Wait . . . what??? It can't be!!

Hoping all my blogging buddies get a good start on 2014. With my academic pursuits at an end, I plan to devote more time & energy to my recreational writing here in the New Year, but I'll need to dust off my sense of humor, first. I know it's around here somewhere....

Anyway, here's one of my favorite renditions of Auld Lang Syne, performed by Salsa Celtica. Brass, congas, banjo, and bagpipe -- something to annoy for everyone!

Wienerdog Wednesday

 

 This Yule Dog is decked out for the holidays, and just in time! Now to start on baking those cookies for Santa Paws....

2013 Holiday Gift Guide

Even though my own holiday budget is in the negative figures, that hasn't stopped me from browsing the interwebs to seek out some great gift ideas. I hope you'll find someone on your own list who deserves one of these treats:
Get in the holiday spirit with
Trout Schnapps

Gives a whole new twist to the slogan "Taste the rainbow!" I am presuming that the schnapps itself is trout-flavored, and not intended for consumption by trout, because that would just be silly! (Then again, where did the expression "drinks like a fish" originate?) The Scandinavian in me wants to believe that Trout Schnapps would make a fine accompaniment to our holiday Smörgåsbord, the perfect thing to wash down Uncle Trygve's lutefisk. Apparently Gunnison Liquors in Colorado is the sole purveyor of this gustatory delight. It's not clear whether or not they'll ship, but it might be worth a trip out there to take advantage of the Senior Discount and Free Bag of Ice with $5 purchase.

When you've had your fill of Trout Schnapps, it's time to try out the
Power Nap Head Pillow

It's a good thing that this pillow conceals one's identity, because I sure wouldn't want to be seen in public wearing one! On the other hand, I'll probably be wishing I had this the next time I'm traveling by air, because nothing says "Leave me alone!" quite like dressing up as a human Obie Doll.  Anyway, the Power Nap Pillow is available from that purveyor of pricey and preposterous provisions, Hammacher Schlemmer. The online catalog touts the benefits of this pillow for creating the perfect "microenvironment ideal for achieving a deep, restful sleep whether stranded in a crowded airport or recharging between meetings at work." You apparently use the "ear pockets" to keep your hands from rolling off the desk when using the pillow thusly:
 

So I might like one of these for the office. It's a bit expensive, though, at $99.95. But getting enough rest? Priceless.

Is that drool running down your chin, or are your creative juices flowing after that rejuvenating nap? Then Crafting With Cat Hair


is the book for you! But beware -- apparently if you only have one cat and limited patience, you're pretty much stuck with making finger puppets. Smelly, itchy finger puppets. But if you're really ambitious, my trolling on Pinterest gives me to understand that there are entrepreneurial types who will sell their felines' fur -- enough, perhaps, to knit a coat for your Tabby, which might be much appreciated if your harvesting brushing was a bit overzealous.

That ought to get you started on your own holiday gift shopping. I'm pretty much going to be a cheapskate thrifty this year and will be re-gifting some unread books, too-small Tshirts, and that "Life of Jesus" VHS tape I got in the mail, but there just might be a special someone on my list who can use a dachshund hair pencil cozy --  so I'm going to go take a nap and wake up inspired!