(aka, Currently)
Good morning from chilly Coosada! Yes 28* may be uncomfortable at first, but I'll take that over 100* any time.
This morning? I'm ...
Perplexed
That 'decking the halls' doesn't bring me so much joy as it once did.
I can't help but remember the first year my mother didn't put up a tree. I was aghast. Like, "How could you not?!" but she had a point -- no-one was expected to visit and she always had to solicit help from a neighbor.
I'm going to ask Alexa to play Michael Foster's Christmas album ... loud and proud ... and see if that doesn't ignite a right spark in me.
Grateful
Tom was able to repair our faux fireplace!
He doesn't 'get' it necessarily, but I'm a tad obsessed. Even the girls love to lay in their beds watching the 'flames.'
In the test kitchen
Nada.
Last night I dubbed myself the Refrigerator Police. Anything left over from Thanksgiving that isn't consumed by Monday's going in the trash.
Reading
An old Michael Palmer medical thriller from the thrift store. 10 for a $1!
Determined to re-discover my passion for reading, I wondered if holding a 'real' hardback (v. the bulky 19" Chromebook) would feel better in my hands.
So far, so good!
Determined to re-discover my passion for reading, I wondered if holding a 'real' hardback (v. the bulky 19" Chromebook) would feel better in my hands.
So far, so good!
Disappointed
In this season's The Voice.
I'm learning to love Snoop Dogg, and Reba's the best. But seriously, the finalists leave me scratching my head. Yes, I'm old. Better I leave it at that.
Wistful
Remember newsstands everywhere?
Since we've a great-grandbaby expected in time for Christmas, I thought it would be fun to buy a New York Times on the day of her birth. I don't know if this is still a thing but recall getting a kick out of hearing what was happening/popular on the day I was born.
Well, when I wasn't paying attention print paper seems to be going the way of the dinosaur. I'd about given up and decided to buy a copy from the Time's website -- when I spied a stack at Publix's service desk yesterday.
Looking forward!
Yes, to baby Penelope's arrival. But more immediately, Troy's birthday next week. He still needs to tell me where he wants to eat, but I'm hoping he'll choose LongHorn. Stay tuned!
Photo Dump
In closing, here are a few glimpses of the Christmas season at Casa Guca. (Not much has changed, so yes. Some of y'all will recognize the repeats, borrowed from the archives!)
These bells were once worn by my grandfather's horse. He'd hook them up to the sleigh carriage that took the family into town on snowy Minnesota evenings.
This little stool was given me back in '52 -- see it there?
11 months of the year it sits beside the bed holding my phone and water bottle but I like to bring it out each Christmas.
Little book gifted my mother by her Sunday school teacher ca. 1920.
Deliberately sans ornaments, the tree changes to colored lights every few seconds.
T-t-t-that's all, folks!
Happy Weekend and love from Coosada!
Hugs, Myra
Love your little stool in both pictures. And you are adorable, both then and now! Totally understand about the decorations. For several years I only had a fiber optic tree, but last year I bought a 3 1/2 foot tree so I could use my favorite ornaments and I got rid of most of the rest. I have up again this year and it makes me happy. I still have the fiber optic one too. I have a few more things to put out and then I'll be finished decorating. We're the same about no one expected to visit here, so I do enough to make us happy.
ReplyDeleteI became the fridge police this morning. I went through and I couldn't believe how much stuff we bought and let expire. But at least now we can eat anything in there and we have room for my order coming from Sam's today. lol
Hope you have a wonderful day Myra and I'm glad you got your faux fireplace working. I think we need to invest in one.
Please let us know if you do, Cathy! Sometimes I even run it (heat off) in the summer months solely for the ambiance.
DeleteIt's amazing that you've held onto that special stool for many years, Myra. I love that it goes on full display at Christmas time. And yes, it's been cold, cold, cold here in Georgia, too, but I'll take it over summer heat any day. Can't wait to here the news when Miss Penelope makes her grand entrance!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Thank you, Martha! It's very dear to me, and I love that you can still see the original red paint beneath the nicks and scratches.
DeleteYou were adorable and yes I see the little chair, so happy you have your fire place flames back, I would watch them too if I had one. I tried the on TV fireplace and did not work.
