Mom's Christmas Open House

Afternoon guests greeted Mom at her Kell Avenue digs, part of an Open House arranged there today by Home Instead, the good folks taking care of Mom.

Some of the office personnel joined the caregivers, celebrating the season with laughs, a good visit and a nice festive spread put out by Marcia -- under Mom's supervision, of course. Some of the party-goers gathered for a photo under the Christmas tree.

Yes, that's Virg, back from Florida for the holidays and (lower photo) making himself useful by holding on the phone, waiting for help in attempting an address change for his mother.

That's a good son, Virg, thank you for waiting. Your call is very important to us. 

Yippeee! No school in Iowa

Hunter and Blake's Mom posted evidence of a deep snowfall last night in Iowa.

Nine inches of new snow shut down the West Des Moines school where our grand nephews live. We got virtually nothing here in Shakopee, happy to see our Iowa kin getting their share of the White Christmas. Check their blog below, right for more details.

Der spritze

The crush of preparations for last Saturday's party meant that The Spritz had to be left out of our cookie tray offerings. That oversight was repaired at leisure tonight, we happily report, with the production of these dozens of the classic Christmas treats.

Spritz is German for squirt or spray. . . and that's apparently what the baker does when she turns the crank on the dough-filled tube, squeezing the product onto the sheet with a variety of delightful, wavery shapes.

 Frohe Weihnachten! - 

Drawing from memory. . .

When you're a gifted artist and you've lost the cat, what do you do? You draw up a quick portrait of the missing feline and post it around your St. Paul neighborhood. The late Mike Bolin dashed off this compelling plea for assistance in scouting up Ditto.  It was displayed (right) at last week's memorial. The rescued cat is pictured with her Mom. As you can see, Mike's visual memory of his lost cat was right on. 

Back yard secrets betrayed. . .

Location of hidden vault revealed!

Stark outline emerges, exposing 

site of underground repository!

Experts uncertain if today's snowfall will destroy evidence of septic tank location.

From the children of Shalom

First and second graders at Shalom Lutheran in Alexandria created a batch of Christmas Greeting cards and mailed them to Beverly Rolfsrud, who is one of the church founders.

 

Beverly, 92, has moved to Bloomington, but remains an important part of the Shalom community, as these little testaments prove. This morning Beverly gave each colorful message a first read, but they'll come out again and again, whenever she wants a day brightener.
She's most gratified to see her efforts continue to bear fruit, as new generations bring the church mission forward.
Recent national events add to the poignancy of this sweet gesture.

Alex -- have a good one!

Happy Birthday to our godson Alex!

Naughty? Or nice . . .

Hmmmm???  Da Professor queried his host at last night's do.
Merrymakers from near and far converged on Abbey Point for
some Christmas cheer and tidings of great joy.

Last call. This cheerful group of fun seekers closed down the party
last night. Despite dire predictions, the weather cooperated and roads remained
 relatively safe. Weather wouldn't phase this gang anyway. They're all
good neighbors living within easy stumbling distance.

Bartender Teresa can mix your holiday libation,

or rewire your fusebox. She's a licensed electrician.

Is it Politics or Religion?

Ignoring the usual prohibitions of dangerous topics, the 

newly-acquainted Chuck and Ron were fearlessly

 engaging in either one or the other last night.

Birthday girl

In all the bustle of pre-Christmas activity, please don't neglect to remember Sosie's birthday. And don't say that her birthday present is wrapped into her Christmas present.
Happy Birthday Sosie -- this message was pre-written, scheduled and will be posted automatically on the 15th by computer. We're busy with Christmas party preparations on Saturday and can't be bothered with too many details. So have a good one on your day with Bill.