Goodbye 2014
Hello 2015
Funny how we mark this one special night, when it's basically just like any other mid-winter night. In any case, I wish you a Happy, Healthy New Year.
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Monday, December 29, 2014
Non-commandments
CNN Living had an article about the atheists' list of 10 non-commandments. They sounded like pretty good guidelines for living to me. I offer them for your consideration:
Here are the "Ten Non-Commandments":
Here are the "Ten Non-Commandments":
1. Be open-minded and be willing to alter your beliefs with new evidence.
2. Strive to understand what is most likely to be true, not to believe what you wish to be true.
3. The scientific method is the most reliable way of understanding the natural world.
4. Every person has the right to control of their body.
5. God is not necessary to be a good person or to live a full and meaningful life.
6. Be mindful of the consequences of all your actions and recognize that you must take responsibility for them.
7. Treat others as you would want them to treat you, and can reasonably expect them to want to be treated. Think about their perspective.
8. We have the responsibility to consider others, including future generations.
9. There is no one right way to live.
10. Leave the world a better place than you found it.
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Rainy Sunday
The Lady Mocs beat SIUE this afternoon, 59-49, in a classic tournament in San Antonio. We play South Dakota State tomorrow. The Lady Vols won, too.
We'll almost be back to "normal" next week. At least tomorrow, it'll be swimming, coffee, and bridge - and maybe haircuts. Alison and Joe will be here Tuesday night, leaving Thursday morning, so we'll see what happens with them in the middle of the week.
It sounds like it's raining again. I hope I get to sleep tonight. I've had those "not sleep until 2-3 a.m." nights three out of the last four. Definitely not my usual. But I had no nap today, and no even half-caf coffee after about 2, so maybe that'll do the job.
We'll almost be back to "normal" next week. At least tomorrow, it'll be swimming, coffee, and bridge - and maybe haircuts. Alison and Joe will be here Tuesday night, leaving Thursday morning, so we'll see what happens with them in the middle of the week.
It sounds like it's raining again. I hope I get to sleep tonight. I've had those "not sleep until 2-3 a.m." nights three out of the last four. Definitely not my usual. But I had no nap today, and no even half-caf coffee after about 2, so maybe that'll do the job.
Saturday, December 27, 2014
Balloons
It’s amazing how much fun can be had with simple things.
For his birthday, Sue sent John three bunches of helium-filled balloons - some mylar and some traditional rubber. The rubber ones stopped floating within a couple of days. But now, a month later, most of the mylar ones are still flying high.
Two of the balloons have lost some or almost all of their buoyancy. John took the first one, and gradually shortened its tether, maintaining neutral buoyancy. We enjoyed watching it wander about the house, floating on the various air currents. And then it disappeared - totally vanished. Even the cleaning lady couldn’t find it. Oh, well - it’ll show up sometime.
And then the second one started to sink with the weight of its tether. John freed this one, and for several days, it has been happily wandering from room to room. And then, voila!, while searching for #2, he found the first one. It was on top of the shelves in the dining room. We love solving mysteries.
Even #1 still has a little lift, but rests comfortably on the floor in the living room. And while #2 floats happily, visiting different rooms, the other dozen balloons are straining at their leashes, awaiting their turns to be free.
For his birthday, Sue sent John three bunches of helium-filled balloons - some mylar and some traditional rubber. The rubber ones stopped floating within a couple of days. But now, a month later, most of the mylar ones are still flying high.
Two of the balloons have lost some or almost all of their buoyancy. John took the first one, and gradually shortened its tether, maintaining neutral buoyancy. We enjoyed watching it wander about the house, floating on the various air currents. And then it disappeared - totally vanished. Even the cleaning lady couldn’t find it. Oh, well - it’ll show up sometime.
And then the second one started to sink with the weight of its tether. John freed this one, and for several days, it has been happily wandering from room to room. And then, voila!, while searching for #2, he found the first one. It was on top of the shelves in the dining room. We love solving mysteries.
Even #1 still has a little lift, but rests comfortably on the floor in the living room. And while #2 floats happily, visiting different rooms, the other dozen balloons are straining at their leashes, awaiting their turns to be free.
Friday, December 26, 2014
Boxing Day
You may know about Boxing Day. If you don't, click here.
Our celebration of Boxing Day consisted of doing almost nothing. The big event of the day was "adjusting" the chili and getting half of it into the freezer. We'll do the rest tomorrow. We're taking it slowly this year - trying to avoid what happened a couple of years ago when we dropped a bag. Of course, it popped open - what a mess! So far, so good.
Our celebration of Boxing Day consisted of doing almost nothing. The big event of the day was "adjusting" the chili and getting half of it into the freezer. We'll do the rest tomorrow. We're taking it slowly this year - trying to avoid what happened a couple of years ago when we dropped a bag. Of course, it popped open - what a mess! So far, so good.
Thursday, December 25, 2014
Another good day
I hope everyone has had a good Holiday Season. There’s still a little bit left to celebrate, and then start a New Year.
It was a very quiet day here. We took Tina with us to Margaret's - spent most of the afternoon. We had a delicious turkey dinner - just Margaret, Bobby, Tina, and us. Matt, Clair, and their three dogs showed up after we‘d eaten. It was good to see them for a little while. And we got home just after dark - still full of good food.
