Christmas Quiz day 19...

Well CJ got it right on..the answer was a"ROTTEN BANANA WITH A DIRTY BLACK PEEL"

that was too easy.

Now for tomorrows tricky question...According to the cartoon, Charlie Browns Christmas, which month is the best month for catching snowflakes?
heheheheheheh

Down Memory lane

Last weekend we got the tree. My friend Bob did not look all that enthusiastic about tramping through the woods to cut one down, so We went to the Lions CLub lot and paid 35.00 for a Frasier Fir tree 5' tall. It is smaller than the ones I usually have, but with new puppy, and 4 cats, I thought it best to put said tree on a table. We got it home, and even though it is a lot smaller, it reached almost to the ceiling. No table for this tree unless we cut the top off or the full branches on the bottom. It is relatively compact, and only about three feet in diameter, so we opted to keep it on the floor, and watch Sadie closely. Tree was put in the huge plastic stand I bought last year, and watered. I thought I would just leave it that way and see what Sadie would do. She left it completely alone and ignored it.



Chemystery got all the ornament boxes out, and sorted through them looking for the lights. She has not had much of a chance to decorate a tree for many years because she is married to "Mr. Grinch" and with working her way through college and such, she just never had the time. I decided to wait and let her do it. The tree got the lights the first night it was up. They are plugged in and look so pretty in a dark livingroom. The 2nd day she added a few ornaments, and stopped.

All of my ornaments are hand made, with pins, beads, ribbons, sequins, pearls and what-not. All are elegant, and definately not something that you would want any puppy chewing on. As I looked through the boxes for SAFE ornaments to hang on the lower branches, I found the section that had the ones that the Kids had liked so much. You know the ones: the Christmas Miss Piggy doll, THe Fozzy Bear, The Christmas Kermit, the Mickey Mouse MacDonalds happy meal toys, The Burger King doo-dads, etc. I never had the heart to throw them away even though they had no emotional meaning for me. Along with those were the plastic ones from long ago, and some of the original handmade ones from the leaner years.



Our first Christmas, we were away from home on the East Coast, and broke. We lived in Navy Housing, and the lady next door was going to go home for Christmas and she loaned us her artificial tree. Since we had no money, I made all of our ornaments out of egg cartons, poster paint and glitter and glue. They were really pretty! I also made those cute multi-colored construction paper chains that all kindergarteners make. My husband was quite impressed.

As the years went by, the ornaments got more commercial, and less handmade. I worked full time and had two little kids. The egg carton ornaments gave way to pretty glass store bought ones, of various sizes and shapes. Then the kids started to school. The hand made ornaments started to appear again, only these were less of the victorian look and more of the "look what I made Mommie". The very first hand made ornament was "THE CHRISTMAS EGG". In 1972, pantyhose came in plastic "eggs" and at Christmas, the eggs were green or red or silver. Mine was Green, glued back together, with some unknown writing on it in glue, and then rolled in glitter. No ornament hook, just the egg. It's first Christmas it was placed Donna-High well into the branches of the tree. The next year there were two marshmallow snowmen, and then there were the lifesaver elves, and the felt and paperclip ice skates, the Smuckers Jelly Lid with a christmas scene pasted into it, and then the candycane horses, etc.



All of these ornaments had their place in the spotlite, at the front of the tree until the next year when something new would take its place. As I look back through the Christmas Photos, I can tell how old my kids were just by looking at the decorations on the tree. As the kids grew, the ornaments got placed higher and higher on the tree. The ornaments also became more and more refined; The marshmallow snowmen melting in the heat of the garage, and many military moves. Some of these ornaments were quietly retired and eventually disposed of.

My children are grown now. My son is 32 and has forgotten how very close we were once. He only comes home or calls when he needs something. I haven't seen him since the day I picked him up from jail. Chemystery is 36, and starting her career in the Bio-tech industry. She lives part-time with me, so I know where she is and can keep track of her. TIm is always on my mind. Especially at this time of the year. He loved Christmas. He would string lights around the bathroom mirror, and all along the ceiling in the living room, and really tacky the place up. I let him. When he was 6 he wrote a letter to Santa, and Santa in his answer back to him, sent him a tiny gold reindeer engraved with TIMMY on it.



