The snow has hit us early this year. Hopefully, it’s a sign that we’ll get a lot this Winter. I do hope so; I enjoy the beauty of the snow. Some others, well - not so much.

I’m ripping and stealing the following from my sister’s blog because it was too funny not to share with everyone. (And besides, her blog is private and you wouldn’t be able to see it otherwise.) It’s been around before, and you’ve probably seen it - but for those who haven’t - or those who have - we all need a great chuckle! So for all you snow shovelers, I give you:

Diary Of A Snow Shoveler

December 8: 6:00 PM. It started to snow. The first snow of the season and the wife and I took our cocktails and sat for hours by the window watching the huge soft flakes drift down from heaven. It looked like a Grandma Moses print. So romantic we felt like newlyweds again. I love snow!

December 9: We woke to a beautiful blanket of crystal white snow covering every inch of the landscape. What a fantastic sight! Can there be a more lovely place in the Whole World? Moving here was the best idea I’ve ever had. Shoveled snow for the first time in years and felt like a boy again. I did both our driveway and the sidewalks. This afternoon the snowplow came along and covered up the sidewalks and closed in the driveway, so I got to shovel again. What a perfect life.

December 12: The sun has melted all our lovely snow. Such a disappointment. My neighbor tells me not to worry, we’ll definitely have a white Christmas. No snow on Christmas would be awful! Bob says we’ll have so much snow by the end of winter, that I’ll never want to see snow again. l don’t think that’s possible. Bob is such a nice man I’m glad he’s our neighbor.

December 14: Snow lovely snow! 8″ last night. The temperature dropped to -20. The cold makes everything sparkle so. The wind took my breath away, but I warmed up by shoveling the driveway and sidewalks. This is the life! The snowplow came back this afternoon and buried everything again. l didn’t realize I would have to do quite this much shoveling, but I’ll certainly get back in shape this way. I wish l wouldn’t huff and puff so.

December 15: 20 inches forecast. Sold my van and bought a 4×4 Blazer. Bought snow tires for the wife’s car and 2 extra shovels. Stocked the freezer. The wife wants a wood stove in case the electricity goes out. I think that’s silly. We aren’t in Alaska, after all.

Many times before, I’ve referenced the small town I live in as Mayberry. It’s a great little town tucked (or wedged, as the case may be) between some larger towns. And while it’s currently a little run down, it makes up for those shortcomings through its spirit and familiarity. Local retailers know and talk to their customers. Townsfolk know and talk to each other; not hide away.

Tonight, our local pub, Thatcher McGhee’s, was hosting their annual Christmas Party. Not knowing this, but wanting to stop in for a drink and chat and catch up with the owner/staff, we walked into to see the place was knee-deep with people. On top of that, it was an open bar and free buffet for the customers. How many other places boast that type of hospitality? In the North, no less! That’s the kind of spirit and familiarity that has made the establishment such a grand success, and favorite among non-residents.

So, if you’re ever in the area of Pompton Lakes, do drop by. Walk through the center of town - where shops line both sides of the street. A mix of old and new, there’s something to see for almost everyone. And stop by Thatcher’s for a great Irish repast and - if lucky - live entertainment.

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Click here for a full listing of the 25 Days of Christmas Challenge.

I heard on the news this morning that the economists are concerned about the decline in consumer spending this holiday season. Some retail chains are taking drastic measures to entice shoppers. Select Macy’s stores in New York will be open 24/7 starting Friday and going through Christmas day. Others are offering even greater discounts on already discounted sale items. Blah, blah, blah - blah, blah.

Click here for the news video.

Mass media - in its inherent bias, will do its part to rally support for the retailers, insisting that we, as a collective nation, must spend our hard-earned dollars on shit we don’t need just for the sake of maintaining the free world’s economy. The free world where it’s Christmas all year long. The free world country where 8-year old (and up) girls flaunt status by carrying Dooney & Burke and Coach accessories.

Once again, I defer to memories. Back in the day, our gifts weren’t extravagant. But they were heartfelt.

Nibble on that for a while, why don’t you. Meanwhile, I’m going to go bake some cookies and build a gingerbread house and spend my valuable time doing things with my family.

Click here for a full listing of the 25 Days of Christmas Challenge.

I am was two days behind on my posts. They’re sitting in draft stage, but aren’t ready for prime time, but finally got around to finishing up the entries. Entertained company this past weekend - and fighting off a horrid migraine. So, don’t go away - stop back by later in the evening.

Getting one of my Xmas wishes - maybe 2!

Cheers!

Click here for a full listing of the 25 Days of Christmas Challenge.