Wednesday, December 23, 2009

We Are Family


I love this photo, Christmas 2007, it was cold, but not too cold to get a family photo in. You can appreciate my brother's fresh military hairdo. Very nice, right?

I am home now, just beating the weather that is threatening Eastern Nebraska and now I wait for my brother to arrive home. I cannot wait until we are all together as it has been four months. Break out the scotch and cigars, the Massara's are together again.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Slug out of the 'ol Mug


This is the delicious coffee that I discovered at the grocery store. I was overjoyed at the jolly figure on the front, the pretty red packaging and the fact that "White Christmas" appears in the title. I just finished my usual two cups, but sadly want more. I better not.

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Charlie, Snoopy and the Gang






You are looking at one of the most amazing things I have ever been witness to. I must say that I didn't believe that Opryland could pull off such incredible feats as the ICE! Charlie Brown Christmas. Two million pounds of ice make up this spectacular and mind-boggling sight. I don't think the pictures do it justice! And yes, the last picture is of the ice slides. I went down and was pleasantly surprised at the speed you pick up!

They also make you wear these funny blue jackets to keep warm. I was thinking as I got into mine that this was a bit ridiculous, didn't they know that in Nebraska freezing temps are the norm? But boy was I surprised how cold they kept it in there, about 8-10 degrees. My frosty fingers were worth it though, as every twist and rounding of a corner brought another adorable display into sight. I loved how the colors popped and each scene had the Charlie Brown Christmas Special piped over the sound system. I stopped and smiled as I listened to Linus' famous recitation of the Christmas story!

Much to my surprise the last turn brought you to the actual nativity scene carved out of clear ice. It was absolutely breathtaking. I rejoiced that there were still places in the U.S. that displayed such blatant Christmas praise.

If you're ever in Nashville this time of year, you must stop by! A truly special holiday treat!

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Missing Colorado


Don't I look silly? This was last year at Copper Mountain Ski Resort, one of my family's favorite skiing and snowboarding destinations. We had a glorious week last year, complete with a condo within walking distance of the slopes. It is amusing that every year we stay closer and closer to the lifts and at the end of each trip we pledge to stay even closer. If you don't know what it is like to lug your skis and poles while walking in ski boots on ice and snow packed cobblestones, you should stay naive.

Sadly, we will not make it to our beloved mountains this year as my brother and my schedules don't align. I suppose it is alright though, we'll just have to stay on the the low elevations of Nebraska and make do with sledding on our infamous hill. At least there are no ski boots required.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

The Christmas List


I know that I promised to write my list of what I wanted to do when I went home for Thanksgiving and now here I am already counting down the days until I hop on that plane and head home for Christmas! My how time flies!

So here is a peek at my list of things that I hope to squeeze in while being home once again.

1. Bake cookies (The picture is from last year when my spectacular former roommate Karissa
whipped out her family's sugar recipe. We're talking hundreds of cookies people, but we
decorated them all!)
2. Go on a walk around the neighborhood and see the lights
3. See the Henry Doorly Zoo lights
4. Drive by the Gene Leahy Mall lights
5. Learn to make Mom's famous baklava (strange that she makes Greek pastries, maybe her
questionable ethnicity has been solved)
6. Sled, if there is sufficient snow coverage
7. Watch Muppets Christmas Carol, Holiday Inn, Charlie Brown's Christmas and my favorite,
White Christmas
8. Wake up to fresh cinnamon rolls and Bing belting tunes
9. Kenny G, Dean, Frank and Mannheim Steamroller (I have awoken to my mother blasting this
at 7 in the morning, I cannot wait!)
10.Go hiking in the freezing cold

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

What I REALLY Want for Christmas


I adore these two tin signs that hang on my wall. I got them in the most quintessential western store on one of our frequent vacations to Manitou Springs, Colorado. If you know me at all, you know my love for anything country. That is why I have been dreaming about boots for Christmas. Seriously, these things are pure works of art. I have been ogling these, which are some of my favorite. If I found a pair of these waiting under the tree, well that would make the special day even better, but if not, I'll just keep dreaming. Feel free to do the same.

Friday, December 11, 2009

My Almost Perfect Tree


I have finally gotten my very own Christmas tree! I am extremely excited to show it off! I love plugging it in and watching it cast its warm glow over my apartment. The only problem is that it is a bit generic. You see it was all purchased from Wal-Mart. Let me make it clear that I appreciate their very low prices because without them, this Christmas staple would not have been possible. But one day, I want each branch to hold an ornament that has meaning to me, whether it is from a vacation or for a special event, I dream of a unique personal tree all my own. I also need to sew a tree skirt, it looks a little bare, almost as if the tree needs a blanket to keep its feet warm.

For now though, it is perfect, just perfect. A very merry Christmas!

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Playing Catch Up


Look at my handsome brother in front of the famous Loveless Cafe. That day was incredible, even hot in the sunshine. He was loving every minute of it, note his rolled up sleeves. I guess his current home in Alaska does not offer enough of the precious warmth and light. Glad he could squeeze some in on this trip.

As the title of this post suggests, I am going to try and catch up a bit on here. I have so many wonderful events and times to share that I really need to get a move on it! I just know you're all extremely anxious to know what I have been up to.