Our Christmas

by wreggy daniel

Hay. We now have access to a new busline, called Megabus. They are nicer & better priced than Greyhound. I caught one in Iowa City & it took me right down to the heart of Chicago. It dropped me one block from where Derek works (formerly called the Sears Tower). Derek met me at the bus stop & we then boarded a nearby train & zipped up to Evanston where Derek lives.

Omar---the dog---goes wild when he sees me. He actually goes ga ga over anyone who pets him, but I really think he goes ga-ga-er over me. (Just think, if Lady Ga Ga goes ga ga over someone, it would be a Gagapoloosky. Or something.)

Nicole joined us on Christmas Eve & we ate out---at a place called Oscar Wilde's. Great atmosphere & food. Sat by the fireplace. Uncrowded. We later watched a few DVD's of Seinfeld & played cards. On Christmas Day Nicole joined us again later in the day. Played music, games, & ordered Chinese food.

Sun. a.m. I went to a church where I went last last Dec. It is a small Baptist church. Multi ethnic. The pastor & family are Filipinos. Cool music (not too loud). Good service last yr & this.

Sunday afternoon we tried to go ice skating. Derek succeeded. But I immediately got a severe cramp in my leg & could not skate. I think the car accident left fear in me---fear of falling/crashing & getting hurt again. Couldn't shake it.

We contemplated going downhill skiing on Monday. Decided to go. 1 1/2 hrs from Chicago---over in eastern Wis. I knew I would face the fear & cramp issue again. Prayed & asked the Lord to help me. I was tense at first & fell a few times but I worked thru it. We really enjoyed ourselves. Skiing was always the funnest thing we did as a family. Our last downhill ski time together was about 3 yrs ago. Edith, Derek, Nicole, & I went skiing in Galena, Illinois on a super sunny day. Watched fireworks outside the restaurant window where we were having an after-ski meal.

While in Chicago, we got 3-4" of new, fluffy snow. Since Omar the Lover Dog loves new snow, I took him out for a romp. When I took Omar out, he went beserk in it. He totally loves new snow. It was a grand opportunity to run, jump, zig, zag, bite the snow, bury one’s face in it, & just squeal with delight. Omar seems to have enjoyed it, too.

New year's eve I was home alone. New year's day I ate chili at the Rock's house . We visited & then we guys watched some football. I watched one game & came home. They could watch the other 5 games without me. I needed to ease my mind & ease into a sermon.

We had a heat wave recently. 50F for 2 dayz. Then it plunged fast. Zipped down to zero in a few hrs. It is nerdcurling.

That's the newz from the frozen tundra---where all the women are strong, all the kids are good looking, & all the preachers are above average.

luv, wreggy

P.S. Since my dear neighbors shoveled/blew the foot of snow away while I was away, I plan to go away each time we get a big snow.

P.S.S. I enjoyed zipping & slipping around Chicago & Evanston in a snazzy BMW. Boosted my appreciation for the skilled driver I taught to drive & it boosted my prayer life.