Well, Thanksgiving has came & gone, and with it has come the start of the holiday season. Christmas, New Years, friends & family, the joy of the holidays - - - - - yeah,RIGHT!
First off, there is Black Friday. Getting up at 2:00 in the morning to get to the stores and try to get that Special Purchase - along with thousands of other people, most of them after the same thing (or things) you are. Crowds, pushing, fights, cold temperatures and hot tempers - all for that "Special Purchase". Is it worth it? I used to say "yes it was", but not any more. We haven't been to a Black Friday event in YEARS. But even when we went, we did it a little differently than other people.
When we went to a store for a Black Friday special, we weren't always looking for that "hot seller" (usually stereos, TVs, or Computers, etc.) No - we went looking for the Propane Turkey Fryer, or something similar, so that's where we went first. Then, after the crowds died down, we walked calmly over to Electronics and, wonder of wonders, they still had a pallate and a half of that Special Sale Item, and we got one (or two) anyway. By doing this, we missed out on the fights, the pushing & shoving, and the ensuing police action (yes, arrests were made). And we still got that "Special" deal.
Now one time, we did luck out - we went to a store that had a special on a stereo system, and we wanted two. We were standing in line outside the front door, and could see a large stack of boxes over in the women's wear department. It sure looked like stereo systems to me. The door opened - and EVERYONE ran towards the Electronics Department (except for about a half dozen of us that had noticed the boxes) to get their stereo. Now Electronics was in the far back of the store, so it took the rushing throng a couple of minutes to get there. We in the meantime walked over to the stack of boxes we saw, and lo & behold there were the stereos we wanted. So we got our two and slowly walked to the cashier. As we were checking out, here came the mad dash of people from Electronics, heading for the stack of stereos in the Ladies Wear Department. We just LOVED it!!!
But like I said, we haven't gone out in Years. Many stores are now even open on Thanksgiving Day, so we can usually get a good deal on what we want then, and avoid the Black Friday throng. Plus we can order online at most stores, and pick it up in the store at our leisure, and still get Black Friday prices.
Well it's done - but now it's Cyber Monday - the day for everyone to go online and shop. So what do we do - go to the stores and shop there. Many of the "Cyber Monday" items are available in the stores, so again the throng is missed. I bet that there are a lot of you that can't get on your favorite site, cause the Web is so overloaded right now - - -
And the trend continues all the way thru Christmas & New Years - buy, buy, buy - shop, shop, shop. But not us. For the past few years, we have made our Christmas presents. The joy that we have found is in the friendship, camaraderie, and togetherness that can happen during this time, if you just let it.
I think it's time that we all go back to the "roots" of Christmas - the love of friends, family, and Christ. The togetherness and happiness that can occur during this time is just beautiful, if you let it happen "naturally". You don't need thousands of dollars in presents to make a Merry Christmas, just togetherness.
Think about it.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving
Greetings everyone!
Here's wishing everyone a safe & happy Thanksgiving Day. I hope everyone enjoys this time with friends & family.
Thanksgiving's the time in November each year
When our thoughts about food seem to richen,
When turkey and dressing and other good stuff
Is being prepared in the kitchen.
But the stores did their homework way in advance;
They know what your real needs will be;
They know you'll come shoppng to buy up their best,
And those sharing your feast will soon see.
You're the best cook in town, a peerless gourmet,
The turkey, dessert and the wine;
And your secret's secure that this feast was all made
By your grocery, and they sure did it fine!
Here's wishing everyone a safe & happy Thanksgiving Day. I hope everyone enjoys this time with friends & family.
Thanksgiving's the time in November each year
When our thoughts about food seem to richen,
When turkey and dressing and other good stuff
Is being prepared in the kitchen.
But the stores did their homework way in advance;
They know what your real needs will be;
They know you'll come shoppng to buy up their best,
And those sharing your feast will soon see.
You're the best cook in town, a peerless gourmet,
The turkey, dessert and the wine;
And your secret's secure that this feast was all made
By your grocery, and they sure did it fine!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
It's amazing what you can learn on TV
Hello everyone -
Now we have all heard how TV can "rot your brain" and other opinions. But I feel that TV can also be fun and even educational. It all depends on what you watch.
We have Cable TV. We get over 150 channels, including movie channels, On Demand & Pay-Per-View. And what do we watch? HGTV. Food TV. DIY. and all the other "how-to" channels & shows out there. And by watching these, I think my skills as a carpenter, painter, electrician, and even as a chef have dramatically improved over where they were, say, 10 years ago.
For example, we are remodeling our bathroom. We are doing it ourselves. And, at least so far, it is NOT turning into a remodeling disaster. All because of what we have learned on DIY and HGTV.
As far as cooking, we have learned a TON of wonderful recipes, and developed some new ideas & skills that we use in the kitchen. For example - ever heard of a grilled cheese & Jelly sandwich? Sounds kinda corny, but wait until you try it. It's AMAZING! And I now have my "Secret Spice" that I use when grilling our evening meals.
Out of all the channels we have, we have only 23 selected as our "favorites". And most of them are how-to channels, with a couple of exceptions. We watch Nickelodeon, Disney Channel, and Cartoon network.
Hey, we gotta get a little brain rot once in a while.
Now we have all heard how TV can "rot your brain" and other opinions. But I feel that TV can also be fun and even educational. It all depends on what you watch.
We have Cable TV. We get over 150 channels, including movie channels, On Demand & Pay-Per-View. And what do we watch? HGTV. Food TV. DIY. and all the other "how-to" channels & shows out there. And by watching these, I think my skills as a carpenter, painter, electrician, and even as a chef have dramatically improved over where they were, say, 10 years ago.
