In case any of you, dear readers, were waiting with bated breath to hear what kind of gift lured my son and I to the Mall of America during our Black Friday quest, here’s the answer: An Ugly Sweater! I certainly think that’s worth risking life and limb, isn’t it? (Smirk.)

The gift was received by my son’s girlfriend with the proper appreciation for what we went through to purchase it.

In other news, we are digging out from a heavy snow fall. I wouldn’t call it a storm, but it gave us a respectable amount of snow (5-6 inches). I have been sick, but felt well enough this morning to run the snowblower and clear the driveway. For that, I am thankful.