Merry Christmas!

It's been a bit crazy around the Lodge for the past, um... well, it's always crazy around here and December's no exception.  I've been on the rest of the family to get some news posted about all their varied and fun happenings and I've received assurances that new material is forthcoming!  (I will throw up a quick shot from Christmas and the family and friends that made it in for dinner.)  In the meantime, know that we send our love and best wishes to you and yours! 

Have a happy New Year!

Bodies Exhibition with Dad

"Happy Birthday" usually doesn't include a trip to see dead people without, um, skin.  However, a few years ago we all decided there's not much we need, so birthdays became opportunities for experiences instead of presents. In October, Jaime and I gave Dad a few choices of events to check out together.  His choice?  Unequivocally, the Bodies Exhibition at the St. Louis Galleria.  Suzi and I had seen the a similar show in New York a few years ago.  It's an amazing process called plastination in which tissue, whether, human, animal or vegetable, is injected with a type of plastic, allowing the tissue to then be displayed indefinitely.  This process has given a whole new dimension to the study of the human body.

The exhibits are not for the faint of heart or queasy of tummy.  These are real bodies and organs.  But the displays are tasteful and there are plenty of "white coats" in the form of med school students hovering nearby to give you a laser-pointer tour of this tendon or that artery.  I particularly like the health aspect the presenters put forward... Smoking?  There's more than a few specimens with seriously blackened lungs.  Tend to overindulge?  Check out what all that "extra" looks like under the surface.  There's even stations to check your weight, blood pressure and BMI.  At the end of the tour, visitors are encouraged to contact their local MD for a checkup.

Bodies, The Exhibition will be in St. Louis until January 2, 2011 and ticket prices have recently dropped.

Sectional Minister's & Spouse Dinner

The Christmas Gatherings have begun!  Over 20 ministers and their spouses from around northeast Missouri descended on the Lodge for an annual event full of food and carols.  Friends as far as Canton made the drive and the rafters rang with harmonies and laughter.  Vernon's brisket and ham lead the entrees along with sweet potato casserole ("Christmas Surprise!") and smorgasbord of tasty sides and deserts.  Many thanks to Carmen & Patty for all their help!