Newest jesus

I recently received my birthday present from Drew Carrie. It's a 5x7 copy of this painting by Enrique Simonet called "Cabeza de Jesus" ("Head of Jesus"). I still need to frame it, but I do believe this is now my favorite portrait of Jesus. I just can't stop looking at it.

Of course, now I wish I had a much larger copy... :) But, until then, I am feeling mighty blessed by this one.

Center for civil and human rights

We visited the Center for Civil and Human Rights when we were in Atlanta last weekend. It was another of those really interesting places that left us feeling inspired, ashamed, and somber all at the same time.

Perhaps the biggest eye-opener of all (or re-opener) was the dark realization that the whole MAGA (make america great again) phenomenon is about UNDOING the progress that's been made in civil and human rights over the years. I'm guessing this is not a popular place with Trump supporters. Anyway...

One of the more powerful exhibits was this interactive station where you sat at a lunch counter with headphones on. It gave you a chance to hear AND FEEL what it was like to have been an African-American during the early days of the civil rights movement with people yelling and screaming at you and kicking the counter and your seat. It was pretty intense. I cannot imagine having had to go through that.

I was actually quite surprised with this display citing Atlanta's place in civil rights. I think this is pretty cool. If you can't read it, it says:

Atlanta differed from other Southern cities in important ways. Since the early 20th century, the "Atlanta style" of managing race relations had white and black leaders meeting behind the scenes to decide what was in the best interest of the community. The emergence of black political clout in the 1940s contributed to the election of relatively moderate mayors, rather than hard-line segregationists. Mindful of the city's image, in the 1960s Mayor William B. Hartfield and other local promoters cast Atlanta as "The City Too Busy to Hate," to distinguish it from other Southern communities. A violent reaction to desegregation was seen as bad for business, and key leaders embraced negotiation and compromise instead.

Certainly, a deep gap often existed between the rhetoric of "The City Too Busy to Hate" and the realities of life in a segregated city. And Atlanta experienced its share of violent episodes and failed leadership. Yet the city's more moderate views on desegregation and the personal relationships established across the color line helped set Atlanta apart.

I also liked this quote from Diane Nash. Although, it can be used equally by different people depending on their beliefs. I suppose gun-rights activists feel they are doing the same thing as protesters using non-violent means. Anyway, it was interesting.

And this one...

This exhibit outlining nonviolence training during the civil rights movement was pretty interesting as well. I wish I'd taken a picture of the entire thing. If you click on the pic you can enlarge it and read what people had to go through. Again, I can't imagine what it must have been like during that time - which wasn't all that long ago!

These last two pictures were from the human rights area. It was not as large as the civil rights exhibit because it's just been added and was on just one floor of the building. Still, I thought these signs "The basics of being human," and suggestions for "forming a more perfect union" were pretty good.

It seemed there were some other things I was going to share about this visit but I must have waited too long to write about it. Anyway, it was definitely interesting and not just a tad bit eye-opening. I'm glad we went.

Christmas pj's

I think this first pic is perhaps my favorite of all time. Followed closely by the second one. Christmas 2014 was a good one. Three of my favorite things.

2011 ford escape

With the culmination of Holy Week finally comes another post. We got a new car!! Well, it's not new... but a 2011 Ford Escape xlt. We bought it Thursday night. This will now be "Jane's car" to replace the '08 Ford Focus, which we are selling to Isaac and Ricci before they move to Atlanta.

We bought the Escape at Don Ayres Honda on Lima Rd in Fort Wayne. Our salesman was Ed Feipel and I highly recommend him if you're looking for a vehicle. He is son-in-law Drew's uncle, but also just an all around nice guy. Tell him you know me (or Drew Carrie). I also like how this dealership just puts the price right on every car, so there is no bickering or finagling on how much a car costs.

