Bella Gubbio

The older we get; the faster time flies

2009-07-13T18:34:00.000-07:00

What can I say? Thanks Jan and Dad for pushing the Blog buttons. The camera isn't working right which means this post will be without having a Kodak moment.

June - Met friends at Panera to knit. As I was leaving, a lady my age smiled and asked me if we were a club. There was a dozen of us there that day and the laughter was flowing. I replied that we are friends that meet to knit, but yeah we are kind of a club. Her husband asked me if they called us the Knit Pickers - ha ha. I said among other things and named a few. I could tell that she enjoyed the Circle of Women. I have written about this before and I always tell young brides or young ladies "Never lose your girlfriends." Knitted a baby blanket for charity.

We also gave my sister and B-I-L a 25th Wedding Anniversary Party. It was a lot of fun and everyone had a great time despite the heat. Wishing them many more years to come.

Went to the BIG "Get Motivated" presentation downtown. It was good to see Joe Montana, Colin Powell, Steve Forbes and James Smith, but, I was disappointed in the four "infomercials" that was part of the presentation. I have been wanting to go to this venue for a long time - now I can say - been there done that.

July - Happy Birthday America! We went to my B-I-L's Lake House for the Annual Family 4th of July. The temps were hot yet great for the lake. We enjoyed being there with the family and a one year old great niece - who is a doll. We came home to two cats that missed us very much.

It seems like I have forgotten the July birthdays this year. I missed sending cards to two nieces, one nephew and a friend. I better get to Hallmark and find a card that says - stupid me. I hope I pick up the ball and don't screw up the rest of the month birthdays.

We have been HOT to say the least. It's hard on us and the cats. We just stay in as much as possible.

Knitted the other day again with the ladies at Panera - different location. It was good again. I found some socks I started a few years ago and will finish them now. I want to start knitting them and use the sock yarn stash I have in the craft closet. I have a baby hat to make for the great niece but haven't started it yet.

I have also been meeting cousins through working the "C" family tree. It has been very rewarding. I have found the family of my Grandfather's brother. This is very exciting. I have information to share with this cousin (R) and I can't wait to see what we find. There is also cousin (A) who is nine years older than me and we haven't seen each other in over 40 years. We had a very nice visit on the phone and we are still cousins who can talk til the cows come home. I am so glad that we have met again.

Whew - I am spent and July isn't over yet. More to come. The Showalter Girls are planning a get together this month. We met up last year and it was GREAT! I can't wait to do it again.

Wishing you all a wonderful cool July. Hopefully, I can get the camera to work next time.

Ciao!

Childhood skills still serve me well

2009-06-08T16:43:00.001-07:00

I started off as a Brownie. I loved the light brown dress and the beanie we got to wear. Then the colored changed to green as I got older and became a Girl Scout, just like the girls in the picture. The leaders even wore uniforms. Ahhh those were the days.

I sold Girl Scout cookies, I performed in the talent show, I went to camp outs where we ate spaghetti off the floor because one of the leaders accidentally dumped it and I went to two weeks Girl Scout camp for free because I sold over $300.00 worth of those delicious cookies.

One of my favorite camping memories is helping to build a swinging latrine. First you find a nice big cedar tree and spread the branches apart. Tie them off and latch a square of tree limbs together, just a nice butt width will do. Then you make a swing using the latched limbs and twine/jute - tie it up to the tree and VIOLA! You have a swinging latrine. It was cool.

So now I am back putting my Girl Scout skills to work. No swinging latrine - but it does get interesting in the shower. The hot water tank went out last Thursday. The new part just arrived and I am hoping it can be put in tomorrow evening. Keep your fingers crossed.

Remember me when you are in your nice warm shower and I hope you are counting your blessings.

Ciao!

Knock-Knock - who's there? LIFE

2009-05-28T10:57:00.001-07:00

How does time get away so fast? Here's a few pics of where I have been and what I have been up to. I've been knitting as well but no pictures to show, maybe next time.

