Day 3

Report from Festival of Trees:

This tree caught my eye this year because it answered a question for me.  My question being:  Did Mrs. M, from the Junior high, do a tree this year again for her girls?

Each year she has put a beautiful Hawaiian themed tree together in honor of her two daughters who both died of the same genetic abnormality.  When I saw the girls' photos in the frame on the tree skirt, I knew I had found her tree.

This festival is a great way to honor not only those who have been to PCMC--her girls both did spend some time at the hospital--but it offers a positive way to honor anyone who has passed on and the money from whomever buys that tree goes to a great cause.

Day 2

Festival of Trees report, Day 2:

Knowing that we are going to get to visit Hogwarts and Hogsmeade--recently reconstructed at Orlando's
Universal Studios--this tree caught my eye.  Well, it would have caught MY eye even if we weren't anticipating a visit soon.

YES!  It is a Harry Potter themed tree!  There is the Nimbus 2000 right there in front!

And, of course, Hedwig is perched atop this gorgeous tree.  And the Golden Snitch is right in there too!

The Monster Book of Monsters was hiding beneath its limbs.  Don't let it chew up your trainers!!

An admissions letter, the Sorting Hat, some Potions ingredients and Harry's wand and glasses sit just waiting for classes to begin!

The Maurader's Map is ready for mischief!  Has anyone seen Fred and George?

A mini-Goblet of Fire--this one must be mantle sized--and a quill and Sirius' wanted poster adorn this tree.

And finally, the Sword of Griffindor, hides among the other momentos--just waiting to appear when a courageous Griffindor is in need.  If I saw it appear, that must mean I am a Griffindor!!

Can you see WHY I love this tree?!?  And YES, it was sold.  Dangit.

Day 1

This month, I think I will share some of the many unusual finds I have "collected" at the Festival of Trees over the past many years.  The Festival of Trees is a major fundraiser for the Primary Children's Medical Center--and the monies raised generally go to cover patients that otherwise couldn't afford the care there.  This is a top-notch pediatric hospital and services a large portion of the intermountain west.  But the little Festival of Trees is always my favorite way to ease into the holiday season.  Plus it just feels good knowing it supports such a great cause.

So here goes:

The Capitol Building headlined the Gingerbread tables at the Festival of Trees this year.  It was crazy good. You can't really see all the detail from the full shot, but trust me: it was in there!





Oh, and just for those of you who enjoy a little Jane Austen in your celebrations, check out what I found in the local paper this week:

YES!  A delightful husband certainly surprised his wife, Elisa, with his photoshopped face on Mr Darcy's portrait!  Very creative.  What a clever fellow.  And, I suspect, a happy wife!

Another Reason to be Grateful

Not that any of you needed the further reason to be grateful--I know; I have terrific, grateful friends!!  But here was an interesting article.   Funny enough it is from the UC Berkeley campus.  But don't hold that against it.   The article is still good.  Enjoy!!

Click this link for the article:  why_gratitude_is_good

Justification for Genius Golfer

Genius Golfer got word yesterday that the company he left the first week of October, has closed its doors.  And with no warning to the employees.  Just a regular Monday return to the office from the holiday weekend to no job.

He received a couple of texts, emails or Facebook notes telling him that he "got out when the getting was good".  One former co-worker congratulated him on "seeing the writing on the wall" when he did.

Not that GG was anxious to see his former colleagues loose their jobs, especially just as the holidays were beginning.  But as he quit, we talked about how long we thought the company could survive with the current leadership and management.  I gave it until the first quart of 2012.  He never put his finger on a date, but knew it would be soon.  We just didn't think it would be almost eight weeks after he quit.

Those that knew what they were doing will certainly find something else.  At least they were worth their paychecks.  Others, especially some of the executive team, may find something that pays them well, but they won't have learned much.  They will probably still go on to make their co-workers crazy and diminish their efforts, undermining the company's potential just like they were before.

But at least GG can say he "got out when the getting was good".  He is certainly sleeping better since that change.  And there is some justification and redemption in that.

Purchase Update

Last week I told you that I finally decided to get a new winter coat.  Well, today it arrived.  I had ordered it from the LL Bean catalog/website.  And today it arrived.  What do you think?

Please ignore the "I've been sick all week" look on my face.  The coat itself is worth checking out. Pockets galore, and very light weight but super warm loft.  And I love the color.

Sunday Video