One Man's Sojourn

Valentines Warm-up

2012-02-12T06:00:00.001-06:00

We had a Valentine warm-up this weekend. Actually, it was a winter cookout of steaks with some of our favorite trimmings like sweet potatoes, salad, bread, broccoli and strawberries dipped in chocolate.

We made some awful Margarita even though we checked out several recipes. I think they were two watered down from too much ice. Practice makes perfect come to mind and since I had not made one in the last several years, it was obvious that I have had no practice.

We had beautiful skies with 40 degrees for the high. The kind of weather one might expect this time of year. That meant, spin class was full and I got to see some friends, Greg S. Stuart M. and Joel H. The gym was humming with people. It looked like an LHHS convention.
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"Giant" birthdays

2012-02-10T13:42:00.001-06:00

We celebrated an upcoming 80^th birthday with a classic Schwarz Clan BBQ Chicken dish, along with chocolate cake & ice cream and then took in the theater production of Giant. It was a great night to say the least.

The chicken is a family favorite, but not one that gets made very often. It contains onions, artichoke hearts, black olives and other secrets. It is served over rice and in our case coupled with green beans, fruit and bread. I good meal and a birthday celebration deserves some chocolate so we finished the meal up with coffee, chocolate cake and ice cream. So yummy.

We all loved the play. It was our first time a the Wylie Theater and I really enjoyed the cozy venue and industrial look. I thought it was great for this production. I was looking forward to the show, but had real concerns about its length based on reviews I had read and heard. Those might have set me up to lower my expectations and enjoy the show more. The subject matter was great for Texans like us although I thought the angle on the Mexican population was not in line with my perceptions. The simple design of the stage played well with the idea of a massive ranch. I give it high marks and no look forward to re-watching the movie.

Bicyle Cafe...First Impressions

2012-02-10T13:23:00.000-06:00

I had my first opportunity to to check in at the Bicycle Cafe, a new restaurant on Northwest Highway near White Rock Lake. I had really high expectations going in for my first meal. Those expectations might have been too high, because I left a little disappointed.

I made it very clear that I was visiting for the 1st time, which I would think would be the case for most people entering the doors these days, since I understand they have only been open a week. The young man at the counter was very helpful in explaining the menu and the popular items, but the good service ended there. Once I dropped $15.00 on meal, a specialty coffee and a tip, not one person spoke to me again.

When I arrived, an owner/manager was talking to friends by the bar which was not open and there was a young women in the back studying. One person came in for some take out and the student had a friend meet her.

I think my disappointment was that no one in charge seemed to care that I dropped in for a meal. No one inquired about my meal, dessert, the restaurant or how I heard about the cafe. They hardly acknowledge that they had a patron.

My food was good, the drink was tasty, the decor was tasteful, quirky ad fun. The tables were unique and the chairs were comfortable. I found the digs very comfortable. The place lacked a great vibe, but that was because it was a slow night. I would think if there were a few other tables going the vibe would have been much nicer.

I thought the prices were a little high. I was anxious to try them for breakfast in the future, but $6.00 for steel cut oats with fruit, seems a little high, especially when you add an expensive coffee to the bill or add a bread to the order. I spent $15.00 for a meal that I had to order at a counter and then dispose of the trash myself, much like you do at Chipotle.

I will go back for sure, but the sad thing is that about three or four couples new I was going and when the ask about my experience, at this point it will not be a glowing affirmation.

Bicycle Cafe

2012-02-08T10:52:00.002-06:00

Super Bowl Weekend

2012-02-06T11:35:00.000-06:00

The Super Bowl has come and gone. We were fortunate to have at least two places to watch the game. We ended up splitting our time between two venues. The friends were great, but It was a game in which neither team was one I wanted to see in the game. My gut was the New England would win, but my desire was that the Giants, well actually that the NFC and in particular the NFC-East would win. Good thing I am not a betting man, because I would have lost money on the game. I was not excited that Madonna was doing the half-time show and I thought it was a very poor show. The Black-Eyed Peas show last year was much better than this.

Smuggler did work on several of the commercials and of the ones they worked on the one with the most buzz was a Budweiser commercial featuring the rescue dog “We Go”. If you called “We Go” the dog would bring you a beer. They also were a part of the MetLife, Toyota, JetBlue, and a Chevy campaign.

