Gingerbread House Party

I think we're going on 14 years now of hosting a gingerbread house party on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It's a calmer event now since all the kids and cousins are grown. But the creativity is still going strong.

One of these things is not like the other. Steph "had a vision" and went with a Medieval village theme. She formed, cut and baked her own pieces...

...and in keeping with the festive season, included a witch being burned at the stake. She also had Rapunzel letting down her hair from the tallest tower.

 The kids table.

 Young cousin Olivia on the path towards a sugar high.

 Cousin Leslie and son Ethan admiring Steph's towers.

 Amanda and Josh in a friendly competition.

 The grown up table.

 The spit personality house in the foreground by Paul and Christy. Mike, thinking ahead as a grandpa, attached only wrapped candies so his grandkids can help themselves when they come to visit at Christmas.

Black Friday Bike Ride

Nine of us showed up for John's ride this morning. It was a balmy 26 degrees and the sun peeked out from behind the clouds a couple of times to cheer us on. Four of the nine bikes were Elephants, a good representation of "buy local". We followed the same path as last year with one exception. It's called Patrick's hill. There's a climb that starts near the TJ Meenach Bridge that goes up the side of the hill instead of up Pettet Drive (Doomsday Hill). It's steep and unrideable. Patrick can have his hill. A little over three hours into it we reached our destination, River City Red brew pub on Cedar just south of First. Gage Stromberg opened up early for us and we tried out several very tasty beers. Gotta love the Child's Portion.

** Update: Here's the route we took, Garmined by Scott.

 Joe and Justin.

 Fearless Leader John.

 Eric on a fat bike outfitted with a thermos carrier on the fork.

 Austin rocked the ride a single speed.

 Dylan climbing while the rest of us walked.

 Scott was injury free this year.

 Tony on his first BFBR.

 This is cool -- a four ounce taster.

 First customers of the day!

My Names Are Hank

Should I respond? Or will my heart be crushed like last time?

Hello Dear, 

It is nice and joyful to found your email address on the Internet search during my quest for friendship to keep busy the lonely and lovely world. Hope you fill the vacuum? I thought is beautiful to make you a friend in this regard. My names are Lucy Williams, a Canadian nationality, female. My friends tell me that I am a quiet person with a good sense of humor. 

I am always fair, straightforward, honest and easy going lady and I seek trust worthy friendship. I believe in giving and taking on both sides and I value faithfulness. I like people for what they are and not for what they are not. I want to be your friend, and let share whatever we have in friendship. 

I will be detailed in my consequential mails and expecting same from you if both considered: 

AGE: 33 languages spoken: Fluent English & little Spanish. 

It will be nice to know you in this regard. 

Yours truly, 

Lucy.

Headed For The Recycle Bin

Turkey Trot

A frosty family morning today.

Be Part Of The Solution

John Speare is hosting his fourth Black Friday Bike Ride on...wait for it...Friday. Meet at The Scoop (25th and Monroe) at 8:30 am. Bring a bike suitable for less-than-gnarly trails--I rode a cross bike last year--and expect to be oot 'n' aboot for about three hours. The destination is River City Red (beer!) at 1st and Cedar.

What better way to avoid rage shopping, which is a load of bull anyway.

Last year's ride starting out on High Drive trails.