Happy (rest of the) Holidays to all!
It was a very quiet day here. We took Tina with us to Margaret's - spent most of the afternoon. We had a delicious turkey dinner - just Margaret, Bobby, Tina, and us. Matt, Clair, and their three dogs showed up after we‘d eaten. It was good to see them for a little while. And we got home just after dark - still full of good food.
Happy (rest of the) Holidays to all!
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Christmas Eve chili
We slept later this morning (8 for me), then went to the Y. I got about 40 minutes in the pool, so I felt pretty virtuous. When we got home, I started making this year's batch of chili. This turned out to be one of those times when things got out of hand - way too much "fixings". So there are two big pots of chili simmering on the stove all day, instead of one. Oh well - just that much more to enjoy. We thought we’d get it into the freezer tonight, but not yet. It needs more beans and more chili powder. It'll have to wait until Friday, though, until we can get to the store. But I managed to get it into the refrigerator, so it's okay. Oh well, it's kept us busy today.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Rain on the roof
Last night was one of those “I can’t get to sleep” nights. It wasn’t all bad. I found the HDNet channel, and I got to watch the original Sabrina, one of my favorite movies. I DO love that dress (if you know the movie, you know the one I mean).
Even sleeping later than usual, I got to the grocery stores this morning, but it was early (9-10). The crowds weren't too bad, and I didn‘t have much to get.
Shortly after I got home, it started to rain. And we've had rain all day - even thunder - but nothing severe, so far. I’m really glad it’s fairly warm. This would be awful if it were cold and this were snow.
It is nice to go to sleep with the sound of rain on the roof.
Even sleeping later than usual, I got to the grocery stores this morning, but it was early (9-10). The crowds weren't too bad, and I didn‘t have much to get.
Shortly after I got home, it started to rain. And we've had rain all day - even thunder - but nothing severe, so far. I’m really glad it’s fairly warm. This would be awful if it were cold and this were snow.
It is nice to go to sleep with the sound of rain on the roof.
Monday, December 22, 2014
Rainy Monday
We had our only class of the week this morning. I'm going to try to get to the pool for some water-walking or some such a couple of times. We went to bridge, and had some okay cards.
We just got an e-mail that granddaughter, Alison, and husband Joe, and granddog Otto will be coming through for a couple of days at the beginning of next week. Hooray!!
We just got an e-mail that granddaughter, Alison, and husband Joe, and granddog Otto will be coming through for a couple of days at the beginning of next week. Hooray!!
Sunday, December 21, 2014
Saturday, December 20, 2014
Sunday Stealing
The Christmas Meme
From the archives!
1. Do you send Christmas cards?
Not any more.
2. How soon do you start shopping?:
I don’t shop - ever!
3. Who do you shop for?:
See above answer.
4. Do you put up a Christmas tree?:
No more. I think the last one was about 15 or so years ago
5. If so, is it fake or real?:
We had had an artificial tree for a number of years. The fire hazard was what made me decide to stop having a real tree.
6. Do you like tinsel?:
I loved tinsel on the tree - as least what I called tinsel. Other people called other things “tinsel”.
7. Do you use homemade or store bought ornaments?:
We used some of each, but mostly store bought.
8. Do you put Christmas lights outside your house?:
No
9. Do you put lights on the tree?:
We did when we had a tree.
10. How about popcorn and cranberries?:
No.
11. Is there a wreath hanging on your door?:
No
13. Do you hang up your stocking?:
Not any more
14. Does your family read "Twas the night before Christmas?":
We never did do that.
15. Christmas Movie?:
Maybe Holiday Inn or White Christmas
16. Character from any Christmas Movie:
The Grinch
17. Christmas Song:
The Christmas Song, by Mel Torme
18. Christmas Memory:
The Christmas morning we woke up in Antarctica
19. Give or Receive?:
Give
22. Ham or Turkey?:
Turkey
24. White Lights or Colored Lights?
Colored
25. Blinking Lights or Still Lights:
Still (I hate blinking lights)
26. Were you Naughty or Nice this year?:
Probably naughty
27. What do you want for Christmas this year?:
World peace would be nice. Having people realize that “different” doesn’t mean “bad”.
28. When do you open your gifts?:
Christmas morning.
29. What's the best gift you've ever gotten?:
Our Christmas trip to Antarctica.
30. What's the worst gift you've ever gotten?:
I can’t think of one.
31. Who gives you the most gifts?:
We don’t much give gifts any more.
32. Have you ever had a secret Santa?:
No
33. Do you like wrapping gifts?:
I used to love doing it, and was very good. Not any more.
34. Do you put change in those red buckets?:
No. We give to our favorite local charities.
35. Do you burn a yule log?:
No
36. Can you name all the reindeer?:
Probably not
37. Do you bake cookies?:
Cookie baking got delegated to Kate and Jean.
38. Have you ever seen your mommy kissing Santa Clause?:
I AM the mommy, and I’ve kissed Santa Claus.
39. Have you ever gotten a kiss under the mistletoe?:
Yes
41. Do you drive around and look at the Christmas lights?:
No
42. Have you ever left Santa cookies?:
No
43. Have you ever sat on Santa's lap?:
No
44. Who do you celebrate Christmas with?:
John. Sometimes we go to Margaret’s for Christmas Dinner.
