Christmas at the Navigation Station

Since I started my shift, earlier tonight, I haven't had a single call all evening from a BMW driver wanting to know the status and location of Santa's sleigh.  I'm truly disappointed!

It's one of those services the response agents provide.  Since this is my first Christmas spent with BMW Assist, I was HOPING I'd get to tell one of the clients where the Jolly Elf is is.

My Christmas surprise!

The shift was busier earlier, but it's settled down a great deal.  I'm guessing people are finally settling in into bed in their kerchiefs and caps and waiting for the morning Christmas rush to start in a few hours.  I managed to get a good workout in before heading to work, and when I got here, and was passing around smiles and greets to my friends, I discovered a package sitting in the chair at the desk Kimy-Jo always reserves for me (when possible).  And, my-oh-my, I was so surprised!

Not only did I have a bag, S.Elf has been cooking.  By 0200, I was wondering if I would need to be on insulin by 0300.  S.Elf is an exceptional baker and candy-maker, and I told her I miss Lady Sizemore's Buck Eyes at Christmas.  I have the recipe for these but, since I rarely cook when it involves more than punching buttons on the microwave, I don't make them.

Dr. Darla, S.Elf and Kimy-Jo
Santa's helpers for Christmas 2011

S.Elf actually knew what I meant when I made the referral to Buck Eyes.  She made an entire platter of Christmas goodies tonight that Kimy-Jo, Amy and I have been indulging in and I feel like I've been let loose to overdose myself in Willy Wonka's factory.  But, wow ... what  way to go!

Dr. Darla's out tonight, spending the holiday with her family, but before I left town last week, I was able to get a photo of S.Elf, Dr. Darla and Kimy-Jo.  Remember, we have to keep S.Elf incognito due to the stalker, but so far, I think I'm maintaining her anonymity very well!  And so, though we're missing our Aussie compadra, I'm in hopes she's spending time with her kiddos tonight (which are both in the military, by the way), and having some quality time with her family.

Dr. Darla and S.Elf
Christmas 2011

S.Elf is the resident teacher of all things crafty.  Just in case you're wondering, I'm not one of her students.  I don't do "crafty", I just watch and say if I think their latest ventures look impressive or not.  I also step to their desks and feel things.  I can't help it.  They always have this neat textured stuff that I can't resist touching.

So far, none of the craft-class has made anything that didn't impress me.

Kimy-Jo and I pressed S.Elf this evening in regards to starting her own business.  In that, we were meaning a business aside from the one she's already working at with Kimy-Jo. 

S.Elf's Christmas Goodies prepared by
S.Elf herself (I STILL love typing that, lol) and
Junior-Elves-in-Training: Charles and Savannah.

Back to my surprise ... Woohooo!!! At first I didn't want to mess up the paper, but I got over it. Kimy-Jo pays attention. I got two gifts that I LOVE!  There's a story behind both of them. Flourescent green is a favorite color for me, and I'm forever whining that I have a hard time finding it in sports clothing.  Kimy-Jo found me a moisture-wicking tee in exactly the color I'm always on the hunt for.  She also gave me a new leather back pack to replace my current one, which is nearly brand new but didn't hold up as well as it was advertised that it should.  I ordered leather, got "pleather", and have been disappointed with the thing since I first started using it.

I use a backpack because I always carry a camera, a notebook (never know who I might run into that has a story, yes?) an electronics cord pouch, my mobile, a put-on-a-face bag, a medicine bag (headaches, muscle sprains and strains, inhaler, etc.), a manicure pouch (yes, it's a necessary pouch packed with various and sundry filing instruments), my wallet, a spare bottle of perfume, gum, my silver business card holder and another pouch with refills because I keep giving them away (and no, I'm not complaining about it), and ... I think that mostly covers it.  The back pack is easier to carry when I'm also shouldering my laptop case, so ... taaaahhhh-daaaah!!!!  I'm all set!  Wasn't that just the longest run-on sentence you've ever mucked your way through???  I'm out of breath just writing it!

Christmas from Kimy-Jo

S.Elf shared a dream with us tonight.  She'd like to put her exceptional talents to work for a greater good.  Her dream is to build and operate a vision called "The Rainbow Ranch."

S.Elf loves kids.  For that matter, she loves people in general.  But, especially kids who've had a hard go of things.  If she can find a way to make it happen, she'd like to build a place where troubled kids can live without fear, and be educated in a positive environment.

S.Elf can cook.  She can sew.  She can draw, paint, weave, as well as all sorts of other things.  I was telling her tonight that I've been doing some research on building with cob (which basically translantes to mud-pie in British), and that cob construction is beautiful, eco-friendly, incredibly versatile and durable as well as almost cost-free.  Sand, clay and straw are pretty easy to come by.  S.Elf has the design for "The Rainbow Ranch" in her head, but hasn't drawn up the plans for it yet.  If she does, I'll post them here.  If it gets off the planning paper and onto the ground, I'd not mind playing in the mud for a good cause.  As long as I don't have to smear it in my hair, I'm game.  Therefore, I'm volunteering to help ahead of time.

Sunrise in Clute, TX outside our hotel before the trip
home earlier this week. 

In truth, I hope "The Rainbow Ranch" comes about.  I can't fathom any kid not loving to grow up in the sort of place S.Elf is dreaming to build.  If you've got any ideas to help make the project happen, you're welcome to leave a comment.  S.Elf and Company will be reading this and will appreciate any insight and input you might have.

After all ... it's Christmas.  And, on Christmas, miracles are known to happen.  We celebrate it in honor of the greatest miracle of all, yes?  :)

That's all for now gang!  My thanks to you for stopping by and reading.  If you'd like to leave a note below, have at it!  It's not only me that loves to hear from you, but the regular readers are interested in what you might have to say as well.

Once again, I encourage you to keep our U.S. Veterans and their loved ones in your prayers, as well as a whole lot of other folks.  Holidays are especially difficult for people when they're missing someone.

From me to you, I hope you have a very Happy Christmas from femme's desk!