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It’s January 6. The new year is here. The Christmas holiday has come and gone. And, somehow, my holiday was so scattered—I took a second to look up and it was over. Here’s to remembering it through pixellated iPhone photos… huzzah!
My Christmas season started out pretty much like every other week. I worked. As a TV news producer, you can pretty much expect to power through every holiday, and right on cue, I did.
Feel the heat from the station’s yule log?
So I stuck around town, and while Ryan was soon to leave for his familial duties, we decided to get crafty beforehand. Seriously. We took a page out of Martha Stewart’s book and braved Michael’s to make our own snow globes.
Now, any one who knows me understands crafts are not my forte. They’re not even an inclination. Anyone who read this post realizes that Pinterest has not always been my friend. But this web site is amazing (I only wish I could be as crafty as these gals), and the idea for dinosaurs and our “under the sea” theme schnerglerbs was born.
He’s more crafty than I am
Triceratops perfection
With a little bit of creativity, a lot of epoxy glue and glitter, our creations (and impromptu gifts) were born. This was actually a whole lot of fun. Especially when you have a cute sidekick who is manly enough to take on the craft store with you.
Voilá!
With my craft of the year completed, I assumed my other holiday duty as resident pet sitter. One of the perks of having a friend who works all the time… she can (and willingly loves to) check in on your critters. Thus, I had a couple of friends in need with a couple of pets a piece. A minimal, but noteworthy, part of my holiday season was hanging out with these cats (and fish and turtle). And I do like these guys…. even if Mikki snaps at me.
Pet party
Moving on.
On the Sunday ahead of Christmas Eve, I convinced my friend Steve that walking on Park Point at 5 o’clock at night would be a good thing. A nice way to start out the week. Suck in some fresh air, you know? Feel the pine needles under our boots, etc. etc. So, we set out on another one of the many hikes we’ve taken. There was no (and still isn’t any) snow on the point. The walk was easy, but I think we each were wishing for some drifts to slog through. Regardless, we made it to the fort. There we set up shop for a winter fire.
snow fire
Don’t burn down the manger
A quick jaunt outside turned into an hour-long fire, planting our butts on an old, cold beach log, drinking tea and staring at the moon. Steve’s parents also live in Duluth and, after casually asking what time dinner started, I managed to invite myself over for the upcoming holiday feast on Christmas Day.
Steve stirs the saffron
Steve is a pretty good cook, and was in charge of the whole shindig. I offered up my own recipe on cranberry sauce (thanks to this site), mashed potatoes, shortbread cookies and a bottle of wine. Throw in a ham and some risotto, and by god, we had a good dinner. Thanks to Steve and Mom & Dad for letting me tag along on a memorable evening.
Just call me the Pie Maker
Family and friends dinner
I took off the rest of the week, and was thankful to be able to spend it with so many people I love in my life. I bopped over to Wisconsin, seeing Ryan’s wonderful family, then over to back to Bemidji to see mine. I visited old friends. And my wayward brother was home for a quick minute. We opened presents. We laughed. I got the ice scraper I requested.
Text-saavy Dan
old friends
The new year came quickly afterward. We got to see our worldly friend NIKKI, back for a quick visit (Hola & adios already, girl), and rang in 2013… just sitting around the coffee table, drinking beers and playing games.
Things you wouldn’t say at a party
see ya next year!
Call it mush, but I’m grateful for all the people in my life who made my year so bright and full. I’m looking forward to doing the same in this one. Fin!
