one out after receiving a check at Christmas for $36. 27.  He knew he was being fair.

Wedding Photographs

All the wedding photos are in!  It shows a lovely celebration of love...a commitment to marriage. 

Tad Mazik and Carrie Sabo
September 8, 2012
Sturgeon Bay, WI

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tracyejones/sets/72157631780156336/

Sunday afternoon.  Packers aren't playing until tonight.  We went to church yesterday.  We are watching it snow - a winter storm warning is in effect.  Case is actually watching the radar.  The storm is stalled at the Minnesota/Wisconsin line.  Get here already!  We have been snow starved this year - for the past couple of years really.  Our skis are waxed.  Snowshoes are out of storage.  It's time!  Back to wrapping presents...

Little House in the Woods

I feel like Laura Ingalls.  Our hot water heater is broken so we have been heating water on the stove.  I have mastered the mix of hot water from the stove and cold water from the facet to make a shallow bath. When the new part didn't arrive as promised, a phone call to the company made us realize that they "forgot" to send it.  It is on its way now, thankfully.  I don't know how good a pioneer I would have been. 

Arby's- good karma

On the way to the wedding we stopped at an Arby's/gasoline combo place for gas and something quick to eat and get back on the road.  Case went to the restroom while I ordered.  The fresh-faced kid behind the counter asked if I would like a free promotional turkey sandwich. (I had yet to see the TV commercials about them.)  To which I replied, "What?"  He repeated his spiel.  By that time I looked around to notice everyone in the place was watching me and what I was going to do.  So I go over the "I am getting a free turkey sandwich - no strings" deal with him.  Everyone is laughing by now. Several people had set up spots just to watch the new customers' reactions to the free food.  I order may free sandwich.  By now Case is at the counter.  I say, "We are the millionth customers and get a free turkey sandwich."  More laughter.  Case orders his free food.  We sit down to eat and watch the next customers when they are given the free sandwich deal. 

Case predicted that our free food  was a good omen for a wonderful wedding weekend.  It did turn out to be a good weekend.  Of course, months of planning may have had something to do with it.  Or perhaps the stop before Arbys - a church to pray - was helpful as well.  Although, I won't turn  down free food. 

Case recommends the hot turkey with bacon.  I plan to stay with the Arby roast beef classic.