Day 233 - 12.30.10 - Doug's Birthday

Quick on the heels of Dave's 30th birthday soiree, we held a casual gathering for Doug's 30th. The vino did flow... cake was consumed, and Doug got the Oreo, centrally located in the sweet treat pictured above.

Day 232 - 12.29.10 - Dave's Birthday

Last night, we celebrated Dave's 30th birthday at his home, where his lovely wife Amanda had arranged for a private chef to prepare us a traditional kangaroo birthday steak... outstanding stuff. It really put a hop in our step for the rest of the eventing... ahem!

Day 231 - 12.28.10 - The Lot Across The Way - A Series (Ozzie's Playground - Part Two)

Day 230 - 12.27.10 - The Lot Across The Way - A Series (Ozzie's Playground Part 1)

Day 229 - 12.26.10 - Family Christmas Part Two

Christmas continues with the Bransen clan... including our newest niece, Miss Eleanor.

Day 228 - 12.25.10 - Merry Christmas

This year, it is a white Christmas to be sure...

Day 227 - 12.24.10 - Ginger Man Time

Nieces Madison & Jillian made some ginger bread men for Christmas Eve devouring... with a little help from G-Ma "Syllie."

Day 226 - 12.23.10 - Home For Christmas

Home in Elgin for Christmas. As David Brent would say, "This is a perfect example of the king of laughs he have 'round here..." This Ruduolph dances and sings... relentlessly... he had to be hidden from my nieces in a tall lamp...

Day 225 - 12.22.10 - The Lot Across The Way (A Series) - Part Three

Day 224 - 12.21.10 - The Lot Across The Way (A Series) Part Two

Day 223 - 12.20.10 - The Lot Across The Way (A Series) - Part One

Across the street from our home is an unused lot and an abandoned 3 flat. A few early days home from work leading up to Christmas makes for some bleak looking dusk time shots...

Day 222 - 12.19.10 - 5 More Sleeps 'Til X-Mas

Shopping is done (100% online). Presents are wrapped. Calendar is being watched...

Day 221 - 12.18.10 - DPG's X-Mas Wreath Cookies

Today, I took a run at a Christmas classic, the green wreath cookie. Liberties were taken with the recipe to suit my personal tastes... Red m&ms instead of Red Hots. Browned butter. Sea salt mixed in. Not too bad for a first go...

Day 220 - 12.17.10 - Miss Eleanor Eberline

Miss Eleanor Kay Eberline was born today to happy parents Tim and Beth, and ecstatic grandparents Wally and Judi. All are happy she will be home for Christmas...

Day 219 - 12.16.10 - King of Kong

Ozzie has a new toy... something called a Kong... there is peanut butter inside...he is entertained...

Day 218 - 12.15.10 - Only 10 More Sleeps 'Til X-Mas

Day 217 - 12.14.10 - Idle Ozzie

Day 216 - 12.13.10 - Altitude Icicle

Day 215 - 12.12.10 - Ready for the Elements

Day 214 - 12.11.10 - DuChamp's Light Idea

Day 213 - 12.10.10 - MCA - Viewer Appreciation

Took a trip to the MCA yesterday afternoon... There was an exhibition that explored the role of the viewer in art... It was... engaging...

Day 213 - 12.9.10 - Goodbye Ronny

6 days ago, a Cubs legend passed away. Ron Santo was the Cubs' radio color man, a talented and Hall of Fame caliber third baseman, and the Cubs' all time biggest fan. His death was mourned and his life was celebrated at the beautiful Holy Name Cathedral tonight, with a public visitation. I was honored to be there...

Day 212 - 12.8.10 - Tree Time - A Holiday Series (Part 5)

Day 211 - 12.7.10 - Tree Time - A Holiday Series (Part 4)

Day 210 - 12.6.10 - Tree Time - A Holiday Series (Part 3)

Day 209 - 12.5.10 - Tree Time - A Holiday Series (Part 2)

Day 208 - 12.4.10 - First Snow Fallin'

The first accumulation of the year has arrived...

Day 207 - 12.3.10 - Houston, Texas (Day 3)

This place has top of the line communications technology... Time to come home...

Day 206 - 12.2.10 - Houston, Texas (Day 2)

Stuck at the Houston Airport Marriott without a rental car... The indoor / outdoor pool qualifies as supreme entertainment...

Day 205 - 12.1.10 - Houston, Texas (Day 1)

Work has taken me to Houston, Texas... The airport Marriott in Houston, Texas... This carpet is here to greet me...