Preparations

We've started our Christmas preparations early because we are hosting a party for Doug's community band next weekend.  The "Blue Tree" went up last weekend. 

The Ancient One took up her favorite holiday residence. 

 

 

The usual stairway garland with new lights

 

 

The stockings were hung in the stairway with care.

 

 

Advent wreath

 

 

I bought some "net lighting" this year.  They went on in about 5 minutes tonight.  Last year Johanna and I put lights on these bushes and Milhaud get left outside.  A loud voice helped avert a feline crisis. 

 

 

The outdoor finished product.  I think we'll get a real tree for the basement tomorrow and the decorating will be done!  Doug picked up a 24 pound turkey at Target so the defrosting will probably start on that tomorrow in preparation for cooking next Saturday!

CyberMonday Turkey

Doug's been busy cooking up a storm today!

68; 6,7,8; Ate

We helped Judy Berg celebrate her 68th Birthday not by dressing up like Elvis as she and Mike are seen doing in this not so vintage photo but instead by enjoying a meal with them at the Berg Villa of Western Wisconsin.  Judy even did the cooking for her own birthday dinner.  Sue and I brought some
Festive Funcakes

from Festival Foods

in Faux Claire.

 

Here is not a photo not showing the Funcakes.

 

Last Tuesday was Sue's Band-O-Rama concert featuring all three of her bands.  This is the sixth grade group.  Great concert, Sue!

 

The eighth graders played the armed forces medley.  Mike Berg stood up for the Air Force portion of the song.  One of the band grandparents told Sue that this was the most public recognition of his service he's received since returning from Vietnam 30-some years ago.  Thank you veterans.

 

Yes, that's a toilet that has been converted into a flower pot.  Where is this located?  Strum, Wisconsin.  Sue was embarrassed to stop for the photo shoot (and she wouldn't pose with or on the toilet) but if you have a toilet in your front yard, you are just asking for people to pull up in their cars to snap pictures of it.

 

 

 We had a good day in Eleva/Strum spending time with Mike, Judy, and Tailwheel.  We saw Marvin's collection of rubbish and Pete's new studio apartment-cabin being built by Uncle Dukemeister.  We also talked to Uncle Pete, Andy's parents, cousin Karla, Wynne, and Mary (who we ran into in Eau Claire while shopping for the Funcakes).  And last but not least, we Skyped with the

Berg Nieces of South Texas.

 

Here's the best way to eat Lefse.  Liberally apply Cool Whip brand of artificial whipped cream and spread with a spoon.

 

 Roll it up like a fine cigar

 

 

 

And enjoy.  This recipe doesn't seem a lot different than the butter and sugar filling that I've seen at various Norwegian-based celebratory life events (funerals, Christmas dinner, reunions).  Cheers!

Sue and I are going to Pizza Luce this evening for the best pizza in the world.

Trombones in church

Fistful of Turkeys

 

To kick off the Next Generation Blog, the Blog 2.0, the B-W I thought I'd show some siblings.  Mike along with almost everyone else was at Diane and Kevin's for Thanksgiving yesterday.  I think that's a piece of turkey in Mike's hand.  Diane's apron is very season-appropriate.

 

 

Here's an old picture of me showing off my table manners.  We're going to Sue's former student teacher Bryce's wedding secondary party tonight.  I'll try to keep my manners in check.

 

 

Mr. Mahler from the archives.  (We haven't taken many photos lately.)  Pete, Katie, and the Zacharias kids are in town tonight over in Eden Prairie. We may pop in for a beer and a swim at their hotel tonight.

Black Friday

 

We're not doing any Black Friday shopping today (other than getting new tires for the Mini) but here are some of my favorites from the ads yesterday. 

 



Kid-sized drumset!  It's so tempting!!  Maybe we can have 3 shipped to San Antonio and the nieces there can start a drumset trio.

These look like something that would appear at a Berg family reunion.  There's a broken arm just waiting to happen!

Vikings stuffed animal - probably on clearance soon with the way their last games have gone!

Pink pallet gun - Again, we could send a few of these to Texas.  Yesterday young Pfeifer told me they also make "22s" in pink.

A dog bed!  Maybe the dog AND the dog bed!  I watched the Dog Show yesterday.  It's always entertaining to see all those cute faces and funny haircuts.

Now here is an ACTUAL good one!  Dad Berg has published a book!!  It's great - Congratulations, Dad!  If you'd like your own copy, feel free to contact him! 

Blog 2.0

After 7 years, we reached our limit on our original blog.  Thanks for finding us at this new link.