Our Fur Babies Had a Great Christmas

A Little Christmas Eve Mirth

 

Christmas Eve and I am ready for tomorrow and for our trip to California for New Years with the Grandson and Orthodox Christmas on January 7th.   The different dates has to do with the adoption of the Julian calendar vs. the Gregorian calendar.  The grandsons get to celebrate 2 Christmas’ as a result.  Tonight we will have our traditional Chili for dinner with DD2  and tomorrow lunch with Mr BC’s sister.  On the 26th or the 27th we will head to California and the grandsons.  We will be gone for two weeks and I am not so sure how often I will be able to post.  Maybe pictures but we are going to be too busy having fun and the posts may or may not happen.  I hope all my bloggy friends have a Happy Holiday Season and I will be back in 2013.

 

Pozdrav "Greetings" and Happy Holidays-Saturday 9

1. As you can see, Sam loved giving her annual wish list to Santa. Yet some children are reluctant to climb into Jolly Old St. Nick's lap. Did you enjoy the tradition or were you shy? Or did you by pass it altogether -- either because you wrote him a letter or because your family didn't celebrate Christmas?
I can't remember seeing Santa until my brother was born.  I don't think I was shy, I can remember telling Santa what I wanted and what my brother wanted too.  I think I wrote to him at least once. I have no pictures with him, they were always too expensive. I do have one of Лука.  I haven't seen any new pics for this year.

A Tropical Christmas-Writer's Workshop

In 1967 when Mr BC and I got married, he immediately swept me off for a year in Key West, FL.  He was in the Navy and had shore duty on the island.  When we married, I became part of the Navy way of life and there were a few things I had to get use to, like Mr BC laundry.  He didn't like the way I folded his socks and underwear, they "wouldn't pass inspection that way."  I did it for a while but finally told him since the Navy wasn't likely to come and inspect our bedroom drawers (so to speak).  If he wanted them folded "right" he could do it himself.  My first fit of stubborness.

A Little About Me-Sunday Stealing

 

 

Who is your favorite artist (Any field.): Jean-Claude Picot, he paints lively colors of the Cote D’Azure, I have 2 of his seriolithographs. They are still packed away, one looks similar to the one above. I like them because they have a painting in them similar to the one above.

Describe yourself: I am a short, sweet, slightly overweight Senior Citizen. I have a moderately liberal, independent out look. I tend to be more humanistic in my beliefs. Others can believe in a higher power if they want, as long as they respect that I am unsure. I really don't want their viewpoint on how to believe, impressed upon me.

Carols-Saturday Nine

1) What's the first holiday song that comes to mind?
I just heard it's a Holly Jolly Christmas and it is stuck in my head.

Krafty Katie-Mama Kat's

This week I chose Mama Kat's prompt #4 Share your top 8 favorite Christmas crafts you’ve seen on the Internet that you might actually try if you had the time and the tools. Well the first three crafts are ones that I have already purchased the tools and ingredients, if you will, for creating the little masterpieces.  I am not particularly a crafter at heart, but many times I get inspired by Christmas and feel the need to Deck the Halls.  I only had the first three below, on my Pinterest, but I looked around the Internet and found some additional crafts that might interest me in the future.  I also provided links to the instructions, just click on the pictures.

Sunday Stealing: The 11/11 Questions meme

What is your favorite possession?My laptop and my Kindle, if we are talking material goods. I have several items of my mom's that I would really hate to lose or break.

Do you like to read? If so, which books do you love best? Oh yes, I think it is a shame when someone says they never read books, etc.  My favorite author is Jane Austin, I have read every thing she has written and everything written about her, including the vampire spoofs. I love to read science fiction and autobiography.  My favorite book is Little Women, I've read it several times as well. I especially like fiction.

Blue Christmas-Saturday 9

 

 

1) Do you ever suffer the blues during the holidays?

Oh yes, sometimes due to a lack of money for gifts.  In 2004 my mom passed away on the 23rd of December and Christmas was not really happening that year and was subdued until the Grandson arrived.  Christmas is really the kiddies holiday.

2) More than 18 million visitors have toured Elvis' home, Graceland. Have you ever been there?

It would not be a pilgrimage for me to go see Graceland.  If we were to visit Mr BC's cousins who live in Memphis, we would certainly visit Graceland too.

Silver Dollar City Lights

Our dear friends Maggie and Jigs took us to Silver Dollar City, in Branson, on Thursday for a the Light Show and Christmas celebration.  We had a lovely day for it and as usual had a great time with them.  The City was alight with over four million tiny lights and once night fell it was spectacular.  We went early in the day and saw a couple of shows and took the railroad ride around the park.

