Elevation 681 ft.

Dutch folks keep track of their elevation. Especially when below Normaal Amsterdams Peil - the normalized zero elevation level in Holland - we need to know.

Most floods in North Texas are caused by excessive rain. A rising sea level is less of a concern up here. Nevertheless someone placed an elevation marker at the pond down our street last month. It's good to know that we're at an elevation of 681 ft. And that Sammy's head is at least 684 ft above sea level.

Ugly Christmas Sweaters

Ever since I came to this country, I wondered why people would voluntary dress up in ugly sweaters during the holiday season. Elderly ladies would conquer the shopping malls and the workplace with blindingly extravagant designs with wildly mismatching colors.

More recently, ugly Christmas sweaters have become cool. Hip ugly Christmas sweater parties are being thrown all over the country. The parties are said to have started in 2001 in Vancouver, British Columbia. The market for ugly Christmas sweaters has picked up, leading to dedicated stores and even more stores.

New designs are created, staying faithful to the ugly sweater tradition, but touching on contemporary themes. The Occupy Wall Street movement inspired the creation of this sweater where baby Jesus is casually pepper sprayed by a police officer.

't Heerlijk Avondje

At least once a year, Greg and Sammy remember their Dutch heritage. Usually around December 5th, when 't heerlijk avondje is around the corner. They will start reciting Sinterklaas songs - well, just one actually:  Sinterklaas Kapoentje - and will be working their wish lists.

We are never sure Sinterklaas will make it across the Atlantic. But when the weather is cold, windy, and wet like today, we're hopeful that Sint will feel right at home in Texas.