Ridiculous Christmas Presents

Christmastime is that great time of year when commercials for really inane gadgets come on TV (well inane gadgets and electric razors. Did you ever notice that?). It's like these "As Seen on TV" product developers know you're only going to buy their product when you're really desperate to find a last-minute Christmas present for your weird Uncle Ed.

So last night I saw this commercial for the Clapper "Plus"--it's the new and improved version of the clap on/clap off light control. This one doesn't just function off of clapping. No, this one has a remote control that comes with it, so that you can always carry with you the ease of turning on and off your lights at the touch of a button. The problem is, the thing is tiny. I can imagine it getting lost at pretty much the first use.

So to solve that problem, the ingenious people at Clapper productions have added Velcro to the back of the remote! So you can just stick it up on the wall when you find a convenient spot for it. Thank goodness they solved that problem. But wait, that kind of seems like a...light switch.



Last I checked light switches came pretty standard in most houses. No need to pay the extra $24.95 for each and every lamp.

I know you were all about to buy the Clapper Plus for your loved ones, but I'm here to give it to you straight. You're welcome.

The best Christmas tree ever

so ever since, oh, the middle of November, i've been dreaming about a Christmas tree. So last Sunday we went up to Winter Park with some delightful friends and chopped one down!

At first we were hesitant about the two-hour drive, but since it had snowed the previous day and Sunday turned out to be gorgeous, it was the perfect tree-cutting day. Five couples tromped out into the woods with one saw and one hatchet, and somehow we all made it back with perfect (albeit different) trees.



Ours took awhile to find, but when we did, RL dubbed it the "crown jewel" of Christmas trees, then hung his hat on it to stake his claim. Also so we could find it again. We brought him home, and I gave him the more appropriate name of "Ed" and decorated him up!



(The blur on RL's lap is Little the cat, who is very upset because RL tied a little red ribbon around her neck. Little don't jive with costumes.)

Now for some presents to go under it! I love Christmas.