It seems to be a case, from one extreme to another.

The last of the Indian Summer skies. A "Canadian Clipper" has hit here
and our temps. from daytime highs of 55-58F and evening lows into the
mid to low 20's to now fore casted daytime temps. into the 20's and
evening temps. into the single digits and sub zero range. This morning,
at 6am. our outside thermometer read; almost -1F, more like -1/2F.

The picture above and the one right below, Cortney took on Tuesday,
late afternoon. Unfortunately her camera isn't good at long distance
photos, but this is a Golden Eagle, that took a breather in one of our
cottonwood trees down along the river.(see picture below) It's simply
amazing just how large, these majestic birds really are. Typically we
we see them in pairs, so this is either a young bird or one who's lost it's
mate, because Cortney didn't see any other Golden Eagle.

Here is a picture of our Christmas tree, without the aid of a flash, it's a
a bit blurred I know. Last year we bought some of those LED light
strings, but this year they have all sorts of shapes and colors too! We
bought four colored strings to add to our white one purchased last yr.
I like these, for two reasons; they don't get hot, so less worry of fire and
they use less than half of the energy that regular strings of lights do. Now
what to do with the regular light strands?

Here it is with the flash working! It is a beautiful tree and Cortney did

much of the decorating while Mike and I did the evening chores. We do

have an artificial tree, but we do enjoy fresh trees better. They make the

whole house smell wonderful.

It is a challenge every Christmas season, making room in our small

living room, but this year Cortney had an idea and it seems to work

better with the couch in front of the bay windows. Instead of the tree by

the middle window of the bay windows and the couch crammed over

where our tree is this year( see above picture) Although when Cortney

is on the couch and Mike and I in our rockers( across from her) Mike

can't see Cortney, the tree hides her*wink*

We did manage a bit of shopping last weekend, now one final trip,

possibly on Sunday and we'll have the few gifts bought that we intended

to buy. Jaymes is getting some clothes, as he's outgrown most of his

4T pants and I picked up a couple cute football( he's crazy over football)

woollies( the pj's with the feet in them). We're looking for a game for him

and a few inexpensive stocking stuffers. Jon and Bobbie asked for a

bassinet. After shopping everywhere, the bassinets I knew of , seem to

be a thing of the past. Now the bassinets are a multi function item, they

look more like a small playpen and they have a place in the top as a

bed.

Some even have a portable changing area at one end, music and

vibration to sooth baby. When they've outgrown the bassinet and

moved to a crib, the unit converts into a small playpen, easily folded

down for travel. It's been 18yrs. since I had a baby and things sure

have changed, now I sound like someone OLD, LOL!! We still have

Cortney's big gift to purchase, but we already know who has the best

price, it's now just a matter of going to pick it up. Then a few stocking

stuffers for her as well( she loves card games, CD's or books) Yep,

one final trip and then we won't have to be caught up in the city during

the frenzy of holiday shopping( that's the hermit in me, speaking

now *wink*)