christmas roundup

Christmas is now over for another year and I can finally begin to put away my decorations though even I think the house looks a little lonely after they are all gone.
We spent Christmas at my parents house on San Juan Island. Turns out this may be the last Christmas on an island since it is for sale now in spite of all the protests of their children. How are you going to top living on the water on an island? I think that is going to be hard to beat myself and have done my best to convince them but my sales skills must be a bit rusty.

Levi and Justin both got Nintendo DS's. Justin got his stocking first and got a game but didn't have his DS yet - talk about Santa playing a mean trick. Luckily the big guy came through and they both got their own. The problem was that I didn't get one as well and the little dudes weren't so into sharing with me as often as I would have liked. I didn't have Dave's talent of getting through the levels so they knew I wasn't the one to ask when they got stuck after they saw me play the first time.

I had a serious case of DS envy and desperately needed my own. I would say Sam was just a bit hooked on Super Mario as well. Whenever the adults got a chance at all we grabbed it to try and play before it got taken away from us again. Luckily Levi didn't need to play his for 10 hours straight. It was even more of a reason to get the kids to bed so we could pounce on their games.

I had to wait until Saturday evening to finally get one of my own. Actually that was the first opportunity as we left on Saturday afternoon. I am now the owner of my own DS and I now just have to share with Sam. Luckily we got him a Wii car racing game so that has been occupying his time.

For me Santa just came a few days late. Hope everyone else got all that they asked Santa for. Next time I will know that if my nephews are getting any type of electronics I will need to purchase my own in advance so I don't have to share or figure out a way to con the little dudes out of their new toy.

Now if only Spanish coach would be back in stock. I somehow think this game will suddenly teach me enough Spanish is 2 1/2 weeks that I will be fluent in Mexico.

merry christmas eve

Merry Christmas Eve! It actually looks like it will be a white one even though the rain is threatening to melt some of the snow. But since we have over 10" I am thinking it will take a bit and it will still be white.

I am sad that it is raining instead of snowing right now but we have had snow for the past week so I have had it stay around. Right now it is starting to fall off the roof in big chunks making some pretty entertaining noises now that I am out of bed. Early this morning it didn't sound quite so good.

It is definitely still on the streets of Seattle. Yesterday I drove Sam to work since I wanted to run some errands and of course get in a bit of shopping, with snow like this in the streets I actually found parking spots this time of year. Even more reason to love this white stuff.

The streets were a mess - tons of hills were shut down. I had to have Sam walk up to meet me as I couldn't find a hill to drive down that was open without driving around the whole city and coming up on a different highway.

Those 27 snow plows aren't keeping pace at all. In Issaquah the roads have been plowed - which meant we couldn't sled down the big hill since there wasn't enough snow left - even our street but not in Seattle. It was a four wheeling adventure since sometimes one side of the truck was on pavement and the other side on 12" of snow and ice. Just think of huge potholes made with snow.

So it seems our snow adventure is coming to a close. We are leaving for San Juan Island this afternoon to head up to my parents. Not taking the boat - well not our boat - but there is a boat involved with the ferry if that counts at all. We wouldn't arrive until after the presents had been opened and the meal eaten if we took our boat so this time we will have another captain drive us there this time.

We are coming back with 2 little dudes with us for a few days. Levi told us that what he really wanted for Christmas was for his mom to clean his room every day for a week. Tanya said Santa couldn't make her do something but he replied that Santa is magic and he certainly could. Somehow I think this is one Christmas wish that won't come true no matter how hard he wishes.

Now for legos and Nintendo DS that is another story - I think Santa can make that happen even without a fireplace at Nana's house. Am hoping Santa thinks I have been good enough for my Christmas wish to come true - a week in sunny Playa del Carmen. Thanks Santa Sam!

let it snow

Snow has arrived in the Seattle area. The big storm warning was for yesterday and in anticipation all the area schools closed. That is what happens in the Puget Sound where just the threat of snow will close all the school districts, we have snow phobia around here. Yes it makes no sense unless you have ever been in Seattle when it snowed then it all becomes very clear.

Then I waited and waited and waited some more - no new snow. In fact my snow in the back yard started to melt. But still I had hope that we would get our promised snow delivery. I went to the gym last night and all the classes were cancelled seems they took their lead from the school closures. Yet not a flake in sight.

I guess everyone reads the internet and listens to the news and they don't actually look outside to see what is really happening. Guess what - no snow (unless they saw some that had fallen Saturday evening) just a bit of wind but no one bothered to actually verify the weather report through the window.

