While on vacation this year, I came across a truly life changing event. Join me.

12 Candles for Carolers.
11 Carolers.
10 Houses visited.
9 Pictures posted on Flickr.
8 Families listened to our harmonies.
7 Songs in our repertoire.
6 Hours of holiday cheer.
5 People had no idea who or what Carol Ing was all about.
4 Glasses of Egg Nog.
3 Stories from people about caroling memories.
2 Families offered all of the carolers snacks.
1 Great party that enriched the holiday season.
Although I have struggled with the Christmas Spirit this year, I was really touched by this event and plan to do it again next year.

1. Send out an obscure invitation:

We are going to visit my Asian friend, Carol Ing, in Springbrook on Saturday evening.  My Evlisian friend, Don Craig, will provide the guitar accompaniment (and a few wild hip gyrations). We really need a GOOD turnout, so join us at our house around 6:00 for the kick off…

With kind regards,

Jeremy

2. Follow up questions from the obscure invite with wills, won’ts and maybes:

To allay Jo’s concerns, I thought that I might follow up this email with a wills, won’ts, and maybes…

Wills:
1. We will have some food (of some sort; Michele has volunteered to bring some delectable dumpster dishes).  Any items that you care to bring to increase the vibrato are most welcomed.
2. We will spread some dad-gummed Christmas Joy–even if we have to pinch Doug’s ear!
3. We will visit with Carol Ing at a few homes, and then return to our house for some of David’s fine hot chocolate (spiked with some of my fine Irish Creme).

Won’ts:
1. We won’t be running naked through the neighborhood, Michele.
2. We won’t hurt anyones feelings, talk while others are singing, or allow heresy of any sort.
3. We won’t allow Jo to abstain–even if we have to use force.  (so long as we do not violate rule #2).

Maybes:
1. We may sing a slightly different tempo than Carol (Jo) is accustomed.
2. We may sing in key (but then again we may not).
3. We may not even go to visit Carol but see her cousin Ira Tate Ing instead. All depends on how the pregnant wife is feeling.

3. Put two batches of new homebrew in the fridge (Rudolph Red and Continental Christmas); chill some Irish Creme, and ask someone to make some stiff cider.

4. Clean up the house.

5. Make a delectable dinner for the guests.

I will follow up with a post Carol Ing Post and let you know how it goes.  BTW, if you are interested, stop by tonight–you won’t be disappointed (even an self-proclaimed-atheist like you Ryan).

Came home from the island today.  Sad to see the wife had moved on.  Oh well.  I know that I made it and that is all that matters.

(Shortly after writing this post I awoke from my ‘Cast Away’ dream and returned to reality–regular and semi-normal posting to return soon).

The first day on the (St. George) island was rough. Food has been sparse (here on the island there are five restaurants, to eat we will have to drive almost 10 minutes to Appalachacola).  My ability to communicate has been limited (I am in between two hotspots and am getting between 1-5 mbps on each one).  I am beginning to sense a toothache (I was opening a beer bottle with my teeth last night and I am afraid that I chipped a tooth).  However, I think that my will to survive is stronger than this adversity.