tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post3461009009210744790..comments2023-10-03T07:01:41.144-05:00Comments on Always On Watch: Semper Vigilans: Holiday HumorAlways On Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08192688822955022541noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-67400827655291422072015-11-27T22:19:13.555-06:002015-11-27T22:19:13.555-06:00Once, when it was becoming clear that the software...Once, when it was becoming clear that the software company I was working for was going down the tubes, my suite mates and I, in response to a 'decorate your suite for Christmas' event, took some Christmas wrapping paper, rolled it up into a ball fo trash and tossed it into a corner. When the judges came through, we just pointed to it. We didn't win. But that's Ok.Kidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05287399775879832602noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-30672972195484870542015-11-27T16:40:24.257-06:002015-11-27T16:40:24.257-06:00I just find it hard to get into all of it with onl...I just find it hard to get into all of it with only one visit of the grandchildren.<br />And the furniture has to be relocated.<br />And I'm lazy anymore.<br />And a procrastinator.<br />So, I'll do it tomorrow. I've got lots of time, they won't visit til Christmas Eve.Ed Bonderenkahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03724552853113809036noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-26845645887324927862015-11-27T15:26:22.123-06:002015-11-27T15:26:22.123-06:00Baysider and Odie,
A similar situation here. With...Baysider and Odie,<br />A similar situation here. With all the medical paraphernalia here in our living room, there is no space now for the tree we used have. How glorious that tree was from 1982-2008! Mostly handmade ornaments from my students -- and a few family heirloom ornaments as well.<br /><br />But life is what it is. This old house has no other first-floor room to accommodate Mr. AOW's hospital bed, potty chair, and scooter.<br /><br />I love decorating the house, but I hate all the trouble and effort later when it's time to put the Chrsitmas decorations back into storage.Always On Watchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08192688822955022541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-82038540318225327552015-11-27T15:24:04.355-06:002015-11-27T15:24:04.355-06:00Yes! And isn't it so SO much more fun to put t...Yes! And isn't it so SO much more fun to put things UP than to take them down :-) Still...I may get my rear in gear and get some things out this weekend; early for me. I have Christmas pillows for the couches, various other things that are less overt than other things that will come out about two weeks before!<br />I have planned some dinner parties so it'll make me get more decor up!Zhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15989573357446569262noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-1772670871438789542015-11-27T15:22:21.236-06:002015-11-27T15:22:21.236-06:00that's because some of US decorated her house ...that's because some of US decorated her house :-) I believe she had something like 50 Crystal crosses and 50 crystal angels, too...beautiful stuff! I miss her so much.Zhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15989573357446569262noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-4347478737479249012015-11-27T14:43:48.286-06:002015-11-27T14:43:48.286-06:00We've gone to a 3 foot tree from our yard on t...We've gone to a 3 foot tree from our yard on top of a table, but this could be next.Woodsterman (Odie)https://www.blogger.com/profile/00423574390748358762noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-44444269535164286742015-11-27T13:30:43.772-06:002015-11-27T13:30:43.772-06:00Yes, less and less. We gave away our tree 2 years...Yes, less and less. We gave away our tree 2 years ago, and now I put up a small ceramic lit tree I inherited from my mom. But I still remember our bible teacher who died this year. Well into her 80's (and a widow) she still got her tree up. She had so much joy in her face when she'd mention her decorating for Christmas. We're pretty much down to that one tree and a wreath. But I still get joy out of it. Baysiderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13562129788572031587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-21135573722526298452015-11-27T13:01:36.396-06:002015-11-27T13:01:36.396-06:00SF,
I got the last of the outside lights put up to...SF,<br />I got the last of the outside lights put up today.<br /><br />Except for polishing the silver, my biggest Christmas decorating is done -- and the earliest ever this year because last week my good friend Sharon came to help me with some housekeeping (waxing floors and washing windows). She helped me haul out and put up our little Christmas tree and some other Christmas decorations. Every room in the house, except for my home office, has something Christmasy in it now. I'll grab a few Christmas knick-knacks for the office later this week.<br /><br />Getting the decorations out of that tiny and cramped closet is a difficult task. It's a useless closet, really, and too small a storage space for this house.<br /><br />For the most part, the Christmas shopping still remains. I have some online ordering to do (meat-o-grams, one for <a href="http://longrange.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">Warren</a> and former blogger The Merry Widow). <br /><br />On November 25, I managed to order two gifts for delivery. Amazon rules!Always On Watchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08192688822955022541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-35743204199711638342015-11-27T12:54:45.058-06:002015-11-27T12:54:45.058-06:00FT,
