Go, Team Orange!

I don't have much time, as Fred and I are getting ready to leave for our holiday party up in Louisville. It just didn't feel right though after a month of daily blogging not to "hug" my blog today.

I've been meaning for ages to mention that my cousin Laura's daughter Lauren is a contestant on the Discovery Kids show "Endurance: Fiji." It's kind of like "Survivor" for kids only without the extreme physical deprivation--probably because that would be child abuse.

I set my DVR to record the show when it first started several weeks ago, only to realize after the fact that my stupid cable package didn't include that channel. So I missed the first episode, although I was able to add the channel in time to tape a repeat showing. I never got around to watching though, so pretty soon I had about a half dozen episodes saved up. Last week, Annabelle and I sat down and had an "Endurance" marathon, and now we're caught up and totally hooked.

Normally the new episodes air on Saturday nights, but I notice that it's not on tonight. Next week, however, they're showing the first episode. I guess the show is on break for the holidays. At any rate, it's a perfect opportunity for you to get caught up if you're not already watching. Just make sure you cheer for the orange team!

Reality TV, practically in my backyard

"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" has been hard at work up in Louisville for the past few days. They are building a new house for Patrick Henry Hughes and his family. I've seen stories on Hughes in the newspaper occasionally since we moved here: He was born without eyes and unable to straighten his arms, but he plays trumpet for the University of Louisville marching band. His father works nights for UPS so that he can be available for his son during the day, including pushing his wheelchair through the marching formations and helping him get to class.

Today's the big day for the Hughes family, when they return to see their new home. I wish I could go up for the "big reveal," but we've got a full afternoon of swim practice, homework, guitar lessons, etc. So I'll just have to continue following the story through my local paper. Here's a link to today's article, which also includes links to previous articles and photos.

Editing to add: I forgot about another reality TV connection to this area, and now it looks like there's a connection between the 2! Kynt Cothron, half of the goth duo on this seasons "Amazing Race," is from Louisville, and apparently he showed up the other day to volunteer on the Hughes house.