Wassailing with Liam

Wassail
sounds like WAH-sul
verb/noun

Meaning
1-to indulge in riotous drinking, carousing and other activities associated with the Holiday season
2-to sing carols from house to house or go partying with someone named Carol during the Christmas season
3-to drink to the health or thriving of
4-hot drink of wine, beer, or cider with spices, sugar, and baked apples

There was a record snowstorm on Saturday, December 19, 2009- 26.3 inches at Upton, Long Island, the most ever recorded on L.I. New Hyde Park had much less, I measured 12 inches.
Liam had a tough time on his first foray out into the snow. Seems his head was not much above the snow and he decided to come right back The snow stayed for while since the weather was cold. Liam treated the backyard as a racetrack, only using the perimeter for his excursions. Although melting went on all week, on Christmas Day we still had 4 inches of snow. I had always thought the true definition of a White Christmas to be -snow falling softly on Christmas Eve and awakening Christmas morning to a fresh blanket of new snow.
Not so. If one inch of snow is on the ground, it is deemed a White Christmas. The snow could be left over from weeks or years prior.
See story from NY Times.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/25/nyregion/25white.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=white%20Christmas&st=cse

a different take from Lynne of the Lake House, NJ
"My idea of a white Christmas is not measured in inches. I see family and friends gathered together on Christmas Eve and someone looks out the window and says "look, it's beginning to snow". And as we all gaze up toward the street lights, we catch a glimpse of the clean white flakes coming down. And the young kids get all excited knowing Santa will be flying through the snow to reach them the next day."

I agree with Lynne.

Liam received some toys and treats this Christmas season. He enjoyed each and every one. Snowman, Gman (both severely injured) green boney and snowflake still intact Some toys are now severely wounded and in ICU. Others might live to see the new decade. Treats have been shared with our doggie neighbors. See Tango ready for her treat Liam has his own stocking and received some money from his Aunt Susan which we deposited in his stocking for Christmas morning


A Christmas dinner
Liam, Paul and I were invited to a Christmas get-together. Liam was very excited; he would be the only dog and knew this meant lots of attention. Being a Leo birth sign, Liam craves the spotlight. The party's location was in an apartment building. I grew up in an apartment, in city housing and love the abundance of people all living together stacked in little compartments. All went well. Liam rode in an elevator for the first time, had a Christmas meatball - a big departure from his routine of strictly dog food only and got to hang with family

This potpourri of activities was interrupted by Liam's annual physical on Monday, 12/28. Poor little guy. Didn't have a chance to work off the extra doggie treats, so he showed a bit of a weight gain since last year. And it was a complete physical- meaning pokes, prodding of the prostate and shots for prevention of all sorts of things. Liam even received a flu shot. This will protect him from me since I have not received one. Paul has received two. Liam had to rest after this ordeal; a hound under a hounds tooth shawl

Tomorrow, New Year's Day, will be the second anniversary of Liam's adoption from North Shore Animal League. We brought puppy Liam home on 01/01/08, Liam shown here in early 2008-He has brought us tremendous joy over the last two years. Liam has his own blog. He owns all the rooms in our house, even claims our clothesas well as the yard

Wishing you all Happy New Year, Happy New Decade

and thanks for reading LiamLicks all year. This is the LastLicks of 2009 as well as the decade. See you in 2010.

Woof, Woof

First Snow Day in 5 Years

Schools closed and Liam played The snow watch commenced when we returned from the shower, actually after the end of Amazing Race. The school closings started scrolling across the bottom of the screen. I get excited about this, as it NEVER happened when I was in school. In the '50's and 60's when I was going to school-they never closed because the nuns lived right there. They just walked down from the convent and appeared in the classroom. A miracle! below Dec '61The parents sent us out with plastic bags over our shoes in our boots and did not expect us back.
My job Sunday night was to call the work emergency number at 11PM. I also posted it on Facebook as there was a need expressed by some SSA employees. So I called, put the Blackberry on speaker The message announced a delayed opening. Not what the hubby wanted to hear and it was my blackberry that delivered this odious news. He stared at it with disgust. Fast forward to Monday morning, Liam and I are sleeping in and Paul informs us that the message has changed-work is closed!!!! He praises the brilliance of this decision as well as the original announcement of a delayed opening. Paul explains to me in his best "Regis Boy" voice that the announcement of a delayed opening was very smart as it bought time for an informed weather based decision in the morning before people had set out. Of course, that was the plan all along - this was now very obvious. , I respond-I am just glad to be retired and not have to worry about getting in because as a manager I would have tried. Paul began shoveling and Liam began exploring, attempting to do his business... this looks deep

above-How do I get through this, the snow is up to my neck?
I Have to jump

Yikes, that is cold on my belly and my private parts Arooooooooooooooooo

I am done, let me back in from the Winter Wufferland


Woof, Woof