Holiday Weekend Update (feels like a weekend to me)....went to South Bend. Smooth sailing in and out. Spent a whopping 2.5 hrs. with the in-laws, cozy together in Merle's single wide. Came home to a nap, got fruit sliced for tomorrow's salad, called my aunt for a chat, and got the bills paid. Not bad a'tall. Lots of time left for a bath, a movie, and nails -- in that order.

It's early morning, Christmas Eve. Just checking the weather to determine if the forecast is dismal enough (please, please, please....) to keep us home today. I'll even get my bills paid today if I can just stay home...

Had a very productive day yesterday. Finished laundry, colored my hair, prepared food, picked up a few more groceries in the blizzard, visited my buddy Jack, napped, watched a couple of movies, AND -- got all the gifts wrapped -- yeeha! Went for a ride last night into Saugatuck to see the lights. Rather difficult to do, considering the blizzard. Not much happening down there. Tree-cutting and power management crews out everywhere. I could see dark patches around town where power was missing.

Decision time....head to South Bend for the day or stay home....if we're leaving, I gotta finish my pita Christmas trees.....

I'm perfectly 'OK' with 50 mph winds that may bring the blizzard from hell, thus keeping me home from my MIL's tomorrow -- oh, darn. However, I don't think it's worth losing my fence. I woke up this morning to the western most section resting in the lilacs, and the next section ready to give up. 4 new fence posts are toast.

On another note, I'm praying that the blizzard holds off until later tonight. There is a 5:00P flight toward Norfolk, Virgina that absolutely MUST make it out of Grand Rapids tonight with Jim P. on board. It's been too long since he's seen his family. Prayers offered and fingers are crossed that this flight safely departs on time!

Gift wrap supervisor...

Don't they look mellow....NOT! The only item under my tree this Christmas is Chaos' empty food dish -- a hint that she's hungry. The plastic baggies of gifts crammed into every nook and cranny of my closet are oozing out, begging to be wrapped. When I finally do accomplish this task, the festively wrapped packages will find a home in the loft. Puppy will eat absolutely anything that either hits the floor or appears to be close enough for a leap.















Had a lovely evening last night at The Felt Estate. 'Music at the Mansion' included 'Tarnished Brass' in the first floor parlor; 'Archive' in the second floor master bedroom; and 'Indacoda Blue' in the third floor ballroom. Every window in the mansion was lit with candles, every room was decorated with a Christmas tree, and the renovation has been, and continues to be, quite extensive. Nick has been involved in the restoration of the fountain, and has also spent the last several months painting the interior.

I failed to take my camera last night and was quite surprised to find that the Township allows photographs. Thus, a poor cellphone photo of the boys doing acoustic in the ballroom.












I think every bedroom has a tiled bathroom. Beautiful color schemes throughout, and they're decorated for the holiday too. Another bad cellphone photo.






I have lived many years in or around Laketown Township. I've been to this lovely home so many times but have never taken the opportunity to tour. It is definitely worth it. Lots left to do but so much has been accomplished.

FunkyC, I love the video. I look forward to more of the late night ramblings....you're much more entertaining than you realize.

I don't do winter well. Way too cold and dismal for me. Considering the wet, icky view outside my window today, I dug into the summer vacation archives.

Lake Superior, near Marquette

Chaos is always in motion. A bowl keeps her entertained. Watching her with a bowl keeps me entertained.