Spearhead

Helar and Grandmother had been walking for many sun risings. Her grandmother was healer and seer for the family, training Helar in the old wisdom. They both were weary. The women and children ahead stopped at the sight of the returning hunters, had Burn the Spearhead found a site for the family?  "We will stop here and build our shelters.” He announced.  Helar was spellbound by the sight of the clearing in the foothills. A river nearby, led to a small lake, in the distance. 

The Not-so-Manly Meme-Sunday Stealing

 

This IS a manly meme stolen and adapted by Sunday Stealing. I wasn't going to participate because it had to many questions, however, some of the questions were thought provoking so I edited.

1.  Boxers? Briefs? Boxer briefs? Thongs? Bikinis? Commando?
Big ol' granny briefs if you must know.

2. What’s your fussiest personal care routine?
I am always filing my nails while I watch TV.  I have a serum that I have to put in my hair after I wash it, I have several bottles of it so I have it in any bathroom and while I travel. It makes my gray hair smooth and shiny.

Beer Barrel Polka-Saturday 9

1) Have you ever danced the polka?
Polka is a folk dance and has a long heritage. At my daughter's wedding and other Serbian events we folk danced.  It is fun to dance at cultural events and a shame that the polka, two-step ect. is sometimes derided.  I imagine under the right circumstances the polka could be just as fun as the hokey pokey or square dancing.

Friday Contemplations

Less than a week....it took less than a week for every flat surface in my house to become cluttered...after my bi-annual holiday clean-up.  The reason I know the clutter is creeping back is that a phone rang and we could not find it. We weren't sure whose it was... we have 4 including the land line.  We called it twice, I kept saying it was in his chair, and it was.  In the process we knocked off the land line, a popcorn bowl (with old maids in it) and empty pill bottles.  I now have to move furniture to vacuum it up.

Sparkle Plenty-Mama Kat's

 

Sparkle, Shimmer, Glisten

Bright twinkle in his eyes, like diamonds,

Smiles come bursting forth

Giggles long suppressed, bubble up

He jumps up, arms wide open

Grandma’s here!

 

 

 

 

Sparkle, Shimmer, Glisten

Tears well in my eyes, like diamonds. 

I fold him in my arms

Laughter fills the air

My heart is home.

Grandma’s here!

The Social Meme-Sunday Stealing

1. Where was your profile picture taken?

Cold Turkey-Saturday 9

roast-chicken-info.blogspot.com

Big Confessions-Sunday Stealing.

                                                            click to get More Drama Comments & Graphics  

1. Have you anything to confess today?

Bond....James Bond-Saturday 9

 

Rain on the Window-Write on Edge

http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/

Crack!  Lightening ignites the evening sky.

“1 second, 2 seconds…Wow, that was close,” cries Toni aloud as the thunder rolls.

A second later the power snaps off, leaving her office in the dark. Toni moves from her desk to the window. She watches as rain pours out of the sky, leaving murky rivulets of rainwater on the window.  She sees lights flicker off, all over the low buildings surrounding the nearly empty parking lot.  

Comfort-Writer's Workshop

For this week's Mama Kat's workshop, I chose prompt #3:  List 5 things that bring you comfort.

Good Morning Heartache-Saturday 9

Mama's Shaking-Writers Workshop

DD2 was about 7, and athletically inclined.  She likes tether ball and the monkey bars at school, she plays her version of handball against the garage door for hours at a time. The '84 Olympics were in Los Angeles that year and she was entranced by gymnastics and Mary Lou Retton.  She is lobbying for  tumbling classes so she can be a star too.

Dona Nobis Pacem-Grant Us Peace

Peace, a Noble Ideal, 
What a beautiful thought.
Blogging together,
Today,
We could cause,
Peace to break out,
All over the World.

Key Largo-Saturday 9

1) This song was inspired by the Bogart/Bacall movie of the same name. Do you have a favorite Humphrey Bogart film? Which one? 
African Queen with Katherine Hepburn a classic.  Not to mention Casablanca, would seem heretical, however to me, it is only ok.

2) Where do you rent mov

What's been going on, you ask?

We are looking for a Class C RV and Mr BC spends hours on end looking and dreaming .  Last night he found one that just got posted on Craigslist.  We answered with an e-mail and we are going to look at it today.  I am going to be the voice of reason if we like it, and not let him buy it right away, we are going to go home and think about it, if we like it.  If it is good as it looks it is going to be hard, because it is just what we are looking for at a good price.  We put a deposit down. It was perfect.


A Pirate's Life for Me-Sunday Stealing



Not my kid, but I got this for my grandson my last visit.

 

1) What do you think is the best costume for Halloween?
None, I don't like to wear a costume.  Grandson will be a pirate this year. He is all about Pirates of the Caribbean. Yo Ho!

2) What would an alien think of humans if it came to Earth on Halloween?
It would think it had come home.  I loved the E.T. scene.

