Welcome to this thread. I installed myself as host but I will happily step aside completely or move aside to give room for a co-host. Several people mentioned that Joezan did a good job last year.
On the calendar we have Hannukah which I understand is on now and of which I know little except that it involves the Mackabeans beating up some Syrian king. Next comes Eid al-Fitr celebrating the end of the holy month of Ramadan. It starts some time Saturday-Monday. Some countries rely on the actual sighting of the new moon, others use astronomical calculations. In Jordan, which uses the astronomical method, the Eid starts on Sunday.
Then there is Christmas and the feast called Kwanzaa (sp?) which I have never heard of before. I gather it is an African-American syncretic thing?
2. thoughtful - 12/12/2001 3:03:13 PM
it's the Maccabees, not beans.
3. PelleNilsson - 12/12/2001 3:21:01 PM
I stand corrected. A Swedicism inveigled itself. And what was their accomplishment, more precisely?
4. robertjayb - 12/12/2001 3:37:16 PM
And happy Lucy Fest to you, Pelle. Save me some buns. I'll pass on the glog.
5. PelleNilsson - 12/12/2001 3:45:52 PM
Tomorrow we have an odd little celebration when Lucia, the Queen of Light arrives. 
Sometime around 9 tomorrow morning millions of office workers will partake of a couple of glasses of glögg (hot, spicey, fortified wine) and ginger breads. In many places an actual Lucia, like the one above, and her entourage will appear and lead the crowd in traditional Lucia songs.
6. PelleNilsson - 12/12/2001 3:47:24 PM
Cross-post Robert! I'm amazed that you knew.
7. Jenerator - 12/12/2001 3:48:38 PM
No Blacks that I know celebrate Kwanzaa. From what I gather, it is a Black version of Thanksgiving.
8. webfeet - 12/12/2001 3:49:47 PM
I'd never heard of that. How delightful!
9. judithathome - 12/12/2001 3:54:02 PM
Here's a link to a webste which explains Kwanzaa for you.
10. robertjayb - 12/12/2001 3:54:10 PM
I experienced the observance years ago in the company of authentic Danes. After the glog, we got aquavit. Much better to my taste at the time.
Do you have a Lucy in your family?
11. theDiva - 12/12/2001 3:56:03 PM
Not quite Thanksgiving. We'll probably start observing it when Rosie is big enough to appreciate the ritual.
12. theDiva - 12/12/2001 3:56:52 PM
Daisy, I mean.
13. mgleason - 12/12/2001 3:57:51 PM
I had occasion to portray St. Lucia in my long and storied career as a Catholic school thespian. Most exciting it was.
14. Jenerator - 12/12/2001 3:59:17 PM
I don't think that there are enough real Africans who know the symbols and meanings of each component to the holiday.
It gets somewhat butchered. I have heard of some Black circles simply lighting candles and having what they considered to be authentic Kwanzaa feasts. There's nothing wrong with that per se, but I don't really consider that any real type of holiday.(?)
15. judithathome - 12/12/2001 4:14:33 PM
I guess if enough people celebrate it and get something from it, they consider it one.
Sounded like some fairly good efforts to better their lives, to me.
16. PelleNilsson - 12/12/2001 4:14:42 PM
Well, on this side of the Atlantic we are less constrained by PC so I must say that Kwanzaa looks like a lot of mumbo-jumbo. It could be argued that the cause is worthy but I'm not so sure about that. I'm all for that various ethnic groups keep up their traditional celebrations but I don't think that the deliberate construction of new ethnic "traditions" is such a good idea.
17. judithathome - 12/12/2001 4:15:13 PM
It probably took awhile for Christmas to catch on, too. :-)
18. Wombat - 12/12/2001 4:23:25 PM
Kwanzaa was invented in the 1970s by a black nationalist. There is nothing authentically African about it. We'll see how it does in 50 years. It is embraced by all the holiday-related industries (Hallmark, etc.) as another excuse to relieve people of their money.
While not invented, in the US, Hanukkah went from a minor festival to the Jewish Christmas-equivalent ("oh yeah? WE get presents for eight days!"), with all the requisite trappings. Kwanzaah is similar in that respect.
19. robertjayb - 12/12/2001 4:25:52 PM
Kwanzaa skeptics hereabouts are subject to having our rednecks vigorously examined if we suggest even the slightest suspicion that Kwanza is probably more of a marketing scam than anything else, probably inspired by the HallMark greeting card company.
20. robertjayb - 12/12/2001 4:27:43 PM
What Wombat said.
21. judithathome - 12/12/2001 4:29:04 PM
Kwanzaa was "invented" in the mid 60s and it was intended to be an event to counter the commercialism of Christmas. I think it, like most holidays, has been embraced by holiday-related industries because that is the way holiday-related industry thrives...would you ever think to buy your wife a box of chocolates on Sweetest Day without being reminded to do so by Hallmark? How about your moms card on Mothers Day or your secretarys lingerie on Secretarys Day? Ooops...
22. Wombat - 12/12/2001 4:36:48 PM
Yes, Mother's Day. 2 cards from children to mother, step-grandmother, real grandmothers (2), one to my mother, one to my wife (technically, she shouldn't get one from me, but I got hell when I tried that argument), 1 from pets to their "mother." A total of 11 cards.
23. judithathome - 12/12/2001 4:40:41 PM
Quite a tidy little sum!
I saw a Christmas card from "Your Dog" at the store the other day. Groan. It's not like the poor thing can pick out the one he wants to send you.
24. Wombat - 12/12/2001 4:43:32 PM
We have a dog paw print stamp that we use for its signature. Maybe I'll tear a card into thin strips and say its from our somewhat sociopathic cat.
25. Wombat - 12/12/2001 4:43:55 PM
it's
26. judithathome - 12/12/2001 4:45:03 PM
Ha!
My husband bought me a Valentine from my dog and he put Klaus' paw print on it; it had rained that day.
27. Absensia - 12/12/2001 4:47:35 PM
I get Christmas cards from my accountant, doctor, dentist, etc. Sigh, just another way of marketing.
28. Jenerator - 12/12/2001 4:49:17 PM
My dog gives me Christmas presents.
29. Snowowl - 12/12/2001 4:52:14 PM
I tried giving up sending cards in the hope that people would stop sending them to me. Unfortunately, that ploy didn't work and now I feel guilty for my lack of enthusiasm.
Our dog didn't give us presents, but my kids always filled a stocking for him.
30. judithathome - 12/12/2001 4:54:43 PM
now I feel guilty for my lack of enthusiasm.
Don't. They are just trying to guilt you...don't let them win!
31. Snowowl - 12/12/2001 4:56:50 PM
Thanks Judith, you've just reinforced my grinchyness. I'll shove the cards I receive in a drawer and forget I ever got them.
32. Jenerator - 12/12/2001 4:57:01 PM
I've sent out 70 cards, and I still have a bundle to go.
33. arkymalarky - 12/12/2001 7:05:26 PM
I really was going to send out Christmas cards this year. They even have our name on them. I've had them for years. I really still might send them out.
It is embraced by all the holiday-related industries (Hallmark, etc.) as another excuse to relieve people of their money.
Bob says that about every holiday, and I realize that I'm never showered with gifts because of his conviction to his beliefs. Out of respect to those convictions, I don't flood him with holiday presents either.
Our anniversary is different, because we selected that day ourselves, and birthdays are fine because our parents selected them, sort of.
(the above is not really serious, fwiw, in case anyone is feeling sorry for Bob and me and our families for our convictions about corporate manipulation of consumers)
Oh, and my brother sent me a Kwanzaa e-card last year. I've never heard a single friend, student, or colleague mention Kwanzaa. Juneteenth is a very big deal, though, with people having reunions everywhere. It's the only other holiday besides Christmas I can think of when we see such a wide variety of state license plates in one small area.
34. Wombat - 12/13/2001 7:47:04 AM
The Wombats do an round robin annual holiday greeting. 80% of our "list" receive it electronically. Saves time and money..
35. judithathome - 12/13/2001 8:18:52 AM
As per our recent debate over which is best, live or artificial trees, here's a site where you can find out where to Recycle Those Dead Trees!
36. wonkers2 - 12/13/2001 8:36:36 AM
Christmas cards are the biggest downside of the holiday. The second biggest is gaining five pounds. Aside from that, it's great. We are looking forward to all three of our children being home.
37. joezan - 12/13/2001 8:59:00 AM
I'm bummed.
We have yet to see a single snowflake. It usually starts snowing here a little after Halloween, and this is the first time since we moved here in '88 that we haven't had snow in November, let alone December. Last year - exactly one year this past Sunday matter of fact - my family and I went out to cut a Christmas tree in 2 feet of snow, then took a big jug of hot cocoa sledding at Mulligan's Hollow. By the middle of December we'd already gone sledding 5 or 6 times
This past Saturday, I went to pick up our 4 y.o. daughter at a friend's b'day party and figured I'd buy a tree there - the parents had about 2 acres of blue spruce and scotch pines on their land - only $10 for the spruce. The kids were all outside, either playing on the swing set or riding horses. It was 60º.
Flowers and shrubs have started blooming.
I'm bummed.
38. thoughtful - 12/13/2001 9:04:36 AM
Chanukah Story about the Maccabees.
39. judithathome - 12/13/2001 9:09:50 AM
The weather does have an effect on how we feel about the holidays...it's hard to work up enthusiasm for Christmas when it's 75° outside and the poinsettias are wilting from the heat.
Think this might be a sign of global warming, joe? heh heh...
40. joezan - 12/13/2001 9:27:12 AM
No - we're just stuck in this weird front pattern The weather forecasters all predicted over a month ago that we wouldn't have snow until about now - maybe later - unless we get a hellaciously strong cold front from the west to push it out.
The Upper Penninsula has been buried under 3 feet of snow for weeks now, and the northern Lower Penninsula has been having normal snowfall all winter.
We've gotten all the moisture we need - it wants to snow real bad - but just ends up raining a few hours every day.
41. Erin R. - 12/13/2001 9:42:36 AM
Stopping in to remark that Kwanzaa is not mumbo-jumbo to those who celebrate it. It's an American holiday, not an African one, and if you don't participate in it's celebrations, you probably do not have a basis by which to judge it.
42. theDiva - 12/13/2001 9:43:17 AM
Glory be.
43. ronski - 12/13/2001 9:59:03 AM
joe,
Peace be unto you. The weather pattern will change, as was predicted several weeks ago, around the middle of next week. Global warming has nothing to do with it. A strong positive North American Oscillation which creates a strong low pressure system over Greenland does. The NAO will weaken or reverse itself shortly.
44. ronski - 12/13/2001 10:01:15 AM
Holiday Rant:
Although we probably won't get a real tree this year, and just stick with the artificial one, one of the things I truly dislike is how Christmas trees have changed. Years ago people complained how skimpy they could be sometimes. So growers developed very thick, bushy trees. Problem is that they are so bushy it is very difficult to put large ornaments on them. Bummer.
45. judithathome - 12/13/2001 10:02:05 AM
It was a JOKE, people. I know you have senses of humor. I even laughed afterward...in print!
46. Shannon - 12/13/2001 10:20:30 AM
Ronski, I've noticed the same thing with lots of trees. You need some space. We got a Leyland Cypress this year and I quite like it. Not overly bushy, doesn't really lose needles.
47. joezan - 12/13/2001 11:00:32 AM
Ronski:
You're in the Catskills, right?
You guys had any snow yet?
48. marjoribanks - 12/13/2001 11:14:27 AM
Christmas in Goa, with its sizeable Catholic minority, is yet another excuse for a party and yet very uncommercialized.
The first ritual involves going out to a bamboo grove and slicing some thin slivers. You then fashion a 3-D star, covered with whatever paper you like. This is hung in your balcao, with a light-bulb illuminating it from inside. The whole village competes to create the most elaborate star, sometimes they're huge, sometimes tiny and intricate. To my great surprise, these are now exported and you can buy them in NYC's Union Square for serious sums of money.
The next ritual is the setting-up of your crib, the Nativity creche. Most families have a prized old set of porcelain or wooden figures, sometimes they're hand made out of clay or wood for the season. Almost all the Goan parishes have a low-key competition, judged by the padre, to see whose creche is the prettiest/most elaborate/most creative. When I was around 6 years old, I won a parish competition by building a creche like the huts of the toddy-tappers, with simple laterite stones and a palm-thatch roof.
