...and Mason was his name-O

Let any doubt you once had regarding the playing of B-I-N-G-O and those who master it be laid to rest, for this picture says it all. That's right, folks...this is Mason, with six - I'll say it again, SIX cards he is working at once. This after-dinner family tradition has been taken to the next level.

Now if we could just do something about those prizes...

Merry Christmas

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given:
and the government shall be upon his shoulder:
and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor,
The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."

Isaiah 9:6

Christmas Trivia

Our office Christmas party was today at lunch time. We had ate a lot of great food, played Christmas Bingo, exchanged gifts and, of course...trivia! Can you answer any of the following questions?

1. What song contains the phrase "Oh by gosh by golly?"
2. Arguably, what is the horse's name in "Jingle Bells?"
3. In Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol, what dressing does Tiny Tim sing about: turkey or razzleberry?
4. Does Santa have freckles?
5. What does the nutcracker become after killing the Mouse King?
6. In what state does most of White Christmas take place: Vermont or New York?
7. In Frosty the Snowman, what mode of transportation do Frosty and Karen use: sleigh or train?
8. In Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, what was the name of the narrator/snowman?
9. What movie's main characters were Fred Gayley, Doris Walker, and Kris Kringle?
10. What real-estate tycoon appeared as himself in Home Alone 2?
11. In It's A Wonderful Life, what was Clarence's profession before he died?
12. Who is the ruler of the Kingdom of Sweets?
13. Who was President during Christmas 1974?
14. In It's A Wonderful Life, what did George and his friends use as sleds: shovels or crates?
15. What two department stores are featured in Miracle on 34th Street?

The answers:
1. Mistletoe and Holly
2. Bob (...bells on bob-tail ring, making spirit's bright...)
3. Razzleberry Dressing
4. No
5. A Handsome Prince
6. Vermont
7. A train
8. Sam
9. Miracle on 34th Street
10. Donald Trump
11. A clock maker
12. Sugar Plum Fairies
13. Gerald Ford
14. Shovels
15. Macy's and Gimbals

Directionally Challenged

AS much as I have tried to avoid using the term "directionally challenged," it now seems to be inevitable when describing myself. With all of the one-way streets around my office building, there are days when I circle around said building multiple times before I can get to where I need to be. Last night was a Christmas party at my boss' house in Clinton. Although people offered to take me, I said, "Oh no. I have a map from Linda (the boss). No worries." Did I have trouble finding her house? Of course I did! I drove around Clinton for what seemed to be 30 minutes! Maybe I should ask Santa to bring me a map for Christmas...?

Christmastime at the Office

Personally, I rather enjoy Christmas decorations. I like to decorate for Christmas and play and sing along to Christmas songs. But I never thought one could "over-do" any of this. I was wrong. At my new job, the office has gone from tasteful Christmas, and it is now turning the corner and heading towards "gaudy!" There are fake poinsettias everywhere! Lots of garland and multiple stockings on everyone's desk. MANY snowmen and Santa's covering almost every surface. At first I was surprised to see more decorations appear each day. Now, I am only surprised that someone, somewhere is manufacturing that many different Christmas and winter decorations. And trust me...if it cannot be bought, it has been handmade! I will probably need a map to navigate my way back to my own desk before Christmas Eve!

Stuck at home...

Well, last night's ice storm has left us all stuck at home! The roads are so bad around our house, that my Dad decided we could not even make it to church today. (This gives you an idea of just how bad those roads are.) Luckily, we have not lost any power, so we still have heat, water, food, and of course, I can still scrapbook! Whew! Bruno is making it through this storm okay. He was careful to walk outside, avoiding his typical running out of the door like a maniac moves. (Mom and I were a little disappointed by this, as we were waiting to watch him slide around...hehehehe.) Ah...country living!

Driving Downtown

Thus far, the one thing I absolutely hate about my new job is the drive at the end of the day as I head home. Downtown Bloomington has one of the worst systems I have ever seen! There are so many one way streets that it is just disgusting! The traffic at the end of the day is worse than the traffic I encountered in downtown Chicago! Although there are usually three or four lanes, plus an additional one to two lanes for turning, it is almost impossible to navigate around with the traffic pattern. By the end of the day, I am too tired to be aggressive, so I attempt to plan ahead, and turn into the lane I know I will need in advance. But can one really plan ahead that many miles in advance?!? I think not.

Volunteering

I have been a volunteer for Hospice since the beginning of October. I helped out during a grief camp for children and teens during the first weekend in October. It was nice. Recently, I have completed my training and I have taken on two patients. They are both nice, interesting and enjoyable to be with. Each one is different, but they also each have many things to share, and I am learning a lot!

http://www.nhpco.org/

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Grandma!

You would have been 78 years old today!

Miss you and love you oh so much!