The last day of the year brings reflections on the past and hopes for the future. It was a good year with a rough start and a whirlwind finish. The delta and omicron strains of COVID required pivoting from our plans for a return to normal. But by summer, travel was back in full forceContinue reading “December 31 Day 1028: Here’s to 2022”
Category Archives: holidays
December 27 Day 1024: I promise I’m trying
One week until the start of classes for Winter 2023. I get up in the morning and think “this is the day I will accomplish what I need to be ready to teach.” By the evening I feel further behind than when I started. I know I got things accomplished but I want time withContinue reading “December 27 Day 1024: I promise I’m trying”
December 24 Day 1021: Jollification
Today I managed to submit an article for publication, design our holiday card (finally), and wrap all the presents. It’s been a fine day of merrymaking. I am prepared to celebrate with others tomorrow. This elf is ready for a long winter’s nap. Happy, merry jollification one and all.
December 3 Day 1000: Parade of Pipes and Pups
This morning I find myself in Alexandria, Virginia and despite the promise of rain, I ventured out to see their Scottish Christmas Walk parade. A family friendly affair with tartans, bagpipes, dancers, and dogs. Kids lined the streets and joyfully collected holiday candy tossed by the marchers by. And it didn’t even rain. I’m soContinue reading “December 3 Day 1000: Parade of Pipes and Pups”
April 17 Day 770: Taxes Completed
Taxes used to be more much more complicated. Itemization. Charitable donations. Mortgage interest. Property taxes. I would have detailed spreadsheets delineating every aspect of our expenses. For the third year in a row, the standard deduction is best (mostly because many of our deductions were eliminated). It sure makes completing our taxes simpler. But nowContinue reading “April 17 Day 770: Taxes Completed”
December 30 Day 662: Top 10 of 2021
Preparing to ring in the New Year is a time of reflection and appreciation for the year that we are closing out. So today, I present to top 10 blog posts (as determined by the number of reader views during 2021). #10: January 16 Day 314: The Speed of Change in which I consider my habitsContinue reading “December 30 Day 662: Top 10 of 2021”
December 27 Day 659: Holiday Cards
I always try to get our holiday card designed and printed before Christmas. If I am very good, I manage to get them in the mail before December 25. This year the printing was finished on Christmas Eve, many cards were addressed on Boxing Day, and the first batch were delivered to the post officeContinue reading “December 27 Day 659: Holiday Cards”
December 23 Day 655: Holiday Achievement Unlocked
The Christmas tree is finally finished with the help of my youngest. It’s the first time we have elected to use only white lights (both the cool and warm variety) mostly because the first strand with multi-colored bulbs did not fully illuminate. It looks sophisticated, I think. Next step, finish designing our holiday card. IContinue reading “December 23 Day 655: Holiday Achievement Unlocked”
December 21 Day 653: Mileage Run Part 3
Mission Completion! Gold status has been verified in the Alaska Airline app and I got to meet my son AT THE GATE on his holiday travels home. The last time I did that was when the kids were travelling as unaccompanied minors to visit my parents in TN. I have fond memories of childhood waitingContinue reading “December 21 Day 653: Mileage Run Part 3”
December 21 Day 653: Mileage Run Part 1
This is my gift to myself — one final airplane trip in 2021 simply to accrue enough frequent flyer mileage points to advance to the next level. Just a hop to San Francisco and back with lounge access for the day, earning the final miles needed to become gold. Is it worth it? Absolutely, ifContinue reading “December 21 Day 653: Mileage Run Part 1”
Math in the Time of Corona 