I was able to log some very cool miles. I met up with Greg Smith and we did about 28 on Saturday and then I did the same ride again on Sunday. The weather was not only cold, but very windy. My picture of the day on Sunday was the U.S. Flag blowing stiff in the wind.

Saturday, after a BarBecs run we did errands and chores around the house. I did my ride and we met up with the Briggs and Yorks and did a night of hamburgers and dessert. We attempted to eat at Good Friends, but once again it was packed with an hour and a half wait. That is too long for a burger especially when it is not a cheap one. We then headed down to Jakes on Henderson and had a very good experience. The new digs were surprisingly nice. They have wait staff, cheap burgers and $3.00 margaritas all day every day. This will stay on our list. We capped the evening off with coffee and a mix of cookies, brownies and cake balls.

It's still all a clutter

2012-02-04T18:02:00.000-06:00

We are still in organizing and cleaning mode. I am amazed at how much we have moved out and yet there is so much to go. I was so proud of my "bike area" and took a picture of it. As I look at the picture, I am not sure why I was proud. It still seems very cluttered.

I hit tow more corners of the garage, the northwest and the southeast. They are tow area that seem to be getter clutter and un then uncluttered the most. Maybe we have a good plan now for those two areas.

I tried riding with some friends and was able to connect Greg. One of my first non-solo rides of the year. The sun was out, the wind was blowing so the 55 degrees was a little cooler than I first thought it would be.

I am so proud and thankful for Greg and all the ministry he is doing with kids at Conrad. He is an inspiration to me and I know others.

2nd Grade

2012-02-03T10:39:00.005-06:00

Posting pictures of your elementary class seems to be a trend among my Facebook friends. It seems to be fun for everyone who was in your graduating class who have been trying to figure out who all those cute little are.

I may have a few around, but have not taken the time to look for them. It is a reminder to me of how fast time goes by and how short our stay on this earth will be. I am trying and hoping to make the best of the time we have.

Hello February

2012-02-01T12:25:00.001-06:00

I am looking forward to February and ready to put this January in the book of history. It seemed to have flown by at this juncture. Exciting items were good projects for Thomas, a one year work anniversary for Kramer, and finalization on 2012-2013 housing for Clara. Cindy and I, well I am not sure what to add. Great weather lead to early spring cleaning and home projects as well as many miles on my bike in comparison to the last 25 years. I was at 297 which is 173 more than a previous PR in 2010.

There were many bright points in the month, but I am still feeling like it is a cold morning and the engine is still warming up. I am definitely ready to have a sense that all systems are go for the year and the engine and transmission is fully engaged.

56,120

2012-02-01T11:34:00.000-06:00

56,120 is an amazing number when you think about the fact that it is the numbers of miles I have ridden since 1988. I had some medium mileage years from 1981-1985, but that time was before I was diligent about tacking these things. A quick search revealed that the average distance between the east coast and the west coast is 3,075. I did the math and found that I have ridden across the country the equivalent of 18.25 times. It might sound impressive, but in reality it does not mean much in the light of eternity and what matters most. It does mean:

* lots of exercise * lots of heart beats * lots of quiet time * lots of water and performance food * lots of time

I had a good weekend visiting with old friends, shooting a few ducks, garage cleaning, watching movies, riding my bike.

We had a great meal with the Schmidts and it seemed we picked up right were we left off several years ago. It was so great to catch up on life with them.

The duckhunting was the 3rd time York and I managed one duck in the year and the one day was on the last day of the season. It seems to happen every other year. We need to fix that. Our hunt took us near Hillsboro and it was success as there were a good number of birds flying. I great time to say the least.

I am not sure what to say about the garage, but it may be as uncluttered as it has been since we have been at the house.

The movie was "The Grey" and it was a bummer or a movie. I never really connected with the characters and found the wolves to be too over the top much like a Godzilla movie. They wolves could not kill the hunted fast enough. I say don't even rent this one.

Cycling was great, the Dallas Parks Department did an awesome job cleaning things up. It is unfortunate that they had to pick up so many plastic bottles and even worse was all of the Styrofoam. Such a pity.

January with Spring Rains

2012-01-27T14:31:00.017-06:00

My word has it been raining. I think the number is above 6 inches this week. It has been something the area has needed for a very long time. Some of the local lakes are back up to normal, but most have several feet to go.

