And just like that ...

 

It's over!
The Extraordinary we call Christmas, that is.   I'm glad to have participated, yet a bit relieved.  Anyone else ever get to feeling that way?

A few snapshots from the road .....

Eggnog!  Some of y'all recall my fondness for the stuff.  Never mind that each quart's guaranteed to put an extra layer of padding on the bottom half of my frame.  The sacrifice is real!

Anyway.  Shortly after Thanksgiving I found a quart and secreted it at the back of the fridge.  Finally, last week I poured the ceremonial first cup.   It tasted okay, but was curiously thin.  Did it need a vigorous shake?  No.  On closer examination I'd bought something called "Holiday Nogg", aka egg nog flavored drink.

Go big or go home!  Fortunately, I was able to score Wal Mart's last quart of the Real Stuff.   Simple pleasures!

Despite the rainy gloom, we enjoyed a sweet Christmas morning at my son's place.   As usual, Lois prepared a delicious meal.   Who'd have guessed, a turkey will come out so moist by baking it upside down?   If I/we ever do another bird, that's going to be the Plan!

For all the yakking back-and-forth, I forgot to get any 'people-y' photos! 

Instead -- with permission -- here's a few of their home.   I'm always amazed how my DIL can take scraps of this and that ... cast-offs, and create beauty. 

Kitchen breakfront

An elves spa day

Two calling birds

Troy said he's always wanted a fireplace for their bedroom.

(Never mind that someone forgot to include the insert!)

1992 + 2023

Two weddings and the Chi Rho

As in past years, Tom and I no longer exchange gifts.  This year, however, necessity called for a new coffee maker.   B-O-R-I-N-G, but the ability to make a pot or individual cups is appealing.

I'd planned to take the rest of my birthday money and get a laptop -- except Tom beat me to the register.  It's going to be a challenge learning to use a thumb pad v. a mouse, but this way I can at least be a presence in the family room instead of squirreled away down the hall.   

No, I need to remember when, back in the day, I was so nervous about starting a new job.   The whizz-bang typewriter they had was unlike anything I'd used before.  So I called the local office supply and rented one on which to practice. 

Troy and Lois blessed me with a beautiful blanket.  For Tom, a big bag of treats for his birds.  And knowing his interest in WWII aviation, Lois found this canvas of the Tuskegee Airmen:

Blessed!

What's next?

I hope y'all will join me on the journey!

Hugs, Myra

Christmas Eve eve

 

The Fat Lady Man's not begun to sing ... but he's warming up!

Hello, dear friends!


Our little family's never been one for traditions.  Nevertheless, from the time I read Shlomo's story in an old issue of Reader's Digest, his story has become mine.   I hope this 're-telling' touches your heart as it does mine.

Before I do, however ...
Congratulations, Terri (Your Friend From Florida)!  You're the winner of "The Christmas Conversation Piece."   I'm afraid Santa's sleigh has closed the boarding window -- but I aim for its arrival in time for New Year festivities -- however you choose to celebrate.

* * *

Of the narrow escapes my sister, Judith, and I had from discovery during our year in the orphanage, one stands out particularly. It was Christmas of 1944 -- a white Christmas, with snow falling outside, but warmth within from extra coal and larger food portions. We even had meat -- meat! A Christmas tree stood in the corner, and we children were seated on both sides of a long table nicely arranged with plates. We were singing Christmas carols, their simple and pleasant melodies totally out of context of the savage war that had been raging for six consecutive Christmases.

The pleasant feeling of food in our stomachs loosened our tongues, and contrary to the usual silence enforced during meals we were permitted by the sisters to converse quietly. Boys and girls were separated as usual, but Judith and I could see and smile at each other.

Then suddenly, the door opens and Mother Superior enters, accompanied by a German officer. Judging by his uniform he must be at least a general.

"Children," Mother Superior says, "the commander of the German garrison in Zilina is a devout Catholic, and he asked to spend the evening with you. He also brought you a nice present."

The present turns out to be a large chocolate cake. It is delicious, but I cannot escape an oppressive feeling. Even on this night must the Germans intrude on the tiny and shaky island of peace I have tried to carve out for myself? I notice, too, the tension on Judith's face as she eats her cake silently, her apprehensive eyes on Herr Commandant.

Again we sing some carols -- one of them "Silent Night, Holy Night," itself so close to a prayer.