A few nights ago , as I walked by the table and dug another ornament out of the box to hang on the tree, I found the tiny gold reindeer. TIMMY was placed lovingly on the top of the tree right in the front, right next to the smuckers Jelly lid, now faded, and the felt and paperclip ice skates, frayed, but still recognizable. The candy cane horse head has lost an eye on one side of his head, but it's hanging there too. All of these evoke memories of love and laughter, and the magic that Kids bring to the Christmas Season. THere is something that echoes in the heart of every mother when she looks at those long ago hand-made ornaments and places them out of harms way in a sacred spot on the tree.

And Yes, The Christmas egg is still there too, tucked into the branches right close to the rest of the sacred ornaments in it's own place of honor. Nothing is as elegant as those made by tiny hands with tons of love. I wish I had those tiny hands back again. I would trade all of my beautiful beaded, sequined ornaments to have my kids all home again and happy. I miss them so...

CHRISTMAS QUIZ day 18...

Yep Phyllis found my questions, so she withdrew...LOLOL Remember folks this is just for FUN!!!! LOLOL
answer for todays question was A RED CURTAIN AND THE STUFFING FROM MAX'S BED Yea some of you got it right!! Way to go!!! Even Bill came soooo close I gave it to him!

Tomorrow's Question

What is the Grinch referred to as?

Christmas Quiz day 17...

Well TW must have found my quiz, so I'll switch gears for tomorrow. YEP the answer is It was the first televised Christmas Eve Midnight Mass I think I will give Patrick a half a point too. Shoot anyone that gets arrested on Christmas Eve deserves a point. WHat in the world were you doing?

Now tomorrows question...: What materials did the Grinch use to make his hat and coat? BE SPECIFIC!!!

hehehehehehehehe C'mom Bill, you can do this one...Don't you have grandkids?

CHRISTMAS QUIZ day 16...

Too easy!! You all almost got it. A few of you didn't though. the ANSWER was "MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS"

Now the question for tomorrow: WHAT HISTORIC EVENT OCCURED IN ST. PATRICK'S CATHEDRAL IN NYC ON CHRISTMAS EVE 1948?

GOOD LUCK

CHRISTMAS QUIZ Day15...

WOW, Got you on that one huh...the CORRECT answer given only by TW was Canada in 1898...I also am going to give it to Wanda, because she had Canada but typed in 1989 typo. The rest of you had sort of gotten it, but you went with the first ISSUED CHRISTMAS STAMP instead of the first Christmas stamp. It was Canada, and it was on a regular postage stamp, but it said Xmas 1898 on it. SO the Quiz gave it to Canada and NOT to Hungary.

TOMORROWS QUESTION

What Broadway musical introduced the song "Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas"?

Easy one here.

REMEMBER THE FIX FOR MY BLOG

Ok Several of you are having problems again remembering how to get to the bottom of my Blog. Remember this:

I click view...then text size...then smallest...thev view again...then text size again...then smaller. and it should work. Don says he only hite refresh. I would try that first.

If any one knows a permanent fix let me know

Darn Kim and her quizzes!!!

You are 'Hark! The Herald Angels Sing'. You take
Christmas very seriously. For you, it is a
religious festival, celebrating the birth of
the Saviour, and its current secularisation
really irritates you. You enjoy the period of
Advent leading up to Christmas, and attend any
local carol services you can find, as well as
the more contemplative Advent church services
each Sunday. You may be involved in Christmas
food collections or similar charity work. The
midnight service at your church, with candles
and carols, is one you look forward to all
year, and you also look forward to the family
get together on Christmas Day.


What Christmas Carol are you?
brought to you by Quizilla


It really isn't me...really!!

A CUP OF CHRISTMAS TEA.

A Cup of Christmas Tea
by Tom Hegg



The log was in the fireplace, all spiced and set to burn
At last the yearly Christmas race was in the clubhouse turn.
The cards were in the mail, all the gifts beneath the tree
And 30 days reprieve till VISA could catch up with me.

Though smug satisfaction seemed the order of the day
Something still was nagging me and would not go away
A week before I got a letter from my old great Aunt
It read: Of course I'll understand completely if you can't
But if you find you have some time how wonderful if we
Could have a little chat and share a cup of Christmas tea.


She'd had a mild stroke that year which crippled her left side
Though house bound now my folks had said it hadn't hurt her pride
They said: She'd love to see you. What a nice thing it would be
For you to go and maybe have a cup of Christmas tea.


But boy! I didn't want to go. Oh, what a bitter pill
To see and old relation and how far she'd gone downhill
I remembered her as vigorous, as funny and as bright
I remembered Christmas Eves when she regaled us half the night.