ReplyDeleteI stare at the nook, which holds this year for the first time ever the only Christmas in the house. I did not put out anything, including the Linda Chapman painting of Santa. the reason the little tree is out is it is my Florida Fireplace. I do my morning excises staring at the tree and eat my meals looking at even when the sun is bright.
I the madone who always speaks what I think is the finalists are nothing like what I thought they would be and this has been the worst voice and I have seen them all and it is my all time favorite reality show. I love Snoop Dogg and did not think I would, and now I know Snoop, Reba and Gwen will not be in season 27, the only one staying is Bublee and when he talks I want to slap him. the new ones will be Adam Levine, Kelsie Balarini, John legend and and Bubbie. to me the ones Reba sent home were much better than the ones she kept. oh well, I thought I would not like Snoop and I do. Maybe Adam had a change and I will like him this time.
I miss Blake and Kelly . I am old and like what I like..
but I do even like some rap
Tom and I agreed, this is the worst season of The Voice ever. I, too, was surprised to realize I adore Snoop and now I'm sad he won't be back. I didn't know that about the new judges; not a fan of John Legend at all.
DeleteIt is cold here too - what happened?
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about the faux fireplace - there is just something warm about it. We don't have a fireplace here, but you can even get it on television!
I also agree with you - get rid of the food by Monday!
You are going to be a great-grandmother - hard to believe - but I am so happy for you. Love the name Penelope.
Lastly love how you have all your old pictures and memories there.
Thank you so much, Sandie!
DeleteGood morning from 55F Greater Sacramento CA .
ReplyDeleteI'm right there with you in beginning to like Snoop Dog..the Olympics began to change my mind about him.
I sure don't know what I will decorate Christmas. I guess I am preoccupied with Dave. He is better but being almost 83 seems to be taking him down a peg or two. Prayers appreciated. We need to get some answers on the 11th.
I just finished being the Fridge Police too. Kinda empty now..
Love your family treasures that are out for this season. You definitely are a cutie too.
Sue
Aw, you! 🤗
DeleteGiven my Tom's checkered health history, I totally understand your being preoccupied. Tom will be 83 in February. Praying!
Hurray for cool weather! That does seem cold for your area, though... I'm guessing it won't be that cold for long. I stopped decorating for Christmas years ago, my everyday life is more than enough. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteTemporary cold front, yes. And everyday life is still pretty great.
DeleteFirst of all, congratulations on Penelope's arrival and Troy's birthday. Blessing to you and your whole family; prayers too.
ReplyDeleteI can understand why putting out Christmas decorations may not bring much joy sometimes. I feel like that. It's because of the state of the world and all the bad news these days. However ... I got out the ladder and put out the decoration lights, and the tree and so on; IN DEFIANCE of the world and to proclaim that I alone in the whole world will enjoy celebrating Christ's birthday this year. Won't others join me?
Do you have Advent Calendars in the US? A tradition here. This year, instead of an Advent Calendar I just open a cupboard each day and eat what's there.
God bless, Mevely.
Thank you, Victor!
DeleteGood for you, putting out the lights and holiday decor. I'm happy to join you IN DEFIANCE, at least mentally.
I'm going to remember that Advent Calendar next time I get the munchies. LOL!
I'm right there with you on the Christmas decorating. It may get done, but it most likely won't. I just have other things that are more important to me, and I refuse to run myself raggedy.
ReplyDeleteThe season should be one of peace and quiet - at least, that is what my soul craves.
I love all your vintage treasures. Now those decorations should be brought out and displayed. They bless us with good memories and maybe even lower our blood pressure!!! Lol
Merry Christmas. We don't have to be carbon copies of each other, doing the same thing to keep Christ in Christmas.
True that! I think most of my reluctance is an ache for happier times that were and those I loved most were still here.
