Christmas pics.

(e:Janelle) and I had a great fun time at Lafayette Church (another shameless link), including a potluck lunch/carol sing. Then we came home and decorated our house. Check it out:




This is the tree at church.


And the nativity scene on our mantle.


I also put a string of lights on our porch. Here's hoping a drunk doesn't steal our extension cord to pay for a quick buzz. Maybe I will take a picture of the lights after it gets dark. (actually, you can see some of them out the window in the pic taken with the flash. I am amazed at the power of my camera sometimes.

And in case you were wondering, yes, that is a sombrero on top of the tree, and those are chili pepper lights. They are happy memories from our "South of the Border" wedding reception. Any ugly and/or tasteless ornaments, however, are courtesy of (e:janelle).

Ok, short notice, I know. But from 1-4 there is a tour of homes (and businesses, I think) in the area that now wants to be called "Essex Corners" (at least it's not becoming a village, right Paul?") It begins at Prime 490, in the heart of Essex corners.

This is a short walk from my house, and I really do think things are going to get better and better in that part of our neighborhood.

Janelle doesn't want to give up too much of her Saturday, but I'm going, with or without her (I can't believe I haven't done a U2 post yet--that will come soon). If you would like to join, drop a comment and/or show up at 1.

1. He always smiles when he plays football. Even when its hard. He loves football that much.

2. As of this Sunday, he has caught more touchdowns than anybody else.

3. He's bi-racial (black and Korean) and proud of it. This has made a HUGE difference in Korea, where anybody that wasn't 100% Korean was outcaste.

4. He loves to block. Wide receivers are typically smaller, and avoid contact, but Hines seeks it out. He enrages/embarrasses bigger defensive players by putting a hurt on them.

5. He plays through pain (again, still smiling)

6. He plays well in bad weather (see the last two games)

7. He can throw (he was a QB before he became a wideout).

8. He doesn't complain about being on the run-heavy Steelers (it gives him more chances to block!).

9. He's generous in Korea, Georgia, and Pittsburgh.

10. He's going to be instrumental in the Steelers defeat of New England.

Send (e:Janelle) birthday wishes. She was born today (cough, cough) years ago.

They were nice to me, so I am giving some love back. You all know that (e:strip) is my first love (and I've already made a list proclaiming it!)

1. It's updated every day (unlike my blog)

2. There's lots of discussion (and sometimes a smart comment, too)

3. News pops up there quickly.

4. Rumor pops up there quickly (I'm not sure if this is good, but I like it).

5. They cheaply, quickly, and effectively promote Buffalo events.

6. It looks nice.

7. It's driven people to elmwoodjesus.org

8. It turned me into a rockstar.

9. Newell is a nice guy and an agent of change for the better in the neighborhood.

10. It points to good places to eat.

More/better posts soon, I promise. Hannukah is here. Light a candle! Throw out that occupying army!