I must have gotten sucked in as well since I kept waiting for the elusive snowflakes. This morning it finally happened though it was a day late. We had snow - well not much but it still counted. I turned to the internet (yes but I actually looked outside the window first) to see what had happened everywhere else. Turns out we had the smallest amount of snow in the area and it would continue throughout the day with many areas receiving 6 inches or more. I was feeling a bit left out with our piddly amount. I didn't have enough for even a miniature snowman.

Yeah we still had snow even if it wasn't the amount I had hoped for. Then I remembered Sam had to fly out to the airport this morning and I had baked feverishly for the last 2 days to give out to my team and co-workers. This wasn't good timing. My baked goods would be going stale and Sam wouldn't be enjoying the snow with me.

My excitement quickly dissipated even more when I realized I would have to make the trek outside and drive with those horrible Seattle drivers who absolutely cannot drive in the snow. I don't count - I was born in Wenatchee which means I consider myself a good winter driver (well I was once and somehow I still believe until I have to drive in the snow). Plus I usually have Sam to drive me around.

There is no way I was going to let him take his sports car out - I took it out last winter when he had taken my truck - it suddenly gets very popular with Sam when it snows - and I thought the snow was almost gone. I slid all the way down the street and then figured I might as well keep going since I didn't seem to be stopping anytime soon.

He would drive there but then I would have to get back home all by myself - suddenly this snow thing didn't seem like a good idea I hadn't thought it all the way through. But it was to late to ask for a reschedule it was here. Obviously I made it back from the airport almost 3 hours later.

I will say the upside is that all the parking lots looked empty so anyone who needs to go shopping or to the post office should make a slow drive to the stores and get your Christmas wrapped up - there won't be any competition for you.

Right now it is still snowing and I don't have Sam with me to go sledding at midnight with me down the hills. I might round up a neighborhood kid or 2 to see if they want to take a run with me. If you have seen our hill one knows that just a few runs will alleviate any guilt from not going to the gym.

In the meantime I am going to check my schedule to determine when the next good day would be for snow and see if it can't be planned just a bit better.

a welcome email

This morning while reading through my emails after getting out of bed I saw an email from Stevens Pass. Yes it is one of the first things I do in the morning - don't even ask. This means the ski season is ready to officially begin tomorrow. Unfortunately I will be working on the 1st and 2nd day of ski season but day 3 and 4 are open.

It isn't too often that the emails I see first thing in the morning leave a big grin on my face but this one certainly did. Ski season has arrived - late - but is here.

Finally all of our extremely cold weather is paying off and snow has arrived in the mountains. We have had very cold temperatures here in the Seattle area since Saturday evening - in the 20's and not getting above freezing. My water feature is still frozen solid for the 4th day in a row. And it doesn't look like it will be thawing anytime soon if those weather forecasters can be trusted.

I know that doesn't seem cold to many but I live in the Puget Sound area which claims a mild temperate climate. I certainly didn't get the high 90's or even 80's for my summer so I shouldn't have to deal with the 20's. If I get really cold weather I should have received extra summer days as compensation but that certainly did not happen this summer.

After all I live in this area for a reason - and I shouldn't have to scrape the ice off my car or worry about wearing my ski clothes except when I am actually in for a day of skiing.

But now I will be wearing ski clothes to actually ski. I am looking forward to my first run of the 2008/2009 ski season. Lets just hope my thighs are ready for the 10th and 11th runs. Somehow I doubt it but that is why they have lodges.

a coug weekend

The Christmas season must be here since the weekends are busier than usual. This weekend it was an all Coug weekend. It started with the Cougar Yacht Club Party on Friday evening. It was an adult only party but Levi saw a dog there when he stopped by to say hi. He asked if the dog was an adult dog since kids weren't allowed and that went for dogs as well.

I am just surprised they made it since it took 6 hours from Wenatchee. I probabaly would have given up but fortunately they survived the trek. Sam wouldn't have made it since his drive time limit is 5 hours door to door. This just works since is how long it takes to get to Pullman with bathroom breaks included.

Friday it was definitely stormy - the weather forecasters called this one accurately. While I was on the boat it was leaning sideways as it was being blown into the dock. Fortunately Sam ties a pretty good lines so the boat stayed in place it just was a bit lopsided. Since we stayed the night on the boat the guys at the marina asked if we were having a hurricane party and thought we were a bit crazy.

Saturday was the Cougar basketball game at Key Arena. It was the nephews first basketball game and they said it is much better to watch in person. I would have to agree with their assessment. We were all decked out in our Cougar gear except for Carla - turns out she doesn't have any pregnant Cougar shirts. This could me a new line of clothing as I would think there would be some demand.

As we left the game it was snowing big huge flakes. That is the way to end a Saturday evening - a Coug victory (where I wasn't nervous at all since we won easily) and snow on your way home.

