Time for Last Minute Shopping

Just when you think everything is under control in your shopping efforts, something else comes up to force you to keep shopping. It actually isn't so bad as we are nearly finished, but we had a hole to fill yesterday. Our grandson, Justin, is in the Air Force and we had no address for him until yesterday. He is now located at Travis AFB in CA near San Francisco and we have an address to send his birthday and Christmas gifts. Our last minute shopping is nothing compared to some folks. As far as I know, that completes our list for Christmas.

Now, let's move on to some current football developments. The Cardinals are taking care of business by releasing their player who recently was arrested for a DUI. Good move. They have a few more moves that need to be made in order to be title contenders once again. Speaking of title contenders, the Seahawks will get a chance to recover form their embarrassment last Sunday when they play the LA Rams tonight. I expect them to "right-the-ship" tonight. Even though the Rams beat them the last time (9-3) earlier in the year, I look for a Seattle blowout tonight on Thursday Night Football. We'll see.

Keep warm to everybody that is in the Arctic Blast area in the Midwest. I know that Chicago is near 0 today and the wind chill shows that it will be equivalent to -15 today...

Shopping Done

Our Christmas shopping was all done yesterday. We went to several stores and threw in a treat at the DQ near Glendale. Actually, our shopping is simplified since we went to gift cards and checks several years ago. Sometimes, we feel like we are not getting something that the kids or the grandkids will like, but this way there are no wrong sizes, wrong colors or trips back to stores to get a different style. Doing it this way almost assures us that the recipient will get something they really want. Plus, money goes a lot further following Christmas with all the sales at the department stores. It isn't like Christmas was many years ago when we spent the day opening presents, putting together toys and items, cooking a huge holiday meal and playing games that were given to the kids. The spirit is still there and as long as everybody stays healthy and happy, it is reward enough.

The big game last night was a disappointment - for all ASU fans. They played a game that was similar to the one against Stanford earlier in the year - the defense couldn't stop the Stanford offense as Stanford rolled to a 38-14 victory and earned a trip to the Rose Bowl - for the second straight year. Our twin grandsons are playing for the national championship (again) in Florida, and we are hoping for a repeat of their results from last year - undefeated and champions. We should hear about their games very soon.

We were happy to see the rain pass us by last night. Although we were prepared for the storm, it never materialized and the temperatures are warming once again. Our big event for today is a trip to Phoenix to see the Phoenix Ballet perform The Nutcracker. We will leave around 11:30 for the matinee showing that begins at 1 PM. It's been awhile since we were downtown, so we are hoping that we can park and find the theater okay. It should be a fun time and we are looking forward to the experience...