I didn't want to risk all that. I didn't want the pain.
I didn't need to be depressed. I didn't need the strain.
And what about my brother? Why not him? She's his aunt, too!
I thought I had it justified, but then before I knew
The reasons not to go I so painstakingly had built
Were cracking wide and crumbling in an acid rain of guilt.


I put on boots and gloves and cap, shame stinging every pore
And armed with squeegee, sand and map, I went out my front door.
I drove in from the suburbs to the older part of town
The pastels of the newer homes gave way to gray and brown.


I had that disembodied feeling as the car pulled up
And stopped beside the wooden house that held the Christmas cup.
How I got up to her door I really couldn't tell...
I watched my hand rise up and press the button of the bell.


I waited, aided by my nervous rocking to and fro
And just as I was thinking I should turn around and go
I heard the rattle of the china in the hutch against the wall
The triple beat of two feet and a crutch came down the hall.
The clicking of the door latch and the sliding of the bolt
And a little swollen struggle popped it open with a jolt.


She stood there pale and tiny, looking fragile as an egg
I forced myself from staring at the brace that held her leg.
And though her thick bifocals seemed to crack and spread her eyes
Their milky and refracted depths lit up with young surprise.
Come in! Come in! She laughed the words. She took me by the hand
And all my fears dissolved away as if by her command.
We went inside and then before I knew how to react
Before my eyes and ears and nose was Christmas past, alive, intact!


The scent of candied oranges, of cinnamon and pine,
The antique wooden soldiers in their military line,
The porcelain Nativity I'd always loved so much,
The Dresden and the crystal I'd been told I mustn't touch.
My spirit fairly bolted like a child out of class
And danced among the ornaments of calico and glass.


Like magic I was six again, deep in a Christmas spell
Steeped in the million memories the boy inside knew well.
And here among old Christmas cards so lovingly displayed
A special place of honor for the ones we kids had made.
And there, beside her rocking chair, the center of it all
My great Aunt stood and said how nice it was that I had come to call.


I sat and rattled on about the weather and the flu
She listened very patiently then smiled and said, "What's new?"
Thoughts and words began to flow. I started making sense
I lost the phony breeziness I use when I get tense.
She was still passionately interested in everything I did.
She was positive. Encouraging. Like when I was a kid.
Simple generalities still sent her into fits
She demanded the specifics. The particulars. The bits.


We talked about the limitations that she'd had to face
She spoke with utter candor and with humor and good grace.
Then defying the reality of crutch and straightened knee
On wings of hospitality she flew to brew the tea.
I sat alone with feelings that I hadn't felt in years.
I looked around at Christmas through a thick hot blur of tears.


And the candles and the holly she'd arranged on every shelf
The impossibly good cookies she still somehow baked herself.
But these rich and tactile memories became quite pale and thin
When measured by the Christmas my great Aunt kept deep within.
Her body halved and nearly spent, but my great Aunt was whole
I saw a Christmas miracle, the triumph of a soul.


The triple beat of two feet and a crutch came down the hall
The rattle of the china in the hutch against the wall.
She poured two cups. She smiled and then she handed one to me
And then we settled back and had a cup of Christmas tea.



"A Cup Of Christmas Tea"
Copyright © Tom Hegg


One of my favorite radio personalities was KOMO AM 1000's Larry Nelson. He had a deep musical voice that most women in the morning were in love with. Larry would recite poetry, play wonderful music and banter with his listeners. It was a wonderful Program. Every Christmas, Larry Would read this poem with his musical voice, and the world would come to a screeching halt until it was finished. He backed it with sound effects and christmas music. By the time he was finished, there was not a dry eye in the Pacific Northwest. He did this every year. By the time I left for Adak, Alaska, he was advertising when he would be playing it, so people would be sure to listen. Traffic pulled over, work stopped and everyone listened to A Cup Of Christmas Tea. It was magical.

The radio station has since changed it's format to news only, and Larry has been put out to pasture. I hear his voice every once in awhile advertising Dux Beds or whatever. CHristmas just isn't the same without him. My mornings aren't either. I wonder if KOMO really knows what they have done. pity no one will tell them. Pity no one would listen anyway. I still every Christmas think of that magic moment when The whole Puget Sound area halted and heard a little bit of Christmas in the air...sigh.

CHRISTMAS QUIZ day 14...

Wow I figured you guys would be beating down my door, I'm late posting I know...

The answer to yesterdays quiz was as you all now know...A PICKLE GOOD job TW and Wanda for the research!!!

Now for Tomorrow's question...it's a bit tricky...WHAT COUNTRY PRODUCED THE WORLD'S 1st CHRISTMAS POSTAGE STAMP AND WHEN?

