Memorable Gifts

  

 I know that Christmas has come and gone, for better of for worse. Of course now comes the aftermath of having to pay for it all. It's always better to give than receive, until the Visa bill arrives. I'm just glad we don't have to give gifts on New Years Eve.

As you can see at the top of the page, we completed the book that documented our trip through some of the southwest states on our way to the Grand Canyon. As I had mentioned in previous posts, Peeing Across America finally came about. We gave a copy to all the kids for Christmas, and the book seemed to be enjoyed. Unfortunately, Autumn got a first hand look at it because I didn't have the technical ability to put it together. So she knew she would be getting a copy for Christmas. Also, we used her pictures, although I had some great ones that probably looked a little bit better, sooo...

I won't go in to all the gifts given or received. Let it suffice to say, I think we all had a pretty good Christmas. I had seen this book by Senator John Kennedy, one of the senators from the great state of Louisiana. Whenever I see him on TV, I turn up the volume, because he is always entertaining, and this book is a continuation of his wit and humor. I don't know if I'm allowed to share some of his quotes, but I think I can if I give him the credit. Lord knows I'm not witty enough to come up with some of these sayings. On the back cover he's written-

"Always be yourself... unless you suck,"

"If you trust in government, you obviously failed history class."

"Always follow your heart, but take your brain with you."

" I believe this country was founded by geniuses, but it's being run by idiots,"

There are other sayings scattered all through the book that are highly entertaining. Not only is Senator Kennedy funny, but he has a lot of wisdom and speaks the truth about what really happens in Washington D.C. If we could actually sit in for a week in congress, I think it would scare us to death. Why anyone would opt for more or bigger government control of our lives is anyone's guess, except no doubt there is some money to be made by those who like big government. In any event, I hope that you'll do yourself a favor and purchase a copy of this book. If you don't want to buy it, perhaps your local library will carry it soon.

One of the gifts I got from my daughter Amber and her family was a gift card to Amazon. I like Amazon. They have a lot to choose from, and they pay the shipping. This past year I went fishing for the first time at a local salmon stream. Of course it was packed to the hilt with people, something I don't care for, but I don't have a boat anymore, so I had no choice but to join the crowds. I discovered that lead head jigs tipped with a piece if shrimp and fished under a bobber seemed to work. Jan and I each caught a coho one day, in spite of the heavy competition using a rig like that. Unfortunately, jigs at the local Walmart and Sportsman's warehouse are fairly spendy. There are a lot of snags in the water, and it's not uncommon to lose a few jigs every trip, so I bought a package of brightly colored jigs from Amazon. I can buy lots more for much less, and though I may have to add a tail or some feathers to the jigs to make them more attractive, I think they will work nonetheless.

Jan has mentioned to me in the past that she likes the way Old Spice aftershave smells. I like it too, but I never bothered to buy any. Well, since I didn't get the hint, she took it upon herself to buy me some, which so far I've used after every shave. When I was looking at the package, it mentioned that "if my grandfather hadn't worn it, I wouldn't exist." Wow! It's hard to imagine those two old folks I used to visit back in Ohio used to have sex. Grandma used to give me a dime to go buy 7up at the local market down the street, and Grandpa took my little hand and walked me up to the train station where we could watch the trains come in. Afterwards we'd go to the bar and he would introduce me to the clientele while he sipped a cold beer. Really Old Spice, you're the reason I'm here? Hmm, I'll have to think about that; or maybe I won't.

Last but certainly not least of the gifts that I'll mention, is this little card that I have on my refrigerator that Liz bought me. As you can see if you look closely, it says- I went camping and burned my wiener. Sounds like a personal problem to me.

While I haven't mentioned all the gifts given or received, needless to say, they were all greatly appreciated. Each one means so much to me because family and friends gave them with much thought and love, so thank you all. I'm looking forward to putting them all to use.