Chicago Trip Pictures

Decorations near the Water Tower got us in the holiday spirit

My friend, Cindy, was a finalist to win a car at our convention.

Didn't win, but it was still exciting.

Christmas tree at the Intercontinental Hotel (didn't stay here!)

Cindy and Katelyn drink hot tea at the Grant Park Best Western (our hotel).
Note Christmas trees in the background for comparison!

Inside the Palace Theater (had to sneak these photos)

Saw a pre-Broadway show of Dirty Dancing, The Musical . Excellent dancing.

Posters adorn street lamps throughout the city

Deep dish pizza with Katelyn and her friends for a fun evening

Danielle, JC, Cindy, John, Alicia, Kate, Brynn, John

Mickey Mouse lights the trees during a parade on Michigan Avenue
that ushers in the holiday season

Hand on the thigh of Lego Man ......he was a brick house.

Why NFL Players Should Keep Their Names Short

John S. ( Bosco's Dad) sent these items to us.

Doctors' Opinions of Financial Bail Out Package

The Allergists voted to scratch it, and the
Dermatologists advised not to make any rash moves.

The Gastroenterologists had sort of a gut feeling about it,
but the Neurologists thought the Administration had a lot of nerve,
and the Obstetricians felt they were all laboring under a misconception.

The Ophthalmologists considered the idea shortsighted;
the Pathologists yelled, 'Over my dead body!' while
the Pediatricians said, 'Oh, Grow up!'

The Psychiatrists thought the whole idea was madness,
the Radiologists could see right through it,
and the Surgeons decided to wash their hands of the whole thing.

The Internists thought it was a bitter pill to swallow,
and the Plastic Surgeons said, 'This puts a whole new face on the matter.'

The Podiatrists thought it was a step forward,
but the Urologists felt the scheme wouldn't hold water.

The Anesthesiologists thought the whole idea was a gas,
and the Cardiologists didn't have the heart to say no.

In the end, the Proctologists left the decision up to same old assholes in Washington.

Thanksgiving Blessings

Hope that everyone enjoyed Thanksgiving as much as we did!

Sarah, Paul and Katelyn relax after dinner

Always too much delicious food to eat.

John celebrates his first Thanksgiving with his beautiful wife.

The table decorations were beautiful. Jean and Paul hosted the family celebration.

Peggy was in today while visiting from Florida, it was great to see her. She reported that Gwen is in the hospital back in Florida for an undiagnosed illness. We all send our get well wishes to her.

Jack turns 80 years old today! He and Gladys stopped in for coffee on their way out to spend some time with their daughter, Cindy.

Glenn and Zach showed up, and Glenn was discussing politics. He looks and sounds better every day. Glenn had sent an email to wish all a Happy Thanksgiving. He shared a most unusual concept: "Two women sitting together, quietly".

Doug recalled going to Lane Bryant to buy a gift for his wife on their first Christmas. He said he tried to describe his petite wife to the saleslady and came home with a garment way TOO big. All these years later, the incident has not been forgotten in his home. Bill W. said he went out to get his wife a 2 x 2, but she really needed a 4 x 4!

Thanks to all of our friends at Sam's for making us laugh.

More Holiday Cheer

Sam's will be open on Thanksgiving from 7 am until noon. Put your turkey in the oven and come grab a cup of coffee with your family and friends.

My dear friend, Mary, sent me the greeting below with the attached note: Due to increasing age, forgetfulness, and my decreasing ability to send cards on time here is my card to cover every Holiday!

2008's First Christmas Joke (Thanks to Harold)

Three men died on Christmas Eve and were met by Saint Peter at the pearly gates. 'In honor of this holy season' Saint Peter said, 'You must each possess something that symbolizes Christmas to get into heaven.'

The first man fumbled through his pockets and pulled out a lighter. He flicked it on. 'It represents a candle', he said. 'You may pass through the pearly gates' Saint Peter said.

The second man reached into his pocket and pulled out a set of keys. He shook them and said, 'They're bells.' Saint Peter said 'You may pass through the pearly gates'.

The third man started searching desperately through his pockets and finally pulled out a pair of woman's panties. St. Peter looked at the man with a raised eyebrow and asked, 'And just WHAT do THOSE symbolize?' The man replied, 'These... are Carol's.' ...And, he, too was admitted entrance.

So begins the Christmas Season...

Much To Be Thankful For

• I had a great trip to Chicago and I am thankful to be back home, safe and sound, just in time for my favorite holiday.

• Chuck and Aleta send their Thanksgiving greetings to everyone from Florida. They also sent us the poem and cartoons below to brighten our day.
  May your stuffing be tasty
  May your turkey plump,
  May your potatoes and gravy
  Have never a lump.
  May your yams be delicious
  And your pies take the prize,
  And may your Thanksgiving dinner
  Stay off your thighs!

• Tom from Las Vegas has sent us a Thanksgiving quiz to test our knowledge of the holiday's origins. He got four answers correct; I got five. See how much you know by clicking the link at http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/quiz/quiz.aspx?QuizID=289&qpt=results. Better yet, take the quiz after dinner while in a turkey coma.

• Thanks to Glenn for sending us this link; we are so thankful you are feeling well enough to drive yourself up to Sam's many mornings. For those of you who can't access the actual Catonsville Times, check out the nice article by Kevin Rector at http://www.explorebaltimorecounty.com/business/5065/friendship-perk-bagel-shops-regulars/. The photo in the paper by Sarah Nix also included Doug and Paul. Kevin, you did a good job of pulling together all of those conversations. Thanks for taking the time to talk with everyone and write so thoughtfully!

• Every year for one weekend in December, downtown Baltimore attractions, led by the National Aquarium, drop admission prices to $1 or even less. These discounts drive large crowds to the Inner Harbor, but with all the holiday events going on at Harborplace and the rest of the waterfront, it's a great time to make a trip to the Inner Harbor. This year, the discount weekend will be held December 7-8. Can't beat the price! When else can you get into the National Museum of Dentistry for just a $1? I can't wait!

• American Visionary Art Museum $1 admission Sunday
• Babe Ruth Birthplace & Museum $1 admission Sunday only
• Baltimore Maritime Museum $1 admission (per site) Sunday
• Baltimore Museum of Industry $1 admission both days
• Baltimore Public Works Museum $1 admission both days
• Carroll Mansion $1 admission both days
• Contemporary Museum Free admission both days
• Edgar Allen Poe House and Museum $1 admission Saturday
• Evergreen Museum & Library $1 admission both days
• Homewood Museum $1 admission both days
• Immigration Time Porthole $1 admission both days
• Irish Railroad Workers Museum & Shrine Free admission Saturday
• Maryland Science Center $1 admission both days (exhibit hall only)
• National Aquarium in Baltimore $1 base admission both days 10am- 4pm
• National Museum of Dentistry $1 admission both days
• Phoenix Shot Tower $1 admission both days
• Port Discovery, the Children’s Museum in Baltimore $1 admission Sunday
• The Rectory Free admission Saturday
• Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture $1 admission both days
• Robert Long House $1 admission both days
• Sports Legends Museum at Camden Yards $1 admission Saturday only
• Top of the World Observation Level $1 admission both days
• USS Constellation Museum $1 admission Sunday
• Walters Art Museum Free admission both days to the permanent collection
• Washington Monument & Museum Free admission both days