§ Memories of Christmases Past...

It's been a chilly blustery few days this past week and...rainy, misty, dreary on Monday!! With trying to get back to a healthy body after this cold, I have become a bit stir crazy. Usually around here, if the weather leaves a lot to be desired one day, the next day it's all well and good again. Not so this week. I've been reading a small soft-cover book that Bud found for me at Half Price Books...it's all about ME?!!! No, not really, but it's about the winter blizzard[s] of 1948 and 1949...of which I came into being during the blizzard that ran amok over most of the central plains states and farther south. VERY interesting. Tho, the author moves around from state to state a bit too often, the life-line stories of some of the survivors and the loss of livestock in Nebraska [the state in which I was born], the torture, fears, phenomenal stamina those folks dealt with is, to say the least, riveting. The book goes from day to day, the snow fall records, the generosity of country residents taking in and harboring those in need of shelter...a great historical value for me. And the family stories I heard as I grew up, brings this  narrative to life for me.

Okay, so then, more stir crazy adventures. I did put a halt on the cobalt blue crochet project while Erik was here for the few days. And I have yet to return to working on it. No, I haven't given up yet, but I am taking a break from it all. In the meantime, I took my scrap yarn carpet bag out of the closet the other day and began a simple, new project. For my cell phone. I saw these cute little boogers on Pinterest quite a while ago, and bookmarked it after finding the instructions online. And of course, I did a little tweaking on the pattern; instead of round circular wings I made two smaller triangular wings to look a bit more 'real'. With a little buttons here and there, I have a new owlet cellphone carrier. I will add a couple more things before I use it: two belt loops on the back side and I plan to line it with some material so the button-nose won't scratch my cellphone screen, along with adding an interior pouch to carry my ID. That way I won't be needing to lug anything around my shoulders or neck when birding and having the binoculars and camera strapped on me. No need to tote around with me, any excess 'luggage'.

Our annual viewing of Polar Express DVD came about this past weekend also. It's my all-time favorite holiday movie...surpassing any of the classics. We still have GRINCH to watch, then, Christmas can come to our home on the 25th. LOL The theme song from Polar Express is a favorite of mine also. Tho, my #1 Christmas Carol is "I'll Be Home For Christmas"...always has been since my parents are no longer with us on this earth. The dreams and memories come forth full force when I stop and listen to the lyrics of this song. AND --the 1980/81 Miller High Life Beer commercial with the instrumental "I'll Be Home For Christmas" always makes me shed a tear or two...the farm house in the commercial looks just like my grandparents' house, not to mention the huge red barn at the beginning ---memories of playing in the hay loft on a cold winter's day and the warm, sweet scent of the hay below as I jumped off for fun.  
How I wish I could go home again. :::sigh::: Oh, and Bud came home the other day with a new released DVD...Red 2. Will watch that this evening during our dinner hour, probably.


...the year was 2009 and I composed a post of questions other bloggers asked of me. With Christmas coming so near, I thought I'd re-share this particular question that Pea @ Pea's Corner [she no longer blogs] asked: Here question- " As for a question for you....what is your very favourite Christmas memory? "

I answered as such: "That's difficult since I love 'em all. I want to say equally...I've loved 'em all equally. Let me begin by saying when I was single, my parents made Christmas a very special day. We always went to church on Christmas Eve so the actual day was family only. All day long. I loved waking up to the wonderful fragrances coming from the kitchen. Mom and Dad both would get up before daylight and begin cooking while we kids were still asleep. I shared a bedroom with my older sister. As the light of day would start peeking through the windows, the two of us would be heard giggling with anticipation of the day. [SHE was my Santa...what I mean by that is...when I was a kid getting gifts from the big guy...and I'd get out of bed and rush down the hall to the tree, the gifts from Jolly St. Nick would be there for me with huge tags with my name on it!! If I hadn't one time verbally recognized my sister's hand writing on the tags...I would still be getting presents from Santa!! I just KNOW it!] I guess what I'm trying to say is, I remember the year I found out all this. And on my own. No one came right out and told me...I figured it out and blurted that it was my sister who was Santa to me. That year, I got what I wanted too...a huge doll...a doll in a wedding gown I had seen at the store while shopping for other gifts. I wished for that for weeks before Christmas. I can still see the room where the tree stood in all its holiday glory and beauty. The fireplace lighted and glowing and crackling its warmth for everyone. I can still smell the turkey roasting...and doorbell ringing continually as other grownup brothers and their families arrived for the big day! Oh and by the way....I still have that doll!!! She's continually packed away with other 'toys' of mine. But, I know just where to find her...I brought her out of hiding just for you Pea!! By the way.........the year? 1958!! I haven't had Santa visit me for over 50 years and I still believe..."

