First Chicagoland Snow

While some may say it is beautiful and others may say it is messy, the first major snowfall of the 2008 season has hit Chicagoland and it is certainly white and peaceful outside. Cars move slowly, buses crawl, and horses stand in awe. Judging from my footprints in the snow this morning retrieving the Chicago Tribune, approximately 5-6 inches of snow fell in this northern Chicagoland area. Soon the snow plow will appear to clear the driveway and start the new snow pile of the season.

O'Hare has cancelled most flights headed east, so Adult Child 1 will work out of her Chicago office today, instead of a client's location. Adult Child 2 is waiting at Dulles to head to San Fran for the week, but the flight is delayed two hours due to weather. Our weather. And Adult Child 3 is in class, in snowy Milwaukee. I'm headed to class as well -- wonder how many students will show up today?

Photo attribution: somewhatfortyplus

What did you learn over the holiday?

Always an advocate of life long learning, holidays are an excellent time to ponder life's lessons, often learned in special inopportune moments. So before lessons are forgotten, take a moment to reflect on what you learned and answer the question, what do you know now you didn't know before the holiday? I'll begin.

1. Red wine, white wine, scotch and champagne do not mix well and can cause great stomach discomfort several hours later.

2. Spending a full day in pajamas is more relaxing then previously thought.

3. Wrapping gifts as they were purchased far exceeds a giant wrapping marathon at 1 p.m. December 24th.

4. Shattering a wine glass over Christmas cookies requires checking each one with a magnifying glass prior to eating.

5. Hiring a limo to take guests to O'Hare is better then driving in a snow storm under a winter storm warning.

6. Waiting to vacuum until all guests have departed is simpler then vacuuming around them.

7. Christmas wish lists are more beneficial then they get credit for.

8. United Airlines has a bigger problem then they think.

9. Parting is such sweet sorrow.

10. Making chicken soup is good for the soul.

Each day sheds light on what could have been done better, easier, or more efficiently, and each day brings lessons learned. What do I know now I didn't know before? I have three loving children who are grateful for life and all it delivers, are generous beyond belief, and excellent at parties, but then I guess I already knew that. Now here comes the question for the test: what did you learn from the holiday?

Photo attribution: somewhat frank

Revolving Door

The nest is empty. After ten days of hoopla and holidays, pumpkin pie and whipping cream, and comings and goings, the bedrooms are dark and the house is again asleep. One final trip to O'Hare to drop off Blogger Boy for his return to DC, while Law School Boy drove himself back to his current location, and the visitors are down to one. A last supper of turkey and stuffing, sweet potatoes and green beans, and the beloved raspberry jello, and the turkey left overs are ready for turkey soup. First thing in the morning, the onions, celery and garlic will be sauteed in olive oil, and fat free chicken broth with no MSG will serve as the base. Once the remaining turkey is added, along with chopped parsley, chopped dill, a little salt and pepper, and a few sliced carrots, the soup will be ready to eat in 45 minutes. Whether brown rice or small home-made dumplings are added will be decided in the morning sun.

Having visitors over any holiday is a blessing, but having one's family together for a few days of conversation and R & R, is the best thing a person can wish for. My wish was granted.