Pumpkin Bread comfort

I am in need of a snuggle-nap-layabout in a bad bad way.

I sure it has something to do with the impending holidays, a bit of a work crunch coming soon, a little hormonal wave, and a bit of a post-bizbaz slump.  <<<how long can I blame this for all things?

And its colder. 

Dad Report: Today he had forgotten all the new information about his hearing aids so we went through that again.  I told him about our intent to go to the Festival of Trees, he relayed a story about how he used to go and cut a tree with his Dad when he was small but then as soon as he got big enough to wield the axe, his Dad made him go get it on his own.   We talked a bit how you can't just go cut a tree like you used to - and the change in weather patterns - he was amazed we got snow being so far south  (first saying "in Ohio"); his geography seems to be leaving him.  Holes are appearing in his knowledge base which is sad, not just his personal memories.






It was a long work day - the tasks I was doing were tedious and took much longer than I had hoped.  I was tired and it was cold in my office.  I did get the very cool tshirt from Precision Body Arts which is owned by a friend of mine. I would show you a picture but it's a little racy. hahahahaha.

So we did go to the Festival of Trees.  Nothing like enjoying the spirit of christmas and giving while listening to two teenagers whine and look at their cells phones the whole time.  sigh.  After viewing exactly 1/2 of the room they all (including the VHM) said - "we're done" and left me to wander by myself.  It didn't really bother me as much as I am making it sound - as they do this every year.  The family has low crowd tolerance.

Chicken Soup with Rice by Maurice Sendak Tree

Hard to tell but this one has paint brushes!

The Hoopers got in on the action

Little African woven bowls

Bird houses and treats for birds

Corn Husk Dolls

Hula Hoop

Arctic Fun

It looked like a Dr. Suess tree to me

He's looking at a sign, not at change on the floor

The Police did this one - note: siren on the top

Fun at the Pond (mirrors used as pond water)

Money DOES grow on trees

So people/companies/groups decorate the trees and then they auction them off to raise money for The Shelter here in Lawrence.  I think the VHM is going to do one next year.  That would be so cool.

Then we were off to Henry's (a local coffee shop) - where Ruby has ANOTHER show!  See her work here: http://www.rubyloveartist.com/


She really is an amazing young woman. 

Random Photo of the Day:  I miss these times...

I made Mac n Cheese (box) but added Asparagus, and leftover Salmon.  It was delicious.  And then I made Pumpkin Bread with Chocolate Chips and another one with Butterscotch Chips.  Less chips, and put them on top.  Healthier but still tasty.

Spoke with my sister - it was good.  I miss her and HB.  Sounds like they may finally venture out this way. Hard to believe that Big H hasn't met the kids yet.  I mean its been 7 years.  Keerist.