3) Who Would you haunt?
I wouldn't haunt.....I would be a guardian angel and watch over my family.

4) Are you afraid of the dark?
Not really.  I'm only afraid I would fall over something.

5) Do you pass out candy, or hide with the lights off?
This year candy,  We use to hide with the lights off, because we rarely had trick or treators.  I was always surprised that we would still have kids ringing the bell even tho the house was dark.

6) What Scary movie do you like best?
Tremors.

7) If you had to wear a costume for a week, what would you be?
A Bankerchick.

8) What do you think about Ouija boards?
Hokum!

9) Have you ever told ghost stories around a fire?
Sure when I was a kid.

10) Trick? or Treat?
Treat

11) Have you ever been in a haunted house?
No.

12) What would you do if you saw a ghost?
I don't really believe in ghosts

13) Question 13, should we have skipped this and jumped to 14?
Yes, these things are always too long.

14) Are you brave enough to walk into a grave yard after dark on Halloween?
I think so....See #4 and #12.

15) Do you like chocolate? what kind:
Dark chocolate with caramel.  Or Sees nuts and chews.

16) Who would look better in a clown costume? Obama or Romney?
Politicans give a clowns a bad rap!

17) Are you in the path of Frankenstorm?
No, I live in the middle of the country, although storms that go to LA or TX can sometime drop some rain on us.  Debbie did.

18) Post a link to any other blog: 
My favorite:
http://knockoffdecor.com/

Over the Rainbow-Saturday 9

1) Do you ever fantasize about flying, beyond the rainbow or anywhere else?
Do you mean flapping my arms and flying?  Actually, I dream about it every so often.  I would like to fly into space

2) Do you think you have seen The Wizard of Oz more than 10 times?
Absolutely, I saw it in the movies when I was about 6 or 7, frequently they would re-release classics, like Disney does now.  Then I saw it on TV the once a year, when they started showing it in 1956. I will still watch it  for a bit if I see it on Turner Classics.

3) Which Wizard of Oz character would you most like to dress as for Halloween?
Glenda, the Good.

4) What will Trick or Treaters get when they come to your front door?
Probably a mini candy bar or two.

5) Did you ever TP a neighbor's house or indulge in other acts of Halloween vandalism as a kid? (Don't worry, that statute of limitations is up.)
Nope.

6) Who annoys you more -- people who never respond to your texts/emails, or those who never look up because they're always checking their texts/emails?
I don't text and only send a few e-mails that are usually returned if need be, my family and friends are always polite.  I guess it would be the folks who always have their eyes on their smart phones.
 

7) Who was the last person you hugged?
Mr Bankerchick, also I hugged the furbabies this morning.

8) What two colors do you like to wear together?
Blue and greens.

9) Did your alarm clock wake you up this fine Saturday morning?
No, being retired, we rarely set an alarm.  Mr BC sets an alarm at 10am to remind him to take his morning medicine.
 

The Fascination of Fairy Doors

I am going to have to post pictures that inspire me, because I don't have any Fairy Doors of my own.  I have plans to have one in my house before too long, because they fascinate me.  I have always loved miniatures, since I was a kid and my Grandpa made a doll house for me.  These are some inspiration I have seen around the interwebs.


http://www.squidoo.com/Fairy-Doors?utm_source=google&utm_medium=imgres&utm_campaign=framebuster

This is one that really has some elaborate accessories, One of the first I ever saw. I don't think my baseboards and walls could stand up to the excavation.  It is charming.  I still believe in Fairy Tales.

http://www.enchantedfairydoors.com/

 You can buy them already made or you can design your own, I will probably buy the little door and paint it myself adding a little bling, maybe. 

http://fairyshack.com/contact.html

 I have some lovely gnarly Walnut trees in the yard, I could do something like this.  I remember reading someones blog, who wrote about talking a walk and finding a Fairy Door in a tree along her path.  I could go around placing Fairy Doors mysteriously, all around town. (See Video at end of post)

Mine will probably end up looking something like this

In this house I have excellent baseboards.  My winter project is to sand and repaint them, I like the cream color, but they were painted over without priming them first and the paint is peeling badly in many areas.  As soon as I finish I will create my Fairy Door.

 

 

 

 

Beautiful Fall



November 2011

I think Autumn is my favorite season. Today the air is crisp after storms last night. I have always wanted to do a fall colors trip of New England and we are planning it for next year.  I again live in an area where fall colors can be so beautiful.  When we drove back from California, last month, we took a different route, through the Rockies, and I took some pictures of the lovely aspens changing. It is a fantastic drive and deserving of classical music playing in the  background as you drive.

It was a beautiful day and we crossed the Colorado River several times and somewhere as we were driving up the Rockies we must have passed the origination.

