My sinuses hurt

Artic Front, they call it...

From a low of 18 F ( - 7.8 C ) at 6 a.m. this morning, it's just gone up one degree to 19F and it's 1.30 in the afternoon. No wonder my sinuses are aching. *sigh* K. Restoule in Canada would wonder what all the hue and cry was about, but a few days ago it was in the 80s!!!!!

My Father Always Said...

A Family that Eats together Sticks Together

Yesterday, we had dinner at the Abilene Civic Center - a free meal sponsored by the H.E.B Grocery chain, a Texas grocery chain that, in the past 10 years or so, has expanded over to Mexico.

This year, H.E.B. celebrates its 100th year of serving Texans ( or Texicans ) and the free meal that we attended was one of their annual Feast of Sharing events that is held in cities all over Texas.

Glazed Ham, Southern Style Corn, Mashed Potatoes, Rolls AND apple pie (yummmmmm )

It was advertised that they were preparing meals for 7,000 and the event was from 3 pm till 7 pm but it looks like they may have underestimated the response!

Am I wearing the antlers the wrong way? *grin* Walter doesn't seem to think so!

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,
Your branches green delight us.
They're green when summer days are bright:
They're green when winter snow is white.
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,
Your branches green delight us.

It was the first time it was held in Abilene, so we were part of a pretty historical event.
*burp*

Immersing in Culture

There may be lights in Malaysia during Christmas

but being a predominantly Muslim country, there aren't many pre-Christmas traditions/happenings that are observed. Sure, there is the departmental store sales, the lighted streets and commercials on TV as well as Christmas songs on radio stations, but that's almost about it.

That's why it's so thrilling to be somewhere where the whole Christmas experience is maximized. Granted, some of it is the result of a lot of commercialism and economics, but still, there is no missing the Spirit in the air..

Today, we joined Cindy at Church for Breakfast with Santa, and I had my picture taken for the very first time with the Jolly Man in Red himself ( but as Elizabeth, our 5 year old niece whispered to me, "Well, you know he isn't REALLY Santa"), had pancakes and sausages and decorated Gingerbreadman cookies..

Unfortunately, my cookie fell on the ground and poor Gingerbread Guy broke his left arm..

Watch this space for some Christmas Parade Pictures soon!

Beat the Christmas Panic

Last year, our Christmas presents arrived in Malaysia

a day or two late.

This year, we're trying to make sure they get there in time, so off they went via the *crossing-my-fingers* US Postal Service last Friday.... and oughta be there in a couple of weeks!

Hurrah! Just wish that shipping wasn't that atrocious though...*sigh* We may have to ship Christmas off in OCTOBER next year..hehe..

SEASON'S GREETINGS EVERYONE!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HENRY!!!

Henry is officially 1 year old...

Love ya, henry slobberlips woods.