The Christmas spirit is hitting in full force around The Outpost. Winter finally got its arse out of bed and is making an appearance. We had a dusting of snow last night. It didn't cover much, but the blowing and drifting gave me an excuse to get out the shovel and clear off the front walk. Also, there's nothing like a 20 below windchill to make you realize those halcyon days of 30 above in December are gone.
But its all great. My favorite part is baking cookies with the boys. I think they enjoy it too, although I know they'd enjoy it more if I'd let them actually eat the results. We're hosting Christmas Eve at our house, so everything is getting stored away for Friday. I've turned into a bit of a kitchen Nazi. "Put that back; it's for the party," has turned into such a common phrase around here, even The Governor has started using it. When he saw The Senator playing with a toy he wanted...I heard, "Put that back! It's for the party!"
Still, contentment reigns. Tonight, for example, I saw someone walking with a flashlight out in our pasture. Now normally, I'm all for shooting first and asking questions later, but I got on the phone and called my neighbor. Yes, her husband was out bow-hunting and was tracking a doe he thought he hit. Oh, fine. Merry Christmas. Hope Todd finds his deer.
How much better is that than awkwardly visiting your neighbor in intensive care? It's the season, I tell you.
I'm not sure how much blogging will get done between now and Christmas. My To-Do list is extensive. And yet, who knows. After all, do I really think my siblings will be able to tell the difference between a scrubbed kitchen floor and one that has been "Swiffered?"
We shall see.
Posted by Cathy at December 21, 2004 09:40 PMIf you provide them with a sufficiently authoritative egg nog, I doubt that your siblings will pay much attention to the state of your kitchen floor.
Unless, of course, they become entirely too conversant with the egg nog.
But at that point they probably won't be in any condition to note such fine details.
Or be likely to remember it if they do.
Posted by: aelfheld at December 21, 2004 11:16 PMWe highly recommend approaching unknown pasture walkers visibly packing. When you discover the intruder merely works for the farmer that agreed to check your fences, you still come out ahead. Said intruder tells all his teenage friends about the incident. This naturally spreads the word among any potential troublemakers, "Uh, you don't want to be messin' around at THEIR place."
Yes. It's been quite calm here in recent years. Except we did have a mystery gas borrower last week, who was kind enough to leave a note......but neglected to sign it.
Posted by: DC at December 22, 2004 04:27 AMIn my house, "swiffering" is mopping. Merry Christmas Cathy!
Posted by: Cousin Jenny at December 22, 2004 09:50 AMMerry Christmas to you too, Jenny! We loved the photos of Adam!
DC - They left a note? You've got some thoughtful thieves borrowers out your way.
Aelfheld - great minds think alike, although I was planning to ply them with wine and scotch. I don't know what the alcohol content of eggnog is, but I'm guessing my way is quicker. If I'm wrong, I've got to come up with an eggnog recipe today.
Posted by: Cathy at December 22, 2004 11:33 AMThe potency of egg nog depends on how liberal you are with the brandy.
Think of egg nog as camouflage; it's easier to get them toasted if they don't know how much they're consuming.
Posted by: aelfheld at December 22, 2004 03:02 PMThe jury is still out on which of the poisons will work quicker, but I think it would less likely that you would have to clean up something smelly with the wine and scotch.
Posted by: DaveP at December 22, 2004 04:29 PMDaveP, wanna bet?
Posted by: aelfheld at December 22, 2004 06:43 PMCathy I hope you and your family have a great Christmas.
Posted by: Matthew at December 22, 2004 09:04 PMMerry Xmas !
Posted by: Pam at December 24, 2004 10:58 PM