Allied Arts Festival last April. I helped in the children's booth making "spirit sticks". I made the sticks sitting on the end of table for kids who were too small to make their own. I've got spirit how about you??

My niece graduated from the University of Oklahoma. How promising it is to see all these great kids with their academic achievements going out into a fresh new world. Good Luck to you all!

Okay parents - better get this right - the kids are ready to go par-tay!

Oops! Looks like someone already started partying. This is on a second story window ledge.

Groucho resting on a few fresh sprigs of CATNIP. I grow it in a flower pot and now it has spread over into the veggie garden. What state of mind he must be in.

DH has the veggie garden in and I cleaned out some flowerbeds during this time. I like the black mulch in the flower beds - makes them look like they rich dark soil when seeing them from the street.

I'll be back sooner than later.

Ciao!

P.S. Ciao Bella Zia Ethel. We will miss you, we miss you all!

MISSING IN ACTION

2009-04-27T18:44:00.000-07:00

What can I say? In a word - Life. There just seems to be so much going on, yet nothing substantial gets done. Since there is a lot to write about I'll put it in spurts....

FACEBOOK - OH MY Goodness! This is truly the age of instant gratification. So many friends and interesting tidbits.

TWITTER - I wonder why I bother. I mean with Facebook why bother. Maybe I should de-twitter myself.

PLAXO - On it - not sure why - don't do anything on it. FACEBOOK.

Heel spur - on top of all this - it kills me to walk. I've tried a couple of things and will see the man this week.

Arts Festival - worked the children's booth one afternoon. Great fun. First time ever - I bought a nice piece of art work from Michael Bond. I hope he returns next year. I think I have another one on my mind.

Poor Primer - he has a sore paw and I can't tell what is wrong with it. Ugh - worse than small children not being able to tell us where it hurts.

Okay - something has to give - I've got to get my groove back, baby.

Ciao!

BUONA PASQUA!

2009-04-11T18:35:00.000-07:00

Hoppy Easter Everyone!
It's been a while since I've been here and it seems like I don't have the energy to write about too much tonight. So please enjoy these pictures that were taken since the last post. Enjoy your chocolate! The big last snowstorm to come in winter of 09 came in April. This is what we got.

30 year old lilac bush in my flowerbed.

The bluebonnets of Texas.

A teapot made from a silo in Texas. Great place for lunch too.

Groucho likes the new basket from Aunt Arlene. Primer likes it too.

Praying that all who lost their homes in the fires will soon find inner peace with Easter this is a time of renewal.

Ciao!

Top 'O the Morning to Ya

2009-03-16T19:28:00.000-07:00

Tuesday we don the "wearing of the green". Just knit up a little shamrock if you don't have anything appropriate.
We will be "eating of the green" tomorrow at work. I baked cut out cookies. The recipe is an old favorite of mine that I used making cut out cookies when the boys were little. I miss those days.

If you are one of those naughty people that turn your nose up at wearing green on St. Patrick's Day - I think you "like" getting pinched.

Celebrate in your own way - like watching the movie "The Quite Man" with John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara. I have watched this movie a gazillion times and never grow tired of it. Love the music to the fight scene - oops did I give it away? Watch it and find out for yourself.

Ciao!

Holy Shakes Batman - an Earthquake

2009-03-08T18:06:00.000-07:00

Yup, right here in River City! It woke us up at 8:00 this morning. It felt like someone driving a car right into our house. The Epicenter was about 4 Miles from our house. We survived. This information is from the USGS Earthquake website.

Magnitude 3.4 OKLAHOMA CITY AREA, OKLAHOMA
Sunday, March 08, 2009 at 13:06:39 UTC
Preliminary Earthquake Report
Magnitude
3.4
Date-Time
Sunday, March 08, 2009 at 13:06:39 (UTC) - Coordinated Universal Time
Sunday, March 08, 2009 at 08:06:39 AM local time at epicenter Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
35.45N 97.46W
Depth
5.0 kilometers
Region
OKLAHOMA CITY AREA, OKLAHOMA
Distances
NEAR OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma25 km (15 miles) N of Norman, Oklahoma45 km (30 miles) ESE of El Reno, Oklahoma50 km (30 miles) S of Guthrie, Oklahoma

Ciao!

