"The Night Before Christmas" Part 4

"I saw Dasher, and Dancer, and all of the rest,

 but I didn't see Rudolph,  and he's the one I like best!

I realized he was fictitious, and  felt like a goof, 

then I heard Santa land with a 'thud!' on my roof!"

Next time: Santa breaks into my home. It's okay though, because after all, he's Santa Claus, and he might have new Doctor Who toys for me!

2011, ALREADY?!

Where does the time go? Another year over, another year gone.  We here at Casa del Blanco had our ups and downs, but overall, we had a pretty good year. Here are some of the highlights and low lights:

• We started the year with me having serious medical issues. Not the most auspicious start to the year, but fortunately everything worked out for the best, and I am feeling fine. I also got a freelance gig as a result of the experience!

• Alas, we lost my Mum, which was sad, but I really believe she has gone on to a much better place. One where all of her beloved pets are around her, and "Happy Hour" starts whenever she likes. Also, a place where she and her cousin Marie don't have to battle it out over who pays the check. I am also happy that the bond between my Sisters and I was re-affirmed during the whole ordeal.

• Perfect Wifey and I celebrated our third wedding anniversary, and we couldn't be happier. I don't know what it is about this woman, but somehow, she enriches my life in every way.

• PW and I also got to travel a lot this year. We went to NYC, Orlando (more on that later, I promise!) and my favorite, Albany, NY! Who knows what our travel plans for 2011 hold? Could a trip to Dover, NJ be in our future?

• Rocco the Wonder Dog. For those who came in late, I love this little guy. Man's Best Friend, indeed.

• I had the opportunity to participate in a number of local theatre productions. It was enough to convince me that, really, I am done with that.

• My "Cartooning Career" had all kinds of ups and downs. I am hoping for better in 2011. If you know of anyone that needs an artist, gimmie a call.

• The most rewarding thing, though, I hafta say, is doing this blog, and reading the comments from all of you faithful readers. To David, Paula, Chris, Mykal, eeteed, Scott, Mike, Pepper, Newton, Mark and anyone else who has visited this blog and left a comment, good or bad, thanks. For those of you reading this that haven't commented, comment! You could be on this list next year!

• One big low light: Still no Remote Controlled K9. Oh well, other than that, a very good year.

As a famous Doctor once said: "To days to come, and all my love to long ago."

Christmas Passed

The anticipation is so great, and then, before you know it, Christmas is over.

We here at Casa del Blanco had a very Holly Jolly. We had an early Holiday party with the Fabulous Sisters and their Hubbys, as well as Maggie the Semi-Wonder Dog. On Christmas Day, Perfect Wifey (as well as Rocco, THE Wonder Dog) and I had a nice quiet Christmas. All by our lonesome.

The gift-haul was particularly gratifying for me. In addition to some cool books, I got an action figure set of the four Ghostbusters,  as well as the Mamma-Jamma of Christmas gifts, a replica of Doctor Who's TARDIS! This set is scaled to all the DW action figures I already have, so it fits in perfectly with the massive display that graces my studio. In continuing with the Doctor Who theme, I also got an AWESOME tee shirt, depicting the Doctor's loyal dog, K9. All in all, quite the Christmas bonanza for  me. Again, I think Santa is not doing a great job on keeping track of his naughty/nice list. If he was, I doubt I would have made out so well.

I realize, once again, that the above list sounds like it came from a nine year old. You are right. It does.

Perfect Wifey really scored on the Christmas Present front, though. Santa, or some other thoughtful person (ME!), gave her a Kindle! She is absolutely loves it, and, I have to admit, I do too.

At first, I  was sceptical of this new technological wonder. I love books. How could  some stupid electronic gizmo replace the printed page?! Well, it does it by having an easy to read screen and by providing access to almost any book you want, in a handy portable form for a modest fee. That is not to say the Kindle doesn't have it's shortcomings: I wouldn't want to read a graphic novel (we used to call them "comic books") or  any kind of illustrated book in this format. Also, Kindle's biggest shortcoming: What do you do when the power goes out, and your charge is done? Talk with each other? Yikes!

Really, the Kindle is a wonder, and I highly recommend it. Keep in mind this is coming from  a hard-core Luddite, who doesn't know how to text, Tweet or whatever. So, this is high praise indeed.

In spite of all of this gift getting, what I really loved about this Christmas, and every Christmas, is being with the people I love, in spirit if not physically. For all of you out there, I hope  you had a Happy Holiday! If you didn't, there's always next year.