49. marjoribanks - 12/13/2001 11:14:50 AM
Most important to the Goan celebration, however, is the preparation of sweets. Naturally, the women of the household do most of this, starting maybe a month in advance, but there are a couple of sweets that require the participation of the whole household. My fondest holiday memories from childhood are of sitting around a table singing carols and squeezing dainty little kulkuls off a fork's tines, and making the simpler caramboles. Both of these are then fried and dipped in a sugar syrup. 50. ronski - 12/13/2001 11:16:03 AM I'm a good deal farther south, actually, in the Ramapos (which stretch from NJ through NY), and yes, we had about three inches last Saturday night into Sunday, with a bit of it remaining on the ground when I left the house this morning. 51. bubbaette - 12/13/2001 12:27:26 PM I sent out nine cards this year. Just mailed the fricken fracken package to Miz Phys in Wales and was flabbergasted that the cost of mailing the daggon thing exceeded the cost of the contents. 52. christipeters - 12/13/2001 12:47:55 PM Well, I like sending out Christmas cards. 53. christipeters - 12/13/2001 12:48:51 PM I grew up in Michigan with snow every Christmas. 54. jexster - 12/13/2001 2:05:38 PM It may be "the season to be jolly," but for many in the gay and lesbian community, the holidays lead to depression, anger and anxiety. 55. joezan - 12/13/2001 6:47:54 PM jex: 56. arkymalarky - 12/13/2001 10:25:34 PM That's really sweet, Joe. 57. Property of Jesus - 12/14/2001 6:35:05 AM Jex: You're always welcome to visit us in DC. Sometimes my oldest daughter, who added you to her Sunday prayers years ago, asks about you. 58. christipeters - 12/14/2001 9:26:37 AM Well, I have made up my mind. I am NOT going to work tomorrow. I am going to clean up my house and put up the Xmas decorations. Then I'll put my Xmas music on the CD player, sit back with a nice glass of wine, and smile. 59. Shannon - 12/14/2001 9:33:10 AM I'm going to try to finish up my shopping today. I have all kid shopping done, except that I want to pick up some slippers for mine. That's good, because I tend to get "just one more thing" for my kids while shopping for other kids. If I can avoid the toy departments completely, I should be able to avoid that. 60. bubbaette - 12/14/2001 9:42:30 AM I wish the Love O My Life didn't have to work tomorrow. He's been working overtime two nights a week and Saturdays since the end of May. Unfortunately the bastard "management" at his place of employ has decided that it's cheaper to work their current employees to exhaustion and disability than to pay benefits for the staff they need to keep up with the workload. I miss my sweetpea. 61. Jenerator - 12/14/2001 10:25:25 AM Jex, 62. thoughtful - 12/14/2001 10:38:56 AM I made a banana nut bread last night for my brother and it smelled really good. Hubby pointed out that I bake for relatives or company, but not for ourselves. Good point. I think I'll make a pumpkin bread for us this weekend. 63. CalGal - 12/14/2001 11:51:04 AM I'm making cookies over the weekend, I hope. I posted my Orange Drop cookie recipe over at another forum and quite a few people used it and liked them--reminded me it was time to get out the cookie pans myself. 64. jexster - 12/14/2001 11:54:59 AM Thanks! I'll have to cry in my glog more often! 65. christipeters - 12/14/2001 11:57:24 AM I am making mini-loaves of Anadam Oatmeal bread this weekend and giving them to my local friends next week. I picked up some holiday saran wrap and ribbon yesterday. 66. christipeters - 12/14/2001 12:21:46 PM that's Anadama Oatmeal bread 67. CalGal - 12/14/2001 12:32:30 PM Well, Jex, I'm local. But I'm also a dedicated introvert, so there's a limited amount of company I can provide. (g) 68. PelleNilsson - 12/14/2001 1:05:08 PM Our christmas cake from Colin Street Bakery, Corsicana, Texas arrived today. 69. christipeters - 12/14/2001 1:28:15 PM CalGal - I see you know the story behind Anadama Oatmeal Bread. Poor put-upon fisherman, having to make his own bread. 70. judithathome - 12/14/2001 1:28:40 PM Pelle, do you like that fruitcake? Do you have it with coffee? 71. Absensia - 12/14/2001 1:32:37 PM I don't much like fruitcake, but...I have a friend who makes wonderful fruitcake. She soaks it so long in brandy and something called white lightening to the point you can eat it with a spoon. Ummmmmm. 72. PelleNilsson - 12/14/2001 1:40:19 PM Judith. Yes we have it after the meal with coffee. It's overwhelmingly sweet but a thin slice is nice. But the main reason we have it is to show how eccentric we are. 73. judithathome - 12/14/2001 1:44:24 PM Ha! Pelle, I would say that fruitcake from Texas would do the trick. Maybe Abs can send you some of her friends fruitcake pudding next year! 74. Absensia - 12/14/2001 1:45:46 PM I bet it goes well with pickled herring! 75. christipeters - 12/14/2001 2:07:34 PM A couple of years ago I was given a fruitcake made in the shape of Texas that is made locally. 76. Snowowl - 12/14/2001 2:21:41 PM I've never understood the American aversion to fruitcake. I can only guess that they are not made properly. I can modestly say that my fruitcakes are fabulous. I usually make them months in advance and feed them with booze every week, so by Christmas time they're sensational. 77. PelleNilsson - 12/14/2001 2:39:51 PM Judith 78. PelleNilsson - 12/14/2001 2:43:36 PM My memory fails me. Have I posted the recipe of my Yum-Yum cake which according to family (my wife's) tradition was brought here by American relatives in the 30s. 79. mgleason - 12/14/2001 2:44:11 PM No fruitcake here, but I'm looking forward to bread pudding with hard sauce. YUM! 80. Snowowl - 12/14/2001 2:45:44 PM You have, Pelle, and I actually made it once. It was interesting. 81. Snowowl - 12/14/2001 2:47:21 PM You make hard sauce to have with bread pudding, maria? We have it with Christmas pudding. In fact, I don't eat the Christmas pudding, I just eat the hard sauce. 82. judithathome - 12/14/2001 2:47:56 PM Pelle: 83. PelleNilsson - 12/14/2001 2:48:41 PM Miniquizz re the LoneStar. Which national flag is this? 84. judithathome - 12/14/2001 2:49:38 PM Republic of Texas...ha! 85. Snowowl - 12/14/2001 2:52:42 PM Liberia? 86. theDiva - 12/14/2001 2:57:42 PM "I've never understood the American aversion to fruitcake. I can only guess that they are not made properly. I can modestly say that my fruitcakes are fabulous. I usually make them months in advance and feed them with booze every week, so by Christmas time they're sensational." 87. mgleason - 12/14/2001 3:03:32 PM I do love some hard sauce, Snow. Bread pudding is fine without, but heavenly with just a little on the side. 88. PelleNilsson - 12/14/2001 3:07:56 PM Snowowl. Right, it's Liberia. 89. Snowowl - 12/14/2001 3:09:09 PM The last time I made bread pudding I misread the instructions for the whiskey sauce, and instead of using 1/2 cup whiskey I used 2 cups. It was very good!!! 90. Snowowl - 12/14/2001 3:10:15 PM Pelle, 91. theDiva - 12/14/2001 3:13:18 PM Snow 92. rubberducky - 12/14/2001 3:16:23 PM Impeccable taste, Fab! daughter 93. Jenerator - 12/14/2001 3:18:05 PM I am so tickled that Pelle in Sweden gets his fruitcake from Corsicana, Texas. 94. theDiva - 12/14/2001 3:19:28 PM Ducky 95. PelleNilsson - 12/14/2001 3:29:23 PM Jen 96. Jenerator - 12/14/2001 3:31:40 PM Just keep wearin' the hats Pelle, and you'll do just fine!;-) 97. marjoribanks - 12/14/2001 3:37:20 PM I have inherited a serious weakness for Turron de Alicante from my mother. We brought back maybe a dozen boxes of it from Spain for gifts and only around 7 made it to the intended recipients. 98. theDiva - 12/14/2001 3:39:09 PM I miss having Ferrara's torrone at Christmas. And sugared almonds. And my Nanny's cookies. 99. robertjayb - 12/14/2001 3:41:44 PM And Pelle probably gets his crayfish from Beaumont. And what do we get? Just these little bitty telephones... 100. marjoribanks - 12/14/2001 3:43:00 PM I miss all of my (late) godmother's Bavarian christmas confectionary, especially these indescribably good, chewy, cinnamon cookies. 101. marjoribanks - 12/14/2001 3:44:36 PM Well, I made scrambled eggs last weekend with this incredibly cheapo Swedish "caviar". I'm grateful that the Swedes package such "caviar" for less than $5 a tub. 102. mgleason - 12/14/2001 3:53:03 PM Alicante is my favorite, too. I'm having some right now! 103. theDiva - 12/14/2001 3:55:44 PM oh my goodness, and my former MILs sesame cookies.... 104. PelleNilsson - 12/14/2001 3:55:54 PM marj 105. christipeters - 12/14/2001 3:59:37 PM SnowOwl - I don't know about Americans in general, but my aversion to fruitcake is simple - fruitcake has (shudder!) FRUIT in it. 106. marjoribanks - 12/14/2001 4:00:53 PM When it's cold, I think of food and sex exclusively. When it's warm, other topics intrude alongside the food and sex. 107. theDiva - 12/14/2001 4:02:57 PM Food, sex, and baseball. Throw jazz in there, and it sounds about right. 108. marjoribanks - 12/14/2001 4:07:22 PM The Abba caviar is quite satisfactory in scrambled eggs. But it is rather salty, I wouldn't eat it in the traditional ways you eat caviar. 109. marjoribanks - 12/14/2001 4:09:23 PM I've praised Ikea enough in this forum over the past few days. Mustn't let Pelle get a swelled head. 110. theDiva - 12/14/2001 4:10:09 PM Yeah, then his funnel hat wouldn't fit. 111. marjoribanks - 12/14/2001 4:12:39 PM Diva, 112. marjoribanks - 12/14/2001 4:13:39 PM On that blue note, I am outta here compadres. 113. theDiva - 12/14/2001 4:15:02 PM I have that one! It's great. 114. TheWizardOfWhimsy - 12/14/2001 5:59:48 PM 115. jexster - 12/14/2001 8:20:04 PM Jaysus Pelle don't you have better things to do than order ANYTHING from Texas? 116. judithathome - 12/14/2001 10:01:22 PM Jex, that is BUSH-wa. 117. arkymalarky - 12/15/2001 12:46:53 AM I just got back from Hot Springs a bit ago. There weren't a lot of people shopping for a Friday evening, imo. I'm done with my shopping, but I didn't have that much to do. Bob and I are the worst about shopping for our parents. He can never think of anything until it's time to buy it, and when I suggest something, he's all "nah." I finally threatened him with being stuck with shopping himself (he'd rather have his fingernails pulled out with tweezers), and he wisely said "that would be great, dear," when I picked up the George Foreman grills--one for each pair of parents. 118. judithathome - 12/15/2001 8:48:59 PM They will LOVE those things!! 119. Al D - 12/15/2001 9:01:41 PM Have you given that "Set it and forget it" thing they sell on T.V.? I was going to order five of them and send one to my kids and one for me. Instead I sent them a check. I already have two, one here and one up in Washington. I need one for Oakland. They're great. On the door it says "Don't take set in and forget it literally." 120. judithathome - 12/15/2001 9:04:15 PM What is it? I haven't seen that one yet. 121. judithathome - 12/15/2001 9:05:01 PM Though I must say, I've used the concept quite often...at least the last part. 122. Al D - 12/15/2001 9:21:41 PM Ah, my spelling is so bad I didn't say it is a rotissarie. I'll call it an indoor electric Bar-B-Cue. I think guys who have bar-b-ques are dim. Their wives love it as then the guy does the cooking. Now that's not so bad, but standing over a hot fire making sure you burn the chicken just right is a bore. I say, get a set it and forget it. I do chickens mostly but everything from prime rib to hamburgers. 123. Al D - 12/15/2001 9:23:22 PM 1fruitcake from Texas 124. khaval alazman - 12/15/2001 10:41:01 PM Hi guys. We're having a Jolly Season Party over at Random INternational, starting at 7:00pm American Pacific time on friday, Dec 21. 125. judithathome - 12/15/2001 11:30:59 PM Hey, Khavel...how's about all y'all coming over here? After all, this IS the original place. 126. khaval alazman - 12/16/2001 7:53:39 AM Thanks, Judith. ACtually for the vast majority of the people, Table Talk was the original place, including me. That's how I discovered the MOte. 127. judithathome - 12/16/2001 9:34:12 AM I'll bring fruitcake! ;-) 128. arkymalarky - 12/16/2001 12:55:25 PM Thanks for the invite, Khaval! It sounds like fun. I hope you enjoy your holiday season. 129. thoughtful - 12/16/2001 5:07:15 PM I finally took a few minutes and "built" a 1' high xmas tree from the balls of a sweet gum tree. I'm not really happy...I think I'll try gluing on a few ornaments or something and see if it improves it...problem is, I'm out of time for today, and next week will be a bear. Shucks. 130. Jenerator - 12/16/2001 8:30:32 PM What are good gifts to get those people who have everything? 131. judithathome - 12/16/2001 9:05:41 PM Something like smoked salmon, a good wine, some caviar and a nice plate and bowl, spoon and small knife to package it with...maybe a couple of wine glasses, too. Trick it all up in some cellophane, ribbon, and holly with red berries. 132. Shannon - 12/16/2001 10:25:30 PM I've gotten food-type gifts for lots of people this year--most of the adults in my family are getting them. Personally, I like getting things like that. 133. ElliottRW - 12/16/2001 11:22:02 PM I wish you all a happy winter vacation period. 134. ElliottRW - 12/16/2001 11:24:00 PM I just re-read post #133. I am not wishing that you all have a period. I was referring to a span of time. 135. Jenerator - 12/17/2001 9:34:39 AM This isn't school, you can say Christmas! 