Meet me in St Louis, Louie - Day 3

2009-03-01T08:27:00.001-08:00

Our last full day of shopping, sight-seeing and working towards plain exhaustion was overcast and comfortable. After hitting the Kirkwood Knittery and helping the local economy we headed towards University Park. I think it is the local urban hang out for Saturday shoppers. This is the Blueberry Hill restaurant where Chuck Berry comes back each year for a festival. "I found my thrill....."

This area has many Art Deco buildings that seem to be in pretty good shape.

Afterwards, we just had to drive through "the old money" part of St. Louis, which is just a block away from the street above. This is where the other half live. I could live there, no doubts.

We have a saying "What happens on knitting trips, stays on knitting trips." (real original huh?)

We had a very nice drive through Forest Park, the site of the 1904 St Louis World's Fair - hence the name of this post. There is only one original building left in the park and another on the Washington University campus, across the street. The weather was so nice that golfers, runners, walkers, dog-walkers, etc..... were out by the gazillions.

At the end of this long day we were very satisfied with our picnic lunch from Trader Joe's. The hotel didn't seem to mind us eating in the lobby and you can see some of our purchases hanging on the baggage cart. We took a baggage cart up to our rooms each day and managed to fit it all in the van for the trip home. Just took some moving things around to get in and out during the potty stops.

After a trip it's been said, "If we ever come back....." , I know it is not "if" but "when". I will be saving my money for Loopy Ewe shopping.

Ciao!

IT IS WHAT IT IS - But, WHAT is it??????

2009-02-25T17:54:00.000-08:00

I've heard friends say this phrase - "It is what it is." lately and I'm like "So what is it?????" Then someone said it this week and it blew me away that he would say it. Which made me wonder what does it really mean? Is it a statement of denial of dealing with something? Is it pure acceptance and we've given up doing anything about it? Is it an acceptance statement of something that we have no control over and am not going to worry or stress out over it?

I found the following in the Urban Dictionary:

A cliche, popular within the circles of coaches, business execs, and those of us who just want to say "It's happened. 'I'm going to forget about it. I'm going to move on. There is nothing that can be done about it."

Voted by USA Today as the #1 cliche of 2004 (Man, am I behind the times.)

"We showed up and gave 100%, and it is what it is."â€” NASCAR driver Jimmie Johnson, after finishing second in the Nextel Cup championship. (AP, Nov. 22) "Never in a million years did I think we would be 1-5 at this juncture, but it is what it is."â€” Mike Minter, safety for the NFL's Carolina Panthers, on his team's start this season. (AP, Oct. 24) Is this a better game than before? That's what a lot of people are asking. Perhaps the more precise question should be: Is this what hockey is going to evolve into? And if so, will the fans, the players, the coaches, and the general managers embrace it as NHL hockey? "It is what it is," said Flyers coach Ken Hitchcock. "It's a new game." (AP, Oct. 23)

It is what it Is in a nutshell, it means "this is the way its going right now, and thats how it is." kind of a way to say: dont overthink the situation. a reminder to keep things simple, dont overanalyze things, or a way to put a definition on something thats hard to explain.

I guess it is what it is.......

Ciao!

Meet me in St Louis, Louie

2009-02-22T15:04:00.000-08:00

And away we gooooooooooooo! Don't we look like happy campers?

Six knitting ladies packed up a Towne & Country van with suitcases and knitting projects and headed up northeast to St Louis, MO. We stopped in Joplin for lunch and yarn shopping with another stop in Springfield for more yarn. Guess how long it took us to travel from OKC to STL - including the lunch/yarn stops - over 12 hours.

Here we are ready to load up, eat breakfast and then go to the Prima Dona of yarn shops that we came all this way to shop.Yep, The Loopy Ewe. I must tell you that these other ladies, we'll call them "The Enablers", introduced me to this store. They were so very nice to see us and you can check out their blog (you might see this picture again).

