I find that I *adore* christmas shopping online. Easier than slogging through downtown Paramus, and getting the deliveries is almost as much fun as Christmas itself. And now that my familiy’s spread across the eastern seaboard and into the rockies, gift shipping is a lot easier too. (As opposed to… last year was it… when I bought my sister a present and forgot to send it to her for six flippin’ months.)

Spent this last weekend in NC, celebrating the occasion of my sister’s wedding. I’ve never actually gotten all teary at weddings, and had chalked the whole idea up to an urban myth. And yet, there I was, all sniffley as she walked down the aisle.

So proud.

Said wedding was in Asheville, NC - a beautiful little city that I recommend anyone on the east coast with a leaning towards the arts go visit.

Because this was my family thing that I was dragging Bill to, I was in charge of all the travel arrangements. We have since decided that this is not always a good idea. Figuring that the simplest thing would be to fly directly from Newark to Asheville, I didn’t give any thought to the actual size of a 50 seater plane until Bill looked out the window of the airport terminal, looked at me, and gave a look that said “I’m getting into what?”

I’ll know better next time.

So I was miss economical for the entire trip - except when I walked over to the car rental counter, and found myself renting a Cadillac. I figure, it’ll be the closest I get to something like that for at *least* a decade, so why not enjoy it?

And I did enjoy it - after I stopped hyperventillating about spending so much. (I have issues.)

Did anyone else know that there was a Lake Rutherford over in High Point State Park? For people who are not members of my family, this is my mom’s maiden name. In a state park practically spitting distance form where I grew up. Which would not account for much, except that my grandparents moved to the area in the late forties (I think) and everything in the area that was fit to have a name was already well and stuck with a name by that point. Especially things like lakes.

When spring hits (as opposed to this spring-like cocktease we’ve got going now) I am planning a trip.

It’s over here. Go take a look!

Some of you will be familiar with my Mom and step-dad (Carrie and Herb). I forward the note below to all of you who ever asked after Herb’s health at Faire, or enjoyed his music in person or via CD. Indeed, anyone who ever crossed paths with him.

My Dear Friends,
It is with unspeakable sadness that I write to you today. On Wednesday, November 5, 2003, while at home, and for the first time in many years; free of all pain, my dearest Herb passed away.

As with every thing we have done for the passed 11 years, this too, we realized together, in each others arms.

Friends and Family have provided the most wondrous support that has gone beyond my imagination, and testifies to the Love that Herb always inspires.

As you realize, I’m sure, I don’t have much strength to continue this letter, but please know that we all grieve and rejoice together for Herbs Strength, Courage, and Spirit.

Till next we speak,
Walk in Balance, and Grow with Grace and Love, Carrie

Juno501 has a user icon I think you will all get a kick out of.

DragonFolk has just added e-commerce! Now it’s even easier to buy all those nifty things my mom makes. :)

Raheli’s been online longer than just about anyone I know. She is ‘net girl. One of the perks? She remembers Back When. Back when spamcops had a sense of humor. Today’s gem is a list of things the LJ abuse team would *like* to tell people. To wit:

Dear user,
Do you hear that sound? It’s the baby Jesus, crying because of your lies.
Love,
LJ Abuse Team (Theological Psychiatrist Division)

DragonFolkStudios.com is finally up and live! Between my brother and myself, we finally got it up and running. Go take a look at the work of the woman who raised me.

Now, seeing as it’s almost four in the morning (aside to self… EEEK! I have to be up in 3 hours.) I’m gonna go collapse now.

My aunt got in yesterday afternoon (slowly, the family is trickling in from all the four courners)and seeing as I didn’t have anywhere I had to be, I went over and had dinner with the family. It was great. Hell, I even got to meet one of my cousin’s kids and my mom’s new dog. (They’re both adorable - and I don’t warm to small kids that easy.)