Lastly, I had mentioned that I had to retrieve my Santa Boot that I fill each year; with Rice Krispie Treats. I cleaned it out from it being stored for a year's time, and made my usual double batch of treats, wrapped them individually, and filled the boot!! Ho ho ho....





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Wednesday, December 17th, 2008

12:01 A.M.
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While I was mainly spending last week in bed, during the time, I received some goodies in the mail. I've had a couple of weeks of cards coming in from some online friends....

I wanted to share some of them with y'all for now, I want to personally thank you for the thoughtfulness and wonderful holiday spirit you've put me in after receiving them along with your friendship. Thank you, each and every ONE, including my special secret santa!!! Who are you?



Mary at The Work of the Poet had given me a Holiday Blog Award and along with the award she told me that there will be a small gift coming my way in addition to the blog award. When it arrived, there were these wonderful holiday bookmarks and the darlingest card. There is such a word as darlingest, isn't there?



Among other cards, I've received these from fellow blogger friends. From Melli, Pea, Mary, Mutti and a 'secret santa'...whoever you are





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If you read my Tuesday blog entry, you'll recall a little ditty I did about glass dolphins. And I added a special little note on 'wait 'til you see what I got from Mutti'....A little over a week ago, Mutti emailed me and told me that she and her husband had gone to Sweden to do some Christmas shopping and to pick up a gift for me that she had asked for especially. The company held it for her and when she returned this past month, she got it and then shipped it to me. I was told that I should open it upon arriving. No argument from me on that! ---I'm just like a kid y'know!! Now Mutti knows I have a small collection of glass dolphins, and lo and behold she found one....it's glass, and it is the most beautiful piece I've seen. The photos just don't do it justice. You have to see it in person. It's stunning!!! And of course, as I cherish dear Mutti....being that it's a gift from her even means that much more to me. Thank you, thank you. The wrapping paper was so beautiful! And the gift was heavy for its size. I had no idea what was inside. But oh so anxious to get it open and see for myself! And wow....just wow. It took my breath away. Mutti is so dear to me. I was in awe of such a piece of wonderful art work. She and I both love collecting glass things.....




Enlarge the photo...you'll see the beautiful dolphins and the wonderful art work involved!!!




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Then, I got a phone call and said that a little something from the boys should arrive in a day. Well, that very afternoon it came. Once again, I was told that the boys didn't want me to wait for Christmas. Bud and I both have told our grown kids to buy us nothing, and for the grandsons...spend their hard earned allowances on themselves or their mom....afterall, the economy today and making ends meet is tough enough. But... Oh boy, oh boy!! This grannie anni was elated to get to open another gift in just two days.... Guess Bud knew what was in the gift envelope. The boys had called him on his cellphone and asked him if I had one or anything like it in my collection. He told them nope. And they had this made for me...Some young teen craftsman makes 'originals' on demand. And the boys asked him if he could make a Santa for their grandmother. It hasn't left my neckline since day one.

About | Theme: "BEAUTIFUL" | Roll
Next week "string[s]"


Nothing like a beautiful bride...and a beautiful bride gown! I love the Victorian Style of long ago. These two photos [made sepia for today] are of my Grandmother on my Dad's side of the family. My Dad's mom. Her wedding day. If I had my druthers I would choose a style of gown like this for my wedding if the ceremony would take place today.

I also clipped the photo to have a closeup of her beauty [to embiggen, click]. At least to me, she was beautiful. I only had a chance to know her for a short while...she died when I was very young, very very young!!