Cute logo. We shopped here for hours. It's very interesting. The Loopy Ewe does A LOT of internet orders and is only open to the public for a few hours on Thursdays and Fridays. We had a very nice visit with the owner and her elves. I came in second in the purchase contest, Marjie still wears the crown. We had breakfast at a local shop before going to the Loopy Ewe. This is one of the three local Trader Joe's in the St Louis area. We didn't go into this one because of time - that's what our drive told me. So close, yet so far away.

We had a nice lunch with some of Rev. Emily's friends near the Italian End of STL. This is where some excitement happened. Anita went outside to take a phone call, slipped on the wet step and broke her ankle. One of the friends took her to the hospital, we shopped at Knitorious and met up with Anita in the ER. The nurse taking care of her used to work at Mercy, small world.

Anita was a good trooper. We got her meds, dinner and some knitting time. She had some problems with the crutches, who wouldn't? She was bound and determined to stick it out and keep going.

I'll post day 2 later. I'm still ga-ga over the yarn I got at the Loopy Ewe. Now to get busy.

Ciao!

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-12T16:42:00.001-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day to YOU! I wish you lots of chocolates, flowers and most of all love.

I have my old Valentine box from grade school. Hidden inside are Valentine's from Jackie, Charlotte, Suzanne, Aunt Agnes, Judy, Linda, Aunt Helen, and many others. I have one card with this written on the back " Terri, You are the hi hip hipiest girl I've ever met. You're also very nice." Not the best speller in the class - but they didn't sign their name. These are so sweet to go through and reminisce. Memories come flooding back in when I see Aunt Helen's or Aunt Agnes' handwriting.

I remember the Valentine Parties we had in grade school. Cookies, cupcakes, passing out Valentines - oh such innocent fun.

I hope you enjoy your Valentine's Day however you spend it.

Ciao!

Ahhhh - Febbraio

2009-02-03T17:04:00.001-08:00

Ahh - February! It came in strong in the UK yesterday. It hasn't snowed like this in 18 years there. Check out this link to the BBC and enjoy the snow pictures. Here are my favorites:

#26, #28, #32 - these kids will talk about this snow for a very long time - look what Dad made us, #34 - look at all the people having fun - free from work, school and worry, #36 - a good sense of humor and the things postage stamps are made from - #41 - Your snow has arrived, your Majesty.

Ciao!

P.S. That's not a "bum" shot - IT'S ART!

Yup, It's January - even in Italian - Gennaio

2009-01-28T10:08:00.001-08:00

This is how our January is going out. Ice, sleet and very little snow.

Grey skies and frozen vegetation.

Primer is all tucked in nice and cozy.

It's always a simple pleasure to watch the birds feast on the seeds we out our. I had to shoosh away the squirrels or they will eat it all.

Although this is pretty to look at - it is very slick and dangerous to walk on. It's kind of nice to have it all because we have been so dry. I'm always thinking of helping Mother Nature.

Thank you BAWL for the Italian calendar.

Ciao

Falling Leaves Scarf

2009-01-25T18:32:00.000-08:00

This pattern is called Falling Leaves. It really turned out lovely in this soft blue silk yarn by Lang. It is so soft and nice to knit with. This was my first completed lace knit piece. Now I think I can move on to other lace knitting.

The scarf is in the blocking process. I like using this striped beach towel because the stripe lines help me keep my pieces straight.

This is what the scarf looked like tucked nice and neatly into the box that carried it all the way to New York and to my cousin Ada Marie. She has received it and loves it. For some intuitive reason I kept thinking of Ada while I was knitting the scarf. She called and told me that it goes perfect with her new navy blue coat. So there you have it.....

Ada, enjoy your scarf and I hope you don't have too many more sub-zero days ahead.

