It’s nearly New Year’s Eve, but I wanted to put up a few pictures from Christmas, the first white one we’ve had in awhile.

Lots and lots of snow Christmas morning at my father-in-law’s house.

Older nephew with the latest cool toy for his Star Wars connection.

Younger nephew in his Christmas-morning jammies.

Brother-in-law and sister-in-law giving the boys’ toys a test run.

Me with Mom and Dad a few days before Christmas, pre-snow.

Hubby and I don’t typically buy Christmas gifts for each other. Instead, we sometimes take a mid-winter trip to escape the cold. The past two Decembers, we’ve gone to Florida to enjoy some beach time. But this year, we got concrete instead. We have been in desperate need of a new driveway for quite some time, but we kept putting it off because, well, driveways are pricey. But we bit the bullet this year, and we have a shiny new driveway and front walkway to show for it. Here, A Tale of Two Driveways, in photos:

The worst part of the old driveway, caused by roots from trees we had taken out.

The driveway once the driveway guys had broken the entire thing to pieces for easier removal.

The new gravel base. Driveway dude was surprised that original driveway didn’t have any gravel base at all. I wasn’t surprised. I think they probably put our entire subdivision together in three days back in the ’70s.

Where the new front walkway would go.

New driveway! Look how uncracked it looks!

New front walk. So much prettier than the old one.

We will obviously have to do some new landscaping, including fixing the ruts in the front lawn where the concrete truck backed in, but I feel like putting a big red bow on the driveway.

Now I must sell many, many books to pay for all that lovely concrete. Santa, a fat new contract would be much appreciated in my stocking.

So, I’m currently sitting in my office staring out the window, wondering when the ice storm will arrive. Bleh. Hate ice storms. Hopefully it won’t be too bad. As long as we don’t lose power (and thus heat), I can deal.

A friend sent the following puns through one of my e-mail loops today. I got a good chuckle out of them.

While we’ve had a few flurries here and there this month, last night brought the first real snowfall of the season. We got a couple of inches of snow and some wicked wind chills. It’s the time of year where I want to head further south, like deep into Florida, and decorate a palm tree for Christmas. Alas, no trip to the beach this winter. Instead, we’re getting some painting done and a new concrete driveway. Hmm, wonder if I can put a big red bow on the driveway when it’s done.

I just sent out my newest newsletter, which can be found on the Newsletters page. If you haven’t signed up for my newsletter, be sure to do so by clicking on the “Join My E-Mail Newsletter” graphic in the sidebar at right. Beginning in January, I’ll be giving a prize to one of my newsletter recipients each month.

If you’re still looking for that perfect gift for people on your holiday shopping list, may I suggest a trip to your local bookstore? They’ve got all kinds of books, e-readers, toys, games, magazines, reading accessories, etc.

Now to go hop on the treadmill for some exercise…and to warm up!