The Tour de France has what is known as a "roll out" at the start of many of the stages. It is my understanding that it is a bit like a parade to let the locals catch a glimpse of riders as the head out of town and before they hit the open roads with race speeds. It's somewhat of a warm up for what is to come that allows nerves to settle and legs to warm up. That is how I feel this January of 2012 is going. It feels like we are all just warming up and that the year is not really going yet even though the month is practically over. I am not sure, what will make it feel different. It is an unsettled feeling.

There are no dress rehearsals in life, but it sure feels like one these days. We have accomplished a lot so far, such as adding lights, cleaning out closets, and hanging ceiling fans, but it seems like we are rehearsing.

Many New Year resolutions are still on for me, but I think some are being hindered by Frozen Yogurt, my comfort food of late. Unfortunately, those single scoops seem to be growing!

It is initiation weekend in for our daughter, but we are not a part of it this weekend. I know that there are a lot of proud girls, moms, grandmothers and friends. Our weekends are deeper into the school year.

Play, Playing, and Projects

2012-01-23T15:16:00.001-06:00

We continue to have incredible weather. I guess it is a positive benefit of what same say is "Global Warming". I know that some of the ski resorts are suffering,but here in Big D I am not hearing anyone complaining. I know that I am not. The only complaint I have heard is that it seems to be the higher the temperatures the higher the winds.

The weather is surely helping on some construction projects. It appears the In and Out in Garland is getting close to be being done.

I was fortunate to be able to ride outdoors on Friday-Saturday-Sunday and then spun on Monday. I pretty good run on training and exercise.

The real highlight of the weekend was attending a concert that benefited Bethesda Young Life, which is Young Life for special needs people. Playing on behalf of BYL were Bethany Dillon (wife of Shane Dillon of Shane and Shane), Drew & Ellie Holcomb and Christopher Williams. It was a great acoustic set where they each took turns playing. Shane, also offered up one song which was fantastic. The highlight might have been having 30 or so special people signing and worshiping. One other big surprise was running into some old friends Eric and Theresa Davis.

Saturday in addition to riding and the concert was a day of "Elfa" organizing. We both upgraded out closet situations. It was amazing how many items we put together and did not have one piece missing or misaligned or faulty. I wish I could say the same for the Hunter fan we installed on Sunday. Sure enough after all the hard work was done and we were testing things, we realized that the pull chord for the light kit was faulty. Oh, how frustrating to find out at 9:30 at night at the end of an hour project.

Friday, we caught the High School Musical "the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee", which very entertaining. Doug Keffer, seemed to steel the show. It was fun seeing friends and faculty whom we have not seen in some time.

We ended this fun-filled packed weekend with dinner at Smokes in the old Kessler Park area at the Belmont Hotel. Very tasty food and a great and unique dining experience. Unfortunately, the smoky meat is staying with me a little longer than I would like. We choose ribs and hummus, but the best item we tasted was the Cabrito.

Random Coats and More

2012-01-20T14:38:00.000-06:00

Life close to a school is always interesting. I am amazed at the number of items that are left on the school grounds and in the yards and common space in the area around the school. We have found backpacks, coats, bikes, skooters, shoes and sports equipment. My first thought is that someone was pulling prank or they were trying to steal something of value and dumped that which had little value. I know that when I have helped out at Overtime it is not uncommon to have a pile of stuff left behind from the meeting. It makes no sense to me, but often gives my a chuckle or leaves me scratching my head

Looking forward to a weekend of warm weather, theater productions, bike riding. some spring cleaning/organization along with ceiling fan repairs and some play-off pro football.

a meeting with the justice system

2012-01-18T17:38:00.000-06:00

Today, I had a meeting with the justice system. I think it has been over a year since my last visit, so I guess this is happening every other year that I have been cited for running a stop sign on my bike. I sometime understand the situation, but mostly do not, since I know that the police at one point in time were told to enfore the stop sign law at White Rock lake due to complaints of neighbors and runners.

My main issue today is that there is good evidence of a double standard. The police and the complainers what the cyclist to strictly obey every rule and yet they do not do it themselves. There is a running track around the entire lake and yet the runners choose to run in the street. I get it, because if I were a runner and when I was a runner I did the same thing. The problem is that running in the street is illegal, yet the police do not do anything about it.

I also often see people in cars tailing too close, passing too clost, rolling stop signs and not signalling. If we are all honest then we would all admit that we do not 100% of the time totally obey the rules. I know that in my car I will drive as fast as I think I can without being stopped. If I am on a side street and I can clearly see that no one is crossing or at the intersection, I will roll the stop sign. I don't go flying through it, but I do not come to a complete and 100% stop.