Sunday was the morning was the Jingle Bell Run! It was chilly with wind. Tanya and I were excited for the Elf Run of 1K with Levi and Justin but they would have rather stayed at Starbucks. After we were cruel and made them participate they got to hang out in a warm toasty Starbucks again with Uncle Sam.

T and I didn't stay cold for long. After jogging a bit (am using this term loosely since for the first kilometer you could hardly jog at all) I was definitely warm and 1/2 way through the gloves were off. I think I ran more than Tanya thought I would since the last time I ran at all was last year during the Jingle Bell Run.

I refrained from saying this year that next year I would run the whole thing. After all I had said that the previous 5 years and it has never happened. Maybe this next year I will actually do it. Well probably not but it sounds good. I have to say running just really isn't my thing and I don't think I have ever achieved the runner's high, just the runner's side cramps.

We made it without falling on the ice though it was pretty slick in places. Seeing all the costumes is worth getting up for early on a Sunday. Since it was a Coug weekend we continued by dressing as Cougar elves. It meant it was an excuse to buy more Coug wear and show off our school spirit. There were quite a few Go Cougs shouted in our direction. Plus a Coug hat is just more festive with jingle bells on it. I don't think Levi is going to take his off anytime soon.

In order to undo any good we might have done ourselves we headed off to a big brunch. Somehow food tastes even better after exercise and being in the cold.

The weekend finished in the hot tub. That is where I belong after a 6K (I get to count the 1K with the little dudes) and a chilly, snowy, weekend - in a big tub of hot water wishing it wasn't Sunday evening and wondering once again where my weekend went.

cruise for 2

Well for the most part the weather cooperated for our cruise to Port Orchard. There were supposed to be other boats joining us there but it seems like Sam and I were the only ones hardy enough (or foolish enough) to make the trip.

Saturday evening they had a Christmas boat lighting contest on the guest dock. I went with just plain small white lights but everyone else went all out. There was even a boat with an old fashioned popcorn maker on it. Boats had lights by the 100's, Xmas wreaths, decorated trees, garland, stockings, and even a boat with a large Santa, sleigh, and Rudolph. Guess we will have to work on our decorating for next year. I just decided we would be simple though now we will have to amp it up a bit.

They even had a fireworks show that was quite impressive - Carla, Dave, Sam and I were all very impressed. So what if it was December I think there is always a reason for fireworks on a barge over the water.

Later on Saturday the wind started to pick up and swing our lights about wildly. Sam was smart enough to take down the mast lights but then he left them on the deck and in the middle of the night had to go get them. It definitely got to blowing but fortunately he didn't wake me up and ask to go assist, excellent decision on his part. I will have to admit I could actually get into this winter cruising thing though I am even more grateful for the espresso machine.

fair weather boaters?

Black Friday is a shopping day for most but to Sam a day off especially on a Friday is an excuse to take his boat out. Why fight the shopping crowds when you can have the Sound pretty much to yourself is his way of thought. He would never pass up an opportunity to go sailing for shopping.

I invited other family members to join him on the water. I didn't even have to ask my dad I assumed he would definitely be there with Sam. After all he was the first mate on the maiden voyage from Bellingham with less than desirable conditions and thought it was a blast. I was just happy I wasn't along and was instead shopping with my mom - there seems to be a theme here.

A few other brave souls wanted to go as well. Friday didn't dawn with sunny clear skies but instead with rain but Sam was undeterred. They all headed out for a sail. Turns out on Elliott Bay it was also a bit windy. Sam definitely had to put up the sails since he had a hardy crew though he did tell me the sails were down by the time the wind hit 28 MPH. Yep that is right he told me about it later since I needed to accompany my mom and some cousins shopping.

Honestly I don't care how much it was blowing and if the sails were up or down as long as I am not on the boat in those conditions. After all one of the best sails they have had I wasn't on the boat and it was in 20+ MPH wind. But then if I was on the boat they wouldn't have been sailing if I had anything to say about it. I am the family sailing wimp. A bit ironic but then someone has to be the voice of reason at least in my opinion.

My mom didn't want to drive with all the traffic to take my cousins shopping so I offered. I passed up an opportunity to go out in rainy windy conditions on the boat to shop with everyone else. That is just the kind of daughter I am - offering to spend quality time with my mom and get a bit of retail therapy in.

Did I mention Sam and dad didn't even set the crab pot on Friday - turns out it was a bit rough to take the dinghy out in. Whenever those 2 decide to not go out in a boat (even if it is only 9') I don't want to be out in our boat.

Of course to prove I am not a total wimp I will be going to Port Orchard on our boat this weekend. But if it is blowing 20+ and choppy I might just be sleeping on the boat in Elliott Bay. Hey it still counts - the boat is being used. There is always Seattle shopping if it gets too cold.