136. DanDillon - 12/17/2001 10:13:13 AM To all muslims, 137. christipeters - 12/17/2001 1:27:25 PM Well, I may have my Christmas cards out and my shopping done, but not one single decoration has been put up at my house. 138. arkymalarky - 12/17/2001 5:13:08 PM It's not too late to put them up, Christi. I never put up my tree and decorations until I'm out of school, since I have finals right before we get out. I'm really busy right now, but after Wednesday I'm going to get everything up. I don't know about the cards, though. I hoped to mail them this weekend and barely had time to look up because of home and family stuff. 139. christipeters - 12/17/2001 6:02:32 PM Oh, I don't believe it's too late. Heck, as far as I'm concerned Christmas eve isn't too late, even though I prefer to put the stuff up right after Thanksgiving. 140. arkymalarky - 12/17/2001 6:21:12 PM I've put up stuff on Christmas Eve before, but I hated having to do it that way. One year at another school we didn't get out until something like the 22nd. Can't a neighbor or friend help get the tree down? 141. christipeters - 12/17/2001 6:47:29 PM Maybe, but it hardly seems worth it since we'll be leaving for Missouri on the 21st. 142. bubbaette - 12/17/2001 8:04:16 PM Christi 143. OhioSTOPAS - 12/17/2001 8:06:58 PM My wife just went to Williamsburg with some women friends, and loved it. 144. mgleason - 12/17/2001 8:09:58 PM Bub, 145. bubbaette - 12/17/2001 8:17:28 PM I hope you liked it, Maria. I finished The River King this weekend and loved it. At first I was a bit annoyed by the "magic" but as I read on I struggled to suspend my disbelief and was rewarded with a really good story. 146. bubbaette - 12/17/2001 8:18:13 PM As for my being quiet -- I'll update you in the Cafe. 147. mgleason - 12/17/2001 8:24:46 PM It was delicious, Bubba! 148. bubbaette - 12/17/2001 8:34:41 PM Ha! Maybe it was just so life-like that a predator felt compelled to take it down. Did I tell you that I put lights in my pampas grass? We have the gaudiest house on the block. 149. bubbaette - 12/17/2001 8:36:59 PM By-the-way, send me your mailing address at mylastname@mindspring.com and I'll send you Kavalier and Clay. It was the best read I've had in a long time. 150. mgleason - 12/17/2001 8:44:17 PM OK! 151. Absensia - 12/17/2001 8:46:47 PM Marie, 152. Absensia - 12/17/2001 8:49:12 PM Or were you? I've hear of emoting and chewing up the scenery, but geez. 153. mgleason - 12/17/2001 8:49:22 PM You know, Abs, he has been announcing the imminent return of videos with increasing fervor. Ever see American Psycho? That's Christian Bale's line any time he's gotta take care of bidness. 154. Absensia - 12/17/2001 8:51:33 PM Yes....I liked that movie. From the description of your neighbor's holiday scene, I was surprised to realize you lived next door to my sister! 155. RustlerPike - 12/18/2001 3:38:21 AM Hannuka is a nice holiday. I like lighting the candles with my children. 156. RustlerPike - 12/18/2001 3:39:43 AM Actually, I'm not sure about madbeakh: it could just mean that we slaughter the enemy, but not actually sacrifice his flesh. 157. stostosto - 12/18/2001 4:57:57 AM Rustler, that's rather belligerent, but hardly more so than the various national hymns of other peoples. The two (!) Danish national anthems contain some rather brutish stanzas. 158. stostosto - 12/18/2001 5:15:23 AM Here is one of them translated at the website of the Danish embassy in Washington D.C.: 159. PelleNilsson - 12/18/2001 5:28:26 AM Here is Sweden's rather peaceful anthem: 160. PelleNilsson - 12/18/2001 5:32:54 AM In case you want to play it: 161. Adrianne - 12/18/2001 7:39:49 AM Here's the draft version of my Christmas dinner menu. Feedback welcome. 162. stostosto - 12/18/2001 7:59:46 AM Adrianne, 163. Adrianne - 12/18/2001 8:13:20 AM Sto, 164. stostosto - 12/18/2001 8:20:46 AM Ad, 165. Adrianne - 12/18/2001 8:29:46 AM I am talking about a family dinner, but friends are always welcome at my house for holiday feasts...it's a Call tradition to host as many folks as care to stuff themselves! And we're sparse, this year, only 12 folks so far. 166. Wombat - 12/18/2001 8:49:57 AM Adrianne: 167. Adrianne - 12/18/2001 8:52:56 AM (droool).....bliiiiiiniiiiiiiis...... 168. Wombat - 12/18/2001 8:55:17 AM Adrienne: 169. Adrianne - 12/18/2001 8:56:49 AM Waldorf. 170. Wombat - 12/18/2001 9:01:20 AM Potomac (hastens to add for fear of seeming snobby...the "poor" part of Potomac...almost Rockville). 171. Adrianne - 12/18/2001 9:07:47 AM Well! Ain't we the quality! 172. arkymalarky - 12/18/2001 4:13:15 PM Hey, I was conceived in MD. Don't know which area, so I don't know whether to gloat or blush. 173. bubbaette - 12/18/2001 4:18:50 PM Christmas eve eve dinner (my sister's family, Mike and me) Lasagna, salad, garlic bread, wine and something for dessert. 174. ronski - 12/18/2001 4:19:25 PM Wombat, 175. Wombat - 12/18/2001 4:22:56 PM Ronski: 176. ronski - 12/18/2001 4:26:42 PM Some smetana, as we say, but no onions. 177. judithathome - 12/18/2001 4:40:15 PM We're having the usual Christmas Chinese food with our friends...something I've already mentioned in Good Life. Or the Cafe. Somewhere here in the Mote, anyhow. 178. DanDillon - 12/18/2001 4:55:48 PM My god, do you people prepare all of that wonderful food yourselves? Tell me you have the festivities catered, and I won't feel so unworthy! 179. judithathome - 12/18/2001 4:57:37 PM We...or rather, the husbands cook the Chinese food. Only thing we cheat is the fortune cookies. 180. CalGal - 12/18/2001 5:04:47 PM Christmas Eve: Fondue--cheese and beef. Usually onion soup au gratin for openers, and homemade cookies for dessert. 181. DanDillon - 12/18/2001 5:13:56 PM CG, 182. mgleason - 12/18/2001 5:17:49 PM Me, I can't tear the Eddie away from his traditional Christmas Eve dinner. A pox on these Cubans! 183. CalGal - 12/18/2001 5:23:10 PM Dan, 184. DanDillon - 12/18/2001 5:32:17 PM Hmm. Entirely possible. I was born in 1970, so I'm relatively clueless. 185. CalGal - 12/18/2001 5:34:53 PM Wow, what a pup. Was it a tradition from before your birth? 186. mgleason - 12/18/2001 5:40:38 PM From Dan: 187. Shannon - 12/18/2001 5:41:54 PM I'm planning to make fondue this year. 188. judithathome - 12/18/2001 5:49:25 PM Chocolate fondue with fruits and a cubed cake like sponge cake might be nice, too 189. Shannon - 12/18/2001 5:59:09 PM Oh, yeah, gotta do the chocolate. 190. mgleason - 12/18/2001 6:00:47 PM We have pound cake and fruit with chocolate fondue, but we make it on New Year's Eve. I can't wait. 191. DanDillon - 12/18/2001 6:00:51 PM I really have no idea when it became a tradition in my house. I remember we'd always have our church's pastor over for the meal, too. I suspect it was an attempt by my father at soul-saving. Simony was right out. He was much too financially conservative. 192. mgleason - 12/18/2001 6:01:56 PM Belloc said it, I think, but you can, too! 193. CalGal - 12/18/2001 6:02:12 PM Shannon, 194. Shannon - 12/18/2001 6:05:09 PM There's a fondue restaurant here. It's pricey, but I'm quite fond of it. We sometimes go there just for desert. Mmmm..... 195. Absensia - 12/18/2001 6:05:27 PM The joys of Christmas feasting: 196. RustlerPike - 12/18/2001 11:02:34 PM Only the Muslims could name a holiday Adolf Hitler. I'm glad it's over. Those gunshots were too much for me. 197. Jenerator - 12/19/2001 1:17:59 AM THAT'S it, I'm going to Absensia's for Christmas. 198. Absensia - 12/19/2001 2:08:06 AM Good....but you have to observe all the rituals... ;) 199. marjoribanks - 12/19/2001 9:37:15 AM We put up our medium-sized live tree. 200. DanDillon - 12/19/2001 10:00:52 AM Living in a house very well suited for entertaining, my wife and I are going to throw a new year's eve bash. Lots of people, lavish food, and plenty to drink. Invitees will begin to arrive well after the dinner hour, so I suspect they won't be hungry again until close to 10:00. What sort of comestibles might we offer? Heavy? Light? Sweet? Salty? All of the above? 201. theDiva - 12/19/2001 10:03:52 AM We haven't got a whole lot done yet. We'll probably go pick up the tree on Saturday morning. I want to hit Ikea first to get some new ornaments...they've got these shiny baubles that look like glass but are actually plastic. Nice for houses with cats and crawling babies. 202. theDiva - 12/19/2001 10:05:35 AM Dan 203. marjoribanks - 12/19/2001 10:06:26 AM All of the above, in plenty. That is the marjoribanks recipe for a successful party. 204. judithathome - 12/19/2001 10:07:23 AM Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes. ;-) 205. judithathome - 12/19/2001 10:13:12 AM 204 was to Diva... 206. DanDillon - 12/19/2001 10:14:13 AM Deev, 207. marjoribanks - 12/19/2001 10:17:50 AM Something rare, Dillon. Maybe caviar, maybe a fine fondue, maybe some foie gras. 208. DanDillon - 12/19/2001 10:23:20 AM Nice. Very nice. Yes, I would love to convey the idea that all my guests are privileged. Those are the best, most memorable parties. 209. christipeters - 12/19/2001 10:26:32 AM When I was growing up, the traditional Christmas meal was venison, mashed potatos, gravy, yams, biscuits, several kinds of veggies (varied from year to year). Desert was always pumpkin pie, apple pie, and mincemeat pie. There were usually the little sugar cookies in Christmas shapes too - the kind you use a cookie press to make. 210. theDiva - 12/19/2001 10:39:51 AM Unfortunately there is noone to whom I might delegate. Everyone will be at mass. FIL will be happy with ham, I think, and he'd look at me crosseyed if I tried to give him a Cornish hen! 211. judithathome - 12/19/2001 10:42:15 AM Okay, so my idea of the perfect make ahead mashed potatoes fell flat. 212. mgleason - 12/19/2001 10:43:39 AM Deev, a sweet potato casserole is easily made ahead, and yummy, too, as are scalloped potatoes. 213. judithathome - 12/19/2001 10:45:13 AM Last Of The Rubbarb? 214. theDiva - 12/19/2001 10:54:03 AM Sorry, Judith, I thought you were funnin'. What are they? 215. judithathome - 12/19/2001 10:55:35 AM Recipes in the Good Life, #66 216. marjoribanks - 12/19/2001 10:55:40 AM Diva, 217. theDiva - 12/19/2001 10:58:52 AM Geez Louise. 218. theDiva - 12/19/2001 10:59:06 AM Thanks, Judith, I'll go czech. 219. marjoribanks - 12/19/2001 11:01:00 AM Our own Christmas dinner is going to be the wife's creation. I know some very slightly Goanized Cornish game hens are part of the deal, and that there will be truffles involved somewhere or the other, but have no further indication. 220. mgleason - 12/19/2001 11:02:49 AM I'm going tonight, wearing my wizard cape, if Ed can bear the embarrassment. 221. theDiva - 12/19/2001 11:03:33 AM ooooh, and I printed off the Texas Caviar recipe, too. There's another appetizer. 222. judithathome - 12/19/2001 11:05:16 AM one of those giant Toblerone bars which will be his only, to consume in very small portions. 223. marjoribanks - 12/19/2001 11:05:54 AM Ms. Gleason, 224. marjoribanks - 12/19/2001 11:08:23 AM I can only imagine my son's reaction to his toblerone bar. It is too much for him to comprehend. He only tasted chocolate the first time this halloween, when I allowed him to enter the traditional freaked-out-on-sugar zone by eating several dozen mini m&m's. Since then, he has consumed little bits of the stuff, a giant bar half his size may well drive him over the edge into toddler insanity. 225. mgleason - 12/19/2001 11:13:49 AM A geek! I didn't even think of wearing my hat. And I've never once bitten off a chicken's head. 226. judithathome - 12/19/2001 11:16:05 AM Banks, it may well do that but one thing I can promise you: he will expect one every year after this until he is at least 39...and beyond, I'm sure. 227. marjoribanks - 12/19/2001 11:16:51 AM Of course, I'm mostly just jealous that you can just up and go to a movie as a couple so freely. 228. judithathome - 12/19/2001 11:17:11 AM Oh wait!! I'm making myself older by association...make that 38. 229. marjoribanks - 12/19/2001 11:17:50 AM Judith, 230. theDiva - 12/19/2001 11:21:20 AM Go to the movies? With one's spouse? 231. marjoribanks - 12/19/2001 11:37:32 AM Good stuff, Diva. The wasabi peas are excellent, though my current favorite (mentioned before) includes the unlikely tastes of honey, seaweed and wasabi. 232. theDiva - 12/19/2001 11:41:22 AM I tried to get those wasaaaaaabi peas online at japanesesnacks.com, but they are out. 233. ronski - 12/19/2001 11:47:09 AM Well, I suppose it's official: Intellicast is predicting a white Christmas for where I live. Temps in the 20s and 30s and snow on Christmas Eve Day. (Possibly rain in NYC, along the coast.) 234. marjoribanks - 12/19/2001 11:51:15 AM Diva, 235. theDiva - 12/19/2001 11:58:09 AM Banks 236. marjoribanks - 12/19/2001 12:03:13 PM she is not a picky eater 237. Jenerator - 12/19/2001 12:05:55 PM For my MIL's stocking, I've got a ton of Texas goodies. She's originally from here, so she'll appreciate them. You know, Texas shaped pasta, a fixin' to do list, etc. 238. theDiva - 12/19/2001 12:10:17 PM (bowing humbly) 239. CalGal - 12/19/2001 12:18:29 PM I used to take credit for the fact that my kid isn't a picky eater, but more and more I'm starting to think that it's a matter of genetics and tolerance (in the dietary sense). My family just has the ability to eat anything. Most of the next generation got it as well, but two of my sister's kids did not--they are finicky, fuss over food, and are a general pain in the ass because they get sick if they stray too far from the expected diet. Her third child has no such problems. She raised them all the same way--to eat and enjoy everything--and is quite stunned that two of her kids are fussy. 