Not a Pretty Game

The verdict is in - The Cardinals are the better team. The score last night was 39-32, Cardinals. The Seahawks have five losses now, in all of which they blew leads in the fourth quarter. Their inability to close out wins places them somewhere in the middle of the pack as far as quality teams. The game was sloppy and full of penalties, but the Cardinals overcame their mistakes. The Seahawks shot themselves in the foot on every series in the first half by having a penalty on the first play of almost every series. They have lost their aggressiveness on offense which made them true champions. Actually, it was the Seahawks defense that scored two touchdowns in the second half. As I've said before, if the Seahawks have to give up their dominance, I'm glad it's the Cardinals who have taken over the throne. The remaining schedule is tough for both teams, but as long as Carson Palmer and Larry Fitzgerald stay healthy, I see no way they can lose the NFC crown.

The big event of the day, though, goes to our acquisition of an early Christmas present to each other. Josie has been sorry since we moved into our house that we were missing a fireplace. That is the one thing that she has enjoyed the most in any house we have had, with very few exceptions. Costco was having a sale on one of the nicest fireplaces we have seen anywhere, so we decided to get one before they sold out. It was a chore getting it home and assembled, but it fits perfectly in our family room.

Here is a photo of the assembly effort:

And this is a photo of the final setup:

The only thing that would improve the setup would be if we could raise the TV about a foot. It is attached to the wall and involves a whole new installation procedure to move. I won't tackle that project myself, as the TV is heavy, and one slip means the end of our new and expensive TV. I guess I'll call Spencer's (where we purchased the TV) and have someone come out to properly and safely move it.

It's the start of a new week for us as I mourn the downfall of my beloved Seahawks. Do you believe in Miracles?...