Anyway, we really like this Escape. It only has 17,000 miles on it - all from one owner. I also like that it is very similar to the Focus on the inside, so we don't have to relearn what everything is. Interestingly enough, it is actually 8" SHORTER than the Focus from bumper to bumper. The wheel base is 5" wider, and it's plenty taller too - what with 17" tires on it. I was just surprised that it is shorter in length than the Focus.

So, if you see a pretty blonde driving around in a metallic blue Escape... that would be m'Lady. If it's a nearly bald guy - that's me.

Happy Easter.

The treasure chair

Okay, so I dug another "treasure" out of the garbage at the storage facility where I work. Carrie says I need an intervention. But this chair wasn't actually 'in' the garbage. Someone had kindly left it right beside the dumpster. And it's in really good shape. It doesn't look like anyone has even sat in it. Granted, it is not a high quality piece of furniture and it's not the prettiest pattern, but these smallish cushioned chairs that both rock and swivel are so hard to come by. I thought it might match the old small chair we have - but not so much. So, we'll see. The cat really seems to like it for some reason. She sits in it all the time and stands real tall like, "I like this chair. Good job, Dan." Although in this picture she is getting some heat from her spot in front of the register.

Wine and canvas with m'lady

One of my presents to Jane for her birthday was going together to Wine and Canvas. We've talked about doing this for a long time, and I thought this was the perfect opportunity to finally do it. It was great fun.

I was a little worried I might be the only guy there, but there were plenty of guys; and besides, I would have enjoyed it anyway. I like to paint and draw and things. I'm guessing there were about 50 people there ranging in age from their 20's to their 80's. Some people were quite experienced, but I would guess most had never painted a picture before in their life. No one needed to feel intimidated.

All of our painting supplies were included in the $35/person price. We were set up with a framed canvas, our paints, brushes, and aprons. For this particular picture (Moonlit Birch) we only needed 4 colors: black, white, blue and purple. We also had 4 different sized brushes. They also have a small bar stocked with wine, beer, soda and water, as well as snacks for munching before, during, or after painting (grapes, cheese & crackers, etc.). I went with the Miller Genuine Draft - which was reasonably priced at $3 a bottle.

The event was scheduled from 7-10 pm. We arrived at 6:45 to get checked in, get our drinks and supplies (I guess they were kind of the same thing), and so we could get seats together. People were still straggling in at 7:20, so we didn't exactly start on time, but there was plenty to keep us occupied while we waited. They have music playing throughout the night - at one point we all joined together in song - and there is a very party-type atmosphere.

When it was time to start painting, the instructor got up on a little stage at one end and displayed the finished product as well as the one she was going to paint along with us. She wore a microphone and guided us step by step through the process of painting our masterpiece. It was very easy to follow, and we were able to mingle and eat and drink and talk throughout. A very laid-back and carefree atmosphere. Again, it was loads of fun. I would definitely do it again.

If this is something that interests you, I would suggest going to the calendar on their website first and picking out the picture you would like to paint. Then you just call or stop in to book the night you want to go. I think it would be great for a date night, a girls night out, or a group of friends looking for something fun to do together. We even painted half-decent pictures ourselves. A great time.

Snow 2013/14

These are pictures of the snow from the front of our house. I'm hoping it is going to start seriously disappearing next week. I see they are predicting a high of 56 next Thursday. I am ready.

This winter has seemed longer than most, because we got snow earlier than usual, and it seemed to always be followed by really cold temperatures. So it never melted. They also say this has been one of the snowiest winters on record for Indiana. I'm not exactly sure, but last I heard it seemed we had gotten like 56 inches total. The record for one winter is 61 or something (here is an article from 2/18 - FW Close to Breaking Record). So it would be kind of nice to break the record, but... I could do without it. I could also do without the flooding we're probably going to have this Spring.

At least we haven't had too many real blizzardy-type days. Although it helps living in the city and not really needing to drive on country roads anymore. That was always what I hated the most - the fear of getting stuck out in the middle of nowhere.