45. Where do you celebrate Christmas?:
At home, then see #44.
46. Have you ever had a white Christmas?:
Yes, but at our latitude, it wasn’t much.
47. What part of Christmas do you look most forward to?:
All the horrible commercial stuff being over.
48. Have you ever had your picture taken with Santa?:
No
From the archives!
1. Do you send Christmas cards?
Not any more.
2. How soon do you start shopping?:
I don’t shop - ever!
3. Who do you shop for?:
See above answer.
4. Do you put up a Christmas tree?:
No more. I think the last one was about 15 or so years ago
5. If so, is it fake or real?:
We had had an artificial tree for a number of years. The fire hazard was what made me decide to stop having a real tree.
6. Do you like tinsel?:
I loved tinsel on the tree - as least what I called tinsel. Other people called other things “tinsel”.
7. Do you use homemade or store bought ornaments?:
We used some of each, but mostly store bought.
8. Do you put Christmas lights outside your house?:
No
9. Do you put lights on the tree?:
We did when we had a tree.
10. How about popcorn and cranberries?:
No.
11. Is there a wreath hanging on your door?:
No
13. Do you hang up your stocking?:
Not any more
14. Does your family read "Twas the night before Christmas?":
We never did do that.
15. Christmas Movie?:
Maybe Holiday Inn or White Christmas
16. Character from any Christmas Movie:
The Grinch
17. Christmas Song:
The Christmas Song, by Mel Torme
18. Christmas Memory:
The Christmas morning we woke up in Antarctica
19. Give or Receive?:
Give
22. Ham or Turkey?:
Turkey
24. White Lights or Colored Lights?
Colored
25. Blinking Lights or Still Lights:
Still (I hate blinking lights)
26. Were you Naughty or Nice this year?:
Probably naughty
27. What do you want for Christmas this year?:
World peace would be nice. Having people realize that “different” doesn’t mean “bad”.
28. When do you open your gifts?:
Christmas morning.
29. What's the best gift you've ever gotten?:
Our Christmas trip to Antarctica.
30. What's the worst gift you've ever gotten?:
I can’t think of one.
31. Who gives you the most gifts?:
We don’t much give gifts any more.
32. Have you ever had a secret Santa?:
No
33. Do you like wrapping gifts?:
I used to love doing it, and was very good. Not any more.
34. Do you put change in those red buckets?:
No. We give to our favorite local charities.
35. Do you burn a yule log?:
No
36. Can you name all the reindeer?:
Probably not
37. Do you bake cookies?:
Cookie baking got delegated to Kate and Jean.
38. Have you ever seen your mommy kissing Santa Clause?:
I AM the mommy, and I’ve kissed Santa Claus.
39. Have you ever gotten a kiss under the mistletoe?:
Yes
41. Do you drive around and look at the Christmas lights?:
No
42. Have you ever left Santa cookies?:
No
43. Have you ever sat on Santa's lap?:
No
44. Who do you celebrate Christmas with?:
John. Sometimes we go to Margaret’s for Christmas Dinner.
45. Where do you celebrate Christmas?:
At home, then see #44.
46. Have you ever had a white Christmas?:
Yes, but at our latitude, it wasn’t much.
47. What part of Christmas do you look most forward to?:
All the horrible commercial stuff being over.
48. Have you ever had your picture taken with Santa?:
No
Friday, December 19, 2014
Disappointing, then nice.
Today started out to be sort of busy, with the expectation that John’s cousin Marty and husband, John, would be staying here overnight. We’re about half-way between their home in the Tampa area and their youngest daughter in Cincinnati.
We didn’t find out until after swimming and coffee that they were having to cancel. They got delayed in leaving home and had to cancel. Phooey! We haven’t seen them in several years, and were really looking forward to their visit. Oh, well - maybe they’ll get through here sometime soon.
So we had pretty much an unplanned rest of the day. It was nice.
We didn’t find out until after swimming and coffee that they were having to cancel. They got delayed in leaving home and had to cancel. Phooey! We haven’t seen them in several years, and were really looking forward to their visit. Oh, well - maybe they’ll get through here sometime soon.
So we had pretty much an unplanned rest of the day. It was nice.
Three for Thursday
Three awesome things today:
1. Massage - always awesome
2. Jean and her friend Jamie came into town to meet us and Tina at Old Saigon for lunch. Awesome lunch and visit. Jean brought our box of cookies that she and Kate baked last week. Yum!
3. We went with Tina to the String Theory Concert at the Hunter Museum tonight. How could Mendelssohn and Brahms and the Pacifica String Quartet be anything less than awesome.
1. Massage - always awesome
2. Jean and her friend Jamie came into town to meet us and Tina at Old Saigon for lunch. Awesome lunch and visit. Jean brought our box of cookies that she and Kate baked last week. Yum!
3. We went with Tina to the String Theory Concert at the Hunter Museum tonight. How could Mendelssohn and Brahms and the Pacifica String Quartet be anything less than awesome.
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
UTC Lady Mocs 54, #7 Stanford 46 !!!!
After swimming, we had our annual Christmas brunch. All our gals are such good cooks, and the covered dish food was excellent, as always.
But the best Christmas present of the season came later. The UTC Lady Mocs beat #7-ranked Stanford 54-46! It was a huge win - the gals really beat Stanford. And it was sweet! Unfortunately, Stanford will play the Lady Vols on Saturday, and I’m afraid we sent them off to Knoxville in a really bad mood. It was worth it, though.
