Sorry for the lateness of this next installment! If you read the previous posts, you understand why. 
The next chapter (four) is the last full chapter I have (eeep!), so looks like I better start writing again!
BTW, is anyone reading it? Any good, or is it a dud…?
I have finally decided to research and determine what the perfect Library Web site is. Let me preface this by saying, there is no such thing. Doh! Great way to start right? Let me rephrase that. There isn’t a universal perfect Library Web site. Each community is different and has different needs. We have several different types of libraries that perform different functions.
Despite this significant flaw in the project, I do believe there are certain elements that can make a perfect Library Web site. I have an idea about it already, but I will start with researching and analyzing what already exists. My first step is to identify Web sites that really are doing it right. LibSuccess’s Library Website Hall of Fame is a joke (yes, I am opinionated!), but it has a lot of libraries on it, so I will go through that whole list. I already have ones that aren’t on it. The list I come up with will not be extensive; there will be Web sites I find that fit my standards but may not be included.
I am pretty excited about this, so cross fingers I stay on task! With everything that is happening right now, I can easily go the way of La La Land. Hee hee… sorry, already lost in La La Land… I will make a list of elements I feel are of extreme import. I am very picky, so be prepared. 
Chinese New Year is a month away, but for us Westerners, we are now in the year of the cow. 
My brother and Rie came over with a turkey, which we added 2 stuffings to as well as cranberries, mixed veggies, and pumpkin pie.
Okay, we didn’t factor in the whole coma-inducing turkey problem with the meal, so around 10 p.m. we were all having troubles. Luckily, the subject of zodiac signs came up, and we all were very amused. I am a water dog, which I have to say I am fairly proud of. Here is an excerpt of the water dog :
“Water Dogs are real charmers, easily attracting friends and colleagues into their inner circle. Handling the ins and outs of human relations is so easy for them! They know how to smooth over any personal situation with their kind, honest, easy-going nature. Always empathetic, always rational, their ability to play Devil’s Advocate helps open up whole new ways of approaching problems and finding solutions. Their views on life are expansive because of an ingrained wanderlust which has taken and will continue to take them to exotic locales about the globe. They adapt like chameleons to new environments and new people and their lives are all-encompassing, full of rich adventure .” http://www.tuvy.com/entertainment/horoscope/water_dog.htm
Herr is a metal monkey:
“When Metal Monkey says no, that’s it! They are so strong, so individualistic, and yes, so stubborn, you can talk yourself into the ground trying to convince them to change their mind. They won’t budge! But when all is said and done, you admire them for their value system, fortitude, soaring ambition, and tremendous success. Success, after all, is not wishy washy. And Monkeys know the meaning of hard work! What fun the metal monkey is to be around!”
http://www.tuvy.com/entertainment/horoscope/metal_monkey.htm
Anyhow, about an hour away from midnight, we could hear the sounds of fireworks from every direction… and it became more frequent as midnight closed in. With catawba in hand, we stepped out the front. Everyone was lighting big fireworks off! What a show too! After a while we went up to the second floor and watched through the skylights. It went on until about 1:30 a.m.
Resolutions for this year:
1. read more literature regarding my profession
2. the better resolution is to be cuter! This involves improving my personality and body, so I hope I am up for the challenge!
Herr’s resolution is to have more patience with the dogs. Tommy doesn’t listen and Ruby is still scared of him. Then again, she’s scared of most people.
Happy New Year everyone!!
Herr’s parents arrived the Saturday before Christmas, and they kept busy. Three Christmas markets (Deidesheim was first and best, Rothenberg, and Heidelberg) for the first three days. On Christmas Eve, I prepared the goose before we took a visit to Heidelberg Castle then rode the funicular railway up to Koenigstuehl (a peak). It was foggy, but it made for dramatic effect. Afterwards, my brother and Rie joined us for roast goose, candied yams, cranberries, stuffing, corn, mashed potatoes with apples and thyme, and a King’s Roll for dessert.
Christmas Day was very happy. I have a brand new bike (woohoo!) and some great new jewelery among other things. Herr seems to like his gramophone and was overall happy with everything he received. It was a good day. We just munched on leftovers from the day before because on Friday we left for the Alps!
If you ever get a chance, I highly recommend the Edelweiss Lodge and Resort; the staff was incredibly friendly, we had mountain view rooms, the food was awesome, and the huge fireplace with rocking chairs in the lounge set the mood. We walked up to Neuschwanstein Castle, walked Partnach Gorge near the 1936 winter Olympic stadium, and went up the Zugspitze, also known as the highest peak in Germany. Awesome!! Right before we left, I got a chocolate massage too. I smelled like chocolate and peppermint all the way home…
Herr’s parents left for Spain the next day, which made me jealous! However, we have our next trip planned already… Rome!
Hoping everyone had a Merry Christmas!