Ending 2010 With a Family Film

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Sometimes They Overuse the Word Blizzard...

...but that's not the case today. We've had a blizzard. Three good things about today: 1. we were both off from work. 2. we didn't lose power. 3. Baxter LOVES, LOVES, LOVES the snow. Below are several pictures of him playing while I shovel around doors, sheds, gates, and such for the third time. The first one is him staring down the plow truck as it goes by - he does not like the plow truck:

The snow is still blowing around a lot.

Baxter loves to bound through the drifts:

I'm really glad he' having fun today. Tomorrow morning he goes in to be fixed. Much less fun.

~MET

There is Something Rather Wonderful...

...about getting ready to ice fish. Especially when all of my equipment has both historic and sentimental value. Above is my grandfather's (the original Tut) pack basket. I've written many times about the Thurston Family Traps, which can also be seen in the pic. I love sitting in my office listening to music and doing the prep work that is necessary. There is most likely enough ice around here to fish now, but with the blizzard coming, and Baxter's neuteration(yes, I made that up) on Tuesday, I will not get out until Jan. 1 in Jackman. The best part of getting this stuff ready is the abundance of memories it brings back of my grandfather, Uncle Don, and my dad out on the ice working the magic.
~MET

A Very Merry Christmas

Just a few pictures from a wonderful Christmas. Yummy egg bake:

I took Baxter for a walk this morning, and we got to play ball in the back yard a couple of times:

The dog was actually less of a spaz than I had feared - he's a good boy.

Chris and Sarah got Uncle Jim a framed photo of the UMaine library flying the pride flag:

Today was all about comfort food. After the egg bake we had "holiday" shepherd's pie and lasagna:

Bax and I sharing a traditional Christmas cracker:

I'm pooped - but what a blast.

~MET

Christmas Traditions

I finished my shopping today the best way I know how...with Fab. Above, we are celebrating our latest purchases. I actually made some very good buys, I can't wait for Christmas morning. After we shopped I hung out with Rocco for a bit:

The kid is too cute. By the time I got home M-S was knee-deep in Christmas baking:

Those little cheese cakes are awesome. After a day like this its hard not to begin to get exited about the holidays!

~MET

Oyez, Oyez, Oyez

One of the best things about teaching American Government & Law is that I get to be part of some great simulations. Above is the Supreme Court from period one. All of my classes are conducting oral arguments based on a free speech case involving a student's t-shirt. We also do senate simulations, mock trials, and other activities of that sort. I think the students get a lot out of it...and I have a blast!
~MET

Off to the Hill

I'll be in DC until Sunday at the NEA Board of Directors meeting. There will be lots of presentations, lobbying with Congressional staff, and observances of all kinds. I'll post a lot on Sunday night when I return. I'm also going to get a chance to have dinner and perhaps listen to some blues with my siblings. Lots of work mixed with lots of fun. Talk to you soon.
~MET

Snow Dog!

It seems that our puppy LOVES he snow. He tries to catch snowflakes in his mouth, plays catch with the ball, and digs for stuff he "thinks" might be hiding. Baxter is just awesome...even though he is a spaz.
~MET

Of Course He's Werth It!

A fantastic pick up by the Nationals!! Jason Werth is my kind of player:
Go here to see his stats: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/baseball/mlb/players/6423/index.html

~MET

A Long Weekend of Meetings, But...

...I did get to celebrate Christmas with some great people. The MEA Board of Directors met this weekend, and Saturday we all went to Maple Hill Farm for the Board/Staff Christmas Party.

We had a fantastic meal and a yankee swap. And since his wife, Cindy is an employee of the MEA, I got to have a drink with Fab:

It was a nice escape from the union work that will certainly present many challenges ahead.

~MET

Oh, Adam We Hardly Knew Ye

I'm very sorry to see the Nats losing Adam Dunn, but I do think he belongs in the American League where he won't need to bring his glove to work. He was simply AWFUL at any defensive position, but it sure was fun to watch him hit. And - he was great in the club house. The White Sox have made a good pick up.
~MET

The Annual Trip to the Farm

Ma & Dad came by today for what has become a great post-Thanksgiving tradition: Maple Lane Farm's pottery sale.

We love Robbi's work, and she and Bill have a wonderful farm.

We also stopped in at a local institution - Hussey's General:

We finished the morning with M-S's awesome turkey soup.

Most of the dishes on the table above, and in our cupboards in general are from Robbi's shop. We added to our collection today, and always look forward to any visit to the farm.

~MET

A Wonderful Thanksgiving

This holiday never disappoints me. I've had a great couple of days, and today was especially fantastic. Yesterday Chris and Sarah came out to spend a little time with Baxter. The dog LOVED visiting with them.

I haven't seen my kids for a while, so it was really nice to visit with them.

We started this morning like we always do - with a nice walk with the dog:

It was 19 degrees, and it felt great. Then it was time to get to work:

We also enjoyed our Thanksgiving brunch, with my "special" scrambled eggs and sausage from Josephs market:

Mammie and Tut joined us in the mid afternoon and brought a centerpiece:

And a big blue bottle of Riesling:

We started with filet mignon wrapped in bacon:

And really good pumpkin soup:

And - of course, the regular Thanksgiving fare:

Baxter got the giblets:

And Owen got his on the table while we were watching Bax:

Mammie & Tut also brought the pies to go with a tasty pound cake that M-S made:

It was all really good. Really, really. I'm stuffed, happy, and looking forward to a good night's sleep.

~MET