It all come down with living with grace and mercy. Give the other guy space and pass in a safe manner, proceed through an intersection in a safe and cautious manner. Consider others as more important and this big ole thing called life will go much smoother.

PS. Ditch the headphones!

Interstate Battery

2012-01-17T11:46:00.003-06:00

Another one bites the dust. My 4 year battery made it a good 2 years. Battery marketing is an interesting phenomenon. I guess we could be offended if you take battery life literally. I am not sure, that in the last 20 years I have ever had a battery out live its designated life. I am always changing them out before the expiration date. It is to the point where I never expect them to go more than about 3 years. The bad thing is that like my most recent experience, you never know when they have cranked their last crank. The little white car has been purring along perfectly and then all of the sudden all you get when you turn the key is that all too familiar clicking sound.

I have tried the Wal Mart brand, the Auto Zone brand and the Mechanic shop recommendation. This year in honor of Norm Miller and his tireless effort with ministry like "I am Second", the Extreme Days Movie, Celebrate Freedom and many other ministries I do not know about, I am bought an "Interstate Battery" from him via the shop. Thanks Norm, keep up the fight!

Near Perfect Weekend

2012-01-16T21:39:00.000-06:00

We had and nice weekend that included dinner with friends, dominoes, the “I am Second” book launch, Football, cycling, house projects and dinner with dad and Uncle Malcolm. I would call this my kind of weekend.

We have had great weather. I keep waiting for the other shoe to fall. Today for example the temperatures are going to be in the 70's with some clouds. The last several days it has been sunny with temperatures in the mid to upper 50s. I could stand to have the whole winter go this way, although we might need a good hard freeze to kill some bugs and weeds.

Oh yeah, I have weeds in part thanks to the mild weather, but also due to a new sprinkler system. I am looking forward to having grass, but in the mean time need to learn the schedule for per-emergent weed killer while keeping my St. Augustine growing.

One very interesting thing from the weekend was running to old friends at the “I am second” book launch. It was funny that on the way to the event, John and Bev were talking about this certain family, but we were not putting the names together, but once we saw and heard the names of the Curtis's we knew right away we had a history and low and behold it finally h it us that our boys used to play together in elementary school. The book launch was fun and enlightening and offered us the chance to tour a small portion of the Hope Center.

Thinking through pictures from the last several days, I was reminded how much I ritualized life in terms of prepping for the next day. It is a bad attribute for long term planning. My alarm continues to ring at the same time every day, I have my morning work-out bag in the same place, I have my cycling stuff hanging in the same area and almost every night I am making steal-cut oats before I go to bed. I am sure my repetitious lifestyle gets boring for everyone around me.

I also love to catch the sunrise and sunsets and logged in my first sunset for my Picture a day project.

One other thing about this past weekend, I think we completed the easiest electrical project in our history. It was so nice for something to come together so easily. We now have a nice bright hallway where you can find some old family photos and portraits.

Exchange and Me at 50

2012-01-13T16:49:00.002-06:00

The Exchange Club officially celebrated its 50^th birthday. We had a good turn out of former Presidents. It was probably about 80% of those still around to make the 7:00 am meeting. There were nice comments and a few stories from Bob Potts and Alan Walne. It hard to believe ECLH and I started in the same year. I am not sure what to think about that.

The rest of the day has been pretty mundane. We are still looking for Tenants and cleaning up files and working on year end accounting, 1099's and such. I have cleaned out a few files which feels nice, clean and organized. The sad thing for me is that we are facing the end of a Friday without anything on the Calendar for the weekend.

I should have some warm weather and some time for cycling, but that is about it.

Ups and Downs

2012-01-12T13:34:00.001-06:00

The year with me weighing 5 pounds more than on the 1st day of the year. That is a bummer for me. What is unexplainable is the fact that since that day, my weight has fluctuated 3 to 4 pounds every day. Hopefully soon, it will begin to decline on a regular basis. This is one reason why some weight loss programs do not want you weighing yourself daily, but for me it is and has been the best way to keep eating in check. I can't rely on the "how your clothes feel" method.