When we finish there is a pause, and the commandant whispers something to Mother Superior. After a moment's hesitation she asks: "Is there anyone here who can sing 'Silent Night' in German? It will make our distinguished guest very happy."

Both Judith and I know some German; actually we had learned the German version of this song before the Slovak one. But should I now stand up and sing it for our enemy?

As I hesitate I see Judith slowly rise from her chair and walk toward the commandant. The decision has been made for me, so I stand beside her and we join our voices: "Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht ..." As we sing, the face above the medals becomes animated and involved in our performance -- the lips move together with our words.

Then suddenly Judith gasps and stops, terror in her eyes. She has suddenly realized what I, too, had feared: Why are we two the only children who know the German version? Where are the others? 

The answer is simple, and surely the German officer knows it. In this part of the land it is only Jews who understand German. 

The Commandant has trapped us -- he knows we are Jewish.

He motions to us to approach. It seems an eternity before he speaks. Then looking at us, he says softly: "Hab keine Angst, deine Mutter und Vater werden zuruck kommen" -- "Don't be afraid, your mother and father will come back."

For him, too, it was a silent night.

When I first shared Shlomo's story in 2008, I had no idea if his was a first or last-name - or any other information about he and his sister.  I then consulted Google and discovered a source document in a 1993 edition of the Chicago Tribune.

* * *

From our home to yours ...

Best wishes for a most blessed Christmas!

Hugs, Myra

A Cupful of Hodgepodge

 

Welcome back to 2023's last Hodgepodge! 

Joyce is taking a well-deserved holiday break, but what you say, we give her a hand of thanks.  Raise your glasses!

Did you do more talking or more listening yesterday?  Was it by choice or by necessity?

I don't recall Tom and I saying more than a few words to one another yesterday!
Not due to upset -- I think we were just spent from the company.

I do usually keep a running monologue with Macie and Grace.  They're polite enough to look like they understand.

Are you a tea drinker?  Hot, cold, or both?  Flavored?  What do you like in your tea?  Do you make Christmas tea this time of year?  What time of day do you like to sip your tea?

I've tried -- but I'm not especially fond of tea.
This may not make sense, but it doesn't have the 'oomph' (texture) of a strong cup of coffee, a glass of port.

What's an activity you won't try, an event you won't attend, or an athletic challenge you won't take part in -- not for 'all the tea in China'?

Anything aviation-related ...
and ya, that extends to hot air balloon rides.

What's something most people seem to love but is not 'your cup of tea'?

Starbucks ... Disney ... sushi

How does your family celebrate New Year's Eve?

Aside from warming a bowl of black-eyed peas (tradition!!!), we do well to stay awake!

I do, however, still have warm memories of attending the 'burning bowl' service at the Unity church I attended in Clearwater, Florida.  I did a post about that back in 2009 ... here's an excerpt:

In brief, two candles are lit – one that stands for the old year, another signifying the New Year. Everyone is given a piece of paper on which we write whatever it is that we want to release.
We were cautioned, "No names, please – God’s not a ‘hit man’.”

After a time of prayer, each row is invited to come up. We stand for a moment, touch our paper to the light and inwardly just feel, “I release you and let you go.” The paper is then placed it in the Burning Bowl. This is a universal sort of thing – placing in the fire and releasing – as a way of convincing our consciousness that we have let it go!

Author Gay Williamson-Grigas writes, “Fire is frequently used at the beginning of a new year for cleansing and transforming – like the mythical Phoenix, rising from the ashes.”

“When we make time to acknowledge our emotional life through ritual and ceremony, we free ourselves up to love more, to forgive more, to be full of more of God’s grace, which is really the healing balm.”

Insert your own random thought here.

Here's a clip from Sunday's Christmas concert/sing-along.

Clemency & Friends "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"
(New Orleans style)

Tom's little breakout (on sax) comes at 1:51

   

Hugs, Myra

The Week that Was

 

Happy Week Before, ho-ho-ho!

So our company arrived Thursday afternoon -- from Arizona and North Carolina.

Before I yak about that, I wanted to show y'all what (I think's) the great thing since sliced bread!

Anyone who's ever experienced sub-zero chilly conditions while clad in a skimpy shapeless gown should appreciate this.

"Are you cold?"  This, from the nurse monitor.   (Is the Pope Catholic?)