We had to stop in the small town of Glenwood Springs (I Think) we took these pictures while we waited for our breaks to cool down.  It was a steep drive for the truck and trailer.

Our leaves started to die during the drought but the walnut tree are turning yellow and in the afternoon there is a soft Golden haze that filters into the living room.The wind is really blowing today and when I went out to take the picture, many of the leaves were gone.

 Last year the walnuts were dropping all over the place by now and I was twisting my ankles every time I walked through the yard. I have only seen a few this year and I don't think we will have to pick them up. November is the final drop month so we will see. The squirrels will be the ones that will really miss them.  From the picture it looks like not much is left.  The Maples on the north side of the house are just beginning to change, so I have posted last year's picture above.

Who Are you? Part 2–The Grown Up Meme

Sunday Stealing Part 2: Growing Up

15. How would you describe your childhood in general?
Very typical for the 50's.  We could go anywhere and our folks did not worry about us. We played all day from sun up to sun down. We went to the movies alot at an early age we had a theater practically around the corner.
16. What is your earliest memory?
I think I remember a time when my mom was upset that a peeping tom was looking at us through the window. I also remember going to Grandma's house for Sunday Dinner and I could not understand why my Mom complained about having to go every time

17. How much schooling have you had? 
I am about 15 units away from a degree, but I don't think I will ever go back to get it although, I love to take classes.
18. Did you enjoy school?
I enjoyed school but High School was a challenge. Too cliquish. I still enjoy learning.

19. Stop and count, Since you were born until today; how many homes have you lived in?
Fourteen or fifteen,  all across the country.  Key West, Fla, to Ohio, Michigan, to California, to Missouri. I lived in California the longest, until I married Mr BC and then we moved all the time.
20. While growing up, did you have any role models?
My Mom and Dad.
21. While growing up, how did you get along with the other members of your family?
We got along well, with only a little rebellion in my teens.  My brother and I got along well because there was a 7 year age difference.  I was the eldest.
22. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
The jobs that were considered appropriate for girls in the 50s.  Nurse or Teacher and eventually a wife.  If a girl went to college it was to get her MRS degree.  Then the Feminist Movement happened.
23. What were your favorite activities 3 years ago?
Spending time with my brand new grandson.
24. As a child, what kinds of personality traits did you display
Obedient, easygoing, quiet and friendly.

25. As a child, were you popular?
I wasn't unpopular, I had many friends, but I didn't hang with the really popular kids. In high school I was on the chubby side so I was self-conscious
26. When and with whom was your first kiss?
Mike Moline, behind the baseball backstop in the school yard. I was in the 6th grade.
27. Describe any influences in your past that led you to do the things you do today.
My high school best friend got me a job at Union Bank when I first got back from Key West and we both stayed in banking after that. 
28. What’s next?
Mr BC and I are both retired, we want to travel and enjoy our family.

Innocent Times-Saturday 9

1) "The End of the Innocence" is one of Crazy Sam's favorite songs. Do you like it? Loathe it? Or is it before your time?
I am before it's time .  To my knowledge I had never heard it before, although I seemed to be written about the Boomers.  I listened to Don Henley singing it on You Tube and it is a powerful reminder of lost innocence of childhood and times gone by.  

2) Obviously Don Henley was a smoker back in the 1980s. Do you smoke? Are you a former smoker? Or did you never start?
I smoked in my late teens, stopped during my pregnancies, then started again  but I quit for good about 30 years ago or so. It is a nasty habit.3) Childhood is generally considered an innocent time. In what town did you spend yours?
I spent my time in San Gabriel, in Southern California during the 50's and 60's. It was nicer then definitely more innocent.

4) Do you abide by "innocent until proven guilty?" Or did you come to your own, pre-trial conclusions about famous defendants like Casey Anthony and OJ Simpson?
I think I have my opinions on infamous cases based on news stories. This is easy to do since I am not on the Jury.  I have sat on juries and always stated that I believed in "innocent until...." and felt that it was important to look at the evidence and come up with a verdict.  I stuck to my principles and did not let others sway me into another verdict.  I was on one hung jury and one where we came to a not guilty because the evidence was not there. 
5) Is there an old TV show whose cast you'd like to see reunite?
The Gilmore Girls

6) Do you know how to ride a horse?
Yup, but I haven't in a while, at least  years 10 years. I rode one on a beach in Mexico on New Years Day in .  It was a lot of fun, I was with DD2 and my niece.

7) You're ordering ice cream. Cup or cone?
Usually a cup, I will buy waffle cones every so often at home, for a treat.
8) Do you believe a gentleman should help a lady with her coat?
It seems such a small courtesy, especially if the lady is struggling.

9) Which search engine do you use most often?
I mostly Google, but I really like Yahoo's home page.