baby, it's cold.

It's (bleepin') cold outside.

The Governor still hasn't made a peep.

Christmas is only nine days away.

Such is life today. I managed to stay indoors most of the day, and then spent a completely enjoyable two hours with my friend Kara, trying to get one of the ex-cons who run the tree lots on the north side of Chicago to talk to us about Christmas tree sales. We almost struck out, but did finally get lucky at a place near Irving Park and the Kennedy. We talked to a mom and daughter who were getting help loading a tree on top of their car, and were able to do the story.

I can't believe I am still able to complain about the cold after 41 years of living in Chicago. But, really... it's merciless today. The kind of day when it's hard to breathe. Imagine if you were Blago, who can't breathe because it's cold outside and because his entire life is crashing down around him.

We took our Girl Scouts caroling today at a senior care facility in Orland Park. We've gone the past few years, and the girls enjoy it. They dress in bright colors and wear Santa hats. They really are stinkin' cute.

The residents really seem to enjoy it as well. With smiles on their faces, they listen to the songs and happily accept a handmade card when it is offered to them. The whole scene reminds me of my Gram, who is always missed, but especially so at Christmas.

Gram always said how much she enjoyed being around her great-grandchildren. Their voices and constant motion never bothered her. She welcomed the break in an otherwise "Groundhog" kind of day.

Tonight, the residents faces lit up as the girls sang. Some sat quietly and others sang along. It was really wonderful to spread a little Christmas cheer to a group of people who are so willing to accept it.