DELIGHTFUL DECEMBER

The Snow Report: 

A couple of storms with not too much snow.  Being careful what I wish for:  WHERE'S EL NINO???  Guess it's skipping over us for the middle of the country.  I surely don't want what they're getting! 

The Movie Report:

A very satisfying ending to this series.  After a long struggle with significant losses, Good triumphed over Evil.  I have to say Katniss looked more natural with a bow and arrow than the baby she was holding at the end!

An interesting take on the Moby Dick saga.  Reviews said too much special effects & not enough human drama.  We begged to differ.

 The Theater Report:

A very cool adaptation of the Dickens classic.  

The Excursion Report:

Located in Scottsdale, this museum is FANTASTIC!  From the website:

"The Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) was founded by Robert J. Ulrich, former CEO and chairman emeritus of Target Corporation. An avid collector of African art and a world museum enthusiast, Ulrich and his friend Marc Felix originated the idea for MIM after a visit to the Musical Instruments Museum in Brussels, Belgium. Their unique vision was to create a museum and collection that afford equal representation to the musical instruments and music of every country in the world. Using state-of-the-art audiovisual technology to show musical instruments being played in their original cultural context and delivering the sound of these instruments through high-quality headphones, MIM provides a one-of-a-kind experience to museum guests."

The variety and quantity of musical instruments is overwhelming.  We alloted the four hours that was recommended and could have used a couple more. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

 

Ron wanted to visit his favorite store for his Christmas gifts, so we enjoyed Cabela's  in Glendale.  Scored on the gifts, too.

The Music Report:

My violin teacher has at least two recitals a year for her students.  For this one, I had the privilege of being accompanied by a pianist.  Usually I'm the pianist doing the accompanying, so this was a treat.  

My teacher also sets up various venues for String Caroling in December, and I joined the group who played at the preschool her two daughters attend.

 

The Holiday Report:

Ron and I had another wonderful Christmas.  We enjoyed our traditional breakfast of Sourdough Waffles (from scratch by Yours Truly), an abundance of gifts, and a great dinner with our neighbors.

My best gift was a new camera!  I'd had several conversations with Ron about upgrading my very serviceable point-and-shoot with something that had more lens power, especially for the stunning landscapes of our travels.  In a wonderful coincidence, he happened upon a used version of his very camera at the local used book & etc store.  He loves his camera, and I couldn't ask for a better source to answer any questions that might arise.  The price was right, it functioned, we bought it.  Here's my first photograph, Christmas Day.

New Year's Eve we enjoyed what might have to become another traditional meal:  Buffalo wings, fries, carrot & celery sticks with ranch dressing.   I hadn't made wings for years, and we had the pleasure of being reminded how delicious they are made at home.  

Snowflakes

by Linda A. Copp

Snowflakes spill from heaven's hand
Lovely and chaste like smooth white sand.
A veil of wonder laced in light
Falling Gently on a winters night.

Graceful beauty raining down
Giving magic to the lifeless ground.
Each snowflake like a falling star
Smiling beauty that's spun afar.

Till earth is dressed in a robe of white
Unspoken poem the hush of night.