Sunday, December 31, 2006
Here Comes 2007
New Year's Wishes
May you get a clean bill of health from your dentist, your cardiologist, your gastro-enterologist, your urologist, your proctologist, your podiatrist, your psychiatrist, your plumber and the I.R.S.
May your hair, your teeth, your face-lift, your abs and your stocks not fall; and may your blood pressure, your triglycerides, your cholesterol, your white blood count and your mortgage interest not rise.
May New Year's Eve find you seated around the table, together with your beloved family and cherished friends. May you find the food better, the environment quieter, the cost much cheaper, and the pleasure much more fulfilling than anything else you might ordinarily do that night.
May what you see in the mirror delight you, and what others see in you delight them. May someone love you enough to forgive your faults, be blind to your blemishes, and tell the world about your virtues.
May the telemarketers wait to make their sales calls until you finish dinner, may the commercials on TV not be louder than the program you have been watching, and may your check book and your budget balance - and include generous amounts for charity.
May you remember to say "I love you" at least once a day to your spouse, your child, your parent, your siblings; but not to your secretary, your nurse, your masseuse, your hairdresser or your tennis instructor.
And may we live in a world at peace and with the awareness of God's love in every sunset, every flower's unfolding petals, every baby's smile, every lover's kiss, and every wonderful, astonishing, miraculous beat of our heart.
I wish I had written this, but I got it in email, just like many other good things my friends send me. May you never stop!
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Helpful Hints for the New Year
I cannot vouch for the truth of this; I got it in an email.
I had a neighbor who had bought a new pickup. I got up very early one Sunday morning and saw that someone had spray painted red all around the sides of this beige truck (for some unknown reason). I went over and told him the bad news. He was very upset and was trying to figure out what to do -- probably nothing until Monday morning, since nothing was open. Another neighbor came out and told him to get his WD-40 and clean it off. It removed the unwanted paint beautifully and did not harm the paint job on the truck.
WD-40 -- who knew?
The product began from a search for a rust preventive solvent and degreaser to protect missile parts. WD-40 was created in 1953 by three technicians at the San Diego Rocket Chemical Company. Its name comes from the project that was to find a "water displacement" compound. They were successful with the fortieth formulation, thus WD-40. The Corvair Company bought it in bulk to protect their Atlas missile parts. Ken East (one of the original founders) says, " there is nothing in WD-40 that would hurt you." When you read the "shower door" part, try it. It's the first thing that has ever cleaned that spotty shower door. If yours is plastic, it works just as well as glass. Then try it on your stovetop... Voila! It's now shinier than it's ever been. You'll be amazed. Here are some of the uses:
1) Protects silver from tarnishing.
2) Removes road tar and grime from cars.
3) Cleans and lubricates guitar strings.
4) Gives floors that 'just-waxed' sheen without making it slippery.
5) Keeps flies off cows.
6) Restores and cleans chalkboards.
7) Removes lipstick stains.
8) Loosens stubborn zippers.
9) Untangles jewelry chains.
10) Removes stains from stainless steel sinks.
11) Removes dirt and grime from the barbecue grill.
12) Keeps ceramic/terra cotta garden pots from oxidizing.
13) Removes tomato stains from clothing.
14) Keeps glass shower doors free of water spots.
15) Camouflages scratches in ceramic and marble floors.
16) Keeps scissors working smoothly.
17) Lubricates noisy door hinges on vehicles and doors in homes
18) Removes black scuff marks from the kitchen floor!
Use WD-40 for those nasty tar and scuff marks on flooring. It doesn't seem to harm the finish and you won't have to scrub nearly so hard to get them off. Just remember to open some windows if you have a lot of marks.
19) Bug guts will eat away the finish on your car if not removed quickly! Use WD-40!
20) Gives a children's play gym slide a shine for a super fast slide.
21) Lubricates gear shift and mower deck lever for ease of handling on riding mowers.
22) Rids kids rocking chairs and swings of squeaky noises.
23) Lubricates tracks in sticking home windows and makes them easier to open.
24) Spraying an umbrella stem makes it easier to open and close.
25) Restores and cleans padded leather dashboards in vehicles, as well as vinyl bumpers.
26) Restores and cleans roof racks on vehicles.
27) Lubricates and stops squeaks in electric fans.
28) Lubricates wheel sprockets on tricycles, wagons, and bicycles for easy handling.
29) Lubricates fan belts on washers and dryers and keeps them running smoothly.
30) Keeps rust from forming on saws and saw blades, and other tools.
31) Removes splattered grease on stove.
32) Keeps bathroom mirror from fogging.
33) Lubricates prosthetic limbs.
34) Keeps pigeons off the balcony (they hate the smell).
35) Removes all traces of duct tape.
36) Folks even spray it on their arms, hands, and knees to relieve arthritis pain.
37) Florida's favorite use is: "cleans and removes love bugs from grills and bumpers.
38) The favorite use in the state of New York WD-40 protects the Statue of Liberty from the elements.
39) WD-40 attracts fish. Spray a LITTLE on live bait or lures and you will be
catching the big one in no time. Also, it's a lot cheaper than the chemical attractants that are made for just that purpose. Keep in mind though, using some chemical laced baits or lures for fishing are not allowed in some states.
40) Use it for fire ant bites. It takes the sting away immediately and stops the itch.
41) WD-40 is great for removing crayon from walls. Spray on the mark and wipe with a clean rag.
42) Also, if you've discovered that your teenage daughter has washed and dried a tube of lipstick with a load of laundry, saturate the lipstick spots with WD-40 and re-wash. Presto! Lipstick is gone!
43) If you sprayed WD-40 on the distributor cap, it would displace the moisture and allow the car to start.
P. S. The basic ingredient is FISH OIL.
P. P. S. I keep a can of WD-40 in my kitchen cabinet over the stove. It is good for oven burns or any other type of burn. It takes the burned feeling away and heals with NO scarring.
I cannot vouch for the truth of this; I got it in an email.
I had a neighbor who had bought a new pickup. I got up very early one Sunday morning and saw that someone had spray painted red all around the sides of this beige truck (for some unknown reason). I went over and told him the bad news. He was very upset and was trying to figure out what to do -- probably nothing until Monday morning, since nothing was open. Another neighbor came out and told him to get his WD-40 and clean it off. It removed the unwanted paint beautifully and did not harm the paint job on the truck.
WD-40 -- who knew?
The product began from a search for a rust preventive solvent and degreaser to protect missile parts. WD-40 was created in 1953 by three technicians at the San Diego Rocket Chemical Company. Its name comes from the project that was to find a "water displacement" compound. They were successful with the fortieth formulation, thus WD-40. The Corvair Company bought it in bulk to protect their Atlas missile parts. Ken East (one of the original founders) says, " there is nothing in WD-40 that would hurt you." When you read the "shower door" part, try it. It's the first thing that has ever cleaned that spotty shower door. If yours is plastic, it works just as well as glass. Then try it on your stovetop... Voila! It's now shinier than it's ever been. You'll be amazed. Here are some of the uses:
1) Protects silver from tarnishing.
2) Removes road tar and grime from cars.
3) Cleans and lubricates guitar strings.
4) Gives floors that 'just-waxed' sheen without making it slippery.