It also helped that I bought a snowblower this winter. One of the best decisions I've ever made. I don't know why I didn't get one sooner. It made clearing the driveway and sidewalk almost enjoyable. Instead of spending an hour with a shovel and then having an aching back, it took about 15 minutes and looked all nice and neat when I was done. Since I don't have any carpet to vacuum straight lines in anymore, this is probably the next best thing. I love seeing the driveway after going over it with the snowblower.

Well, again, here are some pics from the front of our house. I took them Wednesday morning, I believe. I am now ready to say so long to the snow.

Bennett turns 1

Yesterday was grandson Bennett's first birthday. It's hard to believe he is a year old already, but he's really starting to grow up. He is pretty mobile and just on the verge of walking without any assistance. Without a doubt he is the happiest baby I have ever been around. Seems he's always got a smile ready for you. We are having a party at our house later today. This pic is from awhile ago, but I like it because of the hat. Here is the link to when he was born (on 10-11-12).

Dentist and bookshelves

I had a dentist appointment yesterday - just for a cleaning and checkup. No cavities and altogether it only took just over 20 minutes. Cleanings go much quicker every 6 months rather than waiting 10 years like my last time. I always get the mint polish instead of the cinnamon.

After the dentist I finally put together the shelves in the basement. I bought 3 12 foot long 1x10's and used 8 cinder blocks to separate them. Altogether it cost almost exactly $50 for the boards and blocks. I made a little base out of 1x2's for under the bottom board. I didn't want it to sit on the ground. I think it will work out okay, but it's going to take me forever to get all the books sorted out. We also have 3 smaller bookshelves and I would like to maybe put all of one type of book in each bookshelf. We'll see. I also hope to get rid of a lot of books at some point too.

The motorcycle made it...

This is son Isaac's '72 Honda. He has had it for a couple years, and has spent most of that time working on it. He finally got it running good enough to make the trip from Anderson to Fort Wayne. He took all highways (instead of the interstate) and it took him about 2 hours.

He came home last night around 8:30 and we were all planning to go out to eat, but Jane came home from work not feeling well and was running a temperature. So I went with Carrie and Isaac to CS3 (Calhoun Street Soups, Salads and Spirits). Carrie had to get up early to go to Chicago for Ricci's bachelorette party so she didn't stay out too late. Isaac and I stayed for awhile then came back to the house and had a nice chat about the joys and frustrations of leading churches. It was a nice night.

I'm hoping to maybe take the bike for a spin this morning. I haven't ridden a motorcycle in a long time, but I do still have a valid license. We'll see.

Ribfest 5k

I ran my first 5k of the year this past Saturday, June 15, 2013. It was the first annual Ribfest 5k in Fort Wayne. I have always enjoyed the BBQ Ribfest more than any of the other festivals in the Fort, so I wanted to be sure to support this 5k. Plus it was such a GREAT DEAL. By signing up early it only cost $15 and I got a free t-shirt plus 2 free tickets to Ribfest (a $16 value). It would have been a good value even if you weren't a runner!

This inaugural race had a few issues typical of any new venture. It was perhaps not the most organized of races I have run, but it was a beautiful day and everyone enjoyed it nonetheless. For starters there was another organization doing a fundraiser walk at the same time in the same location. So instead of starting our 5k at the 10 am scheduled time we had to wait until 10:30. We also had to cross paths with the walkers in a couple of location so we had to run single-file briefly. Other than that there weren't any real noticeable problems.

Logistically, the 204 runners/walkers started at the Calhoun Stree cul-de-sac just west of Headwaters Park. There was actually plenty of free parking right there. I parked over at Freimman Square though, only because I wasn't sure if there would be any parking any closer. Anyway, we started out running south on Calhoun and turned at the first corner (Superior St.?) and went over a block and headed north. We wound around some streets there and then took the path that goes under the Martin Luther King Jr. bridge and wound around on that side of the street for awhile and then ended by the fountains at the main Headwaters Park area on the east side of the street. It was a nice route and I enjoyed it. There was one water station along the way (I didn't take any) and they had water and snacks at the finish line. It was all hand-time (no chips) and they had a clock at the ending chute.