Ciao Cousins

Nine in '09

2009-01-22T18:30:00.000-08:00

Nine in '09 seems to be the theme this year. I try to make New Year's resolutions, but you know how that goes. So I came up with my "Nine in '09". Grant you they are not all that original - but we'll give it a whirl.

1. Be more patient with others.
2. De-clutter more.
3. Read more.
4. Learn something new.
5. Redecorate bedroom. Got the comforter set today.
6. Write the family recipe book.
7. Change diet habits.
8. Exercise more. - After all, we have the gym membership.
9. LOSE WEIGHT! I told you it wouldn't be original.

Do you have Nine in '09?

Ciao!

HAPPY 100TH!

2009-01-18T07:40:00.000-08:00

You will always be my Number One favorite man! We could use a Cary Grant in the pictures these days.
Ciao!

Hello? Is there an artist in there?

2009-01-12T18:08:00.000-08:00

I came across this blog, through a link on another blog - you know how that goes, Sticks and Stiches. She is an artist, college art professor, mom and most likely several other great things as well. Shan is working on a project titled "Milkweed Project". My creative juices are starting to simmer and are heading towards boiling.

For you knitters/crocheters please read her blog and join in the fun.

Ciao!

Playing Catch-up

2009-01-11T10:04:00.001-08:00

Playing catch up with some pictures that I wanted to post during the Holiday Season, but the camera docking station and the computer weren't talking to each other. I think they have resolved whatever issue it was between them and things are fine now. School Christmas art from years ago. It's what a mother does holding on to her kids things. But, I have decided I have kept them long enough. They saw their last Christmas and now are gone.

I still had pumpkins on the porch from our Autumn decorations. Then one day in December there was "Hello country Bumpkin - How's the frost out on the pumpkin?" They are now gone too.

One of the Christmas ornaments I brought home from my Mother's collection. Blue is my favorite color and I have always liked this one in particular.

Christmas party with friends is always fun during the Holidays.

We had a "real" Christmas tree this year. Groucho has taken his position as the Christmas Cat. Both him and Primer didn't seem to bother the tree at all.

I went snow tubing with my sister and niece (picture). It was fun, but it wore me out. I am hoping that next year we will take a big group and go with other nieces and nephews.

I tried a new decoration on the outside this year. I liked them. Those "Command" hooks really do hold up to Oklahoma winds.

Okay- good - all caught up. Ciao!

I took an Adventure

2009-01-08T19:58:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite lines in the Momma Mia movie is when Bill tells Harry "Relax Harry, it's an adventure." My other favorite lines were all the ones heart throb Colin Firth said. Sorry, I digress.

I had an errand to do today and decided to take the interstate to 23rd Street and look at the sights. I had decided to take my time and not rush through this process. Old stores that are now housing something new or are empty and look like money pits. Cheever's Restaurant in a cute little building. I take a short-cut through the neighborhood to go to SWAK. I love those Craftsman style homes. Some have been updated and are cute as can be - even though I know for a fact the closet space is just way too small for me. At SWAK I purchased the yarn for my upcoming Fair Isle class. The Red Cup Coffee Shop sits right behind SWAK in the City. Several customers were sitting outside enjoying their drinks and the warm sunshine.

As I was driving out of the neighborhood I spied a little shop that looked opened. I have been wanting to stop here several times to solve the mystery as to what it was. I turned the happy car around and discovered that it is the ceramics store, The House of Clay, at NW 30th and Western. Very nice ladies work in the shop. I used to do ceramics about 30 years ago.

I decided my adventure was not yet done. With Kay's help I drove to the Prairie Gypsies store. It's a small store LOADED with homemade dinners, great choices of Republic of Tea teas, jams, crackers, soups, baskets and desserts. I made my purchases which included a bottle of Acai Green Tea, very fruity. I had a very nice visit with one of the owners. I inquired about the tavern next door to them, The Red Rooster. She said they have good hamburgers, which I plan to try sometime in the near future.

Speaking of hamburgers, there is also a pub I want to try over on NW 10th Street, across the street from Kaisers. I have forgotten the name of it but the paper gave them a good write up.

