"Over the top" lighting

This home in a cul-de-sac in neighboring Inver Grove Heights is all lit up for Christmas. It was on a newspaper list of most illuminated houses in the Twin Cities. His neighbors also had LOTS of lights!

Christmas caroling

An Eagan High School choir sang Christmas carols at the Eagan Rotary Club's lunch meeting today. The students were all dressed in pajamas since today was "Pajama Wednesday" at their school.

Fa la la la la la la la la

Dazzling Daytons

For many years, a main department store in Minnesota was known as Daytons. Then it was called Marshall Fields and finally Macy's became the new name! Take a swing over to the Mall of America for dazzling holiday options at Macy's!

Svenska kringla med kaffee

Tim Strand, our Gloria Dei Lutheran Church organist and music director, joined us for coffee and a Swedish Christmas pastry on Saturday morning.

A Christmas-y glow

Out on a "night photo safari," I spotted this lovely house decorated for Christmas.

Fourth Sunday in Advent

Mount Calvary Lutheran Church has offered worship and service opportunities in Eagan for over 50 years. Their sanctuary is decorated for Advent - come and worship!

Buried black boxes

These mailboxes are up to their necks in snow from last weekend's blizzard! And the red fire hydrant is almost covered up with white fluffy powder. (Yes, that homeowner SHOULD uncover it!)

a Christmas program

On Thursday afternoon, our 5 year old daughter's preschool presented their Christmas program at a local church.

fresh Turkey options at Byerly's

Thinking back to Thanksgiving, I sure enjoyed turkey for the holiday meal and turkey leftovers in the following days. I think we should cook another turkey.... What do you think? See other "food for thought" here.

Framing up a good time!

Tami's Fast Frame next to Cub Foods won a front window decoration prize. And last week, Tami invited photographer Wayne Moran to display his photos during a "Meet the Artist" evening in her store! Cheers!

snowy Johnny Cake Ridge Road

Aren't the pine trees lovely all covered with snow?! Over 14 inches (35 cm) of snow fell this past weekend and the temperature was 5 degrees Fahrenheit (- 15 Celsius)!

Unlawful to pass

When the red lights are flashing, it's forbidden to pass a yellow school bus.

Third Sunday in Advent

At Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, the sanctuary is decorated for Advent. Every Sunday, more Christmas ornamentations are added as we wait and anticipate Christmas.

Blog chat time

Great Kate, one of the St. Paul city daily photo bloggers, and I enjoyed cafe' mochas and treats together in St. Paul on a quiet Friday afternoon. We chatted about our favorite CDP blogs and caught up since our last visit in Eagan a year ago.

Knit night with church friends

Some church friends came over tonight for knitting, crocheting, talking and fun. From left: Jeanette, Judith, Pat, Ann, my wife Anne, Julie and Sarah. Wine or coffee and a smorgasbord of treats and snacks were enjoyed by all before some "serious" stitching!

Gifts from Rotary

Eight Eagan Rotarians met at Walmart on Thursday morning at 7 am to shop for Christmas gifts for 10 local, needy families through the "Armful of Love" program. Photo by Rotarian Jerry Swanson.

Merry Christmas!

"To Support & Guide Those in Need"

Mayor Mike Maguire cut the celebratory red ribbon for Eagan's new "Pantry" with the help of many community volunteers. This new, larger, brighter, better equipped food shelf aims to serve the growing hunger problem in our area.
Bad news: in 2005, just 38 families benefited from this service but now 525 families need monthly help with food.

Good news: this new facility improves the Eagan Resource Center's ability, capacity and quality of food shelf help for those in need.

Congratulations!

www.eaganrc.org

Wrapped with tape & lots of love

The Eagan Lioness Club joined with the Eagan Lion's Club for a de-licious potluck dinner on Monday night at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church. After dinner, 35 people wrapped 350 Christmas gifts for 15 local families and 3 flood victim families. This "Armful of Love" project is a fun annual team effort!

Talking, tea & treats

Loads of lovely, Lutheran ladies met for a Christmas Tea at Easter Lutheran Church (by the lake) on Monday evening. Each hostess decorated a table with her Christmas dishes and finery which made for a colorful, beautifully decorated room. Pastor Deb Stehlin spoke and music was provided by "Amy & Carol."

Santa & his reindeer

On Sunday afternoon, Eagan's "Holz Farm" Park welcomed families for hayrides, photos with Santa, hot beverages with treats and a chance to see "Comet" and "Cupid." Maybe "Rudolph" and the other reindeer were staying warm in the barn?