GO LADY MOCS!!!
But the best Christmas present of the season came later. The UTC Lady Mocs beat #7-ranked Stanford 54-46! It was a huge win - the gals really beat Stanford. And it was sweet! Unfortunately, Stanford will play the Lady Vols on Saturday, and I’m afraid we sent them off to Knoxville in a really bad mood. It was worth it, though.
GO LADY MOCS!!!
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Happy Hanukkah - plus Christmas
Happy Hanukkah to all my Jewish friends!
=====================================
Ten Things You Might Not Know About Christmas, by T. Steelman
was a piece in addictinginfo.com in 2012. I've just seen it for the first time, and felt it was interesting and worth repeating.
There are so many traditions associated with Christmas. Many of them we just take for granted, accepting the “prevailing wisdom” as to their origins. But sometimes things are not what they seem. Here are ten things that you may not have known…
1. Christmas was once against the law in America. When the Puritans came to this continent they brought their objection to Christmas with them. They believed it was a creation of man, not Christ, so it should not be considered a holy day. They weren’t too keen on the revelry that went along with the holiday, either. Christmas was celebrated in America by Anglicans but most Protestant groups forbade it. It wasn’t until June 26, 1870 that Christmas took its official place on the American holiday calendar.
2. Christmas trees were forbidden as a part of the celebrations until as late as 1640. Since the tradition of bringing evergreen boughs or trees into the home at the Winter Solstice was pagan in origin, the early Church forbade them. The first recorded instance of a Christmas tree dates to 1510 when the town of Riga in Latvia brought a tree into the town square, decorated it and then burned it. Thankfully, we have relegated the burning part to the Yule log. Approximately 30-35 million Christmas trees are sold each year in the U.S.
3. Speaking of “Yule,” that word is believed to originate from the Anglo-Saxon for “wheel” (though scholars are not completely certain). A mid-winter festival known by this name has been celebrated since well before 1000 CE, marking the Winter Solstice. The term “yuletide” as a reference to the Christmas season dates back to about 1475.
4. Christmas songs date back to the 4th century: St. Hilary of Poitiers composed Jesus refulsit omnium for a Christmas Mass. The Renaissance brought lighter songs and the earliest English carol came in 1410. It was composed by Ritson and is found in the Ritson Manuscript. One of the oldest carols that we still sing today is “O Tannenbaum” from Germany. The most popular Christian carol is “Silent Night,” while the most popular secular song is “White Christmas.”
5. The date on which we celebrate Christmas was chosen by Bishop Liberius of Rome in 354 CE. The actual date has been debated since the formation of Christianity. The biblical account says, “And there were shepherds living out in the fields near by, keeping watch over their flocks at night.” Shepherds in the Middle East would have only had their flocks in the fields from Spring into Fall. In December, the animals were brought in close to shelter to protect them from the cold and rain. The likeliest date for the birth of Jesus is March, 6 BC.
6. Santa Claus is an amalgamation of several figures: St. Nicholas, the Bishop of Myra (modern-day Turkey), the Norse god, Woden, and the Celtic Holly King primary among them. The beard, the cloak, the reindeer… these are associated with the aforementioned figures. Our modern Santa was created by cartoonist Thomas Nast in 1860 for Harper’s Weekly magazine. Every year he added more to Santa, including his home at the North Pole, the “naughty and nice” list, and coming down the chimney. When the Coca-Cola company started using Santa Claus in its advertisements, it built even more on the lore.
7. Gift giving at the Solstice did not originate with the Magi. During the Saturnalia, which had some influence on our own modern Christmas holiday, gifts were exchanged among friends. As for the Magi… the Bible doesn’t say that there were three of them. There were three kinds of gifts – gold, frankincense and myrrh – so it was just assumed that there were three men who brought them.
8. Mistletoe was a sacred plant to both the Druids and the Norse. According to Norse myth, when the god Baldur was killed by a mistletoe arrow, his mother Frigga wept white berries which brought him back to life. The mistletoe was then blessed by Frigga so that whoever stood beneath it received a kiss. The Druids collected mistletoe by cutting it with a gold sickle, catching it in a cloth before it could hit the ground. The sprigs were placed over doorways to protect the dwelling and bring blessings.
9. The first Christmas cards appeared in 1843, designed by John Horsley, and sold in London for one penny each. The image on the front was of a family raising a Christmas toast which caused the Puritans to denounce it. But cards became very popular anyway. A German lithographer named Louis Prang brought the tradition to America in 1860, printing the cards in his press in Boston. Nowadays, more than 3 billion Christmas cards are sent in America alone!
10. Santa’s reindeer are based upon the eight-legged Sleipnir, the Norse god Woden’s flying horse. The reindeer received their names from Clement Moore in his poem, “A Visit From St. Nick” in 1823. Rudolph didn’t join them until 1939 when Robert L. May wrote a verse for Montgomery Ward. Gene Autry recorded the song that Johnny Marks adapted from the poem, releasing it during Christmas week, 1949. It became the second best-selling song of all time until the 1980’s, selling over 25 million copies.
Though we know a lot more about Christmas traditions now, that shouldn’t stop us from celebrating them. Embrace all the origins and stories and archaic reasons we do what we do. Celebrate in your own way and enjoy the season!
