Christmas cards

We received some very nice Christmas cards this year.  It was nice to send and receive cards from old friends who I have lost touch with over the years.

Cookies

Is there a better snack food than the cookie? I think not.  I was contemplating this question as I was sampling several cookie varieties that Mary,the girls, and friends made during the annual cookie bake extravaganza.  This used to be 1 day years ago. Now it is 3 full days of baking and 5 days if you count the dough preparation time.
Over my 40 plus years of cookie experience, I have seldom found a cookie I did not like no matter the variety.  It always seems to satisfy especially in 3's. Cookies of some kind can usually fill any snack need.

Bird Friends

Our bird feeder brings us in close quarters with some interesting birds.  It is really cool to see them up close in our backyard.  This is a pretty Stellar Jay.

Harp Buddy?

I went to see harmonica great Lee Oskar last Thursday with my co-worker Brian Hall.It was nice to meet Lee. Brian bought a C harp and has been messing around with it ever since. I guess he's learned jingle bells and silent night and became a home hero.
Maybe I have a harp buddy to trade riffs with. He is enjoying it and I hope he sticks with it. Its easy to carry and easy to get started but as I discovered, it takes a while to master.

Shopping at Costco

Shopping with 8 inch stiletto heels at Costco? Really?

Lee Oskar

Me with Lee Oskar

Lee Oskar

I met Lee Oskar, the fabulous harmonica player, tonight. I bought one of his harps which he engraved for me. Really cool guy and took time with everyone who was waiting. Thanks to Brian Hall for finding out about this.

What do you want for Christmas?

I was asked the question above this year and I could not come up with anything that I really wanted besides the usual, new luxury car, new house.  Nothing that someone could reasonably afford as a gift to put under the tree.  Of course I could use socks or undershirts but that doesn't sound very exciting for a potential gift giver. 

When I was a kid, my dad used to say the same thing which I thought was unbelievable.  I as I get older, I either have all the 'toys' I wanted or had them with no desire for more.  I have also found that my life has become simplified.  My longterm interests of reading, music, and sports are all covered. I have enough new books to read for the next 4 years.  My harmonica collection and instructional information are enough to keep me learning for a lifetime.   My love for sports is fed by the overabundance of sports on TV and fantasy sports so that is covered.  My family is most satisfying to me with their love so I feel I lack very little.

 

Thus there is not a whole lot more that I feel I need or want to have a Merry Christmas.  I would be most happy if the ones I love enjoy their time and share it with me.

Water

Water is powerful.  With enough of it, it can carve mountains.  I hope the rain eases off soon here.

Story line

It was a dark and rainy night...typical Seattle winter. 

More time off

A slight miscalculation means I have to take more time off for the holidays.  I do what I have to do.

Mike Vick Screensaver

I got this from Michael Vick's tweet. Pretty cool.

How the brain works

I find it fascinating that your brain can figure out exactly where you will step and will adjust your steps to avoid something you don't want to step on.  This happens several steps ahead and in the blink of an eye...amazing!

Inside a lighthouse

Taken in a lighthouse on the Oregon coast.

How much technology is too much? Can we even figure that out without advanced technology?

Zipper Use

I have yet to understand why some guys have to undo their belt and pants to urinate.  Have they not learned the real reason for the zipper? It's not something you ask while in the mens room.

Driving with phones

There is some thought to render phones inoperable while cars are in operation.  Based on cell use and utility, this is kind of scary especially if you have a legitimate breakdown and need help.