Good Luck

CHRISTMAS QUIZ day13...

OK The COrrect answer is NOVA SCOTIA Now we all KNOW WHO got it right! and it wasn't the Canadians. Although Leslie was sort of close. Same Country wrong Province. Wanda Was the only one who got it correct. TW tried to cheat and look over Wanda's shoulders, but I caught her. I was surprised with this one too, I would have guessed the Pac NW also. We are learning something.

Tomorrows question: In German Tradition, a piece of food is hidden in the Christmas Tree and the Person who finds it has good luck all year. What is it?

On the way home from rehearsal last night I drove by the little park in Coupeville, and just stopped the car in the middle of the street and sat there staring at the lights. The park is just a tiny lot in the middle of town, but it has several deciduous trees, lots of bushes and a sculpture or two. It is really nice. It is covered, on every branch, with thousands of little tiny different colored lights. The wind was whipping the tree branches around but the lights were hanging on tightly. It made it look like the trees were dancing.



Since it was late at night, 930, and there was no traffic, I just stayed there for about 10 minutes looking at the lights. There is something so peaceful about just looking at outside lights. I remember when we used to live in an old run down Victorian house just up the road from that park, and just across the vacant lot from the county court house. THe town Christmas tree was always in front of the court house, and I could see it from my upstairs bedroom window seat. I would sit up there for hours late at night just staring at it. It meant so much to me to see that tree. It was a peaceful anchor in a troubled world.

It was the early 60's, the VietNam war was just going good (or bad) , Johnson was President, The hippie revolution was just getting a foothold in our society and things were crazy. My Mom was drinking heavily, and Dad was always working. My brother was only about 8 or 9 and very impressionable, and Phyllis was a typical rebellious teenager. I was always the One who was expected to set a good example, and keep the little kids from going astray. I tried really hard to do that, But with a job, and dealing with my Mom's alcoholism, sometimes It got to be too much. Dad would call to check up on us, and I would have to tell him that mom was at the tavern, and we were ok. He said he would see us in the morning, and hang up.

Phyllis and I were always at each others throats, and I was Mike's "Mom". I tried to keep things normal for him, and I think I did for the most part. To escape the turmoil, I would go up into my bedroom, turn off the one and only light bulb hanging from the ceiling, and sit in the window seat and listen to Christmas carols and look out at the tree and think about how I wished a better life for us all. Those were bad times for us.

Things got better, Phyllis actually grew up in to a very successful independant well respected member of the community. Michael is a hard working, very caring Father and Husband, who has managed to keep his family together through some very rough times for them. Mom and Dad Loved to hate each other and were married for almost 50 years. I have a home of my own, and if I work it right should not have to worry about living expenses. My kids have grown up and gone their own ways, Chemystery keeps finding her way back home, but Tim never has.

THe tree in front of the Court House is long gone, The family moved out of the Old run down VIctorian, Mom and Dad are no longer with us, but the rest of us are here in town, and will all get together at Phyllis' Christmas Eve, and My house for Christmas dinner. I Still do not have my tree up but It will be done today. once the tree is up, then I can turn on the lights and turn off the lamps, build a fire in the wood stove, turn on the radio, to Classic KING FM and listen to some great Christmas Music. I think I will stop and get a bottle of Bailey's today, so I can sip a glass of that with a cup of coffee, and just sit and stare at the Christmas lights, and reflect on how bad it was, and how far we have all come, and realize the true peace of the season.

A story for the SEASON

One beautiful December evening Huan Cho and his girlfriend Jung Lee were sitting by the side of the ocean. It was a romantic full moon, when Huan Cho said "Hey baby, let's play Weeweechu."

"Oh no, not now, lets look at the moon" said Jung Lee.

"Oh, c'mon baby, let's you and I play Weeweechu. I love you and its the perfect time," Huan Cho Begged.

"But I rather just hold your hand and watch the moon."

"Please Jung Lee, just once play Weeweechu with me."

Jung Lee looked at Huan Chi and said, "OK, we'll play Weeweechu."

Huan Cho grabbed his guitar and they both sang.....

"Weeweechu a merry Christmas, Weeweechu a merry Christmas, Weeweechu a merry Christmas, ! and a happy New Year."

Wasn't that SWEET?.....

CHRISTMAS QUIZ day12...

NOBODY GOT IT RIGHT!!! I can't believe I finally stumped you guys!!! You all were really close but not correct.

the ANSWER is: THE GRINCH HATED ALL THE NOISE, NOISE, NOISE, NOISE!!!

