My Week that Was - December 13

Christmas 2025. 12/6/2025 dwm

Saturday was a busy day, so after the usual workout, it was time for breakfast at Yola's.

It's a breakfast and lunch spot on Madison's west-side that specializes in waffles. I ordered one with chocolate chips; a side of bacon and hot chocolate.

The morning meal fueled us through a trip to Menard's where we felt like we "saved big money" on a new Christmas tree and other items to deck our home. 

The tree we bought ten years ago after purchasing the condo served us well, but when you have a pre-lit tree with lights that aren't shining, it's time to get a new one. 

The new tree is a touch taller and a bit wider around the bottom. It also has 9 lighting patterns to use.

The bigger change at home was in the fireplace. Back in 2020, we upgraded the hearth, but learned the fireplace was not safe, so we shut it down and stopped using it. 

For five years it sat empty with the fire grate stacked with fake wood, looking ready to go. Saturday we bought remote-controlled electric candles and arranged them on the grate. My wife is extremely happy, and I'll admit it looks better this way.

Olipop. 12/7/25 dwm

 Thanks to a Kwik Trip promotion I tried a new soft drink. During December, members of their loyalty program can get a free item as long as another item is purchased. 

 Last Friday, the freebie was a 12 ounce can of Cream Soda. It tasted like cream soda, but the new drink was something more. On the side of the can it says, "Olipop combines the classic soda you know and love with prebiotics, plant fiber, and botanicals to support your microbiome and digestive health. Finally, a refreshing soda that's actually good for you."

 I had hoped to get a can of root beer, but there wasn't any available when I stopped at the store. It didn't taste bad but the after-taste wasn't good, I'll probably stick with Mt. Dew.

 Tuesday I had the opportunity to hear the Oakwood Chamber Players perform their Christmas concert. It was a fun and entertaining hour with classics like Sleigh Ride and an unusual arrangement of A Christmas Card where the eight musicians took turns playing a note for "We wish you a Merry Christmas..." then adjusted the beat from slow to frenetic. 

I hadn't planned on going to a concert but I'm glad I did, I expect everyone in attendance left with an extra dose of holiday spirit. 

A 3-D printer made this. 12/10/25 dwm

Wednesday one of the technicians who work with our technology and the people who use it was handing out Christmas trees that he made with a 3-D printer.

It's small, very small.

The tree in the photo at right is sitting on a dime and can fit inside the dime's diameter. I sat it next to the artificial tree in my office, which made that 18" tall tree look like a Redwood by comparison. 

I'm noticing a mysterious sound coming from my car lately. I'm not sure what it is - it could be brake-related, on the high-side, or if I'm lucky, something needs lubrication. It's scheduled for service in two weeks. 

The condo is ready for Christmas and as of Wednesday evening, the cards are ready to mail. I stopped at the post office Thursday after work. 

I also talked to Santa on Thursday. He was one of the guests at the Holiday Party and I saw him again Friday. It's pretty cool having Santa walk up to shake your hand! 

Each December each Oakwood campus celebrates the holiday by honoring staff with a catered lunch, music, and drawings for prizes. Most years, Santa makes an appearance. The man in the big red suit posed for lots of pictures with employees and residents, but was at his best with the children brought to the party by parents attending on their day off. 

Friday I received a text from my eye doctor that my contact lenses and new glasses were ready, so I picked them up on the way home. It's been awhile since I had a current prescription for glasses, I was amazed at how clearly I could see.

I hope you're seeing clearly in your new week - thanks for reading!