Countdown to Christmas: 6 Days - Judy Collins

 Thursday, December 19, 2024

A couple months ago Warren and Gary invited me and Dale to go see Judy Collins with them. The concert was tonight and when we were invited we didn't realize Dale would have to be in Arizona for his parents. 

Her soprano voice sounded as beautiful as ever.  She sang some of the songs most closely associated with her including Both Sides Now, Amazing Grace,  and Send In the Clowns. In addition she sang Christmas material including Silver Bells, White Christmas, What Child Is This, and Good King Wenceslas. She told a wonderful story about meeting a boy in in late teens/early 20s whom she invited to spend Christmas with her family in Estes Park, Colorado. I believe they spent a week together the family sang with each other every night. The boy's name was John Denver. She then led us in a sing-a-long of Take Me Home Country Road. 

Countdown to Christmas: 7 Days

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Dale left for Arizona this morning. I'll be joining him later in the week. 

It'll be strange being away from home over Christmas. Especially someplace warm. 

Couple cigars for  me tonight. 

Countdown to Christmas: 8 Days

Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Eight Days Until Christmas

Cigar after work. Contemplated the last couple of days at school.  The kids are getting loopy and today was the day I realized that from here on out until the end of the week we're only going to get the very minimum done.  It's like they were there but they weren't there. Visions of sugarplums...

Listened to some music while out in the garage. These playlists I made number of years ago are really quite well curated. 

Dale had quite a day too. He's leaving for Arizona tomorrow. We wound down from the day by having cocktails and dinner at Northbound. Of all of our neighborhood spots this one is Dale's favorite. I'm quite fond of it too. 

                      

When we got home Rudolph was on TV. I fell asleep however. 

It's so dated yet still fun. 

Third Sunday of Advent 2024

 Sunday, December 15, 2024

Church this morning for the fourth Sunday of Advent.

Dale had to count afterward so I took a walk down to Lake Harriet.

Brunch with Dale at The Howe. 

Sunday cigar at about 3:30.

Rather glum outside but that didn't make my Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur any less awesome. 

Pre- Holiday Season 2024: Enjoying Saturday

Saturday,  December 14,  2024

Cigar and coffee in the yard this morning. 

Not too raw out. Lunch with Noel at Heather's. We didn't hang out afterward as sleet and freezing rain started falling and Noel thought it best to get home. 

Played with AI on my phone and got the above images. 

Moon was officially full by the time  I  lit up my afternoon cigar. 

Romeo y Julieta this morning.  A Camacho this afternoon. 

Listened to my own holiday mix while outside. 

Cocktail hour with Dale once back inside. Drank a pre-made Old Fashioned from Cork Dork. 

And listened to some more music. 

Pre- Holiday Season 2024: Chilly, Cigars, Music, and Mac & Cheese

 Thursday, December 12, 2024

Still incredibly cold. We've had indoor recess for couple days now, the full moon is coming, no school tomorrow, and we're just about a week out from winter break so the kids are super squirrelly to say the least. Above is a photo from my classroom window this morning. At least it's sunny. 

Walked home from school. I was quite bundled up so I wasn't uncomfortable. 

Once home I stepped outside for a cigar. 

After that some music. This collection is quite fun. 

When Dale got home we headed to The Howe for dinner. It was build your own mac & cheese night which I'd been looking forward to all day. 

Pre-Holiday Season 2024: Cigars and Music

 Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Looking forward to getting some rest during the upcoming holidays. 

                      

That said, I'm also taking time to relax in the present. 

                     

Lit up a cigar and poured the last of my vodka left over from Thanksgiving.

After coming in I listened to music. 

And more music.

Watched Frosty the Snowman on broadcast television tonight.