Unplugged, when I want to be

It seems to me that I've already posted about this topic, but I couldn't find it...maybe I should label the posts...but then I'm sure I would agonize over finding the perfect label.

Anywhoo, I have grown increasingly annoyed at phone calls on our land line. Phone calls from friends and family are not the problem, of course. And we have been free of telemarketers for years, for the most part. Now it's non-profits, marketing and farming surveys, and political calls. They come at all times of the day, although I find it most irritating when the phone rings between 8:30 and 9 PM and it's one of those unwanted calls. I've told Wayne not (now I remember when I wrote a similar post...it was the Tele-Surveyer post...I just didn't realize it was that long ago.) to answer the phone if he didn't recognize the caller and he has complied.

But, now I've had an epiphany...just unplug the damn phone! So, I've been trying to remember to unplug it around 6 PM. I leave it that way and then plug it back in much later (those callers have rules about how late they are allowed to call.) Today, a call came in at about 8:30 this morning while I was on the other side of the house from the base phone. I nearly broke my neck racing to the kitchen to unplug it. You see, if it's unplugged, the caller will hear it ring and ring and ring. It doesn't ring here and the answering machine doesn't come on. I know, I'm evil, but it feels great! It's been unplugged all day and I love it, love it, love it!

So, friends and family, if the phone rings and rings and rings and the answering machine never comes on, feel free to call either Wayne or I on our cell phones. I'm not posting the number here...if you need us badly enough, you'll know someone to call to get our numbers.

Wendel/Rioux Family Christmas-2009

The 2009 Wendel/Rioux Family Christmas was hosted by Tom and Anne at their home in Austin. The only little ones attending this year were one-year old Mallie Wendel, who came with her mom and dad, Natalie and A. J. and 7 month old Jax Bubela, who came with his mom Carolyn, Aunt Wendy, Cookie & Pop and Uncle Chris.

I've decided not to try to put the photos in any specific order. A reminder that clicking on a photo will open it larger in another window.

An 8-pt. buck in the neighbor's yard studies the group of us on the deck watching him. Or maybe he's looking at the doe. There were three does and the buck that spent some time in the yard.

Carolyn , Virgie & Janie looking at something while Jax studies the book.

Susan, Carolyn, Virgie, Jax, Janie & Hannah

Mallie and Robin

A. J., Natalie & Mallie

Wendy, Hannah, Robin, Susan

Wendy, Hannah, Robin, Chad

Scott, Wayne, Bo & Richard

Janie, Virgie, Patricia, Tom, Billy, Anne

Billy, Anne, Janie, Chris

The family songfest. That's Anne's son, Michael sitting on the floor. I think we sounded pretty darn good this year. Hardly screwed up at all.

And finally, below, Jax and Mallie are dancing to "Jingle Bells." Well, Mallie is. Jax isn't standing, but he does start kicking his feet as if he wants to dance.

Snow Day

Snow had been predicted all week, but being the cynic I am, I declared that I would "believe it when I see it!" I think my cynicism might be a defense mechanism...if I expect to be disappointed, I can't be disappointed...if you get my drift (pun not intended.)

So, it was lovely to get up Friday morning to snow falling in south Texas, again. Un-freaking-believable! It snowed all day long; much of the time quite hard! By mid-afternoon it had slowed quite a bit; I guess we had about an inch or two that covered most areas.

Early (well, 9 or so) in the morning

About 11 AM, looking out toward the road

Still 11 AM

The Garners' snowmen about 5 PM

5 PM in front of the Garner home

This standing water shows how much rain we have had recently

Kelly and Gage have a small fort built. You can barely see it at the left.

If you're into dull, you can listen to my lame commentary.

Our Family Thanksgiving

This is the second year that we have had our family Thanksgiving the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Scheduling it at that time means we don't have to share the girls and their families with anyone else. The little ones are still in school, so we can do our preparing and cooking uninterrupted.

The meal was outstanding, as usual. We never vary the menu, so there's no reason for it to disappoint anyone. This year I made the turkey, dressing, gravy and a dessert. Dee made a pecan pie and the girls made the rest. I think they had two items apiece, only one of which required much effort.

We have most of our gatherings at Carolyn & Brent's house now. They have plenty of room with stained concrete floors that make it easy to rearrange furniture and set up folding tables.

Dee joined us this year. Here she is getting the once over by Jax.

Carlee is strapped in and ready to be served.

Our three lovely daughters

Not exactly sure what look Carlee was going for...

Looks like a serious discussion here

Aunt Robin & Carlee

Jax and Kate