=====================================
Ten Things You Might Not Know About Christmas, by T. Steelman
was a piece in addictinginfo.com in 2012. I've just seen it for the first time, and felt it was interesting and worth repeating.
There are so many traditions associated with Christmas. Many of them we just take for granted, accepting the “prevailing wisdom” as to their origins. But sometimes things are not what they seem. Here are ten things that you may not have known…
1. Christmas was once against the law in America. When the Puritans came to this continent they brought their objection to Christmas with them. They believed it was a creation of man, not Christ, so it should not be considered a holy day. They weren’t too keen on the revelry that went along with the holiday, either. Christmas was celebrated in America by Anglicans but most Protestant groups forbade it. It wasn’t until June 26, 1870 that Christmas took its official place on the American holiday calendar.
2. Christmas trees were forbidden as a part of the celebrations until as late as 1640. Since the tradition of bringing evergreen boughs or trees into the home at the Winter Solstice was pagan in origin, the early Church forbade them. The first recorded instance of a Christmas tree dates to 1510 when the town of Riga in Latvia brought a tree into the town square, decorated it and then burned it. Thankfully, we have relegated the burning part to the Yule log. Approximately 30-35 million Christmas trees are sold each year in the U.S.
3. Speaking of “Yule,” that word is believed to originate from the Anglo-Saxon for “wheel” (though scholars are not completely certain). A mid-winter festival known by this name has been celebrated since well before 1000 CE, marking the Winter Solstice. The term “yuletide” as a reference to the Christmas season dates back to about 1475.
4. Christmas songs date back to the 4th century: St. Hilary of Poitiers composed Jesus refulsit omnium for a Christmas Mass. The Renaissance brought lighter songs and the earliest English carol came in 1410. It was composed by Ritson and is found in the Ritson Manuscript. One of the oldest carols that we still sing today is “O Tannenbaum” from Germany. The most popular Christian carol is “Silent Night,” while the most popular secular song is “White Christmas.”
5. The date on which we celebrate Christmas was chosen by Bishop Liberius of Rome in 354 CE. The actual date has been debated since the formation of Christianity. The biblical account says, “And there were shepherds living out in the fields near by, keeping watch over their flocks at night.” Shepherds in the Middle East would have only had their flocks in the fields from Spring into Fall. In December, the animals were brought in close to shelter to protect them from the cold and rain. The likeliest date for the birth of Jesus is March, 6 BC.
6. Santa Claus is an amalgamation of several figures: St. Nicholas, the Bishop of Myra (modern-day Turkey), the Norse god, Woden, and the Celtic Holly King primary among them. The beard, the cloak, the reindeer… these are associated with the aforementioned figures. Our modern Santa was created by cartoonist Thomas Nast in 1860 for Harper’s Weekly magazine. Every year he added more to Santa, including his home at the North Pole, the “naughty and nice” list, and coming down the chimney. When the Coca-Cola company started using Santa Claus in its advertisements, it built even more on the lore.
7. Gift giving at the Solstice did not originate with the Magi. During the Saturnalia, which had some influence on our own modern Christmas holiday, gifts were exchanged among friends. As for the Magi… the Bible doesn’t say that there were three of them. There were three kinds of gifts – gold, frankincense and myrrh – so it was just assumed that there were three men who brought them.
8. Mistletoe was a sacred plant to both the Druids and the Norse. According to Norse myth, when the god Baldur was killed by a mistletoe arrow, his mother Frigga wept white berries which brought him back to life. The mistletoe was then blessed by Frigga so that whoever stood beneath it received a kiss. The Druids collected mistletoe by cutting it with a gold sickle, catching it in a cloth before it could hit the ground. The sprigs were placed over doorways to protect the dwelling and bring blessings.
9. The first Christmas cards appeared in 1843, designed by John Horsley, and sold in London for one penny each. The image on the front was of a family raising a Christmas toast which caused the Puritans to denounce it. But cards became very popular anyway. A German lithographer named Louis Prang brought the tradition to America in 1860, printing the cards in his press in Boston. Nowadays, more than 3 billion Christmas cards are sent in America alone!
10. Santa’s reindeer are based upon the eight-legged Sleipnir, the Norse god Woden’s flying horse. The reindeer received their names from Clement Moore in his poem, “A Visit From St. Nick” in 1823. Rudolph didn’t join them until 1939 when Robert L. May wrote a verse for Montgomery Ward. Gene Autry recorded the song that Johnny Marks adapted from the poem, releasing it during Christmas week, 1949. It became the second best-selling song of all time until the 1980’s, selling over 25 million copies.
Though we know a lot more about Christmas traditions now, that shouldn’t stop us from celebrating them. Embrace all the origins and stories and archaic reasons we do what we do. Celebrate in your own way and enjoy the season!
Monday, December 15, 2014
An afternoon off
We had been told that bridge would have a delayed start this afternoon due to some function at the Civic Center where we play. We got there at the reset time to find that it would be at least another 45 minutes or more before we could have the space. So we came home. We left my car for routine servicing while we played, so we’ll just went back to get it when they finished it.
Oh, well. We got an afternoon off instead.