Off again to find my next destination, Sara Sara Cupcakes. Since I only knew that it was on 9th Street I had the chance of being half wrong trying to find it. I drove west on 9th to Classen and came up with nothing. I stopped to pick up something for dinner and off I went again. I drove east on 9th and was getting into a shady area - if you know what I mean - when I found it. It is next to the Iguana Grill on 9th just east of Broadway. The owner opened the shop in memory of her late niece, Sara. The shop is in an old house and everything is painted white - inside and out. They are right around the corner from the big Java Dave's. I purchased a few cupcakes for a treat to take home. I visited with the owners a little and off I went.

I like not taking the interstate at 5:00 when it is bumper to bumper. I reflected on my little less than two hour adventure and felt good about it all. I love a day with culture - arts - fiber and culinary. So of course I can't recommend it enough to anyone to take an adventure. Go a different way - you'll be surprised at what you see. Support the local businesses and community. Meet new people and for heaven's sake - TALK TO STRANGERS!

I wish you all a lovely adventure this weekend. Ciao!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-05T07:49:00.001-08:00

The first sunset of the new year was a nice soft "peachy" color on blue sky. The camera never seems to do it justice. You have to be quick about it as well because it can change in an instant.

The theme for 2009 seems to be "Doing Fine in '09". I wish us all a big gift of great health and wealth for 2009. I hope we have many beautiful sunsets to share together.

My friend, Britt-Arnhild, calls this time of day "the blue hour" and I agree with her. It is during this time of day I feel the calmest. I usually take a few minutes to reflect on the happenings of the day and the people who influenced me that day. I always seem to look out towards the western sky to see the sunset, then a quick look to the east for my friend the Mr. Moon.

Now to get this new year started and get rid of this bug I got yesterday. Hopefully it will be a 24 hour thing. Knitting and reading comes to mind for simple comforts.

Happy New Year! Ciao!

The Christmas Tree

2008-12-30T19:22:00.001-08:00

The Christmas Tree

I think it's somewhat sad to see
The remnants of a Christmas tree
That once was lush and green
A strand of tinsel here and there
On broken branches... Now, turned bare
In a very different scene

It's branches once exposed to sights
Like shiny bulbs and twinkling lights
With a crowning star.....superb
The tree now waits on frozen ground
Dry needles scattered all around
For the trash man, at the curb

The tree once guarded drummer boys
And candy canes and wind up toys
And a new electric train
The tree, with boxes now unwrapped
Beneath the boxes now, lies trapped
It's struggle all in vain

I also know that late next fall
We'll go to the storage in the hall
And retrieve the Christmas trimmings
We'll trim a tree that's green and lush
And from this single act will rush
New Holiday beginnings

Floyd H
Midwest City, Oklahoma

Thanks Mr. H for allowing me to post your poem. It brings back childhood memories when the kids would go up and down the street and check out the Christmas trash. A little embarrassing to mention now that I am older, but as a children we were looking for treasures. I found the ear piece to a transistor radio in the Weber's trash, thrilling moment. Which reminds me of the saying - One man's trash is another man's treasure.

NOTE: For those of you who really know me - Mr. H is Janice Rae's father. I think he hid his poetic talents from us when we were growing up.

Buon Anno everyone! Please be safe tomorrow and do not drink and drive. Wishing you all a most wonderful 2009!

Buon Natale

2008-12-24T13:11:00.000-08:00

The world's largest Christmas tree display rises up the slopes of Monte Ingino outside of Gubbio, in Italy's Umbria region. Composed of about 500 lights connected by 40,000 feet of wire, the 'tree' is a modern marvel for an ancient city.

Buon Natale to all my family (thanks Bruce for the picture and information) and friends near and far. I wish you all the very best during this Holiday Season.

Ciao!

Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas

2008-12-21T08:54:00.000-08:00

Hanukkah starts tonight at sundown. The first candle will be lit. I will be thinking of friends miles away that are lighting their menorahs too. I will say a prayer for Peace and a prayer for our world leaders to receive the guidance they need for making the difficult decisions that come their way.

