A Right Jolly Old Elf

As I mentioned in a past blog, the family didn't get family holiday photos this year. Our schedules and budget did not allow for that. So when my coworker said her husband was playing Santa and that her friend was a photographer, I had to take advantage of this. As the kids and I parked … Continue reading A Right Jolly Old Elf →

Work Hijinx From Twinkles

When my wife decided that we were going to do the Elf on the Shelf thing, I wondered just how difficult it would be. When you see those funny videos of a mom or dad shooting up in bed at 5am saying "The Elf!" and then running to move it, that is not a joke. … Continue reading Work Hijinx From Twinkles →

“Fert! Honk! Laaaa Yaaaa Laaa!” (Happy Birthday, Charlie)

To this day, my best friend Jeff and I will leave each other voice mail messages with a variety of wacky noises and such. For years, we've been channeling our inner "Charlie Callas." That has gotten us both in trouble on occasion (especially with substitute teachers). Charlie Callas was one of a kind. The thing … Continue reading “Fert! Honk! Laaaa Yaaaa Laaa!” (Happy Birthday, Charlie) →

Holiday Life Lessons From Ebenezer

It was on this day in 1843 that Charles Dickens' classic A Christmas Carol was first published. The first run of 6000 copies was sold out by that Christmas Eve. I have read A Christmas Carol every year since 1982. It got me to thinking about the life lessons one can glean from the story. … Continue reading Holiday Life Lessons From Ebenezer →

An Unexpected and Moving Gift

I have been a sleep technologist since 2013. In all those years, I have never been so moved by a patient's kind gesture - until yesterday. I walked into the tech room and found a tall green gift bag on the counter, It had a sticky note on it that read, "Keith - from your … Continue reading An Unexpected and Moving Gift →

Pics with St. Nick

Due to a schedule conflict this year, we were unable to get family pictures for Christmas. Some coworkers and I were talking about Christmas pictures when one of them told me that her husband was playing Santa. A friend of hers has a photography studio and she was doing pictures with Santa for only $25. … Continue reading Pics with St. Nick →

Tune Tuesday – Jingle Bell Blues

Happy 76th birthday to ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons! Billy was born outside of Houston, Texas. Music was a part of his life right from the start. His father was an orchestra leader and concert pianist. When he was five, his mom took him to see Elvis Presley. Two years later, his dad took him to … Continue reading Tune Tuesday – Jingle Bell Blues →

Movie Music Monday – The Glenn Miller Story

I have featured this film before, but for a different reason. The last time was the anniversary of Glenn Miller's Chattanooga Choo Choo becoming the first gold record. Today is for a much sadder anniversary. It was on this day in 1944 that Glenn Miller's plane disappeared somewhere over the English Channel. The incident remains … Continue reading Movie Music Monday – The Glenn Miller Story →

Oh, Christmas Tree (2025)

*The majority of this blog was written in 2019 and has been updated with additional photos and stories. (2025) The kids were watching some Mickey Mouse holiday special on Disney+ recently. I cannot recall the name of the song, but some of the lyrics are a perfect lead in to this blog: "Every time I … Continue reading Oh, Christmas Tree (2025) →

Turntable Talk #44 – That’s What Christmas Means to Me

It is time once again for Turntable Talk, our monthly feature hosted by Dave at A Sound Day. This is round #44 and with it being December, his topic is "That's What Christmas Means to Me". Our instructions this month: This time, just think about Yule time and pick a song - Christmas-themed or not … Continue reading Turntable Talk #44 – That’s What Christmas Means to Me →