North Pole Flyer, ride three

Today I enjoyed my third annual ride aboard the North Pole Flyer. Worry not, after being subjected to the coach car last year, we were back in the first class lounge where the hot chocolate was flowing freely and I was able to eat more than my weight in candy canes and Christmas cookies. After grouchy Santa visited the passengers, his sweet wife came through to distribute cookies. We had a good chat so I am confident that I am securely on the good list. It stands to reason that Santa's wife is the one running the whole show anyhow. 

The train departs from Cedar Park (better known as the town where Molly had her wedding) and travels to Bertram (wherever that is) and finally to the North Pole. The scenery is always fascinating but even more so this year because of the recent flood. so many grumbled trees! We pass through some industrial areas and I cannot even count how many football fields I saw.

Thanksgiving

For whatever reason, some genius decided that closing my school for an entire week at Thanksgiving is a good idea; it's not really. Couple the extended break with miserably cold/wet weather (with the threat of snow or at least freezing rain) and it seems even worse. I enjoyed some visits with friends. Attended a birthday party. Did some baking. Went to the library. One morning I was so bored that I vacuumed under the bed. And we finally made it to Thanksgiving. 

Thanksgiving morning started with the baking of a chocolate pecan pie. I suppose it turned out perfectly - like most everything I bake. Once the pie filling was ready/cooling, I was put to work peeling four pounds of sweet potatoes. Throughout the day, I helped with prepping, cooking, and cleaning . . . until I crawled into bed and slept for two hours. It is hard to be a chef.

I woke from my nap eager to host my dinner party.

Team Canada

Winter session of soccer started today. I am back in training. Or still in training. 

Halloween

Each year, some parts of Halloween get increasingly appealing. I don't like the scary part of Halloween though. In the weeks leading up to Halloween, I did not want to wear a costume. In the days leading up to Halloween, I wanted to be "something quiet" like a spider (good luck finding a good costume at the very end). Then I was going to wear the dragon costume that Trinity wore when she was four. But, for the third consecutive year, I opted to dress as a construction worker. Easy.

We went to the same neighborhood as last year to trick or treat. The streets are wide, houses are brightly lit, and it is safe. And the neighbors are so friendly. I am especially well mannered and love to chat with people so I did well with my candy bucket. By the end of the evening, I had discarded my costume but no one cared. I am already excited about next Halloween and have talked to my mom a lot about strategies and plans.