Wrapping Up Christmas

Let's get this thing down. It's blocking my view.

Last night I was taking down the tree and taking a last look at all the ornaments. We hung some big, delicate animals that Gwen and Joe gave us over the years, soft felt ornaments from my childhood tree that my dad sent me, some hand-made concoctions I made dedicated to various events in our life together and finally, the dog's favorite ornament - a wooden replica of the Vashon ferry given to us by Karen. I often find this ornament on the floor or on a dog bed - note the chew marks.

          

Dog ornament from Gwen & Joe

Felt bell from Beth's childhood

First date ornament

Well-loved Vashon ferry

The ornaments made me realize that we really couldn't have celebrated such a nice Christmas without the love and support of our families. Making the move to northern Wisconsin was a big, scary decision and a huge change.  Pete and I both really appreciate all the help, support and good wishes that our friends and families have sent our way over the past six months.

   

Asher says, "Keep the dog jerky coming

and the blankies."

We didn't spend Christmas in California, but we thought about the great time we had last year and the fun we had over Thanksgiving. We're both thinking of Gwen and hope she feels better and gets a clean bill of health from the doctor. Thanks for Costco care packages, Pete's warm work boots and the bread making equipment.  We will have great native plants in the spring thanks to your generous gift certificate for Stoney Creek Nursery.

Christmas in Van Nuys 2009

Christmas shopping
with Gwen - Grrrr

Pete had to stay home and work, but I celebrated my father's 75th Christmas with him in Milwaukee along with Karen and Mary. Dad beautifully decorated four Christmas trees and put up lots of outdoor holiday lights.

Main tree

Sun room tree

Library tree

We celebrated on Christmas eve with hors d'oeuvres in front of the fire and then a lobster dinner followed by OPENING PRESENTS. The Northwoods larder was a big beneficiary with gifts of grocery store trips, special olive oil, tahini and a Fruit of the Month membership. We also received snowshoes, X-country ski lessons, a maple syrup making kit, beer making supplies, and lots of books on country living.

The fire was crackling,

the lobsters
were steaming,

and we celebrated.

Jere, Karen and Mary

After Christmas in Milwaukee I drove back up to Mercer where Pete and I celebrated a late Christmas with the dogs. We were fortunate to be able to share the holiday with someone in need. A little seven month old Weimaraner named Aja needed our help while her owners decided what to do with her. She was a welcome addition to our pack and enjoyed sharing all the new dog toys. The dogs loved all their gifts - balls, bones, a heated bed, winter paw boots and three wonderfully warm, bright red jackets.

Asher spots a ball under the tree

"It must be for me."

Pete helped the dogs
unwrap their dog bed

Aja liked all the
pretty paper

"Was that everything?"

"Okay, now let's play."

We had a wonderful Christmas. Thank you for all of the great gifts. Aja's owners worked things out and decided to keep her. They just needed some support and advice on how to handle an energetic Weimaraner. We are looking forward to lots of doggie play dates in the future.

We'll be thinking of friends and family throughout the year as we use and refer to all of the gifts you generously bestowed upon us. Our Northwoods life seems to require lots of new gadgets, gear, information as well as the importation of "rare" foods. Thanks again for your understanding, support and thoughtfulness.  We'll keep you informed of our adventures right here on the blog.

With that Christmas tree down
I have a much better view of the birds.
You have to keep a close eye on them.

Rose Bowl Regrets

It's Rose Bowl Day

Happy New Year!  We got up and had a little Racine Danish Kringle to celebrate the first day of 2011 and Rose Bowl Day.  Pete made the mistake of asking for more almond strudel. WHAT?! Kringle is not strudel. First, strudel is German, or Hungarian or Austrian and Kringle is Danish. The Racine Danish Kringle company tells us that "Kringles are Danish pastries that are unique among baked goods. Danish immigrant bakers introduced Kringles to Racine and Southeast Wisconsin in the late 1880’s." (http://www.kringle.com/about/index.lasso) Secondly, strudel dough is thin, but sort of dry and crusty;  kringle is a light, buttery pastry filled (like strudel) with fruit, nuts or in this case almond paste. Thirdly, Scandinavians rule!

Danish Floribunda Rose at Descanso Gardens, CA last May

We watched the Rose Parade and remembered warmer days in California. Our thermometer read 6 degrees, but the wind chill factor made it feel like -12.  We would have been very content with the 40 degree weather of Pasadena. We had to trick the dogs into going outside.

Hey, there's no parade out here!

I have to be honest and say that I have not been following the Badgers. I have been so busy trying to help the Packers that I haven't given much thought to Wisconsin.  I am embarrassed to admit that the only Badger paraphernalia in the house is the T-shirt I am wearing. Pete doesn't have anything and the dogs don't even have bandanas. Asher and Madde Jo took turns wearing a chewed up, red, dog blankie. I think this might have been part of Wisconsin's problem.

Trying to get the dogs enthused about the game

Pete had to work swing shift, so the dogs and I prepared for the game and hoped for the best. The best didn't happen. TCU 21 Wisconsin 19. It looked like we might tie the game with two minutes left, but then TCU's Tank Carder knocked away the Badgers 2-point conversion pass attempt. ARRGH!

Pete left us in charge of a win

Gracie politely chewed
her bone during 1st Qtr

Maddie enjoyed listening
to the band during half-time

Maddie Jo and Gracie
were uncomfortable with 3rd Qtr

They couldn't watch
the 4th Qtr.

  

Asher listened to TCU
fans celebrate

Well, next year we will be more supportive of the Badgers. Pete will get a shirt and the dogs will have team bandanas that will not be torn and tattered. We will watch the games and make Bucky proud.