240. judithathome - 12/19/2001 12:20:39 PM Diva: 241. theDiva - 12/19/2001 12:21:59 PM Oh, Lord, are my brother's kids picky eaters. The most astonishing thing about our en famille trip to Cape Cod was my nephew Kevin eating, and actually enjoying, fried clams. He only tried them because his hero, Gracie, had a whole big pile. He was shocked that he liked them. 242. theDiva - 12/19/2001 12:22:28 PM Judith 243. marjoribanks - 12/19/2001 12:25:11 PM The genetics/biological angle is part of it. 244. theDiva - 12/19/2001 12:30:13 PM I wonder if there are folks whose tastebuds make them averse to certain flavors. 245. marjoribanks - 12/19/2001 12:33:18 PM I will not (and to an extent cannot) eat any clams, mussels, shrimp, crab, lobster. I will not eat anything from the sea that is not fish, or ,in some cases, seaweed. 246. theDiva - 12/19/2001 12:45:59 PM Man. 247. mgleason - 12/19/2001 1:35:45 PM I'd like to plug this site for any last-minute stocking stuffers. I ordered a boat-load. 248. ronski - 12/19/2001 1:40:07 PM marj, 249. christipeters - 12/19/2001 1:50:50 PM I am a very very picky eater and perfectly content to eat just my few favorite dishes without ever feeling bored. LD, otoh, likes to experiment and is not a picky eater at all. 250. mgleason - 12/19/2001 1:55:16 PM I'm allergic to shellfish, too, but it's no great loss, as I never liked it, to the dismay of my family. My mother even tried to convince me my reaction was to mayonnaise. 251. theDiva - 12/19/2001 1:56:18 PM Very cool site, maria. I am so there. 252. CalGal - 12/19/2001 2:10:17 PM Christi, 253. CalGal - 12/19/2001 2:11:56 PM Origins 254. christipeters - 12/19/2001 2:35:15 PM CalGal - Yep. Now that I am a Mom, I know how I must have driven my Mom up the wall with that. 255. mgleason - 12/19/2001 2:51:52 PM Holiday reading, courtesy of Laura C. 256. PelleNilsson - 12/19/2001 3:27:50 PM Looks like we will have our first snowstorm of the season in time for Christmas. The temperature is falling and the wind rising It's 20F now (down from 35 a few hours ago) and a northerly gale with some snow in it. 257. ronski - 12/19/2001 3:44:46 PM Just as predicted by long range forecasters. The emerging of a strong high pressure system over Greenland is bringing cold and snow to both the Northeastern U.S. and to Northern Europe (where previously cold and snow had been limited to Eastern Europe, Northern Asia, Alaska and parts of the U.S. West). 258. mgleason - 12/19/2001 3:50:56 PM After reading the holiday offering above, I can only think of you as Hronski. 259. ronski - 12/19/2001 3:54:09 PM Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow... 260. theDiva - 12/19/2001 3:57:18 PM Ronski's Annual Kvelling Over Snow Ritual 261. arkymalarky - 12/19/2001 4:09:44 PM Mose will try almost anything but is very picky about what she actually eats. She has problems with frequent mouth ulcers, too. The problem with her is that she gets busy and doesn't bother to eat, so we have to make sure she takes the time to eat regularly. 262. DanDillon - 12/19/2001 4:21:50 PM Sounds like great fun, arky. Our run up to Christmas involves mostly prepping for our new year's eve party. Maybe once we start a family, we'll begin more heart-warming traditions. Yes, that's it. Without kids, it's all about parties and social events. 263. arkymalarky - 12/19/2001 4:24:52 PM You'll enjoy your NYE party, and it will probably become a tradition, too. 264. judithathome - 12/19/2001 4:36:49 PM I know what you mean about spending the holidays planning for your NYE party, Dan...we essentially do the same thing with our New Years Day party. We have a sort of Open House on January 1 and neighbors and friends drop by. 265. judithathome - 12/19/2001 4:37:30 PM off=of 266. marjoribanks - 12/19/2001 4:40:07 PM Ronski, 267. thoughtful - 12/19/2001 4:46:04 PM Ganesha 268. marjoribanks - 12/19/2001 4:52:27 PM That is the elephant-headed, mouse-riding, son of Shiva, himself. 269. thoughtful - 12/19/2001 4:56:01 PM Hubby, being an engineer, was a fan of Shri Vishwa Karma 270. marjoribanks - 12/19/2001 5:04:56 PM Ah yes, the god of design and architecture. He's not as appealing, visually. 271. thoughtful - 12/19/2001 5:27:52 PM I really want to celebrate the winter solstice this year as for some reason, I seem to crave the daylight more than ever. Any suggestions? (We save dancing naked on the front lawn under the full moon for the vernal equinox.) 272. bubbaette - 12/19/2001 9:24:58 PM A big ol bonfire and strong spirits. Naked dancing is optional. 273. arkymalarky - 12/19/2001 11:28:15 PM That's a typical Saturday night at our house. 274. wonkers2 - 12/19/2001 11:51:35 PM Someone emailed me a somewhat irreverant song entitled "Merry F---ing Christmas!" which might be appreciated by certain irreverant Moters (Cellar, The Wiz, Jex, Ms No and perhaps others.) I would link it but don't know how. If someone would volunteer to do it I could forward the email with the song attached so that it could be linked to this thread. ??? 275. PelleNilsson - 12/20/2001 1:12:59 AM It turned out to be a baby storm yielding perhaps 2" of snow. But it looks like it will be a white Christmas which is not all that common in Stockholm. The temperature is now 14F. 276. PelleNilsson - 12/20/2001 4:31:53 AM There is, in fact, a bit more snow than that. I think skiing is possible in place without tree cover, for example golf courses. 277. stostosto - 12/20/2001 5:16:53 AM I think skiing is possible in place without tree cover, for example golf courses. 278. marjoribanks - 12/20/2001 10:05:39 AM Last night, we watched a superb PBS special featuring the Lincoln center jazz band and the philharmonic. They played, side by side, first the Tchaikovsky bits of the Nutcracker Suite and then the Duke Ellington interpretations. 279. theDiva - 12/20/2001 10:11:25 AM I was hoping you caught that. Wasn't it marvelous? 280. stostosto - 12/20/2001 10:13:21 AM Ack!!!! I want to see that!!! I want to see that!!! 281. judithathome - 12/20/2001 10:17:30 AM Sto: 282. christipeters - 12/20/2001 10:18:22 AM Diva - Yes, indeed it was. 283. judithathome - 12/20/2001 10:30:44 AM I wish I'd seen it, too, instead of the trainwreck which entranced me so much I couldn't turn away. 284. marjoribanks - 12/20/2001 10:31:57 AM Has there ever been a greater American artist and cultural ambassador than Duke Ellington? 285. arkymalarky - 12/20/2001 10:59:55 AM Maybe they'll repeat the program on Sunday afternoon or something. I spent all evening watching the stuff in an emergency room. 286. judithathome - 12/20/2001 11:12:33 AM Jeez, Arky, I hope things are better for your FIL today...I know it's no fun being in the hospital at Christmas time. 287. arkymalarky - 12/20/2001 11:14:45 AM Thanks, Judith. It's not unexpected, but you know how it is, you just sort of hope you can get through the season and your sick family member will be able to enjoy it--which he still may. 288. judithathome - 12/20/2001 11:20:47 AM That is a perfect time...sounds great! 289. arkymalarky - 12/20/2001 11:32:03 AM Wonderful. It'll be a mid-winter event to look forward to. There aren't too many of those, usually. 290. theDiva - 12/20/2001 11:58:26 AM Arky 291. christipeters - 12/20/2001 1:24:34 PM You may laugh at me if you wish, but as LD approaches her 14 birthday (2 wks to go!) it has occurred to me I need a life. Right now, my life consists of working, taking care of LD, and collapsing. In a little over 4 years, LD will be grown and leaving. 292. christipeters - 12/20/2001 1:25:29 PM Personally, I've always thought that New Years should be celebrated on the first day of Spring. After all, Spring is really (to me) when everything begins anew. 293. judithathome - 12/20/2001 1:28:13 PM Mark the weekend of Feb 18-22 for the Moteio here, Christi...we'll plan more fully later on. 294. CalGal - 12/20/2001 1:32:04 PM In a little over 4 years, LD will be grown and leaving. 295. judithathome - 12/20/2001 2:09:11 PM I just finished Keonis Christmas story and now all I have to do is get it into the book...this is when I wish I lived nearer Uzmakk. 296. Absensia - 12/20/2001 2:11:29 PM Wonderful, Judith! I am sure he will love it! 297. christipeters - 12/20/2001 2:13:06 PM Judith - The weekend of Feb 18-22?!?!? 298. judithathome - 12/20/2001 2:16:10 PM Hmmmmm....I didn't even look at a calendar. I'll let Arky choose which weekend. 299. christipeters - 12/20/2001 2:25:19 PM CalGal - I am somewhat wrapped up in LD's life, but mostly, I just don't have the energy to do stuff just for me. By the time I've finished work and taken care of LD and the critters, I'm too damn tired to do anything but fall in bed. I think between the chronic pain and the diabetes I don't have as much energy as most of the people I know. 300. CalGal - 12/20/2001 3:56:33 PM Christi, 301. stostosto - 12/20/2001 5:18:04 PM Wow, Cal! 302. Absensia - 12/20/2001 6:01:33 PM Oh, I'm always getting carded, it's no biggie. They always are checking to see if I'm old enough to get the senior citizen discounts. Heheh. 303. Jenerator - 12/20/2001 7:07:34 PM It's probably the cane and the whiskers that throw them off, Abs. 304. arkymalarky - 12/20/2001 11:03:11 PM Thanks Diva. 305. PelleNilsson - 12/21/2001 3:21:50 AM More snow overnight and still snowing. We now have 12 inches or so and are promised that it will remain over Christmas. 306. Wombat - 12/21/2001 9:12:41 AM The Wombats will be going up to New York next Wednesday. It will be the first time that we've been there since 9/11. I am sure that I'll find it strange to go to Washington Square, look up, and not see the Twin Towers. Don't know if I'll go to ground zero. 307. webfeet - 12/21/2001 9:16:41 AM If you don't mind this intrusion, Christipeters, I think you should see a nutritionist. Your energy problem might be cured if you look into treating it with vitamins, supplements, etc. Maybe you are anemic? Have a deficiency that has gone unnoticed due to your busy schedule? 308. ronski - 12/21/2001 9:20:03 AM We had an inch of snow on the mountain last night, and there probably will be a bit more during the day, so at least, up here, things are looking a bit Christmas-like. 309. PelleNilsson - 12/21/2001 11:50:47 AM Well, I have procured the Christmas tree. I'm glad to say that it is not a Swedish tree that has given its life for our enjoyment but a Danish one. The short-cut from the parking lot is blocked by snowdrift so I had to schlepp the damned tree hundreds of meters against an icy head wind of the kind that "cuts through bone and marrow" as the saying goes here. I had to have two glasses of hot glögg to thaw out, and I'm not particularly fond of glögg. 310. arkymalarky - 12/21/2001 11:54:31 AM I'm glad things are starting to look more Christmasy where they're supposed to. Last year it was ice, from Christmas Day and for eleven days following with no electricity here. Year before it was over a foot of snow. This year it appears it may just be clear and cold, which is fine by me. I wouldn't mind some Christmas snow, but it's very rare here. We usually get at least one snow a year, but not before January. 311. arkymalarky - 12/21/2001 11:56:44 AM Pelle, you poor man! Our tree is in a coffee can of water in the garage. We feel good that it got from the top of the van to there, and when it will get put up in the house is anyone's guess, since Bob won't be here tonight. Maybe tomorrow, or before he leaves today. 312. PelleNilsson - 12/21/2001 12:34:30 PM The Central Bureau of Statistics which is supposed to know everything has reluctantly admitted the scandalous fact that it doesn't know how many households in Sweden have a Christmas tree, nor the share of real trees versus artificial ones. My guess is that no more than 20% are artificial. 313. stostosto - 12/21/2001 12:38:05 PM Pelle, 314. Shannon - 12/21/2001 12:40:52 PM Spruce needles are kind of stiff and pokey, at least the varieties we have here. 315. PelleNilsson - 12/21/2001 12:44:59 PM No, sto, it's yet another example of Danish business savy. To export spruce trees to Sweden is like selling refrigerators to Greenland, but it can be done. 316. marjoribanks - 12/21/2001 1:39:52 PM I've always disliked those terribly prevalent photo-greeting cards that young families now send out over the holidays. I still do, but have been forced to get some made up this year, simply to reciprocate to all the other young couples with kids. 317. Jenerator - 12/21/2001 1:46:37 PM He looks like his momma! 318. marjoribanks - 12/21/2001 1:53:18 PM I dislike all holiday greeting cards, they seem mawkish and artificial, with prefab sentimentality. I don't like sending them, and an unmoved by most when receiving them. 319. PelleNilsson - 12/21/2001 4:04:07 PM I complain about the cold but a place in northern Sweden reports -40F. 320. Jonesatlaw - 12/21/2001 4:39:37 PM Snow forcast for tommorrow evening. A few inches maybe, but at least a dusting for that prairie Christmas spirit. YIPPEEEE! 321. Jenerator - 12/21/2001 8:56:29 PM MarjoriBanks, 322. Absensia - 12/21/2001 9:02:46 PM But Jen, 323. Absensia - 12/21/2001 9:03:27 PM Actually it was HIS idea to send out pics of his son....I hear he bought 5000 cards! 324. Jenerator - 12/21/2001 9:17:41 PM Let's see, just today, I met four people at the grocery store, I talked to three people at Lowe's, three people at the movie theatre and two people at Target. I need 12 more cards! 