DeleteI love your tree with its many colors, and I also love your little chair/stool from childhood! That is a treasure and I am so glad you've managed to hang on to it and that you honor it each year at Christmas! I am so happy for you to be having your first great-grandbaby, a little girl! So wonderful! Do they live close enough that you will be able to see her very often? I hope so. I have great grandbaby envy! I don't know if our only grandson will get married anytime soon (he broke up with his fiance' last year and so far that's stayed that way), but even if he did get married, he lives so far away we'd probably never get to see the baby! Oh well, God knows best. He knows I'd spoil any child hopelessly at this point. LOL. Oh, I love that little book that was a gift to your mother when she was a child. That is priceless!! Hey, our temp was 35 this morning, but the wind chill was actually 28! Unbelievable! I was glad we had no place to go until it started to warm up a bit! LOL. Enjoy your Christmas just the way it is. I enjoyed your post and also your comment on mine about getting on the ground under the tree to look up and then try to get up...LOL. I can just imagine that, as I've tried it too. NOt a pretty picture! LOL. Love ya girlfriend.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! Having missed most of my granddaughters' childhood, I'm looking forward to being only 25 minutes away from the new baby.
Delete28 degrees is chilly for your neck of the woods. Last night it was 12 degrees here in TN. I'm glad Tom was able to fix your fireside.
ReplyDeleteMy cursed health issues have thwarted my Christmas spirit this year, but I'm feeling better.
I always enjoy reading your thoughts and I luv the holiday photos. Your grandfather's sleigh bells are neat!
Thank you, Jon! 12* is unimaginable to me. Please continue to hang in there!
DeleteBTW what day is Troy's birthday? Mine is on the 13th (Friday)
ReplyDeleteI remember! Troy turns 55 on Thursday, the 12th.
DeleteOh my....28 degrees is pretty cold, but like you...I would rather have cold than 100 degree days. I love the picture with the bells that your grandfathers horse once wore...I love old stuff!! How exciting to be expecting a little one SOON! The little ones sure make life grand. My brothers birthday is on the 12th as well....happy early birthday wishes to Troy. I do like snoop dog too. He has made the voice more fun this year, and of course..love Reba. Enjoy the rest of the weekend
ReplyDeleteHappy pre-birthday to your brother! Cherishing the chill, cuz we know it won't be long before "sweat season's" back.
DeleteOne of the hotels we stayed at on our recent vacation had a space heater with a faux flame in the corner of the room. Both the heat and the flame were appreciated.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great perk!
DeleteI'm so late getting here today but enjoyed your post. The stool is precious. I loved all the photos! Glad Tom got the fireplace working. Sending a hug!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, dear friend! 💛
DeleteI think the newspaper is a great idea! Wishing a Happy Birthday to Troy and so glad Tom fixed the fireplace, smiles. Wishing you a beautiful day my friend.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Linda. I hope y'all are doing wonderfully.
DeleteWhat a delightful post. I love seeing your old photos. I no longer do the same thing here, but before moving, I did exactly that. Same decorations, etc, every year. I like keeping old ways that we once did long ago. Now everything is quite new to me, but I'm slowly making some new traditions. Hope you have a warm and cozy weekend ! Love, ma
ReplyDeleteThe old ways are comforting, aren't they? I think it's wonderful how you are embracing new traditions!
DeleteOf course we enjoyed the post. We only have a small Christmas house in the front windows. I do sorta miss the hustle and bustle of deciding what to use and putting up what Sherry chooses and of course at home we always had a tree.
ReplyDeleteWe love your ideas, and oh yes, I was surprised being reminded Troy's BD is this week. So is our Mark. We will head down to see him next week.
Love from over here in Florida...
Please tell Mark, "Happy New Year!".
DeleteLove y'all.
Your place is looking festive. I wish something would light a spark in me. Just can't get interested this year. I don't think it's depression or anything. Maybe more like laziness. LOL
ReplyDeleteGlad the fireplace is working again. Bet that helps the Christmas mood quite a bit.
I miss the printed word too. Our local is still in print but it's super small and somehow not the same as when we had really big newspapers with international news, comics and such.
Merry Christmas y'all. ❤️
Years ago, we used to subscribe both the the Tampa Trib and St. Pete Times so we could each have our own crossword. (lol) Hard to believe, my early aspirations were to work for a big city newspaper.
DeleteThat's not hard to believe. You are a gifted wordsmith. :)
Delete🤗
DeleteWow, that is cold! I'm in a spot where I physically can't do the tree and it is breaking my heart, along with other decorations in the house. Glad Tom was able to fix your fireplace. Good for you holding the book. I'm not a reader but want to be. I agree with you about The Voice. I hope you will be able to get a paper. What a great idea. Cute name for your great granddaughter. Happy Birthday to Troy. Nice photos.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Debby! Please, take it easy; maybe Mark can help?
Delete