Sunday, December 14, 2014
Quiet weekend
Last night, I watched My Fair Lady on TCM - uncut and without commercials. I don't know long it's been since I've seen the whole movie. It is so good (even without Julie Andrews) and such wonderful music and lyrics. A sheer pleasure!
Jesse and his lady friend (Caroline) were home last weekend for a Christmas visit. They came to Chattanooga to see us for about an hour. That was a treat. They brought a Xmas present - a painting Jesse had done for me at one of those "wine and painting" parties. It's an owl and very cute and colorful. I used to collect owls, so it's very special for me. Thanks, sweetie!
Today we did about as close to nothing as possible. I got the laundry done. John watched the Lady Vols beat Rutgers and took several naps.
Jesse and his lady friend (Caroline) were home last weekend for a Christmas visit. They came to Chattanooga to see us for about an hour. That was a treat. They brought a Xmas present - a painting Jesse had done for me at one of those "wine and painting" parties. It's an owl and very cute and colorful. I used to collect owls, so it's very special for me. Thanks, sweetie!
Today we did about as close to nothing as possible. I got the laundry done. John watched the Lady Vols beat Rutgers and took several naps.
Saturday, December 13, 2014
Sunday Stealing
The Have You Ever Meme
Stolen from: From My Random Randomness
1) Have you ever gotten lost in a maze?
Nope - although I have been lost in familiar territory
2) Have you ever been attacked by a wild animal?
Do mosquitoes count?
3) Have you ever ridden a camel?
Thank heavens, no.
4) Have you ever pet a rat?
I don’t think so. The girls did have a couple of gerbils at one time.
5) Have you ever been a member of a gym?
I’m a member of the Y - mostly for my swimming class.
6) Have you ever been in a helicopter?
Yes, and it was incredible - flying over the Igauzu Falls on the Brazil/Uruguay border.
7) Have you ever cheated at a test?
No
8) Have you ever ridden a tractor?
I don’t think so - amazing since our son-in-law owns one working tractor and 2-3 antique tractors.
9) Have you ever passed wind/gas in an embarrassing situation?
Probably, but I’ve managed to blot it out.
10) Have you ever played the bongos?
No, and it’s something I can safely say I’ve never wanted to do.
11) Have you ever handled a snake?
Not really handled, but I have petted one.
12) Have you ever assembled furniture by yourself?
Not part of my job description.
13) Have you ever been scuba diving?
Yes. We were certified divers at one time, then changed over to snorkeling.
14) Have you ever had a disastrous interview?
No, I don’t think so.
15) Have you ever sold your services?
Anyone who has ever worked for a paycheck has sold their services - so yes, I have.
16) Have you ever raised money for charity?
Yes, I’ve worked on finance drives for a local chapter of the League of Women Voters.
17) Have you ever won a giant sized cuddly toy from a fair?
Nope
18) Have you ever milked a cow?
No, I’m a city girl.
19) Have you ever used the phrase "back in my time" to someone younger than you?
I’m 78 years old, so of course, I have.
20) Have you ever invented a fairly unique meal or drink?
I’m a “pinch of this, pinch of that” cook, so I probably have cooked things that have never been replicated.
Stolen from: From My Random Randomness
1) Have you ever gotten lost in a maze?
Nope - although I have been lost in familiar territory
2) Have you ever been attacked by a wild animal?
Do mosquitoes count?
3) Have you ever ridden a camel?
Thank heavens, no.
4) Have you ever pet a rat?
I don’t think so. The girls did have a couple of gerbils at one time.
5) Have you ever been a member of a gym?
I’m a member of the Y - mostly for my swimming class.
6) Have you ever been in a helicopter?
Yes, and it was incredible - flying over the Igauzu Falls on the Brazil/Uruguay border.
7) Have you ever cheated at a test?
No
8) Have you ever ridden a tractor?
I don’t think so - amazing since our son-in-law owns one working tractor and 2-3 antique tractors.
9) Have you ever passed wind/gas in an embarrassing situation?
Probably, but I’ve managed to blot it out.
10) Have you ever played the bongos?
No, and it’s something I can safely say I’ve never wanted to do.
11) Have you ever handled a snake?
Not really handled, but I have petted one.
12) Have you ever assembled furniture by yourself?
Not part of my job description.
13) Have you ever been scuba diving?
Yes. We were certified divers at one time, then changed over to snorkeling.
14) Have you ever had a disastrous interview?
No, I don’t think so.
15) Have you ever sold your services?
Anyone who has ever worked for a paycheck has sold their services - so yes, I have.
16) Have you ever raised money for charity?
Yes, I’ve worked on finance drives for a local chapter of the League of Women Voters.
17) Have you ever won a giant sized cuddly toy from a fair?
Nope
18) Have you ever milked a cow?
No, I’m a city girl.
19) Have you ever used the phrase "back in my time" to someone younger than you?
I’m 78 years old, so of course, I have.
20) Have you ever invented a fairly unique meal or drink?
I’m a “pinch of this, pinch of that” cook, so I probably have cooked things that have never been replicated.
A football day
We played duplicate this afternoon and started off very poorly - didn't seem to bid or play well. But it did get better. Much to my amazement, we came in in the middle and actually got a portion of a master point.
We went to Carol and Stephen’s for pizza and to watch our UTC Mocs football team play in a playoff game against the Univ. of New Hampshire. They lost 35-30 (I think) - it was a close game. I hope, with this experience behind them, they'll do even better next year. Plus our school got lots of exposure on national TV. It was 11:30 when we got home, and I still had some stuff to do.