Lickedly split, she pulled out a shiny sheet --reminiscent of mats on which I used to sunbathe.  She affixed a length of hosing, hit a switch and the 'sheet' began to fill with sweet warm air.  Aaaaah!

Another orderly remarked, "You know, it wouldn't be that hard to make one of these."

What my cold-blooded hubby wouldn't give for one of these!

Anyway.  Back to pre-Christmas with Tom's sis and son.  In all honesty, I enjoy them ... but in small measure.  

This is the part I agree with Agatha Christie: "It's astonishing in this world how things don't turn out at all the way you expect them to."   We actually had a good time, enjoying good conversation.  I didn't even have to strong-arm Tommy into taking a look at what ails my conputer.

After travelling all day Thursday I thought they might like to lay low.  Tom had a Christmas concert rehearsal so I kept it simple -- homemade potato soup, cold cuts and parmesan garlic pretzel sticks.

It's been a long time since we had overnight guests -- much less felt it necessary to entertain.  Nevertheless, Friday we drove over to Wetumpka for good food and window shopping.

Best ever "Cowboy burger"!   Tommy discovered how delicious shrimp and grits really are.  (I think he regretted having ordered a boring meatloaf.)

They'd begun decorating for a Dickens street festival ... and this signage still cracked me up:  "Scrooge and Marley, Accountants.")

Friday we paid homage to Prattville's picturesque old cotton mill ...

2 Toms

Siblings

... then onto our favorite smoked BBQ spot for hickory-smoked brisket, ribs, camp stew and fried okra.

Next on the tour, a popular 'Pickers' emporium featuring lots of stuff I'd like -- but little I need.

This permanent resident totally reminds me of my late Aunt Adele.

She's caused me to do a double take on more than one occasion!

Granted, I learned to type on a manual typewriter -- but this slightly predates those at LAHS.

Annette and I splurged on cups of specialty coffee (aka, liquid dessert).  |

This is a "Snowball" -- white chocolate and coconut mocha. 

I've not weighed myself in days but suspect this may well turn true.

Such is the state of my stomach!

I was going to do a Mississippi Pot Roast for Sunday dinner but wound up brewing a breakfast casserole in the slow cooker.

... Which no-one really felt like eating.

Concerned about the incoming storms, Annette and Tommy left early for Atlanta.  I think Tom was a bit disappointed they didn't stay for his Christmas concert/sing-along, but it was still well-attended.

My biggest joy was falling into a freshly-made bed of my very own last night.  Another night on a rickety day bed and I might have become a certified cripple.  (*whine*)

Tom has two out-of-town doctor appointments yet this week, but I'm enjoying the peace only an empty house brings.

Oh!  One more thing!

Normally, Christmas week at ladies Bible study includes gift exchanges ... even random covered dishes.  Desserts.

This year however, I was surprised to see nothing.  Since not everyone was in attendance, I've one left-over book.  (Yes, I've used excerpts from this in several 'Watercooler' posts.)

If anyone would like to have it, please say so in a comment and I'll draw a name by week's end.

Sound good?

Thanks!

Hugs, Myra

 

                                

Water Cooler Wednesday

 

Hi there!

It's that time of year again ... I'm excited to re-open my favorite little red book of posers.

How about a trifecta?

Answer any (or all) you please.

Please?  I'm curious that way.

You've been chosen to host a sensational Christmas celebration on TV.  What three guests (living or deceased) would you have on the show to make it the best Christmas special ever?

🎄

In your opinion, what would be the ideal temperature for Christmas day?

🎄

According to the Biblical Christmas story, Mary was very surprised to learn that she would be bearing the son of God.
What's the best Christmas surprise that you've ever had?

Hugs, Myra

Thanks for all your well-wishes!
Aside from having to drive into Montgomery at 5 yesterday morning, the worst part was hearing I've diverticulosis ... which, all things considered, is the best part! 

 

Monday, Monday

 

"Angels we have heard on high ...."

G'morning ... how the heck are you?

In 'prep' for tomorrow's procedure, already I'm craving coffee ... solid food.   And it's not even 9 o'clock!  (*sigh*)   
Since there's little likelihood either one's going to magically appear, I can't think of a next best thing than visiting with y'all!

Saturday morning's tea was fun!   
When g'friend, Deborah, invited me to the BTS brunch I was more than a little apprehensive.   What do I have in common with ladies who create Beautiful Table Settings ... who know one china pattern from the next?    

