Friday, December 26, 2008

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Christmas Time with Friends

Last night Jason and I went to an awesome Christmas party, hosted by Charlie & Christina.  Wow, they know how to throw a party!  Great food, a hilarious white elephant gift exchange and great company.  It was so nice to get out for a night and kick back and relax and catch up with old friends.

John & Jenn put together a very nice video slide show here.  It was great to see everyone again and we had a great time.  So good, in fact, that I think we're going to invite the same gang plus some out for a New Year's Eve bash at our place!

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Christmas Woes

Every year I tell myself that I will start Christmas shopping in October and save myself from the stress of last minute brain wracking and penny pinching. And every year it comes down to two weeks before Christmas and I have barely started. This year is no different. Here it is, the 11th of December and I have one, yes ONE, gift purchased...and that is a stocking stuffer for Portia. (We did have one early Christmas family gathering already with Mama Rosie, so at least that portion doesn't fall into play in the next couple of weeks.) I really want to do my shopping online, I detest crowds, traffic and rude holiday shoppers, but if I don't get my butt in gear soon I'm going to miss my window for on time deliveries. It would help if I even had a clue of what I am getting for everyone, but I don't even have that.

I am also having difficulties in finding time to do everything that needs to be done. My Christmas tree isn't even up yet - usually it goes up the week after Thanksgiving. I did, surprisingly, manage to get my Christmas cards done this year - even counting 30 hand made ones....because I started in October. Success!

Jason and I were invited to three parties this Saturday and had to choose one...I hate missing parties and turning down gracious hosts who take it upon themselves to add even more to their December by hosting great parties. But the one we are going to will be a blast! We're even doing the White Elephant gift exchange - I love those! And best of all, they are free! I'm very bummed that we're missing our Flickr holiday party though. We always have such an awesome time with the gang, though I know there will be many photos of the festivities for us to see in the days following the party. Still no New Year's Eve plans yet, though I'm sure something will come up. It always does.

Even with all my complaining, in the end I am very grateful for our friends and family, good health and blessed lives. I wish everyone a safe and memorable holiday season!

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Mouse Times Three!

After talking to rodent friends who have successfully kept wild mice (thanks Kate, Linda & Cal!), I took their advice and got Pip two roomies. They are probably a little older than is ideal, but it was my only choice. I did choose the smallest two of the group of five. They don't have names yet, but I'm pondering on Hazel and Moo.

Pip is still holed up in his corner and the girls are showing some interest in him but not antagonizing him. Though the larger of the two girls keeps trying to bury him in the bedding. Razz He doesn't seem too freaked out by them. They both seem perfectly content and have been exploring and wheel running for the better part of an hour. I have them in a 20 gallon aquarium for the time being. Once Pip is big enough I plan to get a cage topper for the tank as an expansion. And the cool thing is they are on a table right by my desk in the office so I see them all the time! Mr. Green

I took a few photos - didn't want to freak anyone out too bad. Stay tuned for more mousie adventures!

Moo
Girly Mouse 2

Hazel
Girly Mouse 1

Pip in Hiding
Pip in Hiding

Friday, December 5, 2008

Meet Pip Squeak *squeee!*

Two blogs in one day - who'da thunk?

So last night Portia and her friend were in the basement working on a school project when we hear a bunch of girly screaming.  A phone call soon follows (from the basement) from Portia saying "We have mice!".  Jason went down to investigate.  Knowing my rodent infatuation, he came back up with a container hidden from me and said "I don't even want to show you this or you'll fall in love".  Given that, I had to see.  In a fish specimen container was this teeny, tiny baby mouse, full fur and eyes open and bouncing all around.

Given that it is December in Kentucky we really weren't sure if he would survive if let out into the elements - afterall, it is hitting the single digits at night and barely above freezing during the day on some days.  After doing some research on wild mice in captivity and after the "sucker" stamp reappearing on my forehead, we decided to keep the little guy.  Being the rodent lover that I am, I am happy to announce that I now have a new fur-baby, aptly named Pip Squeak.  We believe that Pip is a white-footed mouse, based on the descriptions I've read during research.  He's quite agitated right now, and understandably, seeing as he's moved houses three times today.  But we finally have him (I'll call him "him" until I find out otherwise) in a nice, cozy 5 gallon aquarium until he gets big enough to move into a larger, wired cage.  He escaped from a wired cage earlier today and Jason had to retrieve him from the top of the office curtain rod.  Oops.

So....meet Pip!  Isn't he adorable!  :D

Pip Squeak

Louisville - City of Possibilities

For anyone that has never been to Louisville, Kentucky (or those that have, even) there is a wonderful Flickr group dedicated to our fine city.  The photographers involved in this group have done a wonderful job of depicting Louisville and the surrounding areas.   Check it out - come visit!

Louisville - City of Possibilities