Plus I can never go straight to bed after we've been out. John's already crashed, but I'll probably be up for a while longer, then read in bed for a while.
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Hugs!
Jennifer reminded us today that we should hug our kids. She’s right, you know.
So hugs go out to Tennessee, Kentucky, South Carolina, North Carolina, Maryland, Georgia, and Florida. You know who you are!
---------------------------------------------
My alma mater and our local university, UTC (the University of Tennessee Chattanooga) football team will be playing in an FCS play-off game Friday night at 7 p.m.ET on ESPN-2. This is the first time in 30 years that UTC football has been in a play-off game. They’re playing New Hampshire in NH (in the cold). Needless to say, Chattanooga is very proud of our guys. Check them out.
So hugs go out to Tennessee, Kentucky, South Carolina, North Carolina, Maryland, Georgia, and Florida. You know who you are!
---------------------------------------------
My alma mater and our local university, UTC (the University of Tennessee Chattanooga) football team will be playing in an FCS play-off game Friday night at 7 p.m.ET on ESPN-2. This is the first time in 30 years that UTC football has been in a play-off game. They’re playing New Hampshire in NH (in the cold). Needless to say, Chattanooga is very proud of our guys. Check them out.
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Torture report
I haven’t read all that much about the report from the Senate Intelligence Committee (an oxymoron?) about torture. I’ve just read some of the newspaper articles, and seen some of the news programs on TV.
This is just something I’ve always believed we (the US) just didn’t do!! I was horrified when the news about Abu Ghraib came out, and thought “that can’t be right”. But, there it was…
I’m glad there was actually a bipartisan push to get this information documented and published - even if some didn’t want it released. The public needs to know that their government sanctioned these despicable things and some were even proud of it (does the name Cheney ring a bell?).
It will be interesting to watch the fall-out from these revelations. One possibility I absolutely love. The ACLU has suggested that the Congress acknowledge that crimes were committed and, to preclude any possibility of trials, issue pardons to those deemed to have committed the crimes, i.e., Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, the heads of the CIA, etc.
Who would think I’d ever quote John McCain, but..
This is just something I’ve always believed we (the US) just didn’t do!! I was horrified when the news about Abu Ghraib came out, and thought “that can’t be right”. But, there it was…
I’m glad there was actually a bipartisan push to get this information documented and published - even if some didn’t want it released. The public needs to know that their government sanctioned these despicable things and some were even proud of it (does the name Cheney ring a bell?).
It will be interesting to watch the fall-out from these revelations. One possibility I absolutely love. The ACLU has suggested that the Congress acknowledge that crimes were committed and, to preclude any possibility of trials, issue pardons to those deemed to have committed the crimes, i.e., Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, the heads of the CIA, etc.
Who would think I’d ever quote John McCain, but..
When we fight to defend our security we fight also for an idea, not for a tribe or a twisted interpretation of an ancient religion or for a king, but for an idea that all men are endowed by the Creator with inalienable rights. How much safer the world would be if all nations believed the same. How much more dangerous it can become when we forget it ourselves even momentarily. Our enemies act without conscience. We must not.
Monday, December 08, 2014
Sunday, December 07, 2014
Another anniversary
December 7, 1943 - “A Day that will live in Infamy”. A date we remember, even if we don’t remember the event. As we do with 9-11.
But a nice event happened on December 7, 1974. It was the day Marjorie came from Venezuela to spend about eight months as part of our family. And, as extended family, for the next forty years.
We had been part of the Teenage Exchange Program with the Partners of the Americas. Two of our daughters had already been to Venezuela. Margaret had stayed with Marjorie’s family for six weeks, and Marjorie’s sister, Ana, had stayed with us. Then we arranged (outside the program) for Marjorie to stay with us and attend school in Hendersonville. She had already graduated from high school in Caracas, but it was still an experience for her to go to classes here in the US, and for our suburban Southern school to have her as part of the student body.
Marjorie went home the following summer, but returned later to the US. She eventually got her green card and has settled in the Boston area. She is a wine specialist in shop there. She’s also a licensed Boston area tour guide, specializing in trips with Spanish-speaking groups. Now social media keeps us in touch.
Happy Anniversary, Marjorie!
But a nice event happened on December 7, 1974. It was the day Marjorie came from Venezuela to spend about eight months as part of our family. And, as extended family, for the next forty years.
We had been part of the Teenage Exchange Program with the Partners of the Americas. Two of our daughters had already been to Venezuela. Margaret had stayed with Marjorie’s family for six weeks, and Marjorie’s sister, Ana, had stayed with us. Then we arranged (outside the program) for Marjorie to stay with us and attend school in Hendersonville. She had already graduated from high school in Caracas, but it was still an experience for her to go to classes here in the US, and for our suburban Southern school to have her as part of the student body.
Marjorie went home the following summer, but returned later to the US. She eventually got her green card and has settled in the Boston area. She is a wine specialist in shop there. She’s also a licensed Boston area tour guide, specializing in trips with Spanish-speaking groups. Now social media keeps us in touch.
Happy Anniversary, Marjorie!
