Hi all.

It's been a few weeks since we talked. It's been pretty busy around here between covering what's going on in Shawano and finishing up my "Our Local Heroes" series, so I haven't had time to do a new blog.

Here are some odds and ends about the life and times of Jeff Thelen.

I'm done Christmas shopping for my folks and my Godfather. I've been squirreling away "tip money" for the garbage and recycling guys and for the mail lady all year so, I guess they're done, too. As for decorations, I wanted to buy some new LED lights for outside. But count me with the rest of the people not spending any more than they have to this year, so I guess I'll just haul out the old ones again. I've been thinking a lot about this stuff lately, because as late as Thanksgiving is, and as busy as that time of year gets, something tells me Christmas is going to feel like it's only days after Thanksgiving this year.

Nice win by the Badgers over the Gophers. That may be a season saving victory in a season that's been disappointing. VERY nice win by the Packers over the Bears. Hopefully that good defense and well balanced offense are what we'll see the rest of the season. Favre seems to have settled nicely in to the Jets. Remember, the better the Jets do, the higher the draft choice the Packers get. So J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets!

Work-wise, all the stuff in Shawano is interesting isn't it? And that's all I'll say about that topic. I love meeting the people I've met for my "Our Local Heroes" series. The soldiers and their families are really the best people in our nation aren't they? In case you haven't seen it, it's catches up with soldiers who've been home from the war for a while. They talk about the impact of the deployment now that' they've been back for 1, 2 and 4 years. Check it out over at the "Our Local Heroes" part of our webchannel.

If the federal government bails out the automobile industry, it darn well better include orders that they have to make more fuel efficient and affordable vehicles.

I'm so not ready for winter. Seriously, I need to consider moving to San Diego.

Gee, I guess that's about it for now. Don't I lead an exciting life? (sarcasm)

If there's anything you want to talk about, you know what to do.

J