"Scenes from an Ircink-style Christmas." 2010.

Walking is safer.

It's 18 miles from Greendale to my hometown in Waterford. The first 12 miles south were fine. Then it started snowing. Not much - 1/2 inch on the ground maybe. But the last 6 mile trek home I saw two cars in the ditch and one asshole who cruised by me like the pavement was dry ("asshole" began fishtailing all over the road 100 yards ahead of me, ending up facing me, on the other side in the shoulder). Didn't think Aunt Karen (mom's sister) and her two sons Brian (and wife, Jill) and Mark and his two children, Willem and Wyatt, would get to our house (they had a 45 minute drive).

But everyone arrived safely. We ate, drank, exchanged gifts, laughed, took pictures and watched "A Christmas Story" for the hundredth time (when he was younger, Brian was the spitting image of "Ralphie"). Click on READ MORE! for the documentation in pictures of last night's Christmas Eve at the Ircink's in Waterford, Wisconsin.

And finally, gifts from me to my family - Dad, Mom, Jason, and dogs Molly & Zol (not pictured, or the gifts - they ate them). Merry Christmas!

Read more!

A Salute on Veteran's Day.

My cousin, Mark, serving in Iraq. I salute you! Thank you for your service to our country. Come home soon.

Love,

Jeff

Read more!

Happy Birthday, Cousin Mark!

In all the hubbub of my move from CA back to WI, I forgot to post this. Happy Birthday, Mark. My cuz is fighting Iraqis overseas - he's past the half-way point in his tour of duty. Be safe, Mark.

Read more!

"Welcome to Iraq! My cousin, 1st Lt. Mark Weigel.

My first cousin (mom's sister's oldest) - 1st Lt. Mark Weigel - is stationed over in Iraq, half-way through his one-year tour of duty. He's a cavalry officer for a scout platoon in Troop A, 1-105 Cavalry, which is a reserve outfit located in Fort Atkinson, WI.

Mark lives in Irbil, which is the capital of Kurdistan. One of his regular driving routes is through Kirkuk - a city rich in oil reserves, RKG-3 grenades and car bombs. I won't divulge the task assigned to Mark and his platoon - let's just say they're doing their duty to God and their country. God's speed to you, Mark. You've got two boys at home who love you dearly and can't wait to see their daddy.

"Animo et fide" (Courageous And Faithful)," Lt. Mark! I salute you. Click on READ MORE! for more photos from Iraq.

Mark's platoon and the Wisconsin flag given them my Governor Doyle.

"Stop Chick Point". Nice.

Read more!

My cousin is off to war.

2nd Lt. Mark Weigel will be heading off to Iraq pretty quick-like. I want my cousin to come back safely. I want his two boys to see their father again. May God be with you, Mark. Be careful and I'll see you when I see you. Love, Jeff

Read more!