5) Keeps flies off cows.
6) Restores and cleans chalkboards.
7) Removes lipstick stains.
8) Loosens stubborn zippers.
9) Untangles jewelry chains.
10) Removes stains from stainless steel sinks.
11) Removes dirt and grime from the barbecue grill.
12) Keeps ceramic/terra cotta garden pots from oxidizing.
13) Removes tomato stains from clothing.
14) Keeps glass shower doors free of water spots.
15) Camouflages scratches in ceramic and marble floors.
16) Keeps scissors working smoothly.
17) Lubricates noisy door hinges on vehicles and doors in homes
18) Removes black scuff marks from the kitchen floor!
Use WD-40 for those nasty tar and scuff marks on flooring. It doesn't seem to harm the finish and you won't have to scrub nearly so hard to get them off. Just remember to open some windows if you have a lot of marks.
19) Bug guts will eat away the finish on your car if not removed quickly! Use WD-40!
20) Gives a children's play gym slide a shine for a super fast slide.
21) Lubricates gear shift and mower deck lever for ease of handling on riding mowers.
22) Rids kids rocking chairs and swings of squeaky noises.
23) Lubricates tracks in sticking home windows and makes them easier to open.
24) Spraying an umbrella stem makes it easier to open and close.
25) Restores and cleans padded leather dashboards in vehicles, as well as vinyl bumpers.
26) Restores and cleans roof racks on vehicles.
27) Lubricates and stops squeaks in electric fans.
28) Lubricates wheel sprockets on tricycles, wagons, and bicycles for easy handling.
29) Lubricates fan belts on washers and dryers and keeps them running smoothly.
30) Keeps rust from forming on saws and saw blades, and other tools.
31) Removes splattered grease on stove.
32) Keeps bathroom mirror from fogging.
33) Lubricates prosthetic limbs.
34) Keeps pigeons off the balcony (they hate the smell).
35) Removes all traces of duct tape.
36) Folks even spray it on their arms, hands, and knees to relieve arthritis pain.
37) Florida's favorite use is: "cleans and removes love bugs from grills and bumpers.
38) The favorite use in the state of New York WD-40 protects the Statue of Liberty from the elements.
39) WD-40 attracts fish. Spray a LITTLE on live bait or lures and you will be
catching the big one in no time. Also, it's a lot cheaper than the chemical attractants that are made for just that purpose. Keep in mind though, using some chemical laced baits or lures for fishing are not allowed in some states.
40) Use it for fire ant bites. It takes the sting away immediately and stops the itch.
41) WD-40 is great for removing crayon from walls. Spray on the mark and wipe with a clean rag.
42) Also, if you've discovered that your teenage daughter has washed and dried a tube of lipstick with a load of laundry, saturate the lipstick spots with WD-40 and re-wash. Presto! Lipstick is gone!
43) If you sprayed WD-40 on the distributor cap, it would displace the moisture and allow the car to start.
P. S. The basic ingredient is FISH OIL.
P. P. S. I keep a can of WD-40 in my kitchen cabinet over the stove. It is good for oven burns or any other type of burn. It takes the burned feeling away and heals with NO scarring.
Friday, December 29, 2006
I Got Plenty O' Nuttin'.........
Our Weather.....
has been worth bragging about lately, with the exception of Christmas Day, when it rained buckets full. Our daytime temperatures have been bouncing from the 50's to the 70's and back, and we surely can't complain about that. The only problem I see is that if we don't have at least one hard freeze this winter, we will be inundated with fleas, ticks and mosquitoes next summer.
People have been responding to the warmth by wearing lighter clothing, for the most part, but yesterday I saw someone who carried it to extremes. A woman got out of her car at the post office wearing denim Daisy Duke shorts and flip-flops. The temp, according to the gauge in my car, was 49*. I checked her car, expecting to see a Canadian plate, but she was from right here in NC. People all around were doing double-takes, nearly jerking their heads off their necks while gawking at her lack of clothes. She seemed unconcerned - or maybe she didn't realize the reaction she was causing.....LOL.
The first time our family went to DisneyWorld in FL was in the month of December. We quickly learned to tell who were our Canadian neighbors; they were the ones in tank-tops and sandals, while the rest of us shivered, wearing hats, jackets and sweat suits. As I recall, the temps were hovering in the high 40's and low 50's then, and I couldn't believe that northerners thought that was warm enough to wear so little clothing. Everything is relative or so it seems.
As we go through life, we cannot help but notice little differences like that, but one thing I have learned through this blog (and yours) is that under the skin, we are all alike. We all want and need the same basic things, whether we are from the US or the Ukraine. That is one of the real perks of reading/writing blogs, I think. I have said it before, but if more of us could and would read each other's blogs (from all over the world) there would be no wars, since we would be loathe to start one against people whom we perceive as our neighbors and friends.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
75 thousand of you can't all be wrong!
My statcounter just turned turned 75,000!! When I added the Statcounter to the blog, in June 2005, I had no idea that this many people would find a reason to click onto here. Since there are many fewer comments than there are people counted, I would really like to know more about some of you. How about coming out of the closet (so to speak) and leaving a comment? Lurk no more, people!
To those of you who do come here I give thanks. It is very gratifying that so many of you come back day after day, leaving thoughtful and often humorous comments. Your comments and your blogs give me so much pleasure and I am bereft when I cannot visit you as often as I'd like. Here's to many more years of blogging for us all!
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Quotes of Note
Without books the development of civilization would have been impossible. They are the engines of change, windows on the world, "Lighthouses" as the poet said "erected in the sea of time." They are companions, teachers, magicians, bankers of the treasures of the mind, books are humanity in print.
Arthur Schopenhauer , philosopher (1788-1860)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Hunting is not a sport. In a sport, both sides should know they're in the game.
Paul Rodriguez
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
He who would be a leader must be a bridge.
Welsh proverb
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
My Childhood Church......
was the scene of this:
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck's 1-year-old daughter, Violet, has been baptized at Christ Church United Methodist, where the actress' parents are members.
Pastor Randall Flanagan said members of the congregation weren't star-struck _ or didn't show it too much _ when the Hollywood couple showed up on Christmas Eve with their daughter.
Garner, a Charleston native, won a Golden Globe Award for her starring role as agent Sydney Bristow in the TV series "Alias," which ended its five-year run in May. Movie credits for the 34-year-old actress include "Elektra" and "13 Going on 30."
Affleck, also 34, is nominated for a Golden Globe Award for playing George Reeves, star of the 1950s TV show "Adventures of Superman," in "Hollywoodland." He won a screenwriting Oscar with Matt Damon in 1998 for "Good Will Hunting."
I was baptized at that church in 1941.
Happy Day After......
Here's hoping that each and every one of you had a wonderful Christmas. Y' all take a nap now, ya' heah?
We did our family gathering on Christmas Eve, and a good time (with great food) was mandatory, as usual. We had ham, turkey, mashed potatoes, broccoli, cranberries, apple and pecan pies, and we all were stuffed by the end of the meal.
The children opened their family presents after dinner, and still had Santa's haul to open this morning. We heard that everyone was pleased with the presents, although some who hate to read directions got a little frustrated when operation of some of the more technical items proved to be difficult. A "build-your-own-radio" had static and Ipod Shuffles had to be programmed (immediately, if not sooner!!)