Mr. Floyd H sent me this Christmas Poem because he knows I love Christmas and tea. I have it printed here but please check out the website too. Mr. H is a neighbor I grew up with and quite a poet himself. I have one of his poem's to post after Christmas.

The log was in the fireplace, all spiced and set to burn. At last the yearly Christmas race was in the clubhouse turn. The cards were in the mail, all the gifts beneath the tree. And 30 days reprieve till VISA could catch up with me.
Though smug satisfaction seemed the order of the day,Something still was nagging me and would not go away.
A week before, I got a letter from my old great Aunt. It read: Of course I'll understand completely if you can't, But if you find you have some time how wonderful if we Could have a little chat and share a cup of Christmas tea. She'd had a mild stroke that year which crippled her left side. Though house bound now, my folks had said it hadn't hurt her pride.They said: She'd love to see you. What a nice thing it would be For you to go and maybe have a cup of Christmas tea.But boy! I didn't want to go. Oh, what a bitter pill, To see an old relation and how far she'd gone downhill. I remembered her as vigorous, as funny and as bright. I remembered Christmas Eves when she regaled us half the night.
I didn't want to risk all that. I didn't want the pain. I didn't need to be depressed. I didn't need the strain.
And what about my brother? Why not him? She's his aunt, too! I thought I had it justified, but then before I knew, The reasons not to go I so painstakingly had built Were cracking wide and crumbling in an acid rain of guilt.
I put on boots and gloves and cap, shame stinging every pore. And armed with squeegee, sand and map, I went out my front door. I drove in from the suburbs to the older part of town. The pastels of the newer homes gave way to gray and brown.
I had that disembodied feeling as the car pulled up and stopped Beside the wooden house that held the Christmas cup.How I got up to her door I really couldn't tell... I watched my hand rise up and press the button of the bell.
I waited, aided by my nervous rocking to and fro. And just as I was thinking I should turn around and go, I heard the rattle of the china in the hutch against the wall. The triple beat of two feet and a crutch came down the hall.
The clicking of the door latch and the sliding of the bolt, And a little swollen struggle popped it open with a jolt. She stood there pale and tiny, looking fragile as an egg. I forced myself from staring at the brace that held her leg.
And though her thick bifocals seemed to crack and spread her eyes,Their milky and refracted depths lit up with young surprise. Come in! Come in! She laughed the words. She took me by the hand. And all my fears dissolved away as if by her command.
We went inside and then before I knew how to react Before my eyes and ears and nose was Christmas past, alive, intact!
The scent of candied oranges, of cinnamon and pine, The antique wooden soldiers in their military line, The porcelain Nativity I'd always loved so much, The Dresden and the crystal I'd been told I mustn't touch.
My spirit fairly bolted like a child out of class And danced among the ornaments of calico and glass. Like magic I was six again, deep in a Christmas spell. Steeped in the million memories That the boy inside knew well.
And here among old Christmas cards so lovingly displayed, A special place of honor for the ones we kids had made. And there, beside her rocking chair, the center of it all, My great Aunt stood and said how nice it was I'd come to call.
I sat and rattled on about the weather and the flu. She listened very patiently then smiled and said, "What's new?"Thoughts and words began to flow. I started making sense. I lost the phony breeziness I use when I get tense.
She was still passionately interested in everything I did. She was positive. Encouraging. Like when I was a kid. Simple generalities still sent her into fits. She demanded the specifics. The particulars. The bits.
We talked about the limitations that she'd had to face. She spoke with utter candor and with humor and good grace. Then defying the reality of crutch and straightened knee, On wings of hospitality she flew to brew the tea.
I sat alone with feelings that I hadn't felt in years. I looked around at Christmas through a thick hot blur of tears. And the candles and the holly she'd arranged on every shelf, The impossibly good cookies she still somehow baked herself.
But these rich and tactile memories became quite pale and thin, When measured by the Christmas my great Aunt kept deep within.Her body halved and nearly spent, but my great Aunt was whole. I saw a Christmas miracle, the triumph of a soul.
The triple beat of two feet and a crutch came down the hall, The rattle of the china in the hutch against the wall. She poured two cups. She smiled and then she handed one to me. And then we settled back and had a cup of Christmas tea.