And, if I'm being honest, I envisioned more than a few looking over the tops of their glasses.  (Know what I mean?)

Thankfully, nothing could be farther than the truth.  Most were regular fun-loving types ..... like one who saw me trying to decide what cookie to add on my plate:  "Take that over there; I marinated the nuts in bourbon for 32 hours."  

Deborah did a presentation on her capitol experience when, in 2017, she and 50-some others were chosen as volunteers to decorate the White House for Christmas.   Despite the fact that tree-decorating is one of my least-favorite activities in the world, I was hanging on every word.  

Fascinating to learn all the rules and regulations they had to adhere to.  Humorous stories too.  (Like the delegate from Colorado they were trying to hook up with a cute Secret Service agent.)

There were dozens of images, but here's a few.  You'll have to click on each one to see clearly.  Sorry!

Directed, they'd stand on ladders sprinkling 'snow' from little measuring cups.  "A little more to the middle." ... "No, that's too much."

Learning of all the work involved, I wouldn't have lasted a day.

Here's Deborah with the White House Chief Decorator and one of his employees.

... and the Lady herself, arriving at the volunteers' reception to say 'thank you.'

❄️

I could have cheerfully hung around the buffet, consuming the rest of those bourbon-y cookies, but no.

Mid-afternoon we met up with my favorite birthday people at our favorite Japanese grille.

(Grand-girl) Chloe and Robert

I'm kicking myself for not getting more photos, but was more consumed with getting to know Chloe's new beau and stuffing my mouth with yummy hibachi-grilled salmon and rice. 

Lois, Tom and Troy

Once home I planted myself on the love seat and fell fast asleep.  You've heard of a carbohydrate coma?
Old age ain't for sissies!

(But it beats the alternative.)

❄️

Thanks for stopping by!  I hope to be back online in a couple of days.

'Til then, please take care of yourself!

Hugs, Myra

 

    

More Free-Ranging (aka Currently)

 

    G'morning friends,

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!

... not that I've gone to any extraordinary lengths this year.
For some reason, I'm content with a 'less is more' state of mind.   Unless something changes, the collection of ornaments n' stuff will be spending the winter in hibernation.

As always, I'm glad Tom insisted on buying this 'plug and play' tree -- affording each of us a favorite point of view.  While I love a white/golden glow, this is more to his liking.

I had to giggle at the sight of the girls' stuffed duck, looking for all the world like it imbibed too much eggnog. 

In the kitchen?

Oh, I've been throwing random packages of protein and cheeses in the slow cooker.

Unfortunately, one of my Bible study friends unexpectedly lost her hubby, so the Meal Train's begun rolling again.

Owing to tradition, I made up my mother's 'famous' banana nut bread.  Unlike last year, this year's batch is darn delicious.  And moist!  I'm suspecting it was the extra buttermilk.

Must admit, however, I narrowly escaped making another 'Oops' memory.

Not being an accomplished baker, before starting I always double-check my ingredients and lay out utensils in much the manner a surgeon might do.

Except the baking soda.  I mean, whoever thinks about baking soda?  Come'on, that's like a fixture in the refrigerator, right?

Evidently not.  I had to boot-scoot over to Dollar General for an emergency box.

'Must perform a taste test! (Or more like, several)

Sorry, but I've always of the mindset that raw dough is always better than the baked version.

Reading

Nothing so much that's captured my fancy.
Is it me, or does anyone else get tired of certain authors?  Has he(she) changed ... or have I?

Puzzled

Not naming names, but this pop-up has suddenly begun appearing when I click on some (4) of your blogs.

 ..... At least when I go to read on my desktop.  Doesn't happen on the cell.   Since Tom and I are basically clueless when it comes to these sorts of things, we're waiting 'til his son arrives next week and ask him to take a look. Tommy's employed in cyber security for the military, so there's a comfort level.

Looking forward!

Not only to bonus son and Tom's sister's arrival next Thursday -- but tomorrow we celebrate my son and grand-girl's birthdays at the Japanese Steak House.

I hope to yak all about that on Monday!

Meanwhile ...

This made me laugh snort out loud.

I don't know if this is a 'thing' at your church, but I'm reminded what creatures of habit we are!

Well, WM says it's time to go pick up our groceries.
I hope y'all are enjoying a sweet Friday ... 'tis the Season!

Hugs, Myra