Men's Bible Study at PCBC started today. It is a 13 week look at Apologetics. I like thinking about and talking about these issues, but I am only slightly enthused about the study at this point in time. I rarely find myself in discussions with people about these types of issues and 30 minutes does not seem like enough time to really delve into the topics. I do see the value and know I will enjoy the study in the end.

stuck in neutral

2012-01-09T17:04:00.002-06:00

Our baby girl headed back to school today. It elicits a not so fun feeling. It was especially unsettling today because we have rain falling down and according to the weather experts it is lasting all day and extends from San Antonio to Dallas. She was ready to get back to her place, but not really ready to get back to the stress of school. I am sure the readiness is because it fun having your own place and as fun and comforting as home is, your place is "your place".

It leaves me wishing that we would have had more opportunities to sit and visit, but between celebrations and lots of running around, the opportunities got pushed aside. I am still amazed how quick the kid's high school and college experiences have gone by. It is crazy and there is no way to slow it down. We are about to start down hill on the college responsibilities. Very hard to believe. I keep hoping to have that feeling I had when she was starting her Sophomore year in HS. That fall life seemed so fresh, so new and so exciting. We were redoing our house from a water leak, real High School was beginning, Highlandettes was up and running, we had a new car, I was realatively thin had no blood clots, TB3 was graduating, KB was off to college. Life just seemed so be all out in front of us with hope and aspirations.

Contrary to that, this year in general seems stuck in neutral. The days are clicking by, but I do not know where the time from those days has gone.

We made a quick trip to Houston for a funeral. Little Caroline's broken body has been laid to rest, so now hopefully her mom and dad can experience some closure. We are praying for peace and wisdom to try to start their family her in the short future.

TB3 has great news. He will be working on a Disney project. How fun! What an answer to prayer for us and hopefully a testiment to him and the prayer support from his family and their friends in Big D.

January @ 55 degrees

2012-01-04T09:39:00.001-06:00

The year came in with some mild weather that has allowed me to ride both on the 1st and the 2nd. Sunny skies and 55 degrees make for some early riding in spite of my head cold.

We have also been enjoying some home made s'mores. Home mafe in terms of the graham cracker, the chocolate and the marshmallows thanks to the generosity of the Yorks.

Men's bible study has cranked up as well. We are in are same ole digs but under a new name, JJ's Breakfast & Lunch..

New Beginings

2012-01-02T12:20:00.000-06:00

You don't real get “do overs” in life, but with the start of a new year you do get a chance to start over on plans and goals. Actually, "His mercy's are new every morning", so we really restart each day. I am one who likes to look back and try to figure out what things I can do to make me and the new year better. I have grabbed on to the definition of Insanity form Albert Einstein: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. If I can make a few changes, then maybe I can have some new outcomes.

My system has been to look at life in terms of Spirit, Family, Work and Me. The bible says to make a plan and let God direct your steps, this has been my mantra as the year begins. My Test:,

Are you closer or further from God? This in my mind with a good year in knowing God better and being closer to him (Actually, as a Christian you do not get closer or further, but your conscience awareness of Him and is involvement in your life is better or worse)
Are you closer or further from your wife and family? This is an area that I feel good about the year, but see as an area for a lot of improvement.
Are you increasing your income or decreasing in income? In spite of the economy I think I have faired better than many. This is always an area that is far below my desires and expectation.
Are you more healthy or less healthy? I am probably fine here in terms in internal health, but I know for the last two years my weight has been on the upswing and not on a down swing or stability. What I am doing is going OK, but not really well.

I am not sure what to stick a couple of random things in my four categories: Household-Hunting-Learning-Photography-Trips. These seem to be more in just personal growth and enjoyment. These items are: A picture a day * A new tree and expanded drive-way * Reading * Excursions * Purchases

The last thing that currently comes to mind is my Journalling. I actually have been journalling since High School where I have to credit Mrs. Passmore for putting the idea I my head. Being a hard core low “C” student in terms of “English and writing”, this was a good way to learn how to put thoughts and words on paper. I continued this through college and life and have made it a part of my spiritual journey from keeping prayer journals to just expressing life. Most if not all of these journals have been tossed aside after reading them a year or two after the fact.

A significant event in my life that moved my journalling from pen, paper, notebooks and “word” documents to a blog format was a cycling accident by Paul Jerde. He was hit by a car while cycling home from a child’s birthday party of a family friend. His friends and family began documenting his recovery via a blog. That was the first one I had read and one a still check to this day.

