I can never figure out whether the animals can talk to you on the midnight between the 23rd and the 24th or the midnight between the 24th and the 25th. Anyway, I missed the first date, I was sacked out. Another headache struck. There have been a string of them this fall.

I hope you enjoy our oak tree. It is the second year we've used it. We have an artificial tree. The tradition here was to decorate it until it fell over. Little did I realize I was dealing with the queen of tree decorating. Jane's December decorating turned into these forced marches. We had to finish the bloody tree. The fun of Christmas turned into I am tired and don't want to deal with it anymore as we tried to put up my numerous decorations, Jane's, her mom's, her aunts, her 3rd cousin (once removed).

I'm sorry, I know the Danielson's are reading this too. But it was way over blown. It was the result of all the decorations for several generations, on both sides, coming home to roost.

We'll return to a traditional tree again. But not this year.

I described this to my sister-in-law Sallie Z. as our conceptual tree. I think you see what I mean. It's just some slats that are crudely put together with the lights. I like it. It is perfect for a small city apartment. In addition, I think it reminded us of what was important about this holiday.

The storm that has been battering the US all week finally seems to be passing us. There's about a foot of snow in the yard. The electric snow shovel I purchased at the start of the season has died, already. A new one is sitting in the living room to take its place (perhaps I should wrap it?)

I called cousins in Ireland earlier in the week. Susan S. told me it was mild, with temperatures about eight C. I told her I'd trade her straight up, her eight C for our eight F. LOL. Sunday and Monday were about the worst of the storm. We've been hiding in the apartment. It got so bad, we had to make a food run on Wednesday, as the fridge and freezer were empty. With the holiday, Ceili coming in and more weather possible, that was a problem. So BIG food run on Wednesday.

On Monday Jane and I met at Wrigleyville with the manager of one of the rooftops to shoot pictures before the game next week. If you don't know what game, come back here next week.

It was one of the glorious winter days when there is NO cloud cover. The sky was bright blue and the shadows were sharp on the ground. Of course it was also seriously cold. We had to climb some scaffolding on their bleachers to shoot the best shot. From up there, about five stories up, the wind whipped across Wrigley Field. I was able to get the shots, but it was tough conditions. We'll put a skyline shot here when Jane has a moment.

We really need this story published somewhere besides the ChiTownDailyNews, so keep your fingers crossed. (It will be in the CTDN too). The fact is we're having problems with the kids who are running the PR departments at the Bhawks and the Wolves too. They've never worked professionally before, have no idea how stories are sold, and like to say NO. The result is our blogs are suffering, our readers are suffering and we're getting pissed off. Having some published material should help change things next season.

Still another contact with a long lost. Jim G. and Jenneine R. wrote a real nice card to us. I've missed them. It was a friendship that sort of suffered about the time Jane moved to Chicago. There were so many friendships from that time that have suffered. Writing to Jim and Jenneine, I described one aspect of what has changed as the elephant in the living room. It is one of the bad karma things that should have gone well that turned into a negative instead and now everyone becomes defensive discussing it. Hopefully there will be more friends coming forward and more elephants identified. This is one elephant I wouldn't mind killing.

I'm still looking for my college friend (I'm going to break one of the rules of the blog and put his full name here in hopes he Googles himself. Maybe he can find me?) Robert E Foster of the US Army Corp of Engineers, Eastern Illinois University and Cedar Lake, IN. (Those tags should help him find this easier).

Honest to god, I'm about to give up on this guy. He moved to Connecticut, married and disappeared. Bob, if you read this, leave a comment with your contact information. I approve all the comments, so it won't be read by your enemies, or whatever. LOL. We need to catch up. Jack and I have some great whiskey and stories for you. (I believe Jack has some great cigars too. LOL).

That would be a great Christmas gift. Preferably this year, but next year is okay too.

The strange new act of Googling your own name is humorous and disturbing too. When I do it a person in New York comes up who embroiders vestments for the clergy. And, he is well known in that area. Amazing. Jane's love of embroidering and my name. My pen name (Patrick Kissane) is basically owned by me, so that is pretty cool. But, I've got to work out the Lou Grant stuff. I don't want Lou around anymore. We're discussing how to let him go, you know, lay him off. LOL Another victim of the downturn in newspapers.

Oh Shakespeare, how would you deal with multiple personalities and identities today?

Anyway, Jane and I hope everyone reading is well. We wish you a Merry Christmas, unless you're in Ireland. Then we wish you a Happy Christmas. As well, a healthy, prosperous and happy New Year.