For example, we are remodeling our bathroom. We are doing it ourselves. And, at least so far, it is NOT turning into a remodeling disaster. All because of what we have learned on DIY and HGTV.
As far as cooking, we have learned a TON of wonderful recipes, and developed some new ideas & skills that we use in the kitchen. For example - ever heard of a grilled cheese & Jelly sandwich? Sounds kinda corny, but wait until you try it. It's AMAZING! And I now have my "Secret Spice" that I use when grilling our evening meals.
Out of all the channels we have, we have only 23 selected as our "favorites". And most of them are how-to channels, with a couple of exceptions. We watch Nickelodeon, Disney Channel, and Cartoon network.
Hey, we gotta get a little brain rot once in a while.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Sheeee's BAAAACK!
You all have read my last post - where Mother Nature had a field day here. Well, she's at it again. On Monday, the temps were in the 70's, and it was a beautiful day. We have been having nice weather for a while now, and except for the last tantrum that Ma Nature had, the weather has been great. One of my neighbors actually had some flowers in her flower bed bloom!!
But now - temps in the 30s, lows in the teens and 20's and the wind was back again, and we were supposed to get snow. Record snowfalls all around us - - and what did we get here - a 6 Inch Rain (you know, a drop every 6 inches)!
But I digress - -
I have to say for the past few years we have been very lucky - nice summers (although sometimes a little hot), a long fall season, and mild winters. And for the last few years, a wet enough spring to fill the lakes, and make the Hills green! And I think that this winter will be close to the same. But soon - -
We are overdue here for a real South Dakota Winter - snowfall in early September, that stays until mid-May, and just keeps piling up - and up - and up! I think the last real winter we have had here was back in 1984 or 85 - blizzard-like conditions more often than not - 8 - 10 foot high drifts across the roads - being snowed in for days - I am sure many of you remember these winters, too. It's the type of winter South Dakota became known for.
Yep - - long overdue.
I guess I'm the type that doesn't like it when we get a snowfall of an inch or two, that usually melts away in a few days. If it's gonna snow, I would rather see it snow enough that the drifts are around waist-high, and it sticks around for a while. You know the kind - where you are "snowed in" for a day or two - schools close, and you are at home resting in your cozy living room, sipping hot cocoa, and enjoying the quiet (at least until the power goes out - but THAT'S another story!).
I don't think we will see this type of snow any time soon - but some day - - - -
But now - temps in the 30s, lows in the teens and 20's and the wind was back again, and we were supposed to get snow. Record snowfalls all around us - - and what did we get here - a 6 Inch Rain (you know, a drop every 6 inches)!
But I digress - -
I have to say for the past few years we have been very lucky - nice summers (although sometimes a little hot), a long fall season, and mild winters. And for the last few years, a wet enough spring to fill the lakes, and make the Hills green! And I think that this winter will be close to the same. But soon - -
We are overdue here for a real South Dakota Winter - snowfall in early September, that stays until mid-May, and just keeps piling up - and up - and up! I think the last real winter we have had here was back in 1984 or 85 - blizzard-like conditions more often than not - 8 - 10 foot high drifts across the roads - being snowed in for days - I am sure many of you remember these winters, too. It's the type of winter South Dakota became known for.
Yep - - long overdue.
I guess I'm the type that doesn't like it when we get a snowfall of an inch or two, that usually melts away in a few days. If it's gonna snow, I would rather see it snow enough that the drifts are around waist-high, and it sticks around for a while. You know the kind - where you are "snowed in" for a day or two - schools close, and you are at home resting in your cozy living room, sipping hot cocoa, and enjoying the quiet (at least until the power goes out - but THAT'S another story!).
I don't think we will see this type of snow any time soon - but some day - - - -
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Murphy's Law - - Part 2
Well, I believe I have a life that is severely influnced by Murphy & his laws - and here's why -
In my past blog I talked about Mother Nature and all her fury - well here is part 2 of the story.
A friend amd me went out in the yard and broke apart the old shed that the wind blew down, and hauled the scrap to the salvage yard. Imagine our suprize when we received $15.00 for the scrap! What a deal - at least it paid for lunch.
Not bad, right - a $15.00 windfall. BUT - here comes Murphy! I woke up the next morning and found that my truck had a flat tire! I took the other car to work, and when I got home, took the tire to the local shop to get fixed - and guess what?? Yep - $15,00! Shoot! There went my windfall.
You think that would be it, right? WRONG!! I had to haul the old scrap lumber to the dump. Now I'm thinking - $5.00 at the most for some scrap plywood and 2 X 4s. But Noooo - almost $9.00!!! Just goes to show you that you can't win 'em all - and when you do, watch out for Murphy!
In my past blog I talked about Mother Nature and all her fury - well here is part 2 of the story.
A friend amd me went out in the yard and broke apart the old shed that the wind blew down, and hauled the scrap to the salvage yard. Imagine our suprize when we received $15.00 for the scrap! What a deal - at least it paid for lunch.
Not bad, right - a $15.00 windfall. BUT - here comes Murphy! I woke up the next morning and found that my truck had a flat tire! I took the other car to work, and when I got home, took the tire to the local shop to get fixed - and guess what?? Yep - $15,00! Shoot! There went my windfall.
You think that would be it, right? WRONG!! I had to haul the old scrap lumber to the dump. Now I'm thinking - $5.00 at the most for some scrap plywood and 2 X 4s. But Noooo - almost $9.00!!! Just goes to show you that you can't win 'em all - and when you do, watch out for Murphy!
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