Pick a gadget.

Going into Best Buy is, for me, like sending a kid into a candy store. Tonight, I walked out with a Nikon D80 and a big smile on my face. And I don’t feel one bit guilty, because this baby is replacing the first digital camera I ever bought. Check out this post from six years ago for the proof. I’ve waiting far too long for a DSLR camera. Now I can dust off my old lenses and put them to work. The other gadget I walked out with is a Logitech Harmony wireless universal remote. I know what I’m going to be doing all day tomorrow.

I’m so ready for Christmas this year. The decorations were out immediately after Thanksgiving to make up for our pathetic holiday last year while we were waiting for the house to be finished. We’ve had an unusual lack of snow this season (so far) but the temperatures are right on — hovering around -8F right now.

For sure, I could think of other things to write about tonight, but 1) I’m tired and 2) my book is calling my name, so if I don’t get in here again before Christmas. Have a very Merry one, indeed.

Tour de Pressing.

Despite Alberto Contador’s win (which is pretty cool, all things considered) I can’t help but feel my usual enjoyment of the Tour de France was deflated again this year — thanks to more drug/doping scandal. It’s so sad. I just want to shake these guys and scream “What is wrong with you?!?!?!”

You can get a complete recap here.

Back in the saddle.

Although now that I think of it that title sounds painful, since I’m having a certain problem that begins with an H… Delayed reaction to having a baby, apparently. But we won’t go there.

What I was going to say is, I spent 4 hours today working on a site that I began two years ago for my brother-in-law’s law firm. We’re rolling now.

Early Christmas for the entire family (well, minus Allen) in the form of x-country skis and all the paraphernalia that goes with them. We joined the Nordic Club of Eagle River and the kids are in lessons on Monday and Thursday nights. Tomorrow’s my night to take them. Should be fun, especially since we got some more snow and the temperature is up from below zero to around freezing… You know you live in the Arctic when the weather report leads with “It’s going to be another warm day with highs in the low to mid 30s.” The funny thing is, it really does feel warm.

We got our 30-day letter from our builder last week. Living like refugees is getting old, so let’s hope there’s no more delays. In fact, let’s hope for a miracle and they’ll finish before Christmas. This week wood flooring and granite countertops have gone in and the neighbors reported the trim workers were there today. Look for before/after photos soon…