I did not and did not know Paul well, but he attended “spin class” on a pretty regular basis. Spin class bike assignments are a lot like church pews and classrooms. Spinners walk into the room and go to the same bike day in and day out, if the bike is available. I am all in with this, I go to the same spot if I can. I am in the front and to the right of center. Funny, I just realize I sit in this spot at church and movies. This spot gives you a place where you are not staring at a person in front of you, have a good line of sight to the front of the room but are not being the ““front-and-center.” of everything. Paul was a guy who sat behind me. We spoke on an occasion, but never really had much conversation, typical of me and exercise and I although I did not know him well his accident was significant.

Paul was involved in a cycling accident on Mockingbird Lane and this really caught my attention, because once the City of Dallas removed road dividers on the cycling lane, riding on Mockingbird had become a little scary because of the speed of traffic and the angry nature of drivers toward cyclist. One Saturday, within a hour of so of riding the Mockingbird bridge myself, Paul was hit my a driver who was in a hurry.

I enjoyed this medium of expressions and really liked the ability to add photos to my thoughts and thus I began a blogging adventure. Blogging was further enhanced when I survived a massive DVT in the fall of 2008 and then my decision to take a picture a day for a year.

Just as in the past I have tossed out old journals and started new, this is what is happening now.........

2012

2012-01-01T09:52:00.001-06:00

We brought the new year with old friends over a meal of fajitas and games of 42. Thanks to the Cox for being great host and will to time the time and effort to have a huge group over for donner and festivities.

I am having trouble solidifying my New Years resolutions. I have a good idea of where I want to head, but I am not sure what are the best steps to get there. I am reminded of the phrase.."the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results." I have found that it is not necessarily big steps to make change but just a few little steps. My experience for some success at weight loss has been as simple as keeping a food journal.

BIg Picture

Know and Love God better-
Be a better Husband and Father-
Increase my income by at least Ten (10%) Percent-
Be lighter and Healthier-
Be a Better Friend and Influencer-

The question is what are the little steps and changes I need to make?

End of 2011

2011-12-31T19:22:00.000-06:00

I am finishing up the year with a head cold and sinus drainage, but that did not keep me from catching the final sun down on the year 2011. I am looking forward to what the new has to hold.

Post Christmas Pre New Years

2011-12-30T07:22:00.004-06:00

We are in the lull of the end of a year. A lull because in many years we have been off on some type of adventure, but not this year. We are home with family enjoy the waining days of 2011.

A huge highlight of the season was having our out-of-town son in for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. I hope this continues for many more years, but I am not sure we can bank on this. It was nice of our middle son to stay Christmas Eve with us so that we were one big happy family on Christmas Day. This year is an off year for two of my sisters who are splitting time with family outside of Dallas and the State, thus we had dad over for breakfast and the celebration as well as gift opening.

We had our traditional meals and time together and since we were few in number this meant a movie after Christmas lunch. This year it was Sherlock Holmes. An enjoyable film with the typical attributes from the 1st film. Over the week we also took in the new Mission Impossible which, like Sherlock was fun and entertaining. We caught it on imax which always makes for a good movie experience.

We ended the time with TB3 with a nice lunch at the Meddlesome Moth and a quick tour of the new Omni Hotel. Lunch was wonderful. The digs are comfortable, historic and cozy and the food was very flavorful. The Omni really did not do anything for me. It is very modern and in my mind did not "Wow" me at all. Everything was nice and I know it would be fun to stay there and try it out one day, but the "wow factor" was not there

Generations

2011-12-22T09:08:00.002-06:00

Three generations! It is amazing how we can populate. There are 16 grand-kids/great grand-kids on just one side of our family and five of the grand-kids are not married yet. If were were to have all of our immediate family over to the house there would be 48 of us. Luckily we are split into two families or Christmas Celebrations would be crazy. This is a year where we are spread thin with some families traveling to see family out of town. It will be interesting to see who all is ultimately around on Christmas Eve and day. I am looking forward to it all.

Ginger Snap Bakers

2011-12-21T11:54:00.003-06:00

Kitchen Goodness. Mom and daughter whipping up not one, not two, but three different recipes of what is to be the ultimate ginger/molasses cookies. It will make for some fun conversation on Christmas Day.

I did my taste taste and they are all fairly different, but all with a blast of ginger and cinnamon to your taste buds.

Other baking included Toffee, Peppermint Bark and chocolate dipped pretzels. I'm gonna need to get some extra time in at the gym!