Now for the NEXT STUMPER!!! HEHEHEHEHEHEH

WHAT REGION IS THE WORLD'S LARGEST EXPORTER OF CHRISTMAS TREES?

I have been all over the world tonight, reading blogs. I went to Japan and read where Robert had fired up his trusty woodstove for the first time this year, and how comforting it is. I also went to Scotland and Colin was talking about being so busy getting ready for Christmas. I went to SOuth Africa and Michelle told me I WON!!!! I am her 1000th commentor in her blog! I went to Missouri, and to Lousiana and to Michigan and Texas and to Alabama and Arkansas and COlorado and ALaska, even stopped by Canada and saw that Leslie and Carl are home safely. Everybody is either reflecting, or puking! I prefer reflecting. Seeing some of these people pouring their souls out in agony, and watching others just remembering childhood magic. Others are contemplating quitting blogging, because of bad press or because they don't feel they are good enough for the blogsphere.

All are friends, and all of these people are part of what I enjoy about blogging. I don't write for other people, I write for me. I started this to cronicle my retirement, and found a wealth of friendship and encouragement. That is what blogging is all about. I have Gardeners, and psychologists and ex-patriots, and patriots and grouchey old Cripples and librarians and military people and nurses and all sorts of interests out there. I care for all of them. SOme of them go WAAAAYYYYY out there in their rants, but even those I like. Diversity is what the world is all about.

I am not stupid enough to think that every word written is really true, but I do think that most of the people I meet each day are real. Real honest hard working, caring people. People I care about.

I hope that those that are thinking about quitting would reconsider. The bad boys will be gone soon, and those of you that are just tired will be rested after Christmas. I enjoy all the places I go and all the friends I meet. I would hate to lose any of you right now. Well maybe just one...good bye FRANK....

Christmas Quiz day 11...

Well TW and Phyllis found my website so I need to change sites here...in case you were wondering the COrrect answer was given by both TW and PHYLLIS go back to comments and read their answers. Good job. I thought it was a way to get Christ out of Christmas I learned something too.

and the question for tomorrow is:

In the cartoon THE GRINCH WHO STOLE CHRISTMAS What does the Grinch hate, hate, hate hate?

Monster in The Woods...

Every Year I set up My Christmas Tree and since the kids left home it is just me, so not much was under the tree. This is when I decided to start collecting Dept 56 Village pieces. I had always wanted them but could not afford them. I put the few pieces I had on a sheet under the tree, and plugged them in. It was beautiful. Small, but beautiful. I got my camera out to take pictures of the village for posterity, and in reviewing the pictures on the computer I noticed Loki peeking through the branches of the tree. He slept under the tree around the base of it every night, and I had not seen that he was there when I snapped the picture. It reminds me of a big monster lurking in the trees. I use this as a desktop every Christmas. I just love it. Sometimes Happy accidents bring the most joy...




With the new addition I am not sure I will be putting the village under the tree this year, probably on top of the antique dresser. I would not want puppy to end up breaking it.

CHRISTMAS QUIZ day 10...

Getting harder huh? Yesterday's answer was THE SALVATION ARMY Once again Wanda pegged it with history!

Todays question:

WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF XMAS?

Be sure you put your answer in the comments....

I FOUND JESUS!!!!!!.........

OH THANK GOD!!! and he sings beautifully....and he just fits right in to the rest of the cast. I am so relieved!! I was afraid that Fernando would come back and say no, he really did not want the role. BIG SIGH OF Relief!!

THe show is coming along smartly. THe soloists are getting their parts down, and the Choreography is getting there. This has been a really fun show. I am so glad the cast is so good. Now if I can just get it staged and ready by Jan 23!! We never should have attempted a musical during the CHristmas Holiday. THe playhouse closes for 2 weeks, and we will miss the rehearsal time. But I will write a letter to the board of Directors to that affect after the show closes.

I have discovered Becky Strain, who is John's Sister. You need to go read her blog if you have never been there, she writes so beautifully of her childhood memories. ANd she is lucky enough to have her Mom alive to comment on those memories. I KNOW my mother would be a blogging fool if she was still alive. She loved to write, and she loved to meet people.

I have to work today, so the Quiz may be late this afternoon. Come back this evening....I gotta go get dressed.

CHRISTMAS QUIZ day9...

Not as hard as I thought. Most of you got Yesterday's Question. The answer was THE LEMON DROP KID

THe question for today is:

What Army do you associate with a kettle?