Monthly Archives: December 2009

It’s colder than a …

hot_cocoa

It’s cold … so very, very cold.  Although, this morning is a bit of a heat wave.  Yesterday morning was -6F, this morning, it’s a whopping 1 degree.  For those of you basking in warm climates, here’s how it goes down:  First of all, you go outside and your nose instantly freezes together.  It’s unnerving to say the least.  Your fingers and toes go through stages:  first, the painful stage.  This is where it feels as though someone is stabbing you with an ice pick or something.  The second stage is a bit of a dull ache … then blessed numbness.  This all takes awhile mind you.   And your legs seem to freeze on contact.  One minute you’re young and spry, the next minute your legs are stiff as a pole and you’re looking around for a cane. 

For those of you who reside in colder climates, I’m so, so sorry. 

I said all this to say, I had to be out in such weather early this morning.  Since it took approximately an hour to chisel the ice off my car windows I decided to reward myself with (what else) McDonald’s.  AND, since the orange juice machine was on the fritz, I ordered the next best thing: hot cocoa.  Have you tried the McCafe hot chocolate?  Oh my.  This may sound sacrilege, but I haven’t had hot cocoa that good since I was visiting Denmark.  Creamy, chocolaty goodness in a cup.  Sigh. 

It almost made the frigid temps worthwhile.  Almost.

A hope for the future

snow2

This morning, as I sit here sipping my eggnog latte, the snow falls gently to the ground.  It’s a dry snow, mind you - good for those who must play the role of grownup and shovel walks and driveways, not so good for the building of snowmen.  But it’s snow all the same.  Even though it’s not set to last, I like to think there’s hope for a white Christmas. 

Of course, snow or no, weekends remain filled with festivities.  I baked Gateau Mousse au Chocolat for a party on Saturday.  The chocolately goodness was more than this girl could take.  Which, considering the recipe calls for a pound of chocolate, a pound of butter, and eight eggs, it’s probably a good thing (and I wonder why I can’t lose those pesky pounds). 

At that very party was a certain teenager.  She’s the granddaughter of a friend – and this is the second time she’s joined us.  Us being the the Medieval Society.  We’re a hodge-podge of intellects, backgrounds, and personalities all tied together by the intrigue of the middle ages.  I know a lot of adults who would not dare to darken the door of such a gathering.  But she’s joined us twice.  And I do mean join.  There’s nary a glare, nary an eyeroll or endless text.  

I must admit, this is not what I would expect.  The fact is, younger generations get a bad rap.  I’m as guilty as anyone in believing it.  We see one bad egg and we’re ready to throw out the whole carton.  But Saturday, as I watched my friend’s granddaughter, I realized I know more kids who are great individuals, than those who are bad – or even mediocre.  So that future we fret and worry over?  I do believe it will be handed over to capable hands …

The rest of the story…

I attribute many things to my love of a good story.   My grandma, who was a school teacher … living out in the middle of nowwhere during my formative years … being allowed to believe in Santa … a mom who encouraged imagination … and Paul Harvey.  That’s right, Paul Harvey.  I loved hearing his stories on the radio.  And did you know it all began this day, December 3rd, 1950?!  

In honor of this occasion, let’s take a trip back in time.  Let’s grab ourselves some hot cocoa, gather around the “radio”, and listen to “The Rest of the Story” …  

  

Just add snow…

snowman_kit

If you would  like to know, I’m finally done celebrating my birth for the year.  Saturday marked my last party – and it was a fantabulous note on which to end.  Among my gifts: a snowman kit.  My friends Kristi and Theresa, clever girls that they are, gathered together all the makings of a snowman – I need only add snow. 

Now, if only the snow would fall.

Good thing the carrot’s plastic.  The rate we’re going, that would be one shriveled schnoz by the time I get to use it.  With that …