Personally, I ran better than I thought I might. I actually wore my old shoes because I thought it looked like rain and I didn't want to get my new shoes wet already. I also didn't wear either of my knee support braces. So I didn't want to push it at all. I started out at a very slow pace and really just wanted to see how my legs felt without the knee supports. I did start to pick it up a little about halfway through. Towards the end I think I could have passed a couple other guys, but I always hate that when someone sprints by me at the end, so I just followed them in. I was surprised that I ran at 27:22. That was faster than my first 5k of last year. I think the winner finished in just over 15 minutes. I haven't seen the full list of results yet. I think I got 10th in my 50-59 age group. I would guess I maybe finished in or near the top half of all runners and walkers.

Overall I was pretty happy with this race. Carrie and the kids came and watched. Anna helped with my cool-down walk. I also like running these races because not only do I enjoy meeting new people, but it is nice to see how other runners warm up and prepare. Carrie took this picture of me at the finish and I realized right away that I still need to work on my form. I have been trying to work on lifting my knees and using the front part of my foot more than heel-toe action. I realize I was slowing down here at the end, but I was glad for the visual reminder to pick my knees up.

My next race is in Zanesville, IN this coming Saturday. I believe this will be my 3rd or 4th time running there. I certainly plan to run the Ribfest 5k next year though. I even liked their t-shirts!

Shaved off the beard

So I finally broke down and shaved off the beard yesterday. I stopped shaving on November 2, 2012 (my 50th birthday) and intended to let it grow for a year. I made it 6 months and 21 days if my calculations are correct. Though I realize they could be off because I am still a little distraught.

I feel bad for the grandkids, because I think they had grown rather fond of it. Jane also liked it. At first I was just going to leave the goatee. I wore it like that for a few hours. I finally decided "what the heck" and just cut it off without thinking about it anymore.

Yes, I kind of regret it now. But there's not much I can do. Here are the pics of before, during, and after.

Torn on shaving

Argh... I think just about every day I say that I'm going to shave my beard off...... tomorrow.

The last time I shaved was Nov. 2, 2012. That was the day I turned 50. I was going to try to go one year without shaving - though I didn't really expect to. I've actually trimmed it a couple times, but not a lot (mostly the sides and the mustache part).

I can't decide if I should shave it off or let it grow. Part of me is really tired of taking care of it. It's kind of a pain. I have to wash it and blow it dry and comb it. Plus there is always the chance of getting food stuck in it. But on the other hand... the wife and grandkids like it; and I've always wanted to have a long beard.

I have to say, I have a lot of admiration for guys with really long beards. It is a lot of work.

So, I don't know. I was planning to shave it off today. I took these pictures for a keepsake. But now I am torn again.

New patio chair cushions

I bought some chair cushions for our patio furniture yesterday. We had just been talking about getting some - because we've never had any cushions for our patio chairs - and Jane sent me a text yesterday that someone from her work told her about this big sale on chair cushions. She gave me the address and I couldn't find anything out about it other than it was near the airport. So I hopped in the Buick and headed to West Ferguson Road. It wasn't until my second time by that I noticed this little sign hung on the fence at the Arden Company. I didn't even know this place existed. I think it is maybe the old Kmart distribution center. It's a brick building with a chain link fence all around the property just across from the airport (and a smidge to the east).

Anyway, I stopped in and this place that makes patio furnishings was having a warehouse clearance sale. I bought these really nice chair cushions for $5 each! I also bought some basic seat pads for our wooden chairs in the house at 4 for $1. So I spent $21 total. Just one of these cushions would have cost at least that much in the store. They are nice, and I was happy. Apparently they have this sale every year.