325. Jenerator - 12/21/2001 9:21:49 PM Marj, 326. Absensia - 12/21/2001 9:24:27 PM Hahahahha. 327. Absensia - 12/21/2001 9:26:12 PM I do dislike the long "we are so successful and wonderful" Christmas letters, with no discernable name, and always addressed to "resident." 328. Jenerator - 12/21/2001 11:23:38 PM Abs, 329. alistairconnor - 12/22/2001 10:25:56 AM I'm glad to say that it is not a Swedish tree that has given its life for our enjoyment but a Danish one. 330. alistairconnor - 12/22/2001 10:29:47 AM Message # 306 Bat: I was in Washington Square for the first time in my life on Sunday, so it never occurred to me to look up... I was just obeying the mayor's injunction to support the economy of lower Manhattan. Did most of my Christmas shopping there. In the spirit of internationalist solidarity. 331. arkymalarky - 12/22/2001 3:30:09 PM Our Christmas tree is a spruce. Mose and I can't handle Scotch pines because of our allergies any more, and now that the tree farm has these it's a great alternative. They just don't shed or smell as strong. 332. PelleNilsson - 12/22/2001 4:06:35 PM We had a wonderfully relaxed day looking at winter sports and potting about in the kitchen. In mid-day we took a brisk walk. We had a wonderful winter day here, sunny, 14F, lots of snow. Now it's 0F. 333. ronski - 12/22/2001 7:32:35 PM We are trimming the tree. 334. judithathome - 12/23/2001 11:12:16 AM That is the only decoration we have out...a beautiful card we received which is huge and was folded in on itself...when unfolded, it is a white frosted cut out of the words Peace and Love. 335. PelleNilsson - 12/23/2001 2:27:52 PM We finished dressing the Yuletree as we say here. Ours is austere even by Swedish standards. Lights and red bulbs, that's all. 336. CalGal - 12/23/2001 2:40:17 PM My two brothers and I just forestalled my mother's snivelling, cowardly attempt to abandon tradition while pretending it was for the good of the children. She is properly abashed. 337. Jenerator - 12/23/2001 2:41:25 PM I hope you're kidding. 338. PelleNilsson - 12/23/2001 2:45:14 PM Who, me? 339. CalGal - 12/23/2001 2:47:04 PM Not at all. Why would I kid? 340. Jenerator - 12/23/2001 2:54:49 PM I just wasn't sure if you were kidding when referring to your mother's actions as snivelling and cowardly. Guess not. 341. CalGal - 12/23/2001 3:01:31 PM Nope. I was overstating for rhetorical effect, but she was snivelling and cowardly. Fortunately, we intervened and she is suitably chastened. 342. judithathome - 12/23/2001 3:03:39 PM We are going to our friends house to exchange gifts in an hour or two...well, to give their two little kids presents and receive little tokens back from them. This ought to be fun and I'll enjoy seeing the kids tear into the wrapped toys and hearing them squeal with delight and seeing them throw the carefully selected objects all over the house and watching them soon begin to get cranky and demanding of attention and hearing them begin to shriek and scream...at which time we will say our goodnights and come back home to our quiet and peaceful existance. 343. CalGal - 12/23/2001 3:22:53 PM Gosh. Someone doesn't raise their kids particularly well. 344. CalGal - 12/23/2001 3:23:24 PM I mean, in our family we wait until we're adults until we throw fits when our parents don't do what we want them to. 345. arkymalarky - 12/23/2001 3:25:28 PM Bob's parents are just to the point of having great-grandchildren, so we get a dose of children that we haven't had since Mose was little. They're fun for a while, but get fussy with everything going on. Bro's daughter turned five today and she'll be here for Christmas this year. 346. arkymalarky - 12/23/2001 3:34:10 PM Pelle, 347. judithathome - 12/23/2001 3:44:17 PM The kids we're going to see are very well behaved in public and at others homes...their parents feel they can get a little cazed at their own home because they have such great manners elsewhere. Hmmmm...maybe I should've invited them over HERE! 348. Al D - 12/23/2001 4:27:35 PM While it is difficult to feel Christmas spirit when it is 80 with bright blue sky, a few puffy white clouds, but I still want to wish you all a mele kalikimaka and very happy days ahead. 349. PelleNilsson - 12/23/2001 5:01:32 PM arky 350. TheWizardOfWhimsy - 12/23/2001 8:05:56 PM FWIW (coming from a misanthrope), a sincere wish of everything wonderful for 351. Francis Urquhart - 12/23/2001 10:05:39 PM The days of Francis Urquhart elapse rapidly. To those who have drawn my ire in this year of 2001, I say "You may be an undigested bit of beef, a blot of mustard, a crumb of cheese, a fragment of underdone potato. There's more of gravy than of grave about you, whatever you are!" 352. arkymalarky - 12/23/2001 11:23:29 PM Don't tell me you're coming back in 2002 as Hamlet. 353. arkymalarky - 12/23/2001 11:24:19 PM Great picture, WoW. It looks like Santa is goosing you. 354. judithathome - 12/23/2001 11:34:25 PM I feel terrible about the things I said those two little kids might do tonight; they were both charming. Keoni and the 6 year old boy played with the K'NEX and built an airplane and a motorcycle with them. Whe we were ready to leave, the kid grabbed Keoni around the legs and said "You can come back whenever you want...you're my favorite kid!" 355. arkymalarky - 12/23/2001 11:41:51 PM How sweet! I can imagine Keoni striking kids that way. He certainly was a hit with the grown kids here this summer. 356. TheWizardOfWhimsy - 12/24/2001 1:08:35 AM Why do you think I was smiling, Ark? 357. RustlerPike - 12/24/2001 2:40:47 AM You're younger and more normal than I'd pictured you, WoW. 358. Property of Jesus - 12/24/2001 8:30:56 AM Happy Hellidays, my asse. 359. jexster - 12/24/2001 10:32:41 AM 360. TheWizardOfWhimsy - 12/24/2001 10:44:50 AM RP- That picture is ten years old and I'm much more abnormal now also!;-} 361. judithathome - 12/24/2001 10:46:02 AM Age is just a state of mind, anyhow, Wiz...your smile is all we need to know about you. 362. Cellar Door - 12/24/2001 10:51:36 AM 363. thoughtful - 12/24/2001 10:55:38 AM We did our turn at the angel tree yesterday and I was very sad to see the dearth of traffic and the large number of tickets that were still not taken. Seems all the infants and small children tags go quickly, but there were lots yet for 10, 11 and 12 year olds. Of course some of them asked for play stations and x-boxes, but I'm sure they would be happy with anything rather than nothing. Sad to think of all the clothing requested as well including winter jackets, gloves, etc. 364. jexster - 12/24/2001 11:03:33 AM Oh Lord Francesca saw "Scrooge" this weekend. 365. arkymalarky - 12/24/2001 11:03:37 AM When I grab an angel from the tree I do it without looking at it. They do it very early here, and gifts were taken to one location on the 15th. 366. thoughtful - 12/24/2001 11:05:42 AM We celebrated the winter solstice by trying out a new Italian restaurant in the area...Tuscan, beautiful decor and the food was absolutely top notch. 367. thoughtful - 12/24/2001 11:07:28 AM Arky, they were so desperate for gifts this year that the 17th deadline got moved to the 23rd and then the 24th. So sad. But the tree is run by the Salvation Army here and I think they are hurting as our the boy scouts for their discriminatory positions. 368. jexster - 12/24/2001 11:08:51 AM From the Spirits of Christmas - Past, Present and Future.... 369. arkymalarky - 12/24/2001 11:13:43 AM That is sad, Thoughtful. I'm not sure who runs ours, but it isn't the SA. 370. Jenerator - 12/24/2001 11:18:06 AM Jex, 371. judithathome - 12/24/2001 11:19:34 AM I hope he doesn't change his name to Tiny Tim or Cratchit...I didn't like the first ones music and the second one sounds like an illness. 372. Jenerator - 12/24/2001 11:28:34 AM Bye all, I'm gone for the day. May you have a blessed Christmas. 373. ronski - 12/24/2001 11:36:45 AM A friend invited me to sing in the choir of her church for a lessons and carols service yesterday, as they were short of bass voices. It was very rewarding. 374. judithathome - 12/24/2001 11:42:05 AM Ronski, did you see my note in Movies about The Search? Did you say you have the tape already? 375. ronski - 12/24/2001 11:50:08 AM Judith, 376. TheWizardOfWhimsy - 12/24/2001 12:30:40 PM Judith, you sweet you, you!!! 377. Cellar Door - 12/24/2001 1:03:52 PM 378. ScottLoar - 12/24/2001 2:11:27 PM Christmas: 1924 379. ScottLoar - 12/24/2001 2:13:31 PM Christmas: 1924 380. Khabees Khargosh - 12/24/2001 4:01:09 PM Merry Christmas to all the moties all over the world. And a Peaceful, Joyful and Prosperous New Year. 381. OhioSTOPAS - 12/24/2001 5:28:41 PM Same here. Best wishes, everyone. 382. CalGal - 12/24/2001 5:30:38 PM Happy Holidays to everyone. 383. DanDillon - 12/24/2001 7:17:43 PM Merry Christmas! 384. lemwalker - 12/24/2001 7:42:35 PM Merry Christmas to all you freaks!! 385. mgleason - 12/24/2001 7:57:36 PM Merry Christmas, everyone! I'm on my way to a Christmas Eve blowout after having to make an emergency lasagna 'cause somebody flaked out. You guys should have seen me; I was a whirlwind! 386. Absensia - 12/24/2001 11:53:53 PM Merry Christmas to all! 387. Frankster - 12/25/2001 12:24:43 AM Happy Holidays to everyone! 388. mgleason - 12/25/2001 12:59:04 AM Frank, 389. Frankster - 12/25/2001 1:47:24 AM Maria, 390. RickNelson - 12/25/2001 8:56:27 AM Merry Christmas to all. 391. joezan - 12/25/2001 12:21:48 PM Merry Christmas to all Moties, and God bless us all. 392. Cellar Door - 12/25/2001 12:37:53 PM HOO-YAH! HAPPY WHITE CHRISTMAS! 393. jexster - 12/25/2001 12:43:12 PM www.christmas.com 394. bubbaette - 12/25/2001 5:54:04 PM Merry Christmas, everbody! 395. wonkers2 - 12/25/2001 8:36:11 PM 396. Jenerator - 12/25/2001 9:01:49 PM Bubba, 397. bubbaette - 12/25/2001 9:54:19 PM Sure -- but it's salsa for the masses since the recipe is in canning quantities. 398. Absensia - 12/25/2001 9:58:57 PM I didn't get anything as fine as the halter top, (so jealous) but how was everyone's Christmas? I had a great day. 399. bubbaette - 12/25/2001 10:05:55 PM Christmas was wonderful at our house. We decided that we were going to spend the day at home with a "no work" rule in effect. I cooked goulash and spaetzle for my sister's family on Sunday night and made a rib roast and fixings for dinner with Ms. Vole on Christmas eve and after baking 9 stollen, 4 batches of cookies, 4 batches of fudge, and 2 batches of toffee for the expected cookies exchanges and gifts, I'd about had it with the kitchen for a while. We slept til nine, exchanged gifts over coffee, read, played cards, watched TV, napped and piddled the day away. Poor Mikey has to work overtime tomorrow (after working overtime on Christmas eve) so I'm glad we got a restful day in. 400. Absensia - 12/25/2001 10:09:50 PM That sounds like a wonderful and cosy time. The best kind, really. When you rush around, feeding people, making sure everything's just right, you mostly end up wiped out, or at least I do. 401. bubbaette - 12/25/2001 10:15:14 PM Yup -- I talked to the sis's -- they've been doing meals and clean up all day. But they have kids at home so that comes with the territory. My Durham sister's daughter fell and broke her collar bone today, so there was even more excitement. 402. Jenerator - 12/25/2001 10:17:46 PM Ahem, the bows? 403. Absensia - 12/25/2001 10:19:17 PM We went to my sis's at about 8 am...my bro, mom, and sis and all the cousins, spouses, etc were there. Had a great time. The kids are close and fun to watch. There are 6 of them and range in age from 4 of them are 24, 1 is 22 and one is 20. 404. bubbaette - 12/25/2001 10:23:25 PM The shoulder bows look fabulous and frame my double chins nicely. They're a tad scratchy, but that's a small price to pay for driving my husband insane with lust. 405. bubbaette - 12/25/2001 10:25:44 PM So what did Santy bring y'all? 406. Jenerator - 12/25/2001 10:25:45 PM I thought that the juxtaposition of the onery-stanced grinches and the sexy fringe complimented the ensemble. 407. Jenerator - 12/25/2001 10:27:15 PM We got new carpet and a video camera from Marshame! I got a ton of new clothes from his mother, and my favorite parfum and some pearls from hubby. I must have been good this year!;-) 408. bubbaette - 12/25/2001 10:29:42 PM There IS something about the juxtaposition of those lime green scowling visages with lace and gold fringe that seems to inflame the senses. 409. joezan - 12/25/2001 10:30:00 PM I got a printer/scanner/copier and clothes. 410. arkymalarky - 12/25/2001 10:31:56 PM Oh my, Bubba. Your sister's Christmas sounds like ours. We had Bob's family at my parents' house so they could all be close to the hospital while Bob's dad is there. I brought all the stuff and spent the night there so I could get up early and fix it. Mom fixed several things as well. My fam does Christmas with Bob's every year at my house, so this was a good alternative which allowed a normal get-together that was convenient. 411. Absensia - 12/25/2001 10:32:23 PM Hey, cool stuff. I got a dvd player, some dvd's, a microwave, jewelry, candles, picture of my son, and some Donna Karen Cashmere Mist that I've been wanting to try. I've been hoarding a sample. Oh, and one thing I really wanted and needed...a paper shredder, two in fact! 412. Jenerator - 12/25/2001 10:35:27 PM I love Cashmere Mist!! Hubby got a DVD player from mom. 413. Absensia - 12/25/2001 10:36:07 PM Arky, sounds like a busy and hectic day, but since it was with family, a good one. Ours was a little hectic, but it was good to be with family. 