Christmas Presents And More

It has been a while since I sat down and tried to type something meaningful, so instead I will just type my usual drivel.

I have been doing a lot of shopping online this month.  Much of it for Christmas presents and some for my wife's birthday in January, and I couldn't resist getting a few things for myself.  First off, from my wife I got a new floor desk mat for under my chair in front of the computer.  The old one was cracked and getting worse all the time, now my chair rolls freely.  For my wife I got a new camera to replace the dinosaur digital camera we had.  It worked well but 12.2 megapixels is better than the 3.1 we were working with.  So, Christmas is already done with us.

I got all my presents online this year, a first.  I think I did pretty good with the kids (the most important presents I buy), except for maybe one.  I'm worried now that he's still too young for it.  My problem is that I buy what I would have wanted when I was a kid - and I like spoiling my nieces and nephews a bit.  I can't mention what the presents are yet, of course.  Though I saw some last night, the kids will get their presents at my mom's next weekend.  Other presents heavily confused my dad and brother at my dad's get-together last night but the other half is being sent to them and I will send them an email today with some links that will explain the Mangrates further.  For myself I got Sean Yseult's book and The Big Four DVD, both heavy metal stuff.

Though I haven't made a lot of progress with my knee bend, I hope to actually try driving this week.  I'm trying to plan it around weather a bit.  I'll let you know here when I'm (auto)mobile again!  As for regular mobility, I have not used the walker in a couple days and have been making myself get used to the cane around the house.  I just ordered an ice grip for the cane to prevent disasters when I use it out and about.  It's kind of hard to believe, but it has been almost 4 months since I busted up my leg.  I had hoped recovery would go faster, but the reality is that I really effed up my leg and still face months of physical therapy.  Godammit.  I hate not ending on an up note, re-watch this.

Jingle Balls

In keeping with the holiday theme of postings lately, Udo Dirkschneider and some staff from EMP, a large European merchandise seller, got together for versions of Jingle Bells and Balls To The Wall in the video below.  A merry heavy metal christmas to you!

Cup Size Choir

Yes, I have been filling in with pics and videos this past week.  I haven't had much to say.  I'm up to 75 degrees with my knee bend, but that's about it for now.  Enjoy this for the time being:

45 Drunk Santas

All 45 pics here.

Santa Claws

Other videos at the Simon's Cat website here.

73 Degrees

In two weeks I have increased my knee bend from 65 to 73 degrees.  I may be able to drive soon.  I tried to fit in my truck when we got home this afternoon and while it is awkward getting in and out I do fit in the driving position.  My knee bends enough that my foot can now hover over the pedals and move in between the brake and gas.  I shall have to practice soon.  It has been over 3 months since I've driven!

Yesterday I had an appointment with the neurosurgeon again.  Still, nothing can be done until after the first of the new year because I was off so long for my leg.  I have an appointment for a new MRI followed by another appointment with the doctor just a few days into January.  Then maybe I will finally see a light at the end of this particular tunnel.

Are you getting ready for the holidays?  They always sneak up on me (mainly because I try to ignore them).  This year we have been mainly shopping online, so almost every day for about 2 weeks we have come home to a package or two.  I'm almost done, yet I never know what to get my wife.  She deserves diamonds for taking care of me but I'm sure she doesn't want me to spend that kind of money.  She does the finances so she would find out right away.  She says she'd be happy with a practical gift but I'm not buying it.  I'd be happy to listen to any other ideas!

We're Smelling Roses

This is a new video celebrating the Wisconsin Football Badgers.  This year is a big deal.  Championships and Rose Bowls don't happen often enough (yet).  Enjoy it, Bucky!

By Anthony Lamarr

W.A.S.P. Live Earlier This Year

I'm up late browsing Youtube watching recent live videos of W.A.S.P. when it occurred to me to check to see if there were any vids posted yet from the show I saw earlier this year at Scatz in Middleton.  There were two, and here they are:

W.A.S.P. - On Your Knees / The Real Me (great sound!)


W.A.S.P. - I Wanna Be Somebody

First Snow Arrived, As Expected

As promised, the first snowfall of the season arrived late last night and flurried out today.  I'm not sure of the official total, but my wife said it looks like we got 4 inches.  I didn't take many pictures, in fact this is the only one I took when Kate just started shovelling.  Unfortunately my leg and required use of crutches, walker, or sometimes cane prevents me from doing it myself.  Believe me, I wish I could. 

First Snow Expected Tonight

We bought a bag of hay at Ace the other day to cover the strawberry bed for the winter.  You can read more about it at my garden blog.  Probably the last post there for the year.  I only mention it here because nothing else has happened this week.

We are expecting our first snowstorm of the season tonight.  I've heard anywhere from 2-6 inches, starting tonight and ending tomorrow night.  This is the beginning of no-fun time for anti-winter people like me.  Alas, I manage to deal with it, year after year.