I got a new watch for my birthday (thanks, Becky!). And it is far and away the coolest watch that I've ever had. Are you ready for this? It's a solar atomic watch! Sounds like a contradiction in terms, doesn't it? But no, it uses a solar cell similar to those on calculators to recharge an internal battery for power. Not only that, but at 2 a.m., 3 a.m., 4 a.m., and 5 a.m. every day, it receives a time calibration signal from the U.S. Atomic Clock in Fort Collins, Colorado. We're talking up to the second accuracy here! My problem this week stems from the unreliability of the Sun, however. It's been one of those bleak, relentlessly gray, late fall weeks here in the heartland and frankly, I find I've become obsessed with monitoring the battery level. It's probably fine, and it hasn't yet dropped below the "medium" charge level, but I can't stop looking the freaking charge level indicator...or pointing my wrist toward the brightest light available whenever possible. I've become fixated. Still, it's a cool watch, but I'll tell you this. My next watch is going to be atomic atomic.

 

I'd imagine you're getting a little tired after all of your artistic endeavors. So here's a little mindless fun. Sort of like miniature golf with a leaf blower. Odd, but fun! And very well done.

 

Now that you've warmed up your creative juices making cool snowflakes, here's a chance to take it to the next level. Unleash your inner Picasso!

 

Remember those sorry snow flakes you used to make in kindergarten? (No offense intended. I'm sure your's were very "pretty".) Hacking away at a folded piece of paper with a pair of dull, blunt-nosed scissors until you ended up with flakes only a mother could love...and then taped to the windows? (At least you were too young to be embarassed back then, right?) Well, here's your opportunity to make up for your previous ineptitude. And you don't even have to pick up all those little fragments of paper. Pretty sweet!

 

My youngest daughter has lately developed an interest in sign language. So, dutiful dad that I am, I turned to the internet to seek out resource material. Regrettably, this is what I found. Not for the easily offended, although I must say, I found it rather amusing. (not sure what that says about me...)