My Christmas decorating is not as minimalist a...FT,<br />My Christmas decorating is not as minimalist as what is depicted in the photo.<br /><br />However, this year I have cut back a bit more. I need to have the time and the energy to enjoy the Christmas Season, which I love.Always On Watchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08192688822955022541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-28068541370431778242015-11-27T12:52:36.477-06:002015-11-27T12:52:36.477-06:00This photo was one of my Facebook finds. When I p...This photo was one of my <i>Facebook</i> finds. When I posted it there, my FB friends raved!<br /><br />If only we <b>COULD</b> get away with such carefree decorating!Always On Watchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08192688822955022541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-41374865533794763162015-11-27T11:58:54.585-06:002015-11-27T11:58:54.585-06:00AOW, I NEVER had more responses to an email I'...AOW, I NEVER had more responses to an email I've sent with a 'joke' like I did when I sent this to people very early this morning! <br />My sis's was the best "Smell and everything!" :-) <br />I hadn't even thought of it being an air freshener! ...Zhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15989573357446569262noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-37185491031961417682015-11-27T11:45:49.940-06:002015-11-27T11:45:49.940-06:00This comment has been removed by the author.FreeThinkehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16682678301019952436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-44249365614455620632015-11-27T10:32:31.411-06:002015-11-27T10:32:31.411-06:00____ A Visit with Pa Grouch ____
'Twas the we...<b>____ A Visit with Pa Grouch ____<br /><br /><i>'Twas the week before Christmas<br />And Papa Grouch here<br />Made a pact with the Devil<br />To stay home this year. <br /><br />The cupboard was bare<br />And the table unclad<br />Because of this grumpy<br />Self-centered old Dad, <br /><br />Who'd decided it all<br />Was too much of a strain<br />That denuded his wallet<br />And caused him great pain.<br /><br />Mama was despondent<br />The babe on her lap<br />Did nothing but howl<br />And spit up its pap.<br /><br />The children were mopey<br />Their eyes sullen slits<br />They thought Papa'd gone mad<br />And had lost all his wits <br /><br />When on the front lawn<br />There arose a great clatter<br />The neighbors had come<br />To see what was the matter <br /> <br />With no wreath on the door<br />Or lights on the eaves<br />They thought Papa'd grown poor<br />Or been looted by thieves <br /><br />So up to the housetop<br />With garlands they climbed<br />Stringing green'ry and lights<br />Till they got all begrimed <br /><br />The ladies walked in<br />With caskets of food<br />Then set up a tree<br />While the children they wooed<br /><br />With carols in harmony<br />Sung at the door<br />With lighted red candles<br />That dripped on the floor.<br /><br />Then in marched Tom Turkey,<br />Who went straight to the oven,<br />Saying, "Pluck me and stuff me,<br />I'm dyin' for lovin.'" <br /><br />He made not a squawk<br />While they chopped off his head<br />Plucked out all his feathers<br />And stuffed him with bread <br /><br />And onions and apples<br />And sausage and sage<br />And quite enough butter<br />To pay a week's wage.<br /><br />The cranberry mold<br />Like a rubicund belly<br />Shook and shimmered itself<br />Like a gem made of jelly.<br /><br />The scent of cinnamon<br />Ginger and pine<br />Along with the turkey<br />Smelled simply divine<br /><br />A baker on crutches<br />Who only could hobble<br />Said, "Soon that old bird<br />Will be ready to gobble." <br /><br />The men midst cold ashes<br />Placed branches for Yule<br />Their crackling splendor<br />A marvelous tool <br /><br />For cheering and warming<br />Pa Grouch with his pain,<br />Who was soon moved to say,<br />"I've no right to complain.<br /><br />"With neighbors like you,<br />I feel it's a shame<br />I ever indulged<br />A desire to maim<br /><br />"The Spirit of Joy,<br />Good Will, and Good Cheer.<br />I promise you all<br />I'll be nicer––next year." <br /><br />Then placing his thumb<br />At the tip of his nose<br />He waved them Good Night<br />And to bed up he rose.<br /><br />But I heard him exclaim,<br />As he moved past our sight,<br />"Don't let the door hit your butt,<br />When you leave. Now GOOD NIGHT!</i></b><br /><br />~ FreeThinke <br />FreeThinkehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16682678301019952436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-53199660065450262062015-11-27T09:45:17.781-06:002015-11-27T09:45:17.781-06:00It's that time, ain't it? Last weekend th...It's that time, ain't it? Last weekend the weather was beautiful and the neighbors were putting up lights and decorations, but I went for a bike ride instead...Silverfiddlehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13541652236676260219noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-49327046077360927972015-11-27T07:29:15.241-06:002015-11-27T07:29:15.241-06:00______ YES SANTA EXISTS ______
Yes, dear childr...<b>______ YES SANTA EXISTS ______<br /><br /><i> Yes, dear children, Santa Claus is real, <br />Even though so many don't agree. <br />Santa lives wherever people feel <br />Sweet and kind in all sincerity, <br /><br />And show their love with understanding gifts, <br />Not gaudy, foolish, merely costly things. <br />The gift of Recognition often lifts <br />A sagging spirit high, and lends it wings.<br /><br /> Elves aplenty fashion tokens bright, as <br />Xanadu excursions, jewels and such.<br /> If connected well, these brings delight. As <br />Substitutes for love, they're not worth much.<br /> <br />The more we spend, sometimes, the less we give.<br /> Santa comes to hearts that love to live. </i></b><br /><br /><br />~ FreeThinke - The Sandpiper - Christmas, 1995FreeThinkehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16682678301019952436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4320479736034351430.post-75536502516990649022015-11-27T06:21:43.407-06:002015-11-27T06:21:43.407-06:00Laughing here! I SO get the sentiment....particul...Laughing here! I SO get the sentiment....particularly since Mr Z died, it's just not as much fun to have the house decorated for Christmas, I must admit. SO, I plan dinner parties, etc., which "force" me to get into the decorating and I'm always glad I did afterwards...until after Christmas and things need to be put away, that is...right?<br />Less and less....you're absolutely right. And, probably, less and less is also about how our yen for 'things' becomes outweighed by our appreciation for the real 'reason for the season'? Just a thought! Happy eggnog! mmmm<br />And, by the way, re the eggnog "with"...THAT seems to be enjoyed 'more and MORE'~!!!Zhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15989573357446569262noreply@blogger.com