Texas Polar Bears

Big article in this morning's newspaper: a group of brave people will meet on New Year's Day, on South Padre Island.

On the SOUTH tip of South Padre Island.

They will again bravely plunge into the frigid waters, running in from the beach.


Give me a break: up north, WE have hardy souls who do the same. Why, I have no idea. But up north, the water is cold; the air is cold; the Bears must run run run, splash ever so briefly, and then run run run back to the waiting towels, arms and portable hot tubs awaiting them on the shore.

It's all relative, I know. This morning, as we left for church, it was 40 degrees outside and for a moment, I thought, "Dang. It's cold."

SanAntone: Waiting for Santa

CAGED in a bouncy house

We've walked The Riverwalk. We've dined at Rudy's. We've ridden up the Tower, toured the Alamo and climbed around in Hemisphere Park. So, this week, as Mom got home from the hospital, we drove over to "Bouncy Town." ("They have WIFI, Mom.") and let the boys run their engines out, hoping for a deep and quiet sleep later in the evening.

However, anticipation plus bright lights plus some, um, dietary alterations make such restful nights impossible.

Mom's a bit beat but smiles when she can hug Drew.


The next day, Noah joined Gramma in a nap and awakened with a smile.




"Do you want me to show you something, Gramma?"

Of course, you little doll.



Instruction on the Droid.

Who says, besides me, that technology is dificult.





Now, we await the arrival of Grampa and Uncle Zach. And then, SANTA, who will have many LEGOS in his sack.

Another Christmas Carol

And, by the way, the answers are YES.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUjfN7cpv3o

The Bolingers at the End of the Year

So, here we are, as the school semester ends for me and Christmas holidays begin. Mike took a break from the woodshop to make the other kind of music.


Santa made a surprise visit to American Literature.

Life is good here. May you and yours find the joy in the season.

A Few More Little Things

For daughter Allyson, a maple desktop organizer.
This is similar to the one we gave Janelle for Thanksgiving except hers was built of cherry.



A work in progress, about a week ago.






Now on its way to San Antonio.

Then, just to 'dot the eye,' Mike made a pencil holder for Janelle.

Busy with Projects

The most recent creation: an oak sideboard to compliment the table at the cottage. The Craftsman at work.

Glass from Kokomo's own Opalescent Glass Company.

Details, details, details

Pegs.

Out of the shop, on a frigid morning, and on to its new home.

Mirror/table/sideboard: made to last.

Wife of the Year Award