Someday I’ll tell you the story of a phone call I had yesterday. I’m quite good at realizing when people think I’m a little off, although they are always helpful in that “maybe if we just answer the questions he will leave” sort of way. . .

So, here in Wisconsin you have to make your own Christmas Crackers. One of the truly great traditions of the UK that we in the US missed out on as children. If you don’t know, Christmas Crackers were invented in 1847 by Tom Smith who was more than anything, looking for new ways to sell his confections. Basically they are just a cardboard tube filled with little prizes, a paper hat, really bad jokes and other simple treasures. When the cracker is “pulled” by two people (one holding each end of the twisted paper) you get a small pop from a special “cracker” strip, which is basically a bit of cardboard with some chemicals that pop when pulled apart. You can learn everything you ever wanted to know about Christmas Crackers at AbsolutelyCrackers.com.

What has that got to do with kayaking? Well, nothing! Sorry. But I did add a new photo gallery to the “home spun galleries” page with various shots from 2006. Some you’ve seen here before some maybe you haven’t. I’ve also added a computer wallpaper with my new image and that odd little saying as well.

Oh, did I mention Justine Curgenven is planning to cross the Bass Strait between Australia and Tasmania? Funny, I thought I had. . . .

* crackers & photo by mary. .