Back From Zona

Well, I was able to fly the corporate jet to finish some work in Arizona. It was just after a two week trip to Seattle where I was able to be on the scene of my second granddauthter's birth. When I arrived at the airport, I was with a few other bankers that Norm, my dad, the owner, was flying out to look at some projects of loans they were intending to buy. Norm graciously allowed me on the plane as well.
The pilot is responsible to get the rented cars, the food for the flight, etc. He now knows since the first flight that I like wine, so every time morning or evening he has a few bottles on ice for me. Thoughtful fellow.
As I was a latecomer to the flight, Avis, Norm's assitant rented the cars. She called it in and that was that.
When I arrived, there was my car, the two banker's cars and the signs in the window identified who's car was who's.
There on the dash was mine: In large black handwritten magic marker:

Sperm Bank, Hanson.

We all had a great laugh and of course I have the sign with me as evidence.

Who gets to do that? Fly a private jet to arizona for the weekend. Sometimes I sincerely have to pinch myself.
I came home to 3 below wind chill, dressed up and went to let horse in the barn, feed and water her, then re-hang the Christmas decorations that Jada put up for me while I was gone. I imagine in between her slumber she was indeed having nightmares as I cursed the lights as I unwound them in and around up and down the fence. Man, she had them hanging so a hurricane would not move them. They are indeed hardy lights and I am no more in the Christmas spirit now than I was before I started. But, alas... they are hanging and i have big ideas of bows and wreaths. How's that for at least pretending to be in the spirit.
What is Christmas really anyway? Well, we all know it is not the celebration of Christ's birth. It is rather a pagan holiday, as was Easter, that Christians adopted as their own. So, I don't feel bad if the religiousity of it all doesn't absorb me. It's a consumer extravaganza to be sure and retailers enjoy the giving of gifts, but as far as God is concerned, I am not sure He really cares much about it. He does I am sure though feel the warmth of Christian's love for each other during this time and the enjoyment of famiilies getting together, renewed visiting of the elderly and caring for the poor. That I am sure warms His heart any time of year.
So, as for me and my two dogs here in the den, the warmth of our home with the fires burning in the fireplace, there are not Christmas carols playing, only Sting testifying about his love for someone.
Not sure I am really up for carols either. I may read some Dickens, though. I've been trying to get through Tales of Two Cities for years... "It was the best of times and the worst of times." English Majors everywhere... revolt! Have you read Dickens lately? Have you ever read longer sentences?
If there were awards given, he'd surely win on all counts.
maybe I will finish it this year. Or maybe not.
Well, then there is the shopping. I really don't want to do that either. I feel much like the guy in Office Space not wanting to pay his bills anymore.
I am more into just being with my kids and their families. That is what is left me now.
It's just no fun buying and wrapping for my kids anymore and that is really bad. They all expect something. I'd rather buy them a trip somewhere when I go there...like the trip Lasha Joe and I took to the resort in Atlanta and we got to know Jose Quervo really well. Or with Jason and Naarah, take them out somewhere fun. Or... Adriel, buy her some shoes and a day at the spa. Now, wouldn't that be more fun?
At least it would be less hassle for me and we really all know that's what it is all about. So, alas... I will make a list this week and check it twice. I will decorate and I might even find some hip music. I may have some friends over for a nice dinner, though. That feels good to me.

I do like buying for the grandkids... that is a hoot. They get so thrilled it makes me giggle.

Now ask me what I am up to. Do you really want to know?