...~END PHOTO HUNT
[To skip the next part of my Saturday blog -my recent gift- CLICK HERE FOR COMMENT BOX]


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Dear Blog,

I'm using you as my diary for now. Forgive me, but I was quite excited with my gift, and last week I kept track of my progress! For my birthday this year, my daughter (the dear) purchased a week of personal training at the local health club for me.

Although I am still in great shape since being a high school football cheerleader 43 years ago, I decided it would be a good idea to go ahead and give it a try.

I called the club and made my reservations with a personal trainer named Belinda, who identified herself as a 26-year-old aerobics instructor and model for athletic clothing and swim wear.

My daughter seemed pleased with my enthusiasm to get started! The club encouraged me to keep a diary to chart my progress; the blogging.

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MONDAY:
Started my day at 6:00 a.m. Tough to get out of bed, but found it was well worth it when I arrived at the health club to find Belinda waiting for me. She is something of a Greek goddess - with blond hair, dancing eyes and a dazzling white smile. Woo Hoo!!

Belinda gave me a tour and showed me the machines. I enjoyed watching the skillful way in which she conducted her aerobics class after my workout today. Very inspiring!

Belinda was encouraging as I did my sit-ups, although my gut was already aching from holding it in the whole time she was around. This is going to be a FANTASTIC week-!!

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TUESDAY:
I drank a whole pot of coffee, I don't even drink coffee, but I finally made it out the door. Belinda made me lie on my back and push a heavy iron bar into the air then she put weights on it!

My legs were a little wobbly on the treadmill, but I made the full mile. Belinda's rewarding smile made it all worthwhile. I feel GREAT-!! It's a whole new life for me.


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WEDNESDAY:
The only way I can brush my teeth is by laying the toothbrush on the counter and moving my mouth back and forth over it. I believe I have a hernia in both pectorals. Driving was OK as long as I didn't try to steer or stop. I parked on top of a GEO in the club parking lot.

Belinda was impatient with me, insisting that my screams bothered other club members. Her voice is a little too perky for that early in the morning and when she scolds, she gets this nasally whine that is VERY annoying.

My chest hurt when I got on the treadmill, so Belinda put me on the stair monster. Why the hell would anyone invent a machine to simulate an act of gravity rendered obsolete by elevators? Belinda told me it would help me get in shape and enjoy life. She said some other sh!t too.

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THURSDAY:
Belinda was waiting for me with her vampire-like teeth exposed as her thin, cruel lips were pulled back in a full snarl. I couldn't help being a half an hour late - it took me that long to tie my shoes.

Belinda took me to work out with dumbbells. When she was not looking, I ran and hid in the restroom. She sent another skinny b!tch to find me.

Then, as punishment, she put me on the rowing machine -- which I sank.


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FRIDAY:
I hate that b!tch Belinda more than any human being has ever hated any other human being in the history of the world. Stupid, skinny, anemic, anorexic little cheerleader. If there was a part of my body I could move without unbearable pain, I would beat her with it.

Belinda wanted me to work on my triceps. I don't have any triceps! And if you don't want dents in the floor, don't hand me the damn barbells or anything that weighs more than a sandwich.

The treadmill flung me off and I landed on a health and nutrition teacher. Why couldn't it have been someone softer, like the drama coach or the choir director?

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SATURDAY:
Belinda left a message on my answering machine in her grating, shrilly voice wondering why I did not show up today. Just hearing her voice made me want to smash the machine with my planner; however, I lacked the strength to even use the TV remote and ended up catching eleven straight hours of the Weather Channel.


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SUNDAY:
I'm having the Church van pick me up for services today so I can go and thank GOD that this week is over. I will also pray that next year my daughter (the little sh!t) will choose a gift for me that is fun -- like a root canal or a hysterectomy.

I still say if God had wanted me to bend over, he would have sprinkled the floor with diamonds!!!


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Irene, the Green Greek, really made my day so filled with sunshine yesterday!! She presented me with this award and posted beautiful words for my benefit! Thank you, thank you! I really appreciate this all.

'There are many ladies that make me smile and laugh and make my day. There are people who make me jump on my seat when I see their name in the comments.' She says of me: "Hootin' Anni , you're SO uplifting!"