A snowy and slick pilgrimage north for Thanksgiving was done by several of the Bragg "kids." The rather harrowing drive Wednesday night was rewarded by a sunny wintry Thursday, complete with snowladen trees, glistening, fresh snow on the ground, and cold, crisp air.
Jojo multitasking: Walking with the family and dogs, scoping the land for a perspective Christmas tree, and enjoying a glass of wine!
John, Bill and Scott surrounded by the beloved pines.
Mark helped Mom prepare the Thanksgiving meal. Yes, that would be a blowtorch he is using to brown-up the skin of the turkey which was cooked in a Nesco. We love the way a Nesco cooks the turkey, keeping it succulent, but the color is always rather bland--so Mark decided to try this method and....
it worked great and was absolutely spectacular tasting and looking!
Please note the beautiful wintry view from the windows of my parents' kitchen.
Definitely a Thanksgiving essential: Couchtime.
My brother, Bob, treated us to some phenomenal homemade breads that weekend! The bread was perfect--a really crusty crust, but a soft center.
Plus, the bread just
looked awesome!
The day-after Thanksgiving the "kids" spent a few hours supporting the local economy and reconnecting with our old community.
Bobby
Scott and me
Bill and Scott stand in front of Bugsy's
We observed the annual holiday parade in downtown Rhinelander. It was a rather chilly evening and I'm afraid poor Bill and Scott were caught off-guard. That's Bill bundled up in blanket from our car and Scott wearing a double-hat. They were good sports and did not have to suffer long because the parade was very short!
I just love the police vehicles in Rhinelander with the hodags on them!
Lots of ATVs were featured in this parade.
That would be Happy the Hodag riding in this vehicle.
I believe this was the Girl Scout Troop walking by dressed as ornaments and Christmas trees.
Poor Mingo wasn't too keen wearing the Santa hat, but he sure looks cute in it! A visit by Mom and Dad and Bragg Family South kicked off our holiday week. Here, spritely Beth poses while her brothers gather around the table. You might also notice our tree in the background. This year we ended up selecting a Frasier fur which wasn't as tall as what we usually get, but it certainly was a portly guy!
I believe Stephen was pointing at the black bear hide hanging on our wall.
Bashful Beth?
John and Bob came over for the visits. Here, Jojo sneaks a cuddle from Beth.
I like this picture because it looks like Mingo is trying to catch snowflakes with his tongue.
Lily didn't mind the Santa hat but, unfortunately, it kept falling off her head and looked more like a Santa goofy bandana than anything else.
Our hounds sure LOVE the snow! Just look at the delight on their faces.
As much as I tried to coach Miss Fanny into embracing the holidays....
...she just doesn't share the same zeal as our other kitty...
...Mr. Britches.
This year we stayed in the area and celebrated with Mark's family at their cozy home outside of Cross Plains.
Van sits with his dog, Lizzy, while a big ol' Mingo jockeys for position.
Brother Bob joined us on Christmas Day due to weather conditions that kept him from going north to Rhinelander. He got to witness our crazy dog-Christmas. As you can see, Judy is holding a gift of great interest in this photo.
Greg and Judy with Greg's dog, Sam, standing between.
While Lizzy looks on, Mark scratches Abby's hindquarters. Abby turned 14 this autumn.
Abby was actually a Christmas gift given by Greg to Mark 14 years ago, but Mark couldn't take care of her due to the fact that that is when he had just opened the restaurant. Greg has cared for her since and she gets lots of love from both brothers.
Lily gets a little overwhelmed with the whole hustle and bustle of the day, and winds up laying on the futon covered in her and Mingo's new toys.
Greg, Renee, Mark and Judy.
Renee, Judy and I.
Bobby and me.
