We didn’t go on a hike this week. Instead we went Christmas shopping and watched Harry Potter. I was happy to find some very good deals shopping, along with using e-bay. Plus I found 4 new shirts for $10 and Joe found a pair of shoe for $6. That was at DI, that is kind of a hit and miss store, but is often very useful to stay under budget. So most of the presents are wrapped under the tree.

Last week I also celebrated Hanukkah for the first time, with my neighbor who has Jewish heritage. Besides eating wonderful traditional food like latkes, we made and lighted menorahs with clay and birthday candles. It was quite fun. And for the first time in my life I saw a birthday candle melt all the way down. It doesn’t take very long. When we were first invited, I wondered why we would celebrate Hanukkah because we are not Jewish. But it’s a fun tradition that I think wouldn’t mind doing every year. So thanks to my neighbor for introducing me!

Another fun happening was watching my little brother play jr. high basketball. It’s entertaining. And not stressful. Sometimes with sporting events its easy to care a lot who wins, but Junior High its not as big a deal. Plus my brothers team did blow out the other team. Peter really enjoyed it as well. I’m disappointed my brother isn’t playing college ball this year (he just had back surgery)–last year we did go to a few of his games and had lots of fun.  But the little brother’s games are fun too.