taz_39 | Home for the Holidays

Due to a large storm system moving across the country, many flights were cancelled or delayed.
Several circus folks were caught up in the reshuffling of flights. But I think everyone got to where they were going eventually. Jameson and I left from IND in the afternoon (our flights were at a similar time).
My first flight was on time and very nice. I snapped this pic as we were descending.

The next flight was...less enjoyable :P
Although the connecting flight was on time, we were held at the platform due to air traffic control rerouting flights from congestion elsewhere. We waited for 2.5 hours, then boarded the jet and waited another half hour on the runway. Things could have been worse...it could have been snowing, or the flight could have been cancelled like the other connection to Philly. Jameson's connection actually left early, and he had to buy a whole new plane ticket :(

Anyway, we both got to where we were going eventually. My Mom and Aunt picked me up at the airport. It was great to see them! Equally great to sleep in a real bed that night :) The next day was pretty chill. We were supposed to go to a Bible study, but it was cancelled due to snow. The snow was beautiful and didn't build up on the road. Mom and I enjoyed catching up and cooking dinner together.

The next day we got up SUPER early to take my aunt to an appointment, then to a class (she's studying to be a nurse). My aunt has recently had shoulder surgery and couldn't move her arm well, so I stuck around to take notes. It was math. MATH, people!! My nemesis!

After that experience, we had lunch together and hung out for a bit, then Mom and I made dinner. I seasoned the fish. And totally blew it. It was SUPER spicy. For those of you who don't know, I am a horrible cook. We choked the meal down and enjoyed another relaxing evening.

The next day we took my parents' van to Wilkes-Barre for an inspection. While it was being worked on, Mom and I did a little Christmas shopping. The next day we went to see Narnia: The Musical at Christ Wesleyan Church. The costumes were fantastic, the singing was good. However it was VERY long.
On Saturday night we had plans to go to an Amish 'restaurant' for dinner, but had to cancel due to weather.
We ended up getting around four inches by Sunday morning.

After digging the cars out, we went to the Caldwell Consistory to help serve a Christmas dinner for the town. There were many volunteers, including commissioners from the local prison who did most of the food prep. Mom and I were on the serving line; she mostly did turkey and stuffing, and I was Gravy Girl. Lots of people came to eat, but there were lots of leftovers too, so we packed some up for Agape to use and also ate a meal ourselves. Then it was time to relax for the evening :)

Next week looks a little less busy for me. I have a car appointment, some meetings with friends, and a trip to Maryland to visit some relatives there.

Meanwhile, in the circus:

A report on the new Feld facility in Ellenton:

Watch on YouTube

Blue Unit band practicing for the new show at FL State Fairgrounds:

(photo courtesy Nicole Feld)

The new portal, and photos from Legends rehearsals:

(more photos can be found at the Ringling Brothers Official Facebook)

Meanwhile, the Gold Unit is ready to premiere their new Super Circus Heroes show!

(more photos at the Ringling Brothers Official Facebook)

The Red Unit elephants are kicking off their break with a nice roll in the mud.
From left to right: Luna, Mabel, and Tonka!

(photo courtesy Ryan)

More from home:
My parents walking in the snow :)

This is a tree that I got as a sapling no longer than my forearm. That was 10+ years ago. The picture on the left is from 2010; the one on the right is from a few days ago. It might be hard to tell because I was standing in a different spot each time, but the tree has gotten significantly larger since the last time I saw it <3
trees