Getting into the Season

It has only snowed once so far this season -- several weeks ago and it melted quickly.  The weather has actually been pretty nice to we were able to get the decorations up outside and, working only one job instead of two this year, I've been able to get my shopping done.

December 1 means that it's time to start watching the seasonal specials and movies so tonight I'm watching "White Christmas" for the first time this season.  I usually watch it several times -- we'll see how many times I watch it this year.  Several years ago, the stage version of "White Christmas" was part of my season package at the PAC and I was really excited.  I traded Jeff's ticket for a Sunday afternoon ticket so I could go twice.  Unfortunately, the stage version just doesn't compare to the movie for me.  Then, last year, I bought the CD (supposedly from the movie), but the music isn't the same.  There's just no comparison to the real thing!  [Note:  love seeing a really young George Chakiris as a dancer at The Carousel Club.]

My shopping is almost complete and it's only the first of the month.  Christmas will be smaller than past years, although it probably won't look like it.  I'm spending less but there still seem to be a lot of packages!  I think I can chalk that up to being a good shopper and the great discounts that I get at Kohl's.  There's always an extra challenge in having so many birthdays at Christmas-time.  Anna's was just before Thanksgiving.  Then, we'll have Maggie and Steve before Christmas plus Jeff, Stacy, and Ian right after Christmas in early January.  It makes sense to do that shopping right along with the Christmas shopping.

Jeff was hunting during the first part of November out West and brought home a bunch of pheasants -- frozen and in bags -- that he stuffed in the freezer downstairs.  As a result of those, coupled with a lot of freezer jam, my freezer space is severely limited.  That bothers me quite a bit this time of year as I'd like to do some baking for Christmas, but don't really have a place to put everything.  Maybe I can count on the weather staying cold and my "cold room" (the hot tub room) will be available.  That's where I usually keep things after baking every year, and I can get a real jump-start on it this year.

The Appleton Boy Choir had a short recital at a church here in town last week, and this Saturday is the annual holiday concert at Lawrence Chapel.  Steve and Jack are coming up for the day so I think we're going to have a fun weekend.