"A Cup of Christmas Tea", told by the author, Tom Hegg.
[Windows Media Format]
From the CD produced by HighBridge Audio
Tom Hegg wrote "A Cup of Christmas Tea" in 1981, when his pastor asked him to write something for his church's 125th anniversary. Drawing on childhood memories, he composed a straightforward, sentimental poem that brought tears to his audience's eyes.
First published in 1982, "A Cup of Christmas Tea" has been a seasonal best-seller ever since, and is presented here solely for inspirational purposes.
Mr. Hegg currently teaches drama to students in grades 7-12. He and his wife live in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.

Happy Holidays to All

Holiday Happenings

2008-12-13T08:14:00.000-08:00

This is always a busy time of year. I have been to Christmas parties, reunion-planning-Christmas dinner meetings, worked in the Mesta Park Home Tour (a blast), a birthday party, shopping and not knowing the difference between a T-Shirt and a Crew-Shirt only to find out that to a son they are one in the same and cleaning and preparing the house for Christmas.

I have also had the privilege to be in some beautiful homes this season. I could move into each one of them without missing a beat. Which reminds me to pass on a little act of kindness that I have found is greatly appreciated. Present the hostess with a small gift when they open their home to you for a party. I know what it takes for me to get my house ready for company and I want them to know I appreciate their kindness in opening up their home. Small boxes of chocolates are true winners.

Why does it seem like we never have enough time to prepare for it? I don't go shopping throughout the year for the family, friends - yes, family-no. Last night I sauntered through Target taking my time to look at what I thought was everything. Of course it never fails once I get in the car I look at the list again and forgot to check on a present. Ergggg. The thought of going back into one of those stores today means I have to mentally prepare myself for a good trek. I don't get made at having to wait to checkout, I people watch in the mean time. I get aggravated when I can't find a sales person, a price or a scanner to check the price. Where has our "customer service manners" gone too?

I understand the different cultures during this time of year, my Menorah is on the mantel awaiting Hanukkah. I still wish a"Merry Christmas" to all the sales clerks and checkers that help me. I like to think that it gives them a holiday smile for a brief moment in their long day. I've worked retail during Christmas and I think everyone should do it and have a better appreciation for these fine individuals. After all, most likely someone our age is their boss and may have lost their sight on customer service. I get a kick out of their response which is usually "Thank you, you too." Safe at the plate.

I am excited to display my Nativity in our living room this year. The table is new to us and I have never had a good place to display it. I made it in 1978, it's on it's way to being an antique.

I'll catch up with you next week. Be careful out there.

Ciao Buona Natale

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-26T19:20:00.000-08:00

While reminiscing of past Thanksgivings I enjoy the cards I receive from Pam. She is a post card collector and reprints the cards and creates a new card for family and friends. Its neat to read the sentiments written in the early 1900s.

Family and friends separated by miles sending best wishes and thoughts to each other.

Our Thanksgiving dinners take on a new light each year. This year we will celebrate on Saturday, like we did last year, because of work schedules and being separated by the miles we are just postponing our celebration. It will still be Thanksgiving, just on a different day.

Old family photos show celebrations of the past. We were a large family and it was always fun celebrating the holidays. I remember warm days when we played outside until the turkey was ready, Daddy being shot while hunting - he was okay, being sick with the flu one Thanksgiving and Mother and Daddy sending over plates for us - so we were still able to have my Mother's dressing. I try to pass down some family traditions to my own children, like the dressing. Why is our dressing so special and different? It is made with saltine crackers instead of cornbread or bread. That's the only difference. Add the turkey broth, onions, egg, celery and a little seasoning. Bake at 350F, stir occasionally while baking. Serve with gravy, turkey and all the trimmings.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!