SOME CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS ARE BETTER THAN OTHERS

STRING OF BALLS READY TO BE SHOT.

THE JUDGE

THE 22

KID'S LOVE IT---LOOK AT THAT SMILE

DEAD EYE

THE AR-15

MORE JUDGE

THE 0.17---MY ALL TIME FAVORITE
We started a tradition a few years ago of shooting glass Christmas balls on the day after Christmas---it is a hoot and the kids and grandkids all love it. This year we tried out a few new guns just for kicks and giggles.

'TWAS A GREAT DAY

CHRISTMAS SURPRISES

On Christmas eve we did our traditional Christmas Eve thing - we drove around looking at Christmas lights while listening to Beaver's Own Christmas, a tape that was made by a group of locals. Then we came home to sticky dough rolls, eggnog a chocolate and a white chocolate orange, and a cheese ball and crackers. I ate until I was stuffed and sick at my stomach...why do I do that????

Christmas was quieter this year, because we only had Lightning Strikes at home. Native Minnow and his oldest son did stop for a few minutes on their way to AZ on Friday night. The three of us had our turkey dinner and were thinking it was pretty quiet. Then Dr. Psycho and his 2 youngest kids came and our oldest son and two of his boys came. Lightning Strikes told her boy friend that we were shooting Christmas balls today and invited him to come if he wanted to. He came from Las Vegas and brought his two little kids. It was fun to meet them for the first time. So we quickly went from an almost empty house to a nearly full one but not until after dark.

IT IS FUN FOR ME TO SEE OUR RED NECK TRADITION OF SHOOTING CHRISTMAS BALLS PULL THE KIDS BACK FROM FAR AWAY PLACES. IT IS GONNA BE A GREAT DAY.

TO SETTLE THE ARGUMENT OF CAR IN PHOTO

1941 Ford Coupe---this is the car---I am disappointed.

1941 Pontiac

1941 Chevrolet--the car on the left (but not a convertible)is the car in mom and dad's photo. Turns out to be a 1941 Ford.

Mom and Dad in 1942 either just before or just after they were married.

CONTEMPLATING LIFE

I have spent the last two days basically in shock after learning of a friend of ours that had knee surgery. Following the surgery she had a blood clot go through her heart and to her lungs (and probably other places) and is currently in the hospital with no brain function while her family comes from around the world to say good-bye.

This was a vibrant woman that was a great science teacher and outdoors woman. She is highly thought of by everyone in the community where they live. She is married to one of my good friends and they have five grown daughters. The daughters are also awesome.

I know there is a better place after this life but this little episode has shaken me pretty badly. It shows that life is so fragile---we never know what is next---we should all strive to live so that our parting does not leave others wondering how we really felt about life and the people in ours. I do not believe this woman has anyone in her life that did not know where they stood.

I HOPE I CAN ASSURE THAT THOSE IN MY LIFE ALSO KNOW AND I THANK HER FOR THAT THOUGHT.