Happy New Year!

Hubby and I will be having our usual quiet New Year's Eve.  We already celebrated the end of the year with a steak dinner last Saturday, and live theatre yesterday.  We're now both ready to start eating more normally, which is much healthier than how we've been eating the last couple of weeks.

In fact, my diet has been a mess since I contracted that bacterial infection four weeks ago.  But, this morning, I took my last antibiotic pill and finally feel my normal, again.  It's time to get organized in the kitchen, making certain there are always plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.

I'm also mentally preparing myself for more daily exercise.  We leave for Paris in just 10 weeks and know, from our first trip there five years ago, that we'll want to do a lot of walking.  I'd been enjoying my neighborhood walks, but now it's too cold.  And today it's snowing.  I'm leaning toward becoming one of those mall walkers.  It's either that or walk in circles at the local health center.

Whatever I decide, I want to get hubby involved.  His new job is much less physical than what he was used to when we owned a pest control business.  Now that we have less stress and more freedom, I especially want to keep us as healthy as possible so we can fully enjoy our new lifestyle.

Those are just a few things on my "to-do" list for 2013.  But, top of the list, is a determination to not get sick, again, this winter season!

Happy New Year, friends.  And may 2013 be full of pleasant surprises for all of us.

More Fun Than Wicked

For years I've wanted to see the musical Wicked.  So I was thrilled to get tickets for today's matinee at the St. Louis Fox Theatre as a Christmas present.

Although I wished I had remembered to bring binoculars, I thoroughly enjoyed the nearly three-hour show.  Every performer did a great job, but I was most impressed with the set design.  We had center seats and many times throughout the production I was struck by how well a scene was staged.

If you don't know the storyline, I won't spoil it for you.  I'll just say it was cleverer than I imagined and I'll never view The Wizard of Oz the same again!

Our New Fireplace

I thought I'd finally show you our new fireplace. The install took place while I was sick.  And, thankfully, it was quick and painless.

Before adding the electric insert, we hadn't used our fireplace in years.  It was inefficient and messy.  Since the install, we've used it everyday.  Not only do the artificial flames give life to a big black hole, the heater warms the family room approximately five degrees!

Converting our wood-burning fireplace to electric was definitely a good idea for us.  It was well worth the months of research.

(By the way, we didn't go with the more common gas insert because our home is all electric.)

A Howdy Doody Christmas

Howdy Doody
(Over 60 years old.)

As long as I can remember, my parents always hung a cardboard Howdy Doody on their Christmas tree.  I honestly don't know why, but of all their possessions, it was the only thing I wanted when dad asked. Unfortunately, however, dad had already given it to my brother, who had no idea how much I wanted it, too.

I guess Kevin felt badly about me not having Howdy Doody, also, so last night he surprised me with a special Christmas present.  He had found and purchased the exact same Howdy Doody on ebay!

It's been a long time since I received a completely unexpected Christmas gift.  Howdy Doody and my brother have made Christmas 2012 one to remember.  Merry Christmas!