Saturday, December 06, 2014
Sunday Stealing
The Are You Meme
Stolen from: From My Random Randomness
1) Are you psychic in any way?
Not that I’ve noticed.
2) Are you a good dancer?
I wasn’t too bad, 100 years ago.
3) Are you a good singer?
Again, I used to be able to carry a tune, sing in the choir, and musicals in school.
4) Are you a good cook?
Unfortunately, yes - and we carry the weight to show it.
5) Are you a good artist?
I think so.
6) Are you a good listener?
Yes
7) Are you a good public speaker?
Again, I was in my day. I still don’t have any problem speaking in public.
8) Are you a good babysitter?
I obviously did a pretty good job with our girls, judging by the results. I’m not much for taking care of small ones any more.
9) Are you a good mechanic?
I can fix small things, but am not much with cars or major appliances.
10) Are you a good diplomat?
I think so.
11) Are you a good employee?
I think I was a much better employee than a manager.
12) Are you a good dresser?
This is funny! I do have some new sweats. I’m always clean and reasonably neat - never “stylish”.
13) Are you a good swimmer?
Again, I used to be. I’m still very comfortable in the water, and love my water exercise class.
14) Are you a good skier?
I never had the opportunity to snow ski, and never was able to get up on water skis. I got to be a pretty good ski boat driver, though.
15) Are you a good gift giver?
Only if the gift is money.
16) Are you a good musician?
I took piano lessons when I was little. My mother and sister both had perfect pitch. I didn’t. Now I can manage the car radio and a CD player (most of the time).
17) Are you a good comedian?
I’m a good laugher, but I don’t know that I’m a good comedian.
18) Are you a good cleaner?
Ye gods, NO! That’s why I have a cleaning lady.
19) Are you a good actor?
Not really
20) Are you a good writer?
I’m not too bad as a writer. I think I’m a better editor, though.
Friday, December 05, 2014
An exciting (?) week
I’ve not been writing much lately. Since the excitement of Thanksgiving, it’s been ever so quiet.
John and I came in first and second at bridge last week. And the cards weren’t too bad this week. It’s what keeps us coming back.
Tuesday was grocery stores, and Wednesday was just swimming and coffee. Good things happened Thursday when I had my massage appointment.
This evening, we went to an opening reception for the traveling show of the 2014 Tennessee Watercolor Society show. We took Tina, and then we went to La Altena for dinner.
John and Stephen are going to watch the UTC football game on the internet (hooked up to the TV) tomorrow. They were going to go to the game, but decided they were too old to sit out in the rain.
And that’s it for an exciting week in Z’s World.
John and I came in first and second at bridge last week. And the cards weren’t too bad this week. It’s what keeps us coming back.
Tuesday was grocery stores, and Wednesday was just swimming and coffee. Good things happened Thursday when I had my massage appointment.
This evening, we went to an opening reception for the traveling show of the 2014 Tennessee Watercolor Society show. We took Tina, and then we went to La Altena for dinner.
John and Stephen are going to watch the UTC football game on the internet (hooked up to the TV) tomorrow. They were going to go to the game, but decided they were too old to sit out in the rain.
And that’s it for an exciting week in Z’s World.
Wednesday, December 03, 2014
Tuesday, December 02, 2014
Ten for Tuesday
1. John was first in bridge yesterday.
2. I was second.
3. Good cards are nice!
4. After grocery stores, it was quiet today.
5. Rain.
6. We finished Season #1 of The Newsroom last night.
7. We’re third on the reserve list for Season #2.
8. Buddy did well with his surgery yesterday. Hope that continues.
9. John got to row yesterday, and may again tomorrow.
10. I got the last of the turkey and dressing made into casseroles for the freezer.
Monday, December 01, 2014
Sunday Stealing (on Monday)
Stolen from: FYeah Surveys
What kind of job did your mom have when you were growing up?
She did only volunteer work until my father died when I was 13. Then she worked as a secretary at Baylor Medical School.
Have you ever known anyone that’s been on tv, including you?
I’ve been interviewed on TV for special events.
What was the most interesting animal you have seen in the wild?
Penguins in Antarctica
What holiday do you enjoy the most?
The Saturday after Thanksgiving when our family gets together and our family/friends week at the beach every summer.
What was the first video game you ever played?
I can’t remember the name right now - the one where the different geometric shapes fall down from the top and you have to fit them in at the bottom.
What is the one thing you own, that if it got lost, you would be bummed?
My car keys.
Do you have a favorite breakfast item?
I pretty much love all things breakfast - especially if somebody else cooks it.
What do you find yourself buying all the time?
I’m not a shopper. I buy groceries, prescriptions. Maybe just some sock yarn from time to time.
When was the last time you got a real letter in the mail?
I got thank-you notes from daughters for their birthday checks.
Do you have a most prized piece of jewelry?
I have several pairs of earrings that I wear more often than others, and I wear my wedding band all the time.
Do you own any board games?
Scrabble, Rum-I-Kub, Jenga (not all exactly board games)
What chore seems the most daunting right now?
No major chores ahead right now.
Were you born in the state you live in?
No. I’ve lived in three states, but visited all 50.
Have you ever lived in a house that has been broken into?
No
What is your favorite cheese?
I like almost all cheeses, but am particularly partial to what we call “stinky” cheese.
Who do you know that watches the most sports?
Everybody in our family except Jean and me.
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