Monday

Miscellaneous Rambling

"It's the most . . . wonderful time . . . of the year." All seven kids are home, which is always nice, but this year seems especially wonderful. I've had a grueling past six months at the office, but things are lightening up and this week promises a light work load. With any luck, I won't be working the 24th, 25th, or 26th. It's a stark contrast to two years ago, when I was inches from going into the office on the 25th until Marie successfully prevailed upon me. * * * * * * * And I'm taking my annual shopping trip to Wal-Mart and Dollar Tree tomorrow. Although I don't have an ideological hatred for Wal-Mart and believe it does much good, I have a mild aesthetic aversion to going there, especially during the holidays, but I need to round out a few things. I'm hoping late morning on a weekday will be endurable. * * * * * * * Glinda the Good Witch was 54 years old, no munchkin committed suicide on set that was pictured on the Yellow Brick Road, the movie was a flop upon its first release, its director was a Nazi, and other odd facts about The Wizard of Oz. * * * * * * * Readers might recall my extreme disgust with part two of The Hobbit last year. I refuse to go to the current installment (though I probably will watch it once it's released for home viewing) and apparently I'm not alone. "The film . . . had the weakest opening of Jackson's six Tolkien adventures." Good. The makers oughtta be ashamed for deliberately butching a classic in the name of marketing and political correctness. * * * * * * * PSA for my northern rural readers: How to survive a blizzard in your car. Some pretty good practical advice. * * * * * * * It's the season of traditions. Consistent with TDE tradition, expect slow blogging through the holidays, but I'll get something posted every day. Thanks for reading.