My 3rd trip to the Post office this week, to drop off the last of the Christmas packages. What's left - cleaning, packing and getting into a warmer frame of mind as we get set to embark out on our Holiday trip!
The week before we leave for a holiday vacation is invariably chock full of "stuff". Tuesday night, Scott and I attended our church staff party. Last night, Erica had a late horse riding lesson. I've been wrapping presents, finishing Christmas cards and preparing for Grandma's arrival tonight.
And I had an early morning at work today, which meant that I got to see the sun rise.
A bit of serenity in my busy day!
The Chinese like to disguise their preference for monetary gifts by creating these cute money packages. It looks like an ordinary ornament, but hidden in the back, a pocket, perfectly sized for some bills. Growing up, my little sister loved these ornaments and claimed all as hers! Somehow I managed to obtain one from my parents, and I haven't disclosed their true function to the kids. 
Another favorite Christmas tree ornament, purchased from Martha Stewart's collection back in the 90's when I had time to aspire to her home and garden ideals [Nowadays, I don't care as much].
After a cold snap, a sunny, milder day. Taken at the forest preserve.
I used various layers to simulate the Orton Effect - one sharp layer overlayed on a blurry layer.
I attended a four hour workplace meeting today that was held in our product warehouse. We've held these long, participatory-type meetings here before, the last one in February. When our facilitator queried the crowd about what they remembered from the February meeting, the main response was "Candy Bars" [they gave them away during the meeting].
Today's meeting will be remembered for how cold it was in the warehouse. Seriously, it was that cold. It took me the rest of the day to warm up from sitting in that concrete floored, metal building.
I was asked to take pictures of the presenters and the breakout sessions, so I had my camera during the meeting. It and the coffee did not keep me warm while the managers took turns talking.
Gloves, jackets, even hats were worn by the employees trying to stay warm.
See, I wasn't the only one who was cold.
We may attend a follow up meeting in February, hopefully during a warm spell. Otherwise, I'm going to wear long underwear, and bring hand and feet warmers! Maybe even a Snuggie!
One of Brian's favorite things to do in the winter when there's no snow around. Play with the next best thing - the ice! And since pond ice is readily available, it gets chosen quite frequently.
First, break up the thick ice in the pond with a hammer. The attempt to move the sheet of ice from the pond.
Sometimes the ice is almost as big as Brian!
But he always manages to break the big pieces into little ones on the patio.
Just another day of icy fun!
I am often asked questions and comments about my photography - what location, what camera, what settings, etc. The camera question aside (i...
A chemical engineer working in IT, Wife to Scott, Mom to two great kids + two cats, one horse and numerous fish. Photographer, marathoner, musician, yogi and gourmet cook. I don't think there is time for more, but I'm sure I missed something!
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