We watched some sports on the new flat-screen TV at my daughter's house; ice-skating and Olympic quality gymnastics look better on the flat screen, although it made the performers look shorter and chubbier than in real life. The "stretching" of the picture to fit the screen makes that happen, it was explained.
On Christmas Day, we tried to see "Dream Girls" but it was sold out in two places! We drove around in a heavy rain, hoping to find a theater that still had tickets for an early showing, but alas, none did. We came back home and resigned ourselves to watching TV, napping and blogging for the rest of the day....not a bad way to end a busy holiday season.......right?
On BET; not a usual station for me to view, I found a series of "In Living Color" shows, featuring the Wayans Family and Jim Carrey. There were 2-3 straight hours of shows, which would have continued until 10pm, but they replaced some with a retrospective on James Brown, who died Christmas morning. I had been wanting to see some reruns of In Living Color and while they did not show my favorite skits, there were plenty enough to please! They even had Jennifer Lopez as a "Fly Girl".
Tonight I found International Ballroom Dancing on PBS. I love to watch dancing, and this is the creme-de-le-creme of competitions. My favorite - Tony Dovolani - was the runner-up in the Best of Show portion of the contest. You may remember seeing him on Dancing With the Stars.
We start ripping down Christmas decor at the clubs and restaurants this morning, and preparing for a big New Year's Eve wedding. My brother-in-law arrives Thursday for a 4-day visit, so the season isn't really over for me. My presence here might be sparse in the next week, so just in case I don't see you, have a very Happy New Year!
Monday, December 25, 2006
MERRY CHRISTMAS......
and then do whatever you can to promote peace on Earth and goodwill to all!
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Waste Your Time Here.......
Amuse yourselves with this link, and tell me the results:
http://www.masquerademaskarts.com/memes/peculiartitle.php
http://www.masquerademaskarts.com/memes/peculiartitle.php
Stress Management
A lecturer, when explaining stress management to an audience, raised a glass of water and asked, "How heavy is this glass of water? " Answers called out ranged from 8oz. to 20oz. The lecturer replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long you try to hold it. "If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance. "In each case, it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes. "
He continued, "And that's the way it is with stress management. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry on. " "As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again.
When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden. "So, before you return home tonight, put the burden of work down. Don't carry it home. You can pick it up tomorrow. Whatever burdens you're carrying now, let them down for a moment if you can. "Relax; pick them up later after you've rested. Life is short. Enjoy it!"
And then he shared some ways of dealing with the burdens of life:
Accept that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue.
Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.
Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.
Drive carefully. It's not only cars that can be recalled by their Maker.
If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.
If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.
Never buy a car you can't push.
Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you won't have a leg to stand on.
Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.
Since it's the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late.
The second mouse gets the cheese.
When every thing's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.
Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.
Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.
We could learn a lot from crayons. Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull, some have weird names, and all are different colors, but they all have to live in the same box.
And the one I want printed on a t-shirt:
"It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others."
It isn't very Christmas-like, but it's all I have at the moment. I do hope that all of you have a wonderful Christmas.
He continued, "And that's the way it is with stress management. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry on. " "As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again.
When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden. "So, before you return home tonight, put the burden of work down. Don't carry it home. You can pick it up tomorrow. Whatever burdens you're carrying now, let them down for a moment if you can. "Relax; pick them up later after you've rested. Life is short. Enjoy it!"
And then he shared some ways of dealing with the burdens of life:
Accept that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue.
Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.
Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.
Drive carefully. It's not only cars that can be recalled by their Maker.
If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.
If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.
Never buy a car you can't push.
Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you won't have a leg to stand on.
Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.
Since it's the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late.
The second mouse gets the cheese.
When every thing's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.
Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.
Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.
We could learn a lot from crayons. Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull, some have weird names, and all are different colors, but they all have to live in the same box.
And the one I want printed on a t-shirt:
"It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others."
It isn't very Christmas-like, but it's all I have at the moment. I do hope that all of you have a wonderful Christmas.
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Santa's Reindeer
According to the Alaska Department of Fish
and Game, while both male and female reindeer
grow antlers in the summer each year, male
reindeer drop their antlers at the beginning
of winter, usually late November to mid-
December.
Female reindeer retain their antlers till after
they give birth in the spring.
Therefore, according to EVERY
historical rendition depicting
Santa's reindeer,
EVERY single one of them,
from Rudolph to Blitzen,
had to be a girl.
We should've known...
ONLY women would be able to drag
a fat-ass man in a red velvet suit
all around the world in one night
and not get lost.
The Santa above is another piece of the ephemera I have saved. It was a package of red yarn, for use in tying presents, and was probably from the '70's.
Friday, December 22, 2006
Dizzy Blondes
Two blondes, Becky and Sally, were putting siding on a house.
Becky, who was nailing down the siding, would reach into her nail pouch, pull out a nail and either toss it over her shoulder or nail it in.
Sally, wondering what she was doing, asked, "Why are you throwing away all those nails?"
Becky explained, "When I pull a nail out of my pouch, about half of them have the head on the wrong end, so I throw them away."
Sally got completely upset and yelled, "You moron! Those nails aren't defective, they're for the other side of the house!"
Becky, who was nailing down the siding, would reach into her nail pouch, pull out a nail and either toss it over her shoulder or nail it in.
Sally, wondering what she was doing, asked, "Why are you throwing away all those nails?"
Becky explained, "When I pull a nail out of my pouch, about half of them have the head on the wrong end, so I throw them away."
Sally got completely upset and yelled, "You moron! Those nails aren't defective, they're for the other side of the house!"
A Hearty Thank You!
Mr. kenju and I want to thank everyone who voted for him. The team will be picked in February, and we will let you know what happens.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Help Me Out, Will Ya? Puh-leeeeeeze?
Mr. kenju wants your help! He played basketball for Georgetown University and they have a project in progress, to name the top basketball players in Georgetown's 100 year history, called "The All Century Team", to which he has been nominated.
We'd be much obliged for your vote. Go to this site:
http://www.guhoyas100.com/vote.cfm
There are three sections for nominees. Mr. kenju (Jim Carrino) is in the "Classic" section. If you hold the mouse over his name, you can click on it and see a photo and a brief profile. You can also go here to see a full profile:
You would make mr. kenju a very happy man, and me too, of course! We'd also like to know how many vote, so could you leave a message here if you did? THANKS!
We'd be much obliged for your vote. Go to this site:
http://www.guhoyas100.com/vote.cfm
There are three sections for nominees. Mr. kenju (Jim Carrino) is in the "Classic" section. If you hold the mouse over his name, you can click on it and see a photo and a brief profile. You can also go here to see a full profile:
http://www.hoyabasketball.com/thoughts/top100/j_carrino.htm
You MUST vote for any two people in the Vintage Era, any eight people in the Classic Era (INCLUDING JIM) and any fifteen people in the Modern Era. If you do not vote for the full number in each era, your vote will not be counted.
Then fill in your name and email address and click "Submit" to cast your votes.
