IT"S OVER......TILL NEXT YEAR !

Christmas morning here on the ridge dawned bright and clear, but the temps were just above freezing.
I was glad to see that it was clear, so that the kids that got new bikes, and outdoor whutzits could enjoy them.

I was raised in S.W. Michigan, the land of lake effect snow. I can recall that one year I wanted a new sled for Christmas. My old one was a hand me down, and the nails on the seat would rip the seat of your pants pretty good. Well, I got one, but that was the only year I can remember, that we did not have snow and what was there, was patchy. The paint on the runners, until it was worn off, slowed the sled down to a snails pace. Sliding on the patches was not bad until you hit the dirt, then every thing came to an abrupt stop, including yourself!

A few weeks ago, I was explaining to my Tennessee grand kids, what I did in the winter time in Michigan when I was a kid. I mentioned that a toboggan, on a long hill was a great ride. They both looked at me like I was nuts! Quickly, I realized that a toboggan, here in Tennessee is a wool, pull over cap! I also told them about walking a mile through the snow to go to school, but I could see the B.S. alarm was about to go off, so we changed the subject!

Sometime between now and the first of the year, we have to pack up what Christmas stuff we put out, and get it back out to the plunder house. Thank goodness, we did not go over the edge like several of the neighbors, boy have they got a job ahead of them!

This morning we had to go to Wally*World for a few items. The place really looked picked over.
There were people snatching up wrapping paper by the basket full. I was thinking that they are pretty optimistic, that next year they will have something to wrap, with the economy and job situation going down hill the way it is. Who knows what surprises lie in store for us?

Well, it's over. The best part was being with family. They are all well, and doing fine, what more could an old man ask for!

Windy on the Ridge.

Another Sunday has rolled around. Today is cold, overcast and windy. A good day for a hot cup of coffee and flying my recliner. The wife is nose deep in a good book, so she is happy. We have the TV on just background music, must of which sounds like some poor lonesome American Indian, in the woods hoping to attract a squaw with is dole full music. The bills are paid and the pantry is full. It just doesn't get any better than this. (At the moment!)

I sure am having a hard time getting into the Christmas spending spirit this year. Since we elected not to put up our Christmas tree this year. I was feeling a little like Scrooge, so we bought a small table top pre-lit
tree at Wally*World. The rest of the house is decorated with the wife's collection of snow men, so it kinda looks like Christmas around here, but for some reason, I'm just not into it. Maybe, the older we get, Holidays are not as exciting as they used to be when the kids were small.

The past week has been full of more dental appointments, and more to come. I also wedged in a trip to the lab for blood work to be completed for next weeks doctor appointment. I ate like a hog over Thanksgiving, so the A1-c, and blood sugar levels will be high I know. This leads to a lecture from both doctor and wife.
More "Shame on me's" coming for sure!

Yesterday, we received our notice of the increase in our S.S. benefits, boy, just don't know how I am going to manage that 1.5% increase. What a wind fall! Now I can buy TWO cans of spam. I guess I should not complain too much as there are a lot of families struggling right now. Some I truly have compassion for, others, not so much.

Last week was gun cleaning time. The Ruger LCP, that I carry in my jeans pocket had a lint plug in it. I'm glad I didn't need it, for the lint plug could have created a problem. I need to keep an eye on it.
In the summer, I use a belt holster for that gun as I can wear my shirts on the outside. The rest of the arsenal
looked good. I still have not fired any of the bear loads through the 870 Wingmaster. I'm pretty sure they will destroy a door if need be.

If the weather we have had of late, is a prelude to the rest of winter, boy, it's gonna be a humdinger!
Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.