414. bubbaette - 12/25/2001 10:36:21 PM Yeow, Arky. Not my idea of a fun Christmas -- spending it in the emergency room. Sis didn't go to the emergency room since they'd gone when she broke the same bone about 3 years ago and all they did was put her arm in a sling and prescribe ice packs. She called the doc and he said to save the trip. 415. joezan - 12/25/2001 10:36:28 PM Lotsa secrets, eh Abs? 416. joezan - 12/25/2001 10:37:21 PM Uh...#415 was to #411. 417. Jenerator - 12/25/2001 10:38:53 PM argh!! 418. Absensia - 12/25/2001 10:39:38 PM You bettcha, Joe! ; ) 419. bubbaette - 12/25/2001 10:40:55 PM BTW, santy brought me some beyootiful gold fildegree (sp?) and amythest earrings, several kitchen implements (including a salad spinner)and a desk for our used-to-be dining room/now home office. I get to pick out the desk later this week and muh darlin will buy and assemble it. 420. Absensia - 12/25/2001 10:42:59 PM Wonderful Bubba...and the pendant sounds tdf...I love stars and moons. 421. bubbaette - 12/25/2001 10:46:04 PM I did a stocking for Ms. Vole this year -- first time. She like it so much that I got quite a kick out of her reaction and will try again next year. She especially liked the play-doh and the wind up toy. Everybody should get a toy for Christmas. 422. Absensia - 12/25/2001 10:48:42 PM Yes they should...we do stockings....and my 50'ish stockbroker introverted b-in-l loves it when he gets goofy stuff in his stocking. 423. bubbaette - 12/25/2001 10:52:41 PM I found Mike a matchbox Rambler station wagon for his stocking -- he was elated. The first couple of christmases he just didn't get the whole stocking/toy thing but he's learning. 424. Absensia - 12/25/2001 10:56:28 PM Oh yes....I am anxious to hear about Adrienne's Christmas. She writes so well. 425. arkymalarky - 12/25/2001 11:03:08 PM I got a pair of gold earrings and two pair of silver ones, and a silver and onyx cross and a matching bracelet, and some footwarmer house shoes and a candle and money (from parents--you never outgrow money, I've found), and two lanterns (wish I'd had them last Christmas). 426. arkymalarky - 12/25/2001 11:06:27 PM Bob is a very uncomfortable shopper and so am I, and he and I usually shop together and get what we want as a pair. With things so crazy we went shopping together, but didn't really have the usual experience, and he surprised me with the gold earrings and house shoes. I really didn't expect him to shop as much time as he's spent with his dad. I had bought him some more little stuff, but gave it to him when I got it, since he's been staying at the hospital so much. 427. arkymalarky - 12/25/2001 11:07:27 PM Oh, and thanks for the kind words about my niece. It's hard seeing a little kid who'd had such a happy Christmas in pain a few hours later. She's a sweetie. 428. bubbaette - 12/25/2001 11:21:56 PM How's Bob's dad doing? It's sad to think of anyone in the hospital on Christmas -- emergency room or otherwise. 429. Absensia - 12/25/2001 11:36:40 PM Lovely things Arky, how nice. I have no slippers and have hardly ever worn them, but lately it's been so cold...time to get some. 430. bubbaette - 12/25/2001 11:38:25 PM Mike got me some felt slippers with cork soles and I heartily recommend them -- comfy, warm and easy to slip on and off. 431. Shannon - 12/25/2001 11:41:49 PM Merry Christmas, all. 432. arkymalarky - 12/25/2001 11:45:43 PM Thanks Bubba. He's not doing well, and I hope it's not the cancer, but the chemo. Bob has a very close, loving, and fairly large family and Bob and his dad are very close. He's a sweet guy and so is Bob. I hate to see either of them suffer. 433. Absensia - 12/25/2001 11:46:37 PM I'll look for some Bubba, thanks. 434. Absensia - 12/25/2001 11:48:58 PM Arky, 435. Shannon - 12/25/2001 11:52:01 PM Oh, my day was good too. Food was good (and the things I brought were well-liked), got a few nice gifts, hung out with the family. It was a little more subdued than some years, and there were some teary moments because it was the first Christmas without my cousin who was killed in September. But all in all, a fun day. 436. arkymalarky - 12/25/2001 11:52:56 PM He opened his traditional Christmas PJ's and said "That doesn't look very much like a present." 437. arkymalarky - 12/25/2001 11:55:12 PM Thanks Abs. 438. bubbaette - 12/25/2001 11:55:36 PM Mike got mine from the LL Bean catalog. He's been on mandatory overtime since May - two nights a week and every other weekend. I think that his manager had decided that it's cheaper to work staff to the point of breakdown than to pay benefits for a full staff. This has exacerbated the situation as employees have enough, quit, and are not replaced. I've suggested that Mike look for something else, but he's just nine years from retirement. 439. bubbaette - 12/25/2001 11:56:53 PM "mine" being the felt slippers with cork soles. 440. arkymalarky - 12/25/2001 11:58:53 PM Thanks, Bub. We should be getting used to it, since it's almost a year now since he first got sick, but it's only his second time in the hospital with it. 441. arkymalarky - 12/26/2001 12:00:13 AM I told Bob the other day I'd sometimes like to go back to the days of sitting at the card table with the cousins on Christmas. 442. Absensia - 12/26/2001 12:00:18 AM Shannon, it had to be difficult in some ways. I am so sorry about your cousin. I missed your posting about it. The bonfire sounds awesome. 443. Absensia - 12/26/2001 12:02:09 AM bubba, I'm checking as we speak, but it's almost hearesy to buy LL Bean...this is Eddie Bauer country! 444. CalGal - 12/26/2001 12:03:10 AM I'm definitely in a bit of a bah humbug mood. The downside of being the wealthiest person in my immediate family. Usually I go out and get myself some gifts to offset the deficit, but between cooking and the grad school application, I was too busy. 445. Shannon - 12/26/2001 12:04:36 AM Well, arky, I don't think anyone saw these without being in just the right place, with proper lighting :-) One of my cousins who was out driving said he saw a few on his windshield, and one of my aunts was in her back yard and saw a few. Nothing to get too jealous of. I was still asleep at the time--my kids didn't get up for Santa until almost 9. How weird. Now, I used to do that, but I was a late sleeper anyway. They rarely sleep past 7:30 or 8. M actually got up and crawled into bed with us shortly after 7 I think. Forgot it was Christmas, I guess. Of course, she's scared of Santa, so maybe she didn't forget :-) 446. arkymalarky - 12/26/2001 12:05:23 AM Abs, 447. Shannon - 12/26/2001 12:07:32 AM Ah, the Fondue Rebellion. 448. arkymalarky - 12/26/2001 12:09:58 AM Well, arky, I don't think anyone saw these without being in just the right place, with proper lighting 449. arkymalarky - 12/26/2001 12:10:17 AM I mean my niece, Bro's daughter. 450. CalGal - 12/26/2001 12:10:37 AM I was a bit older when I first had fondue, but my little brother was about Q's age. Still, he was also eating all sorts of odd things overseas, so one more assault to the palate was no big deal. 451. Absensia - 12/26/2001 12:11:11 AM There seem to be a lot of wonderful wooly ones these days...I live in the bottom part of a house...the east part is all glass, and is really cold in winter. No central heating down here. 452. arkymalarky - 12/26/2001 12:12:25 AM That sounds like a neat living situation with the glass, though, with the sunrises and all. 453. Absensia - 12/26/2001 12:12:55 AM I don't see your slippers, Bubba...but there are always more things in the actual catalogues than online. 454. CalGal - 12/26/2001 12:14:04 AM It was a little more subdued than some years, and there were some teary moments because it was the first Christmas without my cousin who was killed in September. 455. Absensia - 12/26/2001 12:16:12 AM Oh, the sunrises are wonderful. And, the house sits on a hill, overlooking a large lake, Lake Washington, so the view is amazing. Oh, Nordies has a mid year sale starting tomorrow! 456. mgleason - 12/26/2001 12:18:16 AM Happy Boxing Day! 457. Shannon - 12/26/2001 12:19:57 AM My family used to wake me up on Christmas. Around 10 or so. My cousins who rose at 4 or 5 still laugh at me for that. 458. arkymalarky - 12/26/2001 12:20:06 AM I bought "Christmas Vacation" and Bro didn't think it was that funny. I was crushed. 459. arkymalarky - 12/26/2001 12:22:49 AM My dad couldn't ever wait for us to wake up. 460. Shannon - 12/26/2001 12:23:29 AM About my cousin: They have arrested 2 people who were involved in the actual shooting, and a third who hid the gun. There was talk of a former employee who gave them the idea to rob the store; I'm not sure if that's the gun-hider; I got the impression from the news story about it that this person had been somehow involved or aware from the beginning. 461. mgleason - 12/26/2001 12:24:11 AM I used to get up in the middle of the night. I swear I saw Santa one year, and when my yelps of excitement awakened my uncle, he said Santa had better start keeping decent hours, or he'd kick his butt. I was shocked! 462. mgleason - 12/26/2001 12:28:35 AM Among the clothes I got for Eddie this year were two really cool t-shirts. One says 'Veni, Vidi, Napi,' and the other reads 'Selective hearing: It works for me.' They are so him. 463. arkymalarky - 12/26/2001 12:30:08 AM I'm glad the investigation was productive, Shannon. I hope the trial goes as your family hopes. 464. mgleason - 12/26/2001 12:32:43 AM Was it Ed Grimley? I think I remember a skit with Ed in a frenzy while playing his triangle and waiting for Santa. My Ed does a mean impersonation -his triangle dance is the best. 465. arkymalarky - 12/26/2001 12:34:47 AM That's it! Anyone who can impersonate that character is a natural comedian. 466. mgleason - 12/26/2001 12:38:26 AM Ed is really, really funny. He has a very wry sense of humor, but he's shy sometimes around people he doesn't know well, so when he warms up, they can't believe it's the same guy. 467. mgleason - 12/26/2001 12:39:58 AM Me, I'm a ham. It takes the threat of an armed response to shut me up, and even then.... 468. arkymalarky - 12/26/2001 12:41:01 AM I swear, he and Bob would get along great. I tell Bob his sedate and mild demeanor that I first knew when we were friends was false advertising. 469. Frankster - 12/26/2001 12:42:41 AM Geez, what are y'all still doing up ? Didn't any of the Christmas food get to any of youse ? 470. arkymalarky - 12/26/2001 12:46:20 AM Hey Frank!! How was your Christmas? 471. mgleason - 12/26/2001 12:48:17 AM It's fear of the roast pork's revenge that still has me up. I injected it in a dozen spots with a mixture of minced fresh garlic, whipped onion, and sour orange, and rubbed the outside with oregano, thyme, sweet basil, fresh ground pepper, Adobo, and more garlic, and cooked it all day at low heat till it fell off the bone. You wouldn't believe the aroma all over the house. 472. Absensia - 12/26/2001 12:49:47 AM Hi Frank! I hope your Christmas was great....You have to be at work in two hours? That's inhumane..ugh. 473. Absensia - 12/26/2001 12:51:26 AM Oh Maria...that sounds so good. My mouth is watering. 474. Absensia - 12/26/2001 12:51:57 AM errr, Maria...what do you mean by "whipped onion"? 475. Frankster - 12/26/2001 12:54:55 AM Hey y'all! 476. mgleason - 12/26/2001 12:55:56 AM Oh, I just put it in the mini-chop till it's but a shadow of its former self, Abs. Then I mix it with the garlic and make a paste. 477. Absensia - 12/26/2001 12:58:54 AM Oh, okay, I know what you mean then....oh...sounds wonderful...truly, my mouth is watering. It's been Prime Rib for days, so I'm definitely ready to do something like this. What cut of pork did you use? 478. mgleason - 12/26/2001 1:03:57 AM The roast was a loin, about 5 lbs. 479. Frankster - 12/26/2001 1:14:13 AM Yum, yum. Pork chop recipe. 480. Frankster - 12/26/2001 1:15:54 AM Am I a weird softy or what ? 481. Absensia - 12/26/2001 1:29:16 AM G'Night, you sweet softy. 482. Absensia - 12/26/2001 1:30:27 AM Maria, a dream with Robert De Niro giving cooking advice....I see! 483. Shannon - 12/26/2001 10:29:25 AM If De Niro gave me cooking advice in a dream, I'd comply. 484. marshame - 12/26/2001 10:39:07 AM "I'd had a dream 485. judithathome - 12/26/2001 11:04:47 AM I'd have turned the old boyfriend into a fat, balding car salesman in my dream, if I were you. 486. mgleason - 12/26/2001 11:09:04 AM It was a great dream; Bobby and I cooked Christmas dinner while Ed watched football on the little under-the-cabinet TV, and reneged on his duties. I fear that my subconscious is relentlessly practical and in thrall to my superego, so if Robert De Niro the restaurateur wanders into my dreams, he's going to be put to good use. 487. Absensia - 12/26/2001 11:12:12 AM I just bet he is....*cackle* 488. thoughtful - 12/26/2001 11:14:37 AM Sounds like a good time was had by all during xmas. Glad to hear it. 489. marshame - 12/26/2001 11:17:37 AM "I'd have turned the old boyfriend into a fat, balding car salesman in my dream, if I were you." 490. thoughtful - 12/26/2001 11:20:18 AM Hubby was never involved in baking much, so I had him help make spritz cookies which he never did...enjoyed it especially since the co. he worked for was involved with extruders. We also played with our first attempt at kolaches....we had some learning along the way and they actually came out pretty close to grandma's which is amazing since I only ever ate hers and never saw her make them. 491. marshame - 12/26/2001 11:26:20 AM I watched Martha Steward's Living program on Christmas Eve Day and she actually prepared an easy recipe for mini meatball sandwiches. I hopped out to the store and got the ingredients and made them for my Christmas morning breakfast and they were a big hit! and easy! Maybe I missed something, though. Like maybe I was supposed to grow my own herbs and onions to add in, or I was supposed to make my own sausage or bread. But otherwise, they were shockingly easy for a Martha Stewart recipe. 