Anna turns 2

Yesterday was granddaughter Anna's second birthday. It probably wasn't the best day she could have had since she has a cold, but we made the best of it. Her mom and dad had planned a big party for this Saturday, but she and her brother and her mom have all been sick, and her dad had to work up by Chicago all week so he couldn't be here. So Carrie, Anna and Bennett came over to our house last night and we had a nice supper and little cakes, and then opened some presents. I think Uncle Isaac and Ricci are still going to come up from Anderson on Saturday. Her mom and dad got her a fish the other night when they celebrated.

Last night we gave Anna her gifts from us. We got her a plastic bowling set, and a wooden train with stackable things on it - since her dad works on a train and she really likes to stack blocks. We also got her a Radio Flyer Classic Red TRICYCLE! The bowling set and tricycle will be to keep at our house; the train is to take to her house (I guess). She seemed to REALLY like the tricycle. She went round and round and round from the living room through the kitchen and back. I think she had a pretty good time even though she had a runny/stuffy nose and sore throat. She's a sweetie.

Bennett was his usual happy self, even though he went to the doctor in the morning and found out he has an ear infection and pink eye. He still smiles just as big as can be whenever you talk to him. What a card.

Anyway, here are the write-ups from her first birthday last year, as well as the day she was born and a few days after. And here are some pics from last night (she liked the cake!)...

Family supper for christmas picture

We had the kids and grandkids here for our annual family supper and Christmas picture last night. Isaac and Ricci drove up from Anderson and arrived around 5 pm, then the Feipel clan came over. We took various pics of different family groupings in front of our Christmas tree. Then we all went to the Tavern at Coventry for supper at 6:30. Picture-taking didn't go too bad, and it was a nice meal even though they only gave us 6 chairs instead of the 7 that we had a reservation for. I had a turkey chopped salad (or something like that), and it was pretty good (even though Anna shared my croutons and tomatoes). Afterward we came back to the house and watched Anna perform and chatted. I'd say everyone left around 9 pm. A very nice evening after a not so good day work-wise (I had a board meeting in the morning that was less than inspiring). I also wore my new dress coat for the first time (I took the tags off and everything). Maybe I'll post a pic someday...

ADDED LATER: Pics...

Obituary for fridolein valentine horwedel

My cousin sent this to me on Facebook the other day. It's the obituary for my great, great grandfather. At first I mistakenly thought this was the man who made the violin I have. After looking at my records, though, Fridolein was actually the father of the man who made the violin: Ross Valentine Horwedel (who was my great grandfather; and who I was named after). So, anyway, here is the obit for Fridolein, and a pic of the violin Ross made.

