Arranged for a Christmas party

Yes, I realize it's been weeks since I've put up a post. Now that Christmas and deadlines are done, I'm able to take a deep breath and maybe actually get back to my blog more consistently and update you on some goings-on.

First of all, on Dec. 16 we had a Christmas party here at the house, with 21 people in attendance. I rearranged the furniture in the front room to make as much open floor space as possible, and set out as many chairs as I could to accomodate everybody. It helped that we didn't have the wood stove going, so up to eight people could sit in that area.

Sorry for the poor photo quality, but all I had time for was two quick photos when everyone was here. I made pineapple chili, while Bob brought his chili and Jamie brought soup. I also made a cracker dip and a veggie/chip dip, and everyone else filled in with more snacks and desserts.

I only had five hours after leaving work early to get ready for the party, which started around 6:30, so I didn't have the chance to take photos before, but these are 'morning after' photos of how I arranged everything.

We had moved the loveseat against the wall for Thanksgiving - something I'd resisted doing since it makes the corner with the bookcase funny, but Scott has always wanted it that way, and I do have to admit that the space is more inviting. I still don't like the corner, but I can live with it.

And look at the cute kid who's hanging out. :-)

The other side of the front room, where Melissa and I moved the bench under the window - also a change that works a lot better than what I had before.

Originally the Christmas tree was pulled out, and the corner was empty. For the party, Scott and I moved it, and that's where it's stayed. It really has made more space in the front room, and I think I'll leave the table pushed up under the window, as Scott likes the extra floor space in the front room, and we can just pull it out when we have company and need the extra seating.

Both of these tables were full of food for the party. And our Christmas tree actually looks good in these photos. :-) It really has a lot of flaws, but it has character.

We put drinks on the desk, and people sat around the pedestal table.

So there you have it. Although I probably didn't actually have time to host a Christmas party here, it was fun and I think a good time was had by all. I think now we'll wait a while for company after having Thanksgiving and then this party here. :-)

Patriotism and Newspaper Creativity

Today we're finishing the paper on a somewhat accelerated schedule so that we can take both Friday and Monday off for the Independence Day holiday.

Thus, we've already got the proof back from Tracy, and are just finishing up proofing to get her changes by the end of the day.

Earlier this week Roundup intern Tressa and I met up with a local high school girl for a photo shoot, complete with a flag from Rep. Cynthia Lummis's office, and that's reason #452 why Wyoming's Congressional delegation is head and shoulders above other states'. :-)

Out of 150 photos I took that evening, there were a dozen that I really liked, and this is the one Tracy chose to work with:

I loved that we ended up using a gray horse - it made the photo's colors work together all that much better.

So anyway, when I saw the proof on the share drive earlier today I immediately called Tracy to tell her I love it. We really need to be more free with our creativity more often with the paper - that's my opinion, anyway.

Pardon the red pen - this is a photo of the proof, after all - but I really like the parchment background she added to the photo.

The quote says: "Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it." - Thomas Paine

If I don't get a chance to post again, have a happy 4th of July, and remember to be thankful for the blessings of freedom.

latest mischief

This is what Scott and I have been up to lately - tormenting the dogs! Sunday afternoon we went to Big Lots for rawhide dog treats, and got to looking at the pet clothing.

Lucy looks like she's wearing a muscle shirt. She really wasn't thrilled, and it sure calmed her down because she didn't want to move with her sweater on.

Foxy's fit her a lot better. They didn't have any extra large, just large.

Her little scarf looks so festive. Alas, though, both of the sweaters will be returned to Big Lots, since Lucy's doesn't fit her. We thought it'd be funny to show up to Thanksgiving with clothes on them, but now I don't think we're taking them to Scott's mother's house in Douglas, anyway.

And Foxy has definitely become our spoiled dog, and she's really warmed up to the idea of being a lap dog. She likes to sleep on her back with her legs in the air. She's gotten to the point where she'll sit next to the couch with her chin on your leg and give you the eyes until you let her up on your lap.

I must say, Link does definitely disapprove of dogs being allowed on laps. And then if Foxy comes up, Lucy gets jealous and wants to come up, too. That is the zoo and circus that is our living area in the evenings. :-)