Merry Christmas

Mrs. Claus, Mary, Bruno and Santa

Hardy's Reindeer Ranch

For the first time, I went to Hardy's Reindeer Ranch in Rantoul. I took my youngest sister Sarah (whom can never pass up an opportunity to see the reindeer), and Olivia (whom just took a fieldtrip to the Reindeer Ranch yesterday).

I checked the website for their hours of operation. We planned to "beat the crowd" and arrive at 10am, right when they opened up for business. We pulled in at 9:58am and the place looked empty. After a few minutes pondering whether or not we should sneak away or attempt to go into one of the buildings, Miss Olivia decided we should "just go in already!"

Their very friendly dog, Dakota met us as we headed into a cute little country store. We were then welcomed by a couple of staff members, thus confirming once and for all that the ranch was indeed, open for business.

We enjoyed the Christmas decorations, tasted some hot apple cider (that was actually luke-warm at best), and perused the gift shop.

Olivia chose to purchase a sticky, stretchy, pink snake for $3.99. Most likely you could get a similar toy at the Dollar Store.

She did take some time out from her shopping to pose for a quick photo on top of this saddled reindeer.

The Reindeer had some pretty amazing antlers.

Very cool.

The youngest reindeer....I think her name is Daisy.

And what did Sarah find inside the store?

Hehehehe.........anyone in need of a good hot sauce???

...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

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!