For Dan Horwedel -- will make a copy, but too interesting to wait to read....so here goes....it's a very long obit....and apparently written by the Methodist pastor:
"Fridolein Horwedel, sone of John and Sevilla Horwedel, was born in Rheinsheim Baden Germany, March 6, 1837. Died at his home in Vermont, Illinois, June 29, 1914, aged 77 years, 3 months and 23 days. He emigrated to this country with his parents when but 14 years of age and settled in Hanover, Penn., in the year 1851. Mr. Horwedel was over 70 days crossing the Atlantic and that in a sail boat which at one time drifted to the coast of Africa. Such experiences are never to be forgotten. It took brave hearts tocross the ocean in those days. He was a blacksmith by trade and followed the same in Pennsylvania, also in Vermont. Everyone knows what a familiar figure he ws around the balcksmith shop and often have I heard him tell of his experience during the civil war, how busy he ws kept shoeing horses and how near he came to being hit by a bullet which killed a man a few feet from where he stood. Mr. Horwwedel was untied in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Riffle at Hanover, Penn., March 17, 1860. This unionwas blessed with seven children all of whom survive byt Freddie and Martha Elizabeth. The mother preceeded him Nov 30, 1902. He came to Illinois in 1865 and settled on a farm near Summum where he resided one year. He then came to Vermont where he has lived eversince. Mr. Horwedel was united in marriage to Hannah Riffle Oct 26, 1904. She preceeded him Feb 22, 1906. He was then unted in marriage to Ella Lamborn, March 5, 1908, who survives him. He leaves to mourn his loss his wife, his five children: John, Geore and Ross Horwedel, Mrs Mary Smith and Mrs. Lucy Kost all of Vermont, two brothers and one sister, Henry and August of Vermont and Mrs. Hattie Legg of Quilan, Oklahoma, 23 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Mr. Horwedel was baptized in the Catholic Church and was a communicant of same for years. During the pst nine months me was a great sufferer but was remarkably patient with it all. Everything in medical science and loving help was done to alleviate his sufferings. Mr. Horwedel was a member of the Odd Fellows and Rebecca Lodges for 42 years. Too much cannot be said of the virtues of such a fellowship, such a brotherhood. In times of sickness they depict for us the good Samaritan. The quickest way to overcome the faintness which the sight of the physical wretchedness sends surging thru us is to move forward to the rescue. God alone knows that those who cared for him often came near to the breaking point, but they received strength to continue their faithful ministry to the end. Truly in the words of the scripture one might say concerning Lodge No. 79, John Anderson, Mrs. Kate Doebler, the wife and children: "They have done what they could" What a beautiful tribute. Mr. Horwedel was a good citizen, a loving husband and father, a good neighbor, kind and always ready to help in the time of need. He sided with the weak and with a willing hand gave alms. He was ever a friend to the oppressed and the down and out.Those who knew him best will miss the sunshine and happy smile which always greeted his friends. This pastor rejoiced in his friendship. He was so kind to him and his family, so faithful, so considerate, such kindness bounds us to him with cords of tenderest affection.While he was not a memeber of the Methodist church one can never forget the time when God blessed the parsonage by sending into it one of his best treasures, little George. Mr and Mrs Horwedel were greatly interested in the little new comer and decided that the Methodest parsonage ought to have a cistern and plenty of soft water so they set to work and the money was raised and Mr. Horwedel superintended the job and the pastor and his family were made happy. During the pastorate of Rev. George Cady, Mr Horwedel was instrumental in building a porch for the parsonage adding much to its appearance and convenience. In a few days he solicited the money and with the gratuitous help of his brother Henry, the porch was completed, thereby adding another monument to his memory. Being of a kindly, friendly disposition possessing fine social qualities, and charming wit so characteristic of Fred Horwedel flashing forth in distress even and when least expected, he enjoyed the confidence and esteem of a large circle of friends and he will be sincerely mourned by those who knew him well. Thus after several months of patient endurance of painful suffering, he closed his earthly pilgrimage. He fell asleep surrounded by his family. His work was done and he has gone to his reward. Funeral services were held at the M.E. church and conducted by Rev. George Davies Wednesday, July 1, 1914 at 2:30pm. The I.O.O.F. Lodge No. 79 had charge of the body from the church. Interment at Vermont cemetery."

Halloween as a missional exercise

My views on Halloween have changed quite a bit over the years. I'm still not a big fan of it from a spiritual standpoint. I used to be pretty rigid and legalistic in my Christian faith, and having worked ever-so-little with people caught up in demonic oppression and possession, I saw things in a very different "light" than most people. What started out as outright opposition to the day from a moral and spiritual standpoint, probably eventually turned into fear and intimidation at some point though. I was afraid of what might happen to my kids, and even me. So now, years later, I don't know if I've just mellowed, or if I have overcome that fear... Because now - while I still don't really "celebrate" the day - I have come to a place where it doesn't at all bother me and I can see the benefits of participating as a Christ-follower from a social perspective.

I read this article - Three Simple Ways to be Missional On Halloween - and while I'm not so sure about the ideas they suggest, I liked this intro...

The final week of October is here, which means Halloween is upon us. This particular day brings out some different perspectives for many Christ-followers. From the “it really isn’t a big deal and I enjoy the chance to trick-or-treat with my kids”, to “I refuse to participate in such a celebrated, pagan day”. Though there are some compelling arguments from and for both perspectives, its vital for the Christ-follower to view this particular day through a lens of Gospel-mission.

