I think I brain-blocked on the stocking because we stopped doing stocking when I was in high school. We used stocking money to do angel tree kids every year and later for charitable donations in the people's names, so I am kinda out of practice.

Icy Hill

December 15, 2008, South Waterfront neighborhood, Portland, Oregon. Looking from our condo we can see cars attempting, and most failing, to climb up a hill to get out of the neighborhood. I decided to put together a montage of sliding cars. Portland had a recent snowfall and we are expecting more tomorrow.

The montage is sped up, with wacky Benny Hill music....

When I wear nail polish my hands always feel hot and sweaty. It's like the polish is suffocating my fingers. Pedicures don't have the same effect, so I'm more likely to get those.

Has part three been posted? 2008, the year in photographs (part 3 of 3)

My Little Yoda Pony! My Little Pony Continues to Find the Force - Kooky Star Wars Tribute

Gah! Still laughing about the icy hill -- the fact that no-one or -car was hurt makes it just that much more acceptably funny.

There were pig magnets on sale for 50 cents at Staples (where I got mac some erasers and a pencil sharpener). so I did treat myself. all treat, no guilt.

I second the balsa wood airplane rec. Much less pointy and weighty than paper. Plus, they sometimes fall apart when they hit something and then can be put back together for more. I loved them as a kid.

Oragami is awesome. Friends' kids have a really intricate design book [Harrier jet type stuff] and when I come over, they ask me to help them with the worst challenges. I've got the time and tenacity to figure out otherwise confusing directions and the kids love seeing the final results. Then I can teach them how to get past the directions that confused them before.

Huge fun for all.

I had a totally old fashioned lunch--salmon cakes, coleslaw, mashed potatoes, white bread & butter. Delicious but so bad for me!