492. marshame - 12/26/2001 11:28:49 AM a roto-zip 493. judithathome - 12/26/2001 11:30:32 AM Keoni and I made a saugsage and cheese quiche for our dinner last night...it was amazingly good and disappeared rather quickly. I woke up wondering if the leftovers would be good cold and never found out because Keoni had them for breakfast. 494. thoughtful - 12/26/2001 11:31:25 AM marshame...no...you just missed that you were supposed to make the meatballs from your own cows which you raised from stock you designed yourself after dabbling in biogenetic engineering one afternoon. 495. judithathome - 12/26/2001 11:33:16 AM a roto-zip 496. marshame - 12/26/2001 11:33:17 AM Yeah, I thought there was a step that I left out! 497. marshame - 12/26/2001 11:35:43 AM Albertson's had this frozen soup rectangle that I bought (for $15!, so it better be good) that is crawfish, potato and corn. I was going to have it for Christmas nite, but we were still grazing from all the other stuff, so I will save it for New Years, maybe. I am not the black-eyed pea type although around here it is mandatory for New Years. Does anyone know of a black-eyed pea dish that has anything like, you know, taste? 498. thoughtful - 12/26/2001 11:37:20 AM went to girlfriend's house on xmas day. The poor thing. (she's the one who's husband of 20+ years ran off with a floozy) She seems to be doing ok, but the surface is so thin...she's like a walking wound that hasn't started to scab over yet. I hate to see her suffer so and I wish there were some way to make him realize how much pain he's inflicted on the whole family. What a jerk. 499. thoughtful - 12/26/2001 11:39:41 AM Juditha: Rotozip is a cool tool that allows you to do scroll work, hole cutting in many materials and this one has an attachment to use as a portable grinding wheel too. Very neat. I'm sure it'll come in handy......here kitty, kitty, kitty. 500. thoughtful - 12/26/2001 11:41:17 AM girlfriend had this cool bucket with marguerita mix in it..just add tequila and freeze...very cool, very easy, very potent! 501. marshame - 12/26/2001 11:45:10 AM "a roto-zip 502. marshame - 12/26/2001 11:45:55 AM toys 503. judithathome - 12/26/2001 11:46:00 AM Does anyone know of a black-eyed pea dish that has anything like, you know, taste? 504. marshame - 12/26/2001 11:46:59 AM I will check it out (the Texas Cavier recipe, that is.) 505. thoughtful - 12/26/2001 11:47:04 AM toys 506. vw - 12/26/2001 11:47:27 AM 507. vw - 12/26/2001 11:47:50 AM Damn ... you beat me 508. judithathome - 12/26/2001 11:48:14 AM toys? 509. thoughtful - 12/26/2001 11:48:50 AM jes call me speedy! 510. judithathome - 12/26/2001 11:49:02 AM Oh well, you BOTH beat me! 511. joezan - 12/26/2001 11:49:03 AM Speaking of power tools... 512. judithathome - 12/26/2001 11:50:46 AM It is NOT just a glorified blender...I got one 3 years ago...it's fantastic!! 513. judithathome - 12/26/2001 11:52:10 AM And mine was under $300... 514. marshame - 12/26/2001 11:52:38 AM I came with a breath of buying a juicer at the State Fair. Not only could this machine puree ball bearings but you were practically guaranteed good health and youth in the process! I mentally prepared to shuck out as much as $250 for the thing, only to learn, in the end like a punch line to his demonstation, that it cost $400. Too rich for me. 515. judithathome - 12/26/2001 11:54:36 AM Well, this one has been well worth it for us...but they must have gone up in price since I bought mine. 516. judithathome - 12/26/2001 11:56:09 AM Mine is called a VitaMix Total Nutrition Center. 517. joezan - 12/26/2001 11:58:18 AM Yep - that be the one. 518. mgleason - 12/26/2001 11:58:41 AM Get a mini-chop. Uncle Eddie swears by them. 519. judithathome - 12/26/2001 12:05:14 PM Yep - that be the one. 520. arkymalarky - 12/26/2001 12:42:11 PM Happy Post-Christmas everyone!!! 521. marshame - 12/26/2001 3:13:08 PM I'm jealous. 522. judithathome - 12/26/2001 3:18:33 PM I'm mulling over whether or not to wash my crystal this afternoon....guess I should and get it out of the way for the "clean sweep" before our New Years party. 523. Jenerator - 12/26/2001 3:19:12 PM Marshie, 524. marshame - 12/26/2001 3:21:39 PM Jenerator 525. Jenerator - 12/26/2001 3:28:08 PM We might need a ritozip to get rid of it! You knew that this house was the model in 1973, right? Well, Nen and her husband had the front to back linoleum (yep, avocado green!) covered by that terrible brown stuff and carpet! 526. marshame - 12/26/2001 3:30:57 PM As long as there are no bodies. 527. Jenerator - 12/26/2001 3:33:08 PM I could gross you out here, but I won't. 528. marshame - 12/26/2001 3:51:44 PM NO! Where? 529. Cellar Door - 12/26/2001 6:56:55 PM And I say Christmas isn't Christmas without JUDE LAW! 530. joezan - 12/26/2001 11:44:34 PM Christmas isn't Christmas without snow - and we got it just in the nick of time... 531. thoughtful - 12/27/2001 9:49:03 AM Hubby and I experimented on xmas eve...he had a grog, I had a hot toddy. We made it with Gran Reserva dark rum...something he picked up on a trip to Venezuela. Very smooth, very strong...no proof listed on the bottle. Between the hot liquid and the rum, Wow! However we've decided if we make it again to get some cheap rum...that stuff was way too potent and way to good to waste mixing it with hot water and spices. Real sippin' stuff. 532. Cellar Door - 12/27/2001 10:41:15 AM Great pics, Joe. 533. judithathome - 12/27/2001 10:48:26 AM Yes, Joezan...you had better put locks on the doors now because the young men are coming to call...soon, at least for the older one. They are both beauties! 534. Absensia - 12/27/2001 11:00:56 AM Yes, they are gorgeous. 535. judithathome - 12/27/2001 11:04:48 AM So, Abs..what's on for New Years Eve? Laid in the champagne yet? 536. Absensia - 12/27/2001 11:15:49 AM Nope, Judith...I'll lay in the champagne on New Year's eve! : ) 537. marjoribanks - 12/27/2001 11:24:09 AM Zan, I envy you the snow, oddly. That first one is a nice photo. 538. marjoribanks - 12/27/2001 11:24:39 AM 539. judithathome - 12/27/2001 11:25:08 AM We're going to three different parties and I will probably be laying in champagne, too! 540. judithathome - 12/27/2001 11:26:52 AM Marjoribanks has a great eye for photography and a good sense of perspective...nice shots! 541. marjoribanks - 12/27/2001 11:26:55 AM And then, the presents. 542. theDiva - 12/27/2001 11:28:45 AM he is so beautiful, as are the Zan girls. Very nice photos. 543. judithathome - 12/27/2001 11:29:11 AM Usually, it's the box they came in that fascinates... 544. marjoribanks - 12/27/2001 11:29:18 AM Thanks, Judith. 545. judithathome - 12/27/2001 11:32:44 AM I know they are very inexpensive now but some of us don't have scanners and all the attendent gizmos we'd need to forward the photos...maybe by next Christmas, I'll manage to collect the stuff and I'll send some shots of my dog in his holiday sweater! 546. marjoribanks - 12/27/2001 11:41:17 AM Um, you do not need a scanner (which are themselves around $100 right now). You merely shoot with your digital, download instantly to your PC, then upload to Shutterfly or somesuch and then post here. It sounds more complicated than it is, I can effortlessly take a photo and have it on the web in less than five minutes. 547. judithathome - 12/27/2001 11:44:14 AM I can see he has your eye for perspective! 548. PelleNilsson - 12/27/2001 1:35:49 PM Same thread, new subject. 549. judithathome - 12/27/2001 1:40:44 PM Okay, how's this: 550. CalGal - 12/27/2001 1:45:10 PM Ariel is generally spoken well of by the various non-drinkers I know. I would also have sparkling cider on hand; some people prefer that. 551. theDiva - 12/27/2001 1:47:29 PM Make a faux kir royale with ginger ale and a dollop of that red syrup they put in Shirley Temples....grenadine? 552. Cellar Door - 12/27/2001 1:50:23 PM He's adorable, marj! 553. Jenerator - 12/27/2001 1:51:55 PM Why use grenadine when you can do it the Martha Stewart way? Simply handpick ripened pomegranites, then sautee the berry juice with sugar and voila..Shirley Temple's syrup. 554. judithathome - 12/27/2001 1:52:12 PM Thanks for the ideas, guys...I'll let you know what I end up with; we're spending most of Saturday going to different places for the food and drink. 555. theDiva - 12/27/2001 1:55:40 PM Jen 556. Julius Caesar - 12/27/2001 2:00:44 PM At the church I attend, in the space of a week over the holidays, the minister lit me up at church basketball (he has a very good first step in and fade away jump shot), visited my home to discuss the baptism of my son, baptized my son and three other children (mine was the only one who brought a stuffed Grinch up to the baptismal font for salvation), organized and led a Christmas day visit to a local hospital and a local hospice (members of the congregation delivered pointsettias to and sang carols for the sick and dying), gave his Sunday and Christmas Day services, collected for the poor, made a special appeal for the Presbyterian fund (which, if I understand it, helps both indigent and aged former ministers and ethnic universities), and I'm sure, did many other things of great service of which I am unaware. 557. Julius Caesar - 12/27/2001 2:01:38 PM The Dickens character who I have most enjoyed is the nephew, who refuses to write off the one man who is so clearly and easily written off, Scrooge. The ghost of a former partner and three other specters just barely do the job, so hard-hearted and mottled is the money lender. Before his supernatural visitations, the nephew visits Scrooge to invite him to his home, though any fool could tell that the visit would be of no effect. Later, the Ghost of Christmas Present shows Scrooge the party to which he would not attend. As the nephew's guests abuse and ridicule Scrooge, the nephew cheerfully waves them away, and insists without rancor or judgment that they toast his uncle. In his travels with the ghosts, Scrooge sees the cruelty of his life, the mistakes he made, the ramifications of his greed, and, in the end, his own death. But I'm convinced that when Scrooge witnesses the love of his nephew in a sea of opprobrium, his heart is changed. His transformation is gradual, the result of many revelations, but the deal is closed not by fear, but by actual, existing love even as he remains the miserable wretch - is there a more apt, sparing line than "Darkness is cheap, and Scrooge liked it"? 558. Julius Caesar - 12/27/2001 2:01:48 PM This minister reminds me of Scrooge's nephew. His earnestness is probably easy to deride with casual arrogance. But I'm sure he, like Scrooge's nephew, would retort "But I am sure I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round -- apart from the veneration due to its sacred name and origin, if anything belonging to it can be apart from that -- as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time: the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow-passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. And therefore, uncle, though it has never put a scrap of gold or silver in my pocket, I believe that it has done me good, and will do me good; and I say, God bless it!'" 559. CalGal - 12/27/2001 2:05:16 PM 560. CalGal - 12/27/2001 2:06:14 PM Hey, that wasn't an error. Sorry, Caesar. 561. Julius Caesar - 12/27/2001 2:07:18 PM Caesar offers pardon. 562. Shannon - 12/27/2001 2:08:00 PM Cute pics. 563. CalGal - 12/27/2001 2:11:11 PM The nephew is also my favorite character in The Christmas Carol, but I disagree that your minister is akin to the character. Completely unfounded association. 564. CalGal - 12/27/2001 2:12:11 PM Hey, Shannon--most of those places give you prints as well as a CD of the images, don't they? 565. theDiva - 12/27/2001 2:13:28 PM Julius Caesar, huh? 566. Shannon - 12/27/2001 2:14:31 PM The CD's usually cost a little extra. Before I got the scanner, I'd get them now and then, but now I just scan the ones I like. 567. Jenerator - 12/27/2001 2:14:31 PM Why not congratulate someone who not only does a great job, but goes above and beyond what is required?? 568. CalGal - 12/27/2001 2:18:50 PM How do you know it is above and beyond what is required? 569. Jenerator - 12/27/2001 2:24:14 PM So then Mother Theresa wasn't anything special, either? 570. CalGal - 12/27/2001 2:34:10 PM I've never thought she was anyone special, no. She actively sought out a difficult life. Helping people was never so important to her as her own self-image. 571. CalGal - 12/27/2001 2:38:27 PM Incidentally, don't mistake me. I'm not denying that ministers and others do good works (although in Mother Teresa's case her religion got in the way of her desire to help). What I'm saying is that they are paid and supported to do it, that they chose the life generally because they enjoy being perceived as a person who helps others--both by themselves and the people who write laudatory and self-serving essays about them. 572. marshame - 12/27/2001 4:28:30 PM Marj 573. marjoribanks - 12/27/2001 4:32:03 PM Thank you, Marshame. 