Regardless of one’s view of involvement on this day, there is a sociological fact that cannot be denied: Halloween is the one day which neighbors are outside of their homes and engaging in something together. There is not another day during the year that we see so many faces and family in our immediate sphere of influence, together.

I couldn't agree more. So this year we called off our Wednesday night activity at church and I encouraged people to stay home and pass out candy, and to view it as an exercise in being missional: just be neighborly and try to build some relationships with the people you live among.

So unless something else comes up, you will find our front light on, and we will be passing out candy and trying to get to know the neighbors.

ADDED LATER: A couple of pics from our front door. I had dug this old ape out of storage the other day because I thought Anna might like to play with it. Then I had the bright idea to use it to scare the trick-or-treaters. It didn't work so well with the little kids, but it got a start out of some of the older ones. I told the kids this was my wife, Jane. :)

Just me and my gal

I love this picture of my granddaughter and I. We are in the maternity waiting room at Lutheran Hospital on 10/11/12, waiting on Anna's little brother Benny to be born. I like how we both have our arm in the same position. :)

I had a nasty head cold at the time so that's why my nose is red. I also think it's interesting that I am wearing a pair of son Isaac's pants from when he was in high school (which are a little too big for me), a Bradley University sweatshirt I bought in my early twenties (one of my fav's), and my newish jacket I got at Gap for $15. This was a good day even though I didn't feel so good. It was fun spending the day with Anna-bug too. I like her "Best Big Sis" shirt!

Nothin' much, how 'bout you...

Nothin' much to say today. Just some randomlies while I watch the cat run around like a nut...

• This week I was working on 3 different services: this Sunday, Christmas Eve, and Christmas day. Christmas Eve & day will be rather casual affairs, so it didn't get too overly confusing. Although, I guess all our Sundays are rather casual, so...
  
• We usually do the same thing every year on Christmas Eve... sing some carols, read the Luke 2 Christmas Story, read a little ditty called "Why Jesus?" (otherwise known as "the man and the birds"), light our candles while singing "Silent Night", and sometimes we take communion. I decided to change things up just a little bit this year (but not much). Mostly we're singing some different carols. The one's we've sung the past few years are just not real easy to sing.
• I wish there were more Advent Christmas songs. If you notice, almost all Christmas carols only work AFTER Christmas. There seem to be very few for before Christmas... even Christmas Eve.
• We got our new recycling cart from the city yesterday. Apparently 70% of Fort Wayne residents are using them, and it has saved the city millions of dollars. It's an all-in-one cart, which means you can put all your recyclables - bottles, cans, cardboard, paper, whatever - all in the same container. I was amazed at just how many different things we could recycle. Shoot, we may not even need the regular garbage cart.
• We also got all of our Christmas presents wrapped the other night. Well, all but 2. I had to get another box for one, and I will wrap it today; and Jane still needs to pick up one more thing. We used the big craft table in the basement room that we never use. It worked really good for wrapping gifts.
• We also took family photos last Saturday. Isaac and Ricci came up for the day. We had a nice time. At the bottom is a full family photo. Drew seems to be standing off to the side because he was having to throw a toy out by the camera to get Anna to look at it (the pics were taken on a timer, so there was no one there to get her attention). Nice pic. Nice family.
• I suppose I should start cleaning the house again. We are having everyone from Jane's office for a party at our house on Monday. That should be nice. After that (or maybe before) I need to go walk around the mall or something. I know I'm weird, but I actually like shopping. Well, not necessarily shopping - I hardly ever buy anything - but I like watching other people shop. I guess it somehow calms me down knowing that I am not the most frantic, restless person around. Or something.
• I don't really know that I know anything anymore. And I'm starting to be ok with that. I kind of like the aging thing. I like that there are others who know all those things that need known. It makes it much more fun to just sit back and smile, and get down on the floor and play with Anna and her toys. Or something. I don't really know.
• Here's the family pic (minus the cat and granddogs).