Osaka Japan - not on the itinerary and then it snowed in Tokyo

The Hong Kong adventure has begun with it own adventure.
We had a 20 hour trip to Hong Kong via Tokyo.  As we got near Tokyo they put us in the circle pattern due to snow coming down.  The longer we circled, after flying for 13 hours already, I knew that things were not looking good for this trip.
The pilot finally chose to divert us to Osaka before we ran out of fuel.  So off we went.  We were not the only plane that dropped in there for the evening - creating chaos and confusion around the airport.  So we sat.  And we sat.  About 3 hours later we got off the plane and went through immigration and customs and gathered our luggage.  After 18 hours on the plane anything seemed better.
They loaded us in buses and then off we went to a hotel about 45 minutes down the road.  They very efficiently got us keys to rooms but no it is midnight local time and no information or idea of where we might get information regarding the plan to get us to Hong Kong.
Got on the phone and got it sorted out for myself.  Delta's idea of sorting it out was to get us back to Tokyo today and then another 24 hours later get us in a plane to fly 6 hours to Hong Kong,  Why not make a 20 hour trip a 72 hour trip if you can......
Fortunately someone got us sorted and we are now hanging out in Tokyo waiting for the once a day flight to Hong Kong......and they just announced it would be late.
So we will be at least 48 hours in, and probably longer, by the time we hit the ground.
Wouldn't have surprised me to say snow got in the way of my trip to HK - just didn't expect that problem to be in Tokyo.
So a few quick shots of Osaka, or where ever we were, from around the hotel this morning.

Saint Paul MN - New Years Eve

Once again we gathered the "go home when you are tired" club of New Year's Celebrators.  It was the coldest night of the year so far but we still gathered a good crowd and filled the evening with plenty of cheer, food and useless conversation.
Welcome 2013 and let's hope the best for all.

The Vikings Good Luck Charm to the Playoffs!!!

Two long and avid fans help make it happen this year!
And Christian Ponder if you need any advice for next week - I can give you their numbers.....

Saint Paul MN - Christmas Day

It was a great group and definitely a noisy, festive and chaotic day.
The Turkey Dinner began a bit late but we got all the activities completed before we had to get Pete to the airport to head back to Stamford.
We moved the celebration up to my house this year - I think we got the place adequately decorated and ready.  Hard to compete with forty plus years of tradition at 720 6th Street in Rochester.  The day was sunny but typical good Minnesota COLD.
Eddie and Tommy got some sledding in, Mia continues to be a MaMa's girl and Jimbo found a corner to go prone and get in a nap.

Stillwater - Christmas Eve 2012

This year we decided to mix up the Christmas Tradition.  I spent Christmas Eve with Margie and Nancy's families in Stillwater.  The first time I have slept in my own place and bed on Christmas Eve since I have been an adult.

Lots of time to get updated on what is up in the lives of my adult nieces and nephews.  And of course plenty of great food and too many treats to go around.  

Saint Paul MN - Gathering the Mac guys before the break

Term break update:
Petar is heading from The Hague home to Sebia.
Clemens is heading to Munich first and then bouncing around Europe for the break.
Davide is headed home, south  of Milan, and sounded like he plenty of projects to keep busy.
Long  is heading to Rochester with his roommate and then camping with me for the duration of the holidays.
Danny, Maria and Mia will join us for the day in Saint Paul and  then it sounds like they have a winter road trip in their plans.
Plenty going on until we all gather in the new year when the new term begins and Davide, Long and I celebrate our birthdays together.