Merry Christmas at Target

I usually avoid the stores during the weekend after Thanksgiving, so I missed the fanfare.

But late Sunday evening I went to Target to pick up a few items, got my cart, turned down the main aisle, and could not believe my eyes. From the ceiling hangs a large banner proclaiming, "Merry Christmas!".

I guess they're finally figuring out that Christmas shoppers are buying Christmas presents, Christmas trees, Christmas ornaments, Christmas candy, etc. These shoppers just might be celebrating Christmas.

The corporate world may never understand - why would Christians be offended if they try to turn Christmas into a generic holiday and lump it in with Chanukah and Kwanzaa? But alas, they understand the “almighty dollar” and will celebrate our spending it in their stores. Whatever their reasons….

Thank you, Target, and I’m telling all my Christian friends that you have seen the error of your ways. Hopefully, other stores will get with the program.

I don't want to rush anything, but it sure would be nice to find an outdoor nativity set at a Target price. There are igloos, penguins, deer, bears, trees, presents, trains, drums, candy canes - everything except a nativity set.

Guido's Restaurant, St. Louis, "The Hill"

This family-owned-and-operated restaurant combines Italian and Spanish cuisines. They offer a nice variety of entrees including steaks, chicken, fish, pastas, tapas, sandwiches, and pizza. Sangria by the glass or by the pitcher!

The house salad dressing is an olive oil base, not sweet, but not vinegary - warm and light. The Caesar salad is also a good choice. And you can't go wrong with the cheese-garlic bread.

I usually order pasta, and I've found the sauces to be rich and well-seasoned, and the pasta cooked properly - not mushy.

There's something on the menu for everybody, and the prices are very reasonable. Casual fine dining with a family atmosphere.

Mound City Nut Company

This little shop in University City is on Olive, just east of Hanley. I'd driven past it a hundred times, but today was my first time to stop and check it out. My mother wanted pecans and walnuts for her holiday baking, and anything I can do to help that process along... well, let's just say it's a priority.

They're more expensive than the grocery store, but you know what they say, sometimes you get what you pay for.

They have a wide variety of nuts, candies, and gift packages. There are also chocolate goodies behind the counter that you can purchase by the pound. Chocolate covered apricots (which we were given a sample of), nut clusters, and Heavenly Hash (didn't think anybody made that anymore). On top of the counter was a very impressive milk chocolate bar weighing in at ten pounds. That could be a very wise $85 investment, don't you think?

One year to go

There's still a year's worth of presidential politics in front of us - followed by about 3 more months of political analysis. Can't wait till it's over. More than that - can't wait till we're done with Bush & Cheney. January 20, 2009 - Oh happy day!

I watched the Democrats debate last night, if you can call it that. The moderator, Wolf Blitzer, didn't seem to have much control. The candidates ignored the time limits placed on them. The Hillary supporters booed anyone that criticized her, as if it were on cue. There really wasn't much substance to the questions or answers.

It seems as if the media is determined to shove Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama down our throats. The questions given to Hillary seemed geared toward helping her clean up her image that was damaged in the last debate and clarify statements she had made to the media and in speeches. When asked if she was "playing the gender card" she said "No," then went on to tell how proud she is to have a chance at the presidency as a woman, and about an elderly lady that said women couldn't vote when she was young and she hoped to live long enough to see a woman president. If that's not playing the gender card, what is?

While Hillary's answers were pretty vague, Obama was a real disappointment. He got a decent amount of air time, but for the life of me, I can't tell you anything that he said. Richardson was unimpressive all around. Kucinich, unfortunately, comes across as a nerd on television, and we all know you can't be president if you don't look good on t.v. Biden and Dodd have the most experience with foreign relations, but the press isn't giving them any attention. (It's all about Hillary and Obama.) Edwards was well-prepared, seemed well-informed, clearly expressed his opinions on the issues, and had the strongest presence.

Biden, Dodd, and Edwards are the best qualified to be president, but the press finds it more important that a woman and a black man are running. Is this novelty really more important than covering all the candidates and letting the PEOPLE decide?

I'm Stuck

I feel like I'm back in high school sitting in English class with a brain freeze.

Teacher: Write a story.

Me (with hand raised): On what subject?

Teacher: Anything you want.

Me (with hand raised): Like what? I don't know what to write about.

Teacher: Something you feel strongly about - any subject you like.

I would stare at the wall or out the window until class was over - much like I've done tonight.