You would make mr. kenju a very happy man, and me too, of course! We'd also like to know how many vote, so could you leave a message here if you did? THANKS!
One of the Best Posts I've Ever Read
can be found here:
http://trinamick.blogspot.com/2006/12/do-i-make-you-offended-baby.html
You owe it to yourself to read this! Please come back and tell me what you thought of it.
http://trinamick.blogspot.com/2006/12/do-i-make-you-offended-baby.html
You owe it to yourself to read this! Please come back and tell me what you thought of it.
Christmas Riddles
I hope these don't make you groan too much!
Q: What do elves learn in school?A: The Elf-abet!
Q: If athletes get athletes foot, what do astronauts get? A: Missletoe!
Q: What do you get when you cross a snowman with a vampire? A: Frostbite.
Q: Why was Santa's little helper depressed? A: Because he had low elf esteem.
Q: Why does Santa have 3 gardens? A: So he can ho-ho-ho.
Q: Where do polar bears vote?A: The North Poll.
Q: What do you get when you cross an archer with a gift-wrapper? A: Ribbon hood.
Q: Why do birds fly south for the winter ?A: Because it's to far to walk.
Q: What was wrong with the boy's brand new toy electric train set he received for Christmas?A: Forty feet of track - all straight!
Q: What kind of bird can write?A: A PENguin.
Q: What do you call a cat on the beach at Christmas time? A: Sandy Claus!
Q: How do sheep in Mexico say Merry Christmas? A: Fleece Navidad!
Q: What nationality is Santa Claus?A: North Polish.
Q: Why does Santa's sled get such good mileage?A: Because it has long-distance runners on each side.
Q: What do you call a bunch of grandmasters of chess bragging about their games in a hotel lobby? A: Chess nuts boasting in an open foyer!
Q: What do you get if you deep fry Santa Claus?A: Crisp Cringle.
Q: What did the ghosts say to Santa Claus?A: We'll have a boo Christmas without you.
Q: What did Santa shout to his toys on Christmas Eve?A: Okay everyone, sack time!!
Q: What do snowmen eat for breakfast? A: Snowflakes.
Q: Why did the elf push his bed into the fireplace?A: He wanted to sleep like a log.
Q: Why did Santa spell Christmas N-O-E? A: Because the angel had said, "No L!"
Q: What goes Ho, Ho, Swoosh, Ho, Ho, Swoosh? A: Santa caught in a revolving door!
Q: Why does Santa Claus go down the chimney on Christmas Eve?A: Because it " soots " him!
Q: What do you do if Santa gets stuck in your chimney? A: Pour Santa flush on him.
Q: Did you hear that one of Santa's reindeer now works for Proctor and Gambel? A: Its true . . . Comet cleans sinks!
Q: What do you call people who are afraid of Santa Claus? A: Claustrophobic.
Q: Why does Scrooge love Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer?A: Because every buck is dear to him.
Q: How come you never hear anything about the 10th reindeer "Olive" ?
A: Yeah, you know, "Olive the other reindeer, used to laugh and call him names"
Q: Why is Christmas just like a day at the office?A: You do all the work and the fat guy with the suit gets all the credit.
And last but not least...
Q: What's a good holiday tip?A: Never catch snowflakes with your tongue until all the birds have gone south for the winter.
Q: What do elves learn in school?A: The Elf-abet!
Q: If athletes get athletes foot, what do astronauts get? A: Missletoe!
Q: What do you get when you cross a snowman with a vampire? A: Frostbite.
Q: Why was Santa's little helper depressed? A: Because he had low elf esteem.
Q: Why does Santa have 3 gardens? A: So he can ho-ho-ho.
Q: Where do polar bears vote?A: The North Poll.
Q: What do you get when you cross an archer with a gift-wrapper? A: Ribbon hood.
Q: Why do birds fly south for the winter ?A: Because it's to far to walk.
Q: What was wrong with the boy's brand new toy electric train set he received for Christmas?A: Forty feet of track - all straight!
Q: What kind of bird can write?A: A PENguin.
Q: What do you call a cat on the beach at Christmas time? A: Sandy Claus!
Q: How do sheep in Mexico say Merry Christmas? A: Fleece Navidad!
Q: What nationality is Santa Claus?A: North Polish.
Q: Why does Santa's sled get such good mileage?A: Because it has long-distance runners on each side.
Q: What do you call a bunch of grandmasters of chess bragging about their games in a hotel lobby? A: Chess nuts boasting in an open foyer!
Q: What do you get if you deep fry Santa Claus?A: Crisp Cringle.
Q: What did the ghosts say to Santa Claus?A: We'll have a boo Christmas without you.
Q: What did Santa shout to his toys on Christmas Eve?A: Okay everyone, sack time!!
Q: What do snowmen eat for breakfast? A: Snowflakes.
Q: Why did the elf push his bed into the fireplace?A: He wanted to sleep like a log.
Q: Why did Santa spell Christmas N-O-E? A: Because the angel had said, "No L!"
Q: What goes Ho, Ho, Swoosh, Ho, Ho, Swoosh? A: Santa caught in a revolving door!
Q: Why does Santa Claus go down the chimney on Christmas Eve?A: Because it " soots " him!
Q: What do you do if Santa gets stuck in your chimney? A: Pour Santa flush on him.
Q: Did you hear that one of Santa's reindeer now works for Proctor and Gambel? A: Its true . . . Comet cleans sinks!
Q: What do you call people who are afraid of Santa Claus? A: Claustrophobic.
Q: Why does Scrooge love Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer?A: Because every buck is dear to him.
Q: How come you never hear anything about the 10th reindeer "Olive" ?
A: Yeah, you know, "Olive the other reindeer, used to laugh and call him names"
Q: Why is Christmas just like a day at the office?A: You do all the work and the fat guy with the suit gets all the credit.
And last but not least...
Q: What's a good holiday tip?A: Never catch snowflakes with your tongue until all the birds have gone south for the winter.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Our Dickens Village
I said in the last post that I wouldn't be posting anymore photos from my house, but I thought you would enjoy seeing the village.
Mr. kenju started collecting these houses and other buildings about 12 years ago. We have about 12 of them, plus a lot of accessories, such as people, trees and animals.
I didn't go "all out" with it this year. Sometimes I use cotton batting and pad the corners of the books I use to raise some of them to different levels.
This year I used a smaller mirror to make the ice skating "pond". You can see a portion of it in the middle left of the second pic down.
I didn't show you here, but I also put a 3 foot lit tree among the houses. It is out of proportion, but it adds to the twinkle of it all and the grandchildren will like it. Scroll down to see that pic.
Here is the pond, with the ice skaters. The effect is lost when the mini-blinds are reflected in the "ice", but you get the idea. My House ~ One Last Time
The tree looks impossibly skinny in the photos, but not so much in real life.
Another court jester ornament. He is standing on the crescent moon and holding the hands of a monkey which is sitting on his shoulders.
Another frog; a wooden "shelf-sitter", all dressed up for Christmas.
And one more frog.....a hand towel, with a frog holding a candy cane. A friend gave that to me last year. Monday, December 18, 2006
Come Onna' My House, My-y House......
Christmas at Casa Kenju
. 
Scroll down for the rest of the post. 
Some of my favorite ornaments. Are you surprised that they're frogs??The top photo shows one that Mr. Kenju gave me on wednesday morning. He usually doesn't buy frogs for me (only once before), saying that I have too many already!
The second photo is a frog that is one of a pair. I got it at the neighborhood ornament exchange party last week. It may be hard to see here, but the lady frog is carrying a tiny purse on her arm.
Next is a purple velvet frog.
Last is "Two frogs hugging", but it didn't come from the store of the same name in Kauai. I got it at the ornament exchange party 2 years ago.
A frog king with wings.
, holding a gilt oak leaf.A court jester. I have a few of these in different types and sizes.
A banjo-playing
frog, also one of a pair.The snowman is the oldest ornament I have. It was my mother's and she bought it in the 40's. It is one of the earliest examples of plastic ornaments. He has a hole in his side to hold a candy cane.
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Maxine the Magnificent
This is the last of my already prepared posts, so after this one, I may have to resort to posting from the archives until my brain registers something new to talk about, which could be a long while! But we all enjoy Maxine, don't we? I love the one directly below and the one about "rise and shine". What's your favorite?
P.S. At church today, they took up a special collection for an orphanage in South Africa. Our average number of people each Sunday (in 2 services) is 450-500, and the collection amount averages $11-12 thousand. Last year, our special collection gleaned $35k and today? Today we gave $89 thousand dollars! I am so proud; the church is only 2 yrs, 10 months old and we have weathered our share of problems!
Odds and Ends
Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from history:
Spades - King David
Hearts - Charlemagne
Clubs -Alexander, the Great
Diamonds - Julius Caesar
See what others represent here:
http://www.woodenhorsebooks.com/Playing-Card-Names.html
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If you have the same ideas as everybody else but have them one week earlier than everyone else then you will be hailed as a visionary. But if you have them five years earlier you will be named a lunatic.
Barry Jones,politician, author (1932- )
Saturday, December 16, 2006
A Pet Peeve
I went to the store this week for some birthday wrapping paper (seems odd to have to buy that in December) and ran smack into a pet peeve I have had for some time: shopping carts which are not put back where they are supposed to go.
I am not referring to carts rolling about the parking lot at will - or left parked on the curb - or in the parking lanes - but the ones that people roll to the edge of the cart corral and then leave them there on the fringe. Why in heaven's name can't you push the darn carts together and put them all the way into the corral?
It only takes a minute, people, and if you can push it to the edge of the corral, you can go one or two steps further, can't you? I would appreciate it, plus I know the store personnel would love it. Most of the cart corrals around here look like bumper cars at the fair; carts sitting in every direction, touching, but piled in there willy-nilly.
If you have thought about practicing random acts of kindness and have yet to start - why not make that your good deed from now on?
Have you noticed this too and does it bother you as much as it does me?
Friday, December 15, 2006
AMAZINGLY SIMPLE HOME REMEDIES
1. A mouse trap, placed on top of your alarm clock, will prevent you from rolling over and going back to sleep after you hit the snooze button.
2. If you have a bad cough, take a large dose of laxatives. Then you will be afraid to cough.
3. Clumsy? Avoid cutting yourself while slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold them while you chop away.
4. Gentlemen can avoid arguments with the Mrs. about leaving the toilet seat up by simply using the sink.
5. For high blood pressure sufferers: simply cut yourself and bleed for three minutes, thus reducing the pressure in your veins. Remember to use a timer.
6. Have a bad headache? Smash your thumb with a hammer and you will forget about the headache.
Sometimes, we just need to remember what the rules of life really are:
You only need two tools: WD-40 and Duct Tape. If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40. If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape.
When all else fails, toss down a good shot of whiskey and take a nap.
Final Words of Advice:
Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.
Never pass up an opportunity to go to the bathroom.
If you woke up breathing, congratulations! You get another chance.
And finally, be really nice to your family and friends; you never know when you might need them to empty your bedpan.
P.S. The kitten has nothing to do with the post; he is just so cute I had to show you!
Thursday, December 14, 2006
A Mom's Letter to santa
Dear Santa,
I've been a good mom all year. I've fed, cleaned and cuddled my children on demand, visited the doctor's office more than my doctor, sold sixty-two cases of candy bars to raise money to plant a shade tree on the school playground.
I was hoping you could spread my list out over several Christmas', since I had to write this letter with my son's red crayon, on the back of a receipt in the laundry room between cycles, and who knows when I'll find anymore free time in the next 18 years.
Here are my Christmas wishes:
I'd like a pair of legs that don't ache (in any color, except purple, which I already have) and arms that don't hurt or flap in the breeze; but are strong enough to pull my screaming child out of the candy aisle in the grocery store.
I'd also like a waist, since I lost mine somewhere in the seventh month of my last pregnancy.
If you're hauling big ticket items this year I'd like fingerprint resistant windows and a radio that only plays adult music; a television that doesn't broadcast any programs containing talking animals; and a refrigerator with a secret compartment behind the crisper where I can hide to talk on the phone.
On the practical side, I could use a talking doll that says, "Yes, Mommy" to boost my parental confidence, along with two kids who don't fight and three pairs of jeans that will zip all the way up without the use of power tools.
I could also use a recording of Tibetan monks chanting "Don't eat in the living room" and "Take your hands off your brother," because my voice seems to be just out of my children's hearing range and can only be heard by the dog.
If it's too late to find any of these products, I'd settle for enough time to brush my teeth and comb my hair in the same morning, or the luxury of eating food warmer than room temperature without it being served in a Styrofoam container.
If you don't mind, I could also use a few Christmas miracles to brighten the holiday season. Would it be too much trouble to declare ketchup a vegetable? It will clear my conscience immensely.
It would be helpful if you could coerce my children to help around the house without demanding payment as if they were the bosses of an organized crime family.
Well, Santa, the buzzer on the dryer is ringing and my son saw my feet under the laundry room door. I think he wants his crayon back. Have a safe trip and remember to leave your wet boots by the door and come in and dry off so you don't catch cold. Help yourself to cookies on the table but don't eat too many or leave crumbs on the carpet. Yours Always, ________!
P.S. One more thing...you can cancel all my requests if you can keep my children young enough to believe in Santa.
I've been a good mom all year. I've fed, cleaned and cuddled my children on demand, visited the doctor's office more than my doctor, sold sixty-two cases of candy bars to raise money to plant a shade tree on the school playground.
I was hoping you could spread my list out over several Christmas', since I had to write this letter with my son's red crayon, on the back of a receipt in the laundry room between cycles, and who knows when I'll find anymore free time in the next 18 years.
Here are my Christmas wishes:
I'd like a pair of legs that don't ache (in any color, except purple, which I already have) and arms that don't hurt or flap in the breeze; but are strong enough to pull my screaming child out of the candy aisle in the grocery store.
I'd also like a waist, since I lost mine somewhere in the seventh month of my last pregnancy.
If you're hauling big ticket items this year I'd like fingerprint resistant windows and a radio that only plays adult music; a television that doesn't broadcast any programs containing talking animals; and a refrigerator with a secret compartment behind the crisper where I can hide to talk on the phone.
On the practical side, I could use a talking doll that says, "Yes, Mommy" to boost my parental confidence, along with two kids who don't fight and three pairs of jeans that will zip all the way up without the use of power tools.
I could also use a recording of Tibetan monks chanting "Don't eat in the living room" and "Take your hands off your brother," because my voice seems to be just out of my children's hearing range and can only be heard by the dog.
If it's too late to find any of these products, I'd settle for enough time to brush my teeth and comb my hair in the same morning, or the luxury of eating food warmer than room temperature without it being served in a Styrofoam container.
If you don't mind, I could also use a few Christmas miracles to brighten the holiday season. Would it be too much trouble to declare ketchup a vegetable? It will clear my conscience immensely.
It would be helpful if you could coerce my children to help around the house without demanding payment as if they were the bosses of an organized crime family.
Well, Santa, the buzzer on the dryer is ringing and my son saw my feet under the laundry room door. I think he wants his crayon back. Have a safe trip and remember to leave your wet boots by the door and come in and dry off so you don't catch cold. Help yourself to cookies on the table but don't eat too many or leave crumbs on the carpet. Yours Always, ________!
P.S. One more thing...you can cancel all my requests if you can keep my children young enough to believe in Santa.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Short and Good
I dialed a number and got the following recording:
"I am not available right now, but
thank you for caring enough to call.
I am making some changes in my life.
Please leave a message after the
beep. If I do not return your call,
you are one of the changes."
My wife and I had words, but I didn't get to use mine.
Frustration is trying to find your glasses without your glasses.
Blessed are those who can give without remembering and take without forgetting.
The irony of life is that, by the time you're old enough to know your way
around, you're not going anywhere.
God made man before woman so as to give him time to think ,of an answer for her first question.
I was always taught to respect my elders, but it keeps getting harder to find one.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Last Saturday Night
I did some decor for a neighbor
whose husband had volunteered her to have a party, and I don't think she was too happy about it. I told her she has the perfect party house: warm and inviting, plus it's large enough to hold 40+ people without them feeling like sardines in a tin.The mantel in this room is huge (about 14 feet long). I used faux garland and berry branches, large pine cones, her ribbon, her holly branches and at the last minute, I tucked in some real pine and cedar, so the aroma would be strong. When the fire was lit, the smell of it permeated the room quickly. The logs used here are about 4' long, and the homeowner is obviously well-versed in making a good fire. It surely did feel great!
The newel post decor is all artificial, so it will last all month. I almost always use 2 or 3 different types of ribbon, as it gives a richer look.
The centerpiece on the dining room table is all fresh, except for the silver pears and acorn branches, of course. It has large roses, gerbera daisies and white bouvardia, with fir, cedar and pine foliages.The foods were not all out yet when I took the pic. A number of people brought various dishes with them: we had shrimp, sausage balls, artichoke dip, cheese balls, various fruits and dips for them, plus rum balls and other sweets. I know I am leaving something out - but it was all good!
I am attending another party tonight. Our neighborhood has a pot-luck dinner and ornament exchange, which is always fun. It is being held in a home we all know, but the owners are fairly new to the neighborhood, so we will get to see it with new decor and furniture. I was told that the new owner picked 5-6 women to be responsible for a table that they will clothe, decorate and provide the dishes, etc. It should be fun to see what they have done. I should be able to tell you about it tomorrow.
Scroll down for the rest of the post; comments are open under that.
Here's a mantel in another room. I used red plaid ribbons to match the other decor I did, plus it picks up the red in the portrait above the fireplace. 
I made the bows for the top of her tree, but she decorated the rest of it.
I put silver bows at the top of her chandelier, which dresses it up for a party very nicely, and hides the chain. Of course, some people have covers for their chains, but if you don't, a bow or two is always nice.
The last pic is an arrangement of three types of seasonal foliages, and I added some clusters of small shiny red balls, to give it color.
Quotes of Note
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"We are never more discontented with others than when we are discontented with ourselves.
Henri Frederic Amiel, philosopher and writer (1821-1881)
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Kindness is in our power, even when fondness is not.
Samuel Johnson, lexicographer (1709-1784)
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Discontent is the first step in the progress of a man or a nation. (Then we should be on the brink of extensive progress, shouldn't we?)
Oscar Wilde
Monday, December 11, 2006
Virtues and Vices & Other Insults
"He has all the virtues I dislike and none of the vices I admire." Winston Churchill
"A modest little person, with much to be modest about."
Winston Churchill
"I have never killed a man, but I have read many obituaries with great pleasure."
Clarence Darrow
"He has never been known to use a word that might send a reader to the dictionary."
William Faulkner (about Ernest Hemingway)
"Poor Faulkner. Does he really think big emotions come from big words?"
Ernest Hemingway (about William Faulkner
"Thank you for sending me a copy of your book; I'll waste no time reading it."
Moses Hadas
"He can compress the most words into the smallest idea of any man I know."
Abraham Lincoln
"I've had a perfectly wonderful evening. But this wasn't it."
Groucho Marx
"I didn't attend the funeral, but I sent a nice letter saying I approved of it."
Mark Twain
"He has no enemies, but is intensely disliked by his friends."
Oscar Wilde
"I am enclosing two tickets to the first night of my new play; bring a friend.... if you have one."
George Bernard Shaw to Winston Churchill
"Cannot possibly attend first night, will attend second... if there is one."
Winston Churchill, in response
"I feel so miserable without you; it's almost like having you here."
Stephen Bishop
He is a self-made man and worships his creator."
John Bright
"I've just learned about his illness. Let's hope it's nothing trivial."
Irvin S. Cobb
"He is not only dull himself, he is the cause of dullness in others."
Samuel Johnson
"He is simply a shiver looking for a spine to run up."
Paul Keating
"He had delusions of adequacy."
Walter Kerr
"There's nothing wrong with you that reincarnation won't cure."
Jack E. Leonard
"He has the attention span of a lightning bolt."
Robert Redford
"They never open their mouths without subtracting from the sum of human knowledge." Thomas Brackett Reed
" He had some good instincts from his Quaker forebears, but by diligent hard work, he overcame them."
James Reston (about Richard Nixon
"He loves nature in spite of what it did to him."
Forrest Tucker
"Why do you sit there looking like an envelope without any address on it?"
Mark Twain
"His mother should have thrown him away and kept the stork."
Mae West
"Some cause happiness wherever they go; others, whenever they go."
Oscar Wilde
"He uses statistics as a drunken man uses lamp-posts... for support rather than illumination."
Andrew Lang (1844-1912)
"He has Van Gogh's ear for music."
Billy Wilder
These are not exactly in the Christmas spirit, but I thought you might like something to counteract some of the sweetness and light.........LOL
Sunday, December 10, 2006
How the Other Half.........
has us decorate for Christmas. This is one of the private homes I have been doing for about 5-6 years, with a friend and co-worker of mine. This is her client, and three of us decorate for two solid days - and we still aren't finished. It is a large home, and something is done on all three floors.
Top: the lower level den mantel.2. The main tree; fresh and full, with about 1,200 lights and 250-300 Christopher Radko ornaments. If you don't know about Radko ornaments, google him. They are hand-blown glass and richly painted. The stair rails are garlanded with faux greenery and studded with dried red hydrangea and red and gold silk ribbons. The garland extends all the way up to the second floor and continues on the full railing.
3. The bookcase/desk in the living room. The angel is about 3+ feet long, plus the horn. The top is festooned with faux garland studded with pomegranates, and red silk ribbon with gold cording and tassels.
4. The mantel upstairs, with golden pears and leaves accenting the faux garland.
Scroll down for the rest of the post, under which, comments are open.
5. The small tree in the dining room window. It is decorated with silver commemorative ornaments by Towle and other silver companies.
6. A mirror in the dining room, festooned with greenery, red cording, red dried hydrangea and 2 exquisite angels from Italy, hand-painted and really gorgeous!
7. The grandfather clock wears a boa of the same items as above.
8. The guest lavatory mirror is festooned with greenery, miniature Osage oranges and green hydrangea, with gold mesh ribbons and acorn branches.
Edit: Yes, it IS a lot of fun. She plays wonderful holiday music for us as we decorate, and this year, she made excellent Reuben sandwiches for lunch!
The only things left to do are the wreaths for the doors (3) and some decoration for the lamppost at the street. I don't have anything to do with that part; it is done by my friend.
I didn't mention that we also garland their back porch railings with fresh pine garland and place a wreath around her stone angel, that sits in the middle of her round table on the porch. She can see all that from her kitchen window, and it makes it festive. We also drape the top of a bookcase in her husband's study and a hutch in her dinette area, as well as a huge window in the dinette and the brass chandelier there as well.
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Tenacious:
1. Holding fast, or inclined to hold fast.2. Apt to retain; retentive.
3. Having parts apt to adhere to each other
4. Glutinous, viscous, sticking; adhesive.
Syn. See strong.
Carmi made me do it!
Edit: I was standing in my living room, waiting for a friend/co-worker to pick me up for the day's work, when the leaves caught my eye. The sun was shining through them, and they appeared to be on fire. I thought to myself that this is something that Carmi would latch onto immediately! So I got the camera and went outside to shoot upwards into the tree. Thanks for all the nice comments on the pic.
http://writteninc.blogspot.com/
Two ittle fishies in the itty, bitty poo......
Edit: Here is the song:THREE LITTLE FISHES
Down in the meadow in a little bitty pool
Were three little fishes and their mommy fishy too
Swim! said the mommy fishy, Swim if you can!
And they swam and they swam right over the dam:
Boop boop dittum dattum wattum, choo (3x)
And they swam and they swam all over the dam (repeats last line)
Stop! said the mommy fishy, You'll get lost!
But the three little fishes didn't want to be bossed
So the three little fishes set off on a spree
And they swam and they swam right out to the sea
Whee yelled the fishes, oh here's a lot of fun.
Swim in the sea 'til the day is done
So they swam and they swam, it was all, a lark.
'Til all of a sudden they saw a shark.Whoa!
cried the fishes, oh look at the whales
Quick as they could they turned on their tails
Back to the pool in the meadow they swam
And swam and swam back over the dam.
Friday, December 08, 2006
White Christmas
Here is another piece of sheet music; one I didn't show you when I was posting a lot of it before. The ever-popular "White Christmas", from the movie "Holiday Inn", copyright 1942. Written by Irving Berlin (both words and music) it is the most enduring popular Christmas song of the century.
"The sun is shining, the grass is green,
the orange and plam trees sway.
There's never been such a day, in Beverly Hills, L.A.
But it's December the 24th,
and I am longing to be up north......
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas, just like the ones I used to know.....
Where the treetops glisten and
children listen to hear sleigh bells in the snow.
I'm dreaming of a White Christmas, with every Christmas card I write.....
May your days be merry and bright.....and may all your Christmases be white."
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Murphy's Lesser Known Laws
Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
He who laughs last, thinks slowest.
Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.
Those who live by the sword get shot by those who don't.
Nothing is foolproof to a sufficiently talented fool.
The 50-50-90 rule: Anytime you have a 50-50 chance of getting something right, there's a 90% probability you'll get it wrong.
If you lined up all the cars in the world end to end, someone would be stupid enough to try to pass them, five or six at a time, on a hill, in the fog.
If the shoe fits, get another one just like it. (Duh!)
The things that come to those who wait, will be the things left by those who got there first.
Flashlight: A case for holding dead batteries.
The shin bone is a device for finding furniture in a dark room. (as are bare toes)
A fine is a tax for doing wrong. A tax is a fine for doing well.
When you go into court, you are putting yourself in the hands of 12 people who weren't smart enough to get out of jury duty. (Sho 'nuff!)
Note: the illustration is another of the paper cut-outs I have from the 70's or 80's.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
The Mansion Party ~ Dec. 5, 2006
Top: the front of the Governor's Mansion as we approached. All the trees on the front lawn are lit
with hundreds of white lights, making a fairyland of the area.2. The Stanley Cup was brought to the Mansion for display in the Library, where there is a hockey theme; specifically the Carolina Hurricanes.
3. Governor Michael Easley and two pretty (and perhaps star-struck) young ladies, named Abby and Rachel. 
Top: the ballroom, on the night of the party. There was an excellent choir singing carols
and they were enjoyed by all.2. This tree, in the Gentlemen's Parlour, is decorated with items which are particularly associated with North Carolina, such as dogwood blossoms, red Cardinals, seashells, acorns (Raleigh is the City of Oaks) and it also has many glass ornaments in red, green and white. This tree has approximately 30 bird's nests taken from trees in NC (after they had been abandoned by their makers).
3. Wreaths adorning two inside doors leading from the main public areas to the private section. They were made by one of our other designers.
4. A wreath of tobacco leaves; one of a pair which always hang flanking the mantel in the Library. Mel makes them fresh every year. As you may know, tobacco has played a large role in the history of our state, and though it's usage is less than before, it is still important to our economy. Tuesday, December 05, 2006
On the fifth day of Christmas.....
More ephemera:
Back in the 70's, when my children were in elementary school, I bought these paper cutouts to hang on my kitchen cabinets during the Christmas season; a cheap way to extend the decor all through the house. There were six of them, but I picked out the best to show you. I thought then, and still do, that the art work was better than average for such inexpensive decorations. I have no idea who the artist was because unfortunately, they are not signed.
I guess if I keep them another 25 years, my kids will make a bundle selling them on ebay!!
We went to a party at our Governor's Mansion tonight, for state employees. They are nice enough to include those of us who help to decorate the mansion for Christmas on their guest list. The food was great: shrimp, scallops wrapped in bacon, Thai egg rolls, crudite trays, Swedish meatballs and their famous cookies, all homemade. A choir was singing Christmas carols in the ballroom and the trustees were serving punch and tea. A very good time was had by all, especially our photogenic Governor and his lovely, vivacious wife, who never seem to tire of posing for photographers, both pro and amateur.
Monday, December 04, 2006
Christmas at the Mansion ~ 2006
The theme was Winter Wonderland this year, owing to the popularity of the penguin movies of late. Seeing these penguins at the local floral wholesale sealed the deal, I think. They were so cute, and Mel just had to use them here!
The table was laid with snow, snowballs and tall vases of white branches, interspersed with "ice bergs" of styrofoam.
The last time we did the mansion (2004), we used a series of snowpeople on this table. This year, the snowmen and women made their appearance under the tree on the sunporch, traditionally the "children's tree".
I will post pictures of that tree next.
The table was laid with snow, snowballs and tall vases of white branches, interspersed with "ice bergs" of styrofoam.
The last time we did the mansion (2004), we used a series of snowpeople on this table. This year, the snowmen and women made their appearance under the tree on the sunporch, traditionally the "children's tree".
I will post pictures of that tree next.
Scroll down for more photos; comments available under them.
The majority of the ornaments on this tree were made by schoolchildren in North Carolina.
When we opened the boxes they sent, not knowing what to expect, we were very pleasantly surprised to see that most of them were delightful and well made, for the most part.
They were requested to use blues and whites, in keeping with our theme, and they complied. But to be fair, we had both Carolina (UNC) blue and Duke Blue, so the tree is non-partisan (lol).
This tree is about 14' tall, and sits in a fairly small space, so it wasn't easy to decorate (we had too many cooks stirring the soup). Considering that the tree had lots of holes, I think it turned out well.
Don't you just love the snow people under the tree? I love making stuff like this and though my boss had designated other women to make them, I snuck over to their table long enough to put my stamp on a few of them. This year, we had to put new ribbons on them and mend some broken parts, but they turned out well in their new finery. See what cute things you can make with a few supplies and a lot of imagination? Am I giving you any ideas for a scene under your tree?
On the fourth day of Christmas......
Made by my baby sometime in the 70's.
The inside reads:
Hombre de Nieve
dice
Felice Navidad
y
Felice Ano Nuevo
The only word I don't know is "nieve", but I think it means snow.
Snowman
says
says
Merry Christmas
and
Happy New Year ( and so do I!)
Sunday, December 03, 2006
On the third day of Christmas.....
I made these cards (6" x 9") as a triptych back in the early 1960's when we were first married. Money was tight, and we didn't have many Christmas decorations, but I used scraps of wrapping paper, construction paper, sequins and yarn to make these. Mr. Kenju liked them so much that I later made larger versions and hung them from the curtain rod in my living room window.
After moving from VA to NC, the large ones were damaged, and I had to throw them away. Mr. kenju mentions them nearly every Christmas.
I have been having an odd dream lately. I am in my home, in which I have lived for many years (it doesn't look likeour home) and we have just discovered some rooms we never knew were there before. In the last dream, we found a door leading to another kitchen (on the second floor) and a family room/den. I was very happy to discover the two new rooms and I didn't wonder much about how I could have lived there all these years without knowing they were there.
There is another recurring dream I have had off and on for probably 25 years. I am in a home, in which I have also lived for many years, but it isn't the one I live in now or the one in the recent dream. We discover two new bedroom wings in that house; one for adults and one for children. The rooms are fully furnished with beds, tables, dressers, etc., but no personal effects. I am perplexed by that discovery and I simply cannot believe they were there all along.
Can any of you hazard an interpretation of those dreams?
Saturday, December 02, 2006
On the second day of Christmas......
This afternoon I was sitting in my car, in the grocery store parking lot, eating a just purchased chicken biscuit, and reading, when I heard some commotion from the right side of the car. A beautiful cardinal, as red as red can be, was sitting on my rear-view mirror and looking into the window as if to beg for a bite. I knew if I tried to share it with him he would spook and fly away, so I stared, and wondered how long he would stay there. I was surprised to see that he stayed for at least 25 seconds, but I am convinced that he didn't know I was there, or he would certainly have flown away.
Maybe he was just primping in the mirror, checking to see if his reflection could assure him he was pretty enough to attract a mate. I could have told him he was cardinal personified, and that any self-respecting female (she of the drab coloration) would be very pleased to 'know' him in the social sense as well as the carnal. Males are so insecure.
Out of the Mouths of Babes........
"Acoustics are what you hear with. Sometimes they get in walls and ceilings and have to be taken out."
"A ballet is like a short ballad except they sing it while they stand on their toes. This keeps it short."
"Flats are OK in music but bad in tires."
"Fortissimo means real loud. It is the way a composer yells on paper."
"Scales are found on snakes and pianos."
"Syncopation is not just boom, boom. It is boom ba da boom or sometimes boom da pa doodle da, rest, boom, boom."
"Tutti means everybody toot at the same time."
"The whole note gets its name from having a hole in the center."
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Generally, not until high school do kids have a real understanding of the vast sweep of topics like history or music history.
The following proves this point. These are childen's statements to their the nun.
"Music history is getting longer and harder all the time."
"The value of music to cave people was it scared wild animals away."
"The history of music was first the yelling, then the singing, then the instruments, then on to now."
"The minnesingers of long ago traveled from town to town. They didn't sing too good, which is one reason they kept traveling."
"All the old-time composers lived in Europe. Even today, it is always a few hours later here in America than it is in Europe because people haven't lived in America as long."
"Classical music was written a long, long time ago. But Baroque music was written a long, long, long time ago."
"Beethoven was born in 1770; it was really in the 19th Century, but time travels slower than centuries."
"A ballet is like a short ballad except they sing it while they stand on their toes. This keeps it short."
"Flats are OK in music but bad in tires."
"Fortissimo means real loud. It is the way a composer yells on paper."
"Scales are found on snakes and pianos."
"Syncopation is not just boom, boom. It is boom ba da boom or sometimes boom da pa doodle da, rest, boom, boom."
"Tutti means everybody toot at the same time."
"The whole note gets its name from having a hole in the center."
#####################################################
Generally, not until high school do kids have a real understanding of the vast sweep of topics like history or music history.
The following proves this point. These are childen's statements to their the nun.
"Music history is getting longer and harder all the time."
"The value of music to cave people was it scared wild animals away."
"The history of music was first the yelling, then the singing, then the instruments, then on to now."
"The minnesingers of long ago traveled from town to town. They didn't sing too good, which is one reason they kept traveling."
"All the old-time composers lived in Europe. Even today, it is always a few hours later here in America than it is in Europe because people haven't lived in America as long."
"Classical music was written a long, long time ago. But Baroque music was written a long, long, long time ago."
"Beethoven was born in 1770; it was really in the 19th Century, but time travels slower than centuries."
Christmas at the mansion ~ 2006
The Ladies Parlour has a color theme of chocolate this year. Mel did the mantel in various foliages with chocolate and copper ribbons; they pick up the coral pinks and peaches in the room. The stockings have faux fur on the top.The tree is huge (I think 14' tall). It has 8000 lights on it. Luckily we didn't have to light it; that is done by some of the "trustees" who work at the museum (men from the local prison).
We started by putting the large bows at the top, thanks to the fearless trustee who had to lean out about 4 feet from the ladder to reach it. Then I placed six long copper-colored sprays (you can't even see them in these photos), some fabric tucked into the interior, and after that, six or seven women added all the balls and other ornaments.
The arrangement in the bottom pic was done by one of the other designers, and features dried hydrangea (sprayed copper), boxwood, cedar and copper ribbons.
Various arrangements done for the foyer of the Mansion. I did the top three and the last one was done by our other designer.As I said before, we use various branches and foliages provided for us from the mansion grounds and other state properties.