574. marjoribanks - 12/27/2001 4:35:55 PM Relevant to a conversation earlier today - digital camera sales are surging. 575. CalGal - 12/27/2001 4:40:02 PM Marsha, 576. marshame - 12/27/2001 4:54:04 PM CalGal 577. Shannon - 12/27/2001 5:04:49 PM I don't think you can say that a person doesn't enjoy his job just because there are some moments of it that are terribly difficult and/or unpleasant. My minister certainly seems to enjoy his job; that doesn't mean he "enjoys" dealing with families in a time of death. 578. CalGal - 12/27/2001 5:07:21 PM Some people give more in their jobs than the rest of us do, and for that I am thankful. 579. marshame - 12/27/2001 5:10:34 PM "Ministers are the equivalent of a luxury item." 580. arkymalarky - 12/27/2001 5:13:36 PM I don't think how much someone enjoys a job is relevant to whether some positions are generally more appreciated by most of the rest of us than others, especially since that appreciation doesn't translate to better money, hours, or working conditions. If what you do serves others with little material reward, especially me or mine, then I admire and appreciate it. Often people who are wanting so much to get the material things a "good" job brings are miserable, either because of the job itself or because of what drives them in life to want that particular job. I don't appreciate them and I don't feel sorry for them for establishing priorities that make them unhappy. People don't always find the life they want, but they find the lives their own characters dictate, often in spite of their happiness or unhappiness, and that's a completely separate issue from how they are perceived in their lives and work by others. 581. arkymalarky - 12/27/2001 5:24:34 PM WRT the thread topic, 2001, with the exception of a few very bright spots that will make fond memories, was a sucky year. I look forward to ringing in 2002. 582. Shannon - 12/27/2001 5:26:37 PM 2001 was OK here, but I always love ringing in a new year. 583. CalGal - 12/27/2001 5:27:38 PM CalGal, you are something else! 584. Absensia - 12/27/2001 5:28:10 PM Arky, 585. arkymalarky - 12/27/2001 5:30:13 PM So what, Cal? It still has nothing to do with whether or not people appreciate them because of what they do. 586. CalGal - 12/27/2001 5:50:26 PM Didn't say otherwise. But the second half of your post had nothing to do with appreciation, and everything to do with the bad decisions people make in search of material rewards. 587. arkymalarky - 12/27/2001 6:00:52 PM The point still being that whether someone is happy in a job or miserable is irrelevant to whether they do work that makes others grateful. 588. CalGal - 12/27/2001 6:04:33 PM The point still being that whether someone is happy in a job or miserable is irrelevant to whether they do work that makes others grateful. 589. arkymalarky - 12/27/2001 6:10:56 PM Your original remark: 590. arkymalarky - 12/27/2001 6:15:05 PM I meant to add in your point that they enjoy their work or they wouldn't be doing it--IOW that it's no sacrifice. Despite what Marsha said about the very difficult aspects of the jobs of people who serve others, which are certainly unpleasant, that also is irrelevant to how others appreciate them. When people help those we love, especially in a caring and attentive way, we appreciate them more. 591. joezan - 12/27/2001 10:55:57 PM Thanks for the comments, all. 592. marjoribanks - 12/28/2001 5:58:36 PM Zan, 593. CalGal - 12/28/2001 6:03:23 PM Arky, 594. Shannon - 12/28/2001 6:07:59 PM My kids in front of the tree: 595. Shannon - 12/28/2001 6:09:06 PM Hub with the kids: 596. CalGal - 12/28/2001 6:09:28 PM And my digital camera lens broke on Christmas eve. It is all crooked. Not the lens, but the thing that comes out. Most aggravating. I am worried that this means I'll have to get a new one or pay $200 to fix it. 597. Shannon - 12/28/2001 6:09:51 PM Hub dancing with daughter: 598. Shannon - 12/28/2001 6:10:40 PM Son, tuckered out by the party: 599. Shannon - 12/28/2001 6:11:48 PM Thanks, Cal. 600. marjoribanks - 12/28/2001 6:12:59 PM Nice photos. 601. CalGal - 12/28/2001 6:15:10 PM Yeah, that's what I figured. Except my camera was $800 and not even two years old. 602. Absensia - 12/28/2001 7:04:00 PM Shannon, what great photos and gorgeous kids. Your husband ain't bad either...woo hoo! 603. arkymalarky - 12/28/2001 7:32:12 PM Wonderful pictures in here! 604. Shannon - 12/29/2001 12:22:31 AM Thanks, y'all. 605. Jenerator - 12/29/2001 12:33:24 AM I can't see the pics! 606. Jenerator - 12/29/2001 12:35:54 AM I want to get a Sony digital with 3.48 megapixels(?). I saw one at the MAC place for approx. $300. Hub has some Canon 2.8 500mm lens thing that makes him look like the papparazzi. 607. Absensia - 12/29/2001 12:55:07 AM $4000??? Wow! But what good is it if you can't use it? ; ) 608. joezan - 12/29/2001 8:43:34 AM Yes - wonderful pictures, Shannon. Very happy-looking family you've got. 609. Jenerator - 12/29/2001 10:09:10 AM Apple computer store. Hub gets his iMac stuff there. The sales lady was discussing the differences between high and low resolutions and pixel variation and she suggested the Sony. The camera mentioned was over $400, but we got a coupon in the mail!;-) 610. judithathome - 12/29/2001 10:24:48 AM Jen, I can understand your not wanting to mess with his camera...it's for his job, right? 611. joezan - 12/30/2001 12:03:51 AM 612. khaval alazman - 12/30/2001 6:46:16 AM My God, Shannon! Your husband is offensively handsome! Reowww! Cute kids, too :) 613. PelleNilsson - 12/30/2001 11:27:28 AM We are having some people over for New Year's Eve and have decided to eschew the fancy and exotic stuff and return to the classics. The menu: 614. Jenerator - 12/30/2001 12:12:31 PM I'm at Marshame's and I can see Shannon's pics (finally!) Very, very cute. I have loved hers and Joe's Christmas pics. What time did they wake up mom and dad to open presents? 615. arkymalarky - 12/30/2001 2:17:53 PM Happy New Year to you too, Khaval! 616. khaval alazman - 12/30/2001 2:21:02 PM Smoiches, Ms. Arky! I was just thinking that you are a lovely person. Happy New Year to you too. 617. arkymalarky - 12/30/2001 2:23:03 PM How sweet! And you must have known that I needed smooches today. 618. khaval alazman - 12/30/2001 2:32:31 PM Well, maybe some more smooches, then :) 619. PelleNilsson - 12/30/2001 3:12:04 PM Happy New year to you Khaval. I'm glad to see that RI is doing well. You deserve much credit for that. 620. Shannon - 12/30/2001 3:23:51 PM What time did they wake up mom and dad to open presents? 621. khaval alazman - 12/30/2001 3:48:32 PM You're a sweety, Pelle. Thankyou. It's been fun. 622. ycmeehan - 12/30/2001 4:58:43 PM Bonne et heureuse année, khaval! 623. khaval alazman - 12/30/2001 5:11:02 PM Hey, YC!!! Happy New Year to you too! 624. DanDillon - 12/30/2001 5:11:36 PM Bonne année à tous! Il y a un boom chez nous si vous voulez venir. Le monde sera là! 625. judithathome - 12/30/2001 5:52:15 PM Happy New Year, Y'all, from the Texans... 626. Absensia - 12/30/2001 6:02:09 PM Wow...sounds lovely, Judith...it will be brut for me please. 627. arkymalarky - 12/30/2001 8:12:36 PM Very nice! I think we'll ring in at home with a few friends if Bob is able to be home. I'm actually looking forward to a quiet NYE. Mose has a party to go to, so if we get bored we'll just crash hers. I'm sure no one would mind. ;-) 628. Shannon - 12/30/2001 8:31:47 PM We've got the family party, complete with giant bonfire. They're done building it, I hear, with a Christmas tree on top. 629. arkymalarky - 12/30/2001 9:28:03 PM That sounds great. I love a bonfire this time of year. We've had many a one out here on NYE's past. 630. mgleason - 12/30/2001 9:55:13 PM Happy New Year! See youse in 2002, the last palindromic year till 2112. 631. Snowowl - 12/30/2001 11:55:04 PM Happy New Year all! Only another 6 hours to go here. I doubt I'll be seeing it in - we've just got back from our holiday and I'm exhausted. How anyone as indolent as myself managed to produce such energetic offspring I don't know. I've walked miles, swum even more miles and all I want to do now is go on holiday for a good rest. 632. Absensia - 12/31/2001 12:16:48 AM Snow! I'm glad you returned in one piece and I suspect you had a good time, regardless of what you say! And a very Happy New Year to you! 633. Snowowl - 12/31/2001 12:31:19 AM Hi Abs - we did have a great time, but it was exhausting. Especially in temps of around 40C (about 104F) for a lot of the time. Thankfully there was plenty of time for liquid refreshments, which I managed to quaff more than my fair share of. Happy New Year to you and yours. 634. Absensia - 12/31/2001 2:45:11 AM Thanks Snow, that's way too hot for me. Glad you were able to be healthwise and keep your self hydrated! 635. TheWizardOfWhimsy - 12/31/2001 2:47:31 AM 636. bubbaette - 12/31/2001 7:30:51 AM Happy New Year! Nice pics, everyone. 637. ronski - 12/31/2001 9:44:15 AM Just stopped by to wish everyone a Happy New Year. 638. rubberducky - 12/31/2001 9:47:23 AM hope everyone has a great new year's eve and beyond! 639. glendajean - 12/31/2001 10:33:44 AM Ducky, be careful and have a good time. 640. Julius Caesar - 12/31/2001 10:46:09 AM This was emailed to Caesar 641. Julius Caesar - 12/31/2001 10:46:25 AM For purposes of comparison, the fastest man-made vehicle, the Ulysses space probe, moves at a poky 27.4 miles per second, and a conventional reindeer can run (at best) 15 miles per hour. The payload of the sleigh adds another interesting element. Assuming that each child has nothing more than a medium sized Lego set (two pounds), the sleigh is carrying over 500 thousand tons, not counting Santa himself. 642. phillipdavid - 12/31/2001 11:26:16 AM My resolutions for the new year: 643. joezan - 12/31/2001 11:54:28 AM Good to see you around, pd - you are missed. 644. arkymalarky - 12/31/2001 12:09:26 PM Hey, PD! Why don't you add a 12th--post in the Mote more? ;-) 645. arkymalarky - 12/31/2001 12:12:53 PM As far as resolutions, I want to lose 10-15 pounds, get more active and eat better, and manage my time and money better. I could make more specific ones, but right now I'm doing most things pretty much the way I like them, so I guess I'll just resolve to keep it up. 646. judithathome - 12/31/2001 12:29:33 PM I just want to sleep late a few days... 647. TheWizardOfWhimsy - 12/31/2001 12:50:07 PM Words Fail, Memory Blurs, Life Wins By JOYCE CAROL OATES 648. thoughtful - 12/31/2001 2:59:38 PM So what will it be? Twenty-oh-two or two thousand two? While we survived the nineties, have we yet referred to the naughties? the oughties? the oh-ohs? 649. ScottLoar - 12/31/2001 4:17:36 PM This night Jupiter will be at its closest and brightest, attended by a moon almost full, and Saturn. Not since 1752 has Jupiter been directly overhead at midnight on New Year's Eve, and the next time will be in 2084. 650. ycmeehan - 12/31/2001 5:33:09 PM Scott, 651. arkymalarky - 12/31/2001 5:35:16 PM Hey YC!! 652. ScottLoar - 12/31/2001 5:59:50 PM Ycmeehan, she's the last of my line, with none other to carry the family name. 653. ycmeehan - 12/31/2001 6:03:35 PM ScottLoar, 654. arkymalarky - 12/31/2001 6:14:36 PM They're doing the typical year-in-review on the local news, and I'd forgotten that this past year Arkansas laid claim to the oldest known person in the world, a black woman who loved sipping Crown Royal whiskey and chewing Juicy Fruit gum. She died earlier this year. They'd interviewed her not terribly long before she died, and she was as clear and matter of fact as people many years younger. 655. ycmeehan - 12/31/2001 6:53:05 PM Hello, Arky. My best wishes for Bob's dad. 656. ronski - 12/31/2001 7:13:52 PM My partner dropped some things off at the dry cleaners this morning. 657. ronski - 12/31/2001 7:15:05 PM And I spent the afternoon skiing, which I live for, along with a few other things. 658. TheWizardOfWhimsy - 12/31/2001 8:34:56 PM If you have a telescope or a good pair of binocs, don't pass up Saturn--it's haunting! 659. Al D - 1/1/2002 12:43:54 AM For those still waiting for the New Year, a very happy New Year to you, and to Ace wherever you are, a happy New Year and a happy life. We still have several hours to go, but since we are from Calif. and of advanced years, perhaps we will kiss at 10. 660. vonKreedon - 1/1/2002 4:01:41 AM 661. OhioSTOPAS - 1/1/2002 8:50:20 AM Happy Palindromic New Year, everybody! 662. wonkers2 - 1/1/2002 10:09:42 AM Welcome back, phillipdavid. Stick around for '02. 663. Shannon - 1/1/2002 2:34:04 PM Our family bonfire was a success. The Christmas tree on top, amazingly, did not burn. When I left, a couple of the (6?) outer poles had burned through, the internal logs had collapsed down to a height of about 8-10 feet (started at 35), and the tree was still at the top of the whole thing, leaning way to the north. 664. arkymalarky - 1/1/2002 2:45:13 PM Ohio, 665. arkymalarky - 1/1/2002 2:47:10 PM Judith!!! Wake up!! It's 2002!!! 666. arkymalarky - 1/1/2002 2:48:09 PM Duh, what am I thinking? I bet she and Keoni went to watch the Razorbacks get defeated in the Cotton Bowl. ;-) 667. arkymalarky - 1/1/2002 2:53:00 PM AAAARRRGHHHH! I got the unlucky post number on New Year's Day! I wonder if that will negate the effects of the blackeyed peas. 668. Shannon - 1/1/2002 3:16:22 PM Oh, if you had a nice big serving, I think you're OK. Mine are on the stove now. We all slept way too late to have them ready for lunchtime, so the kids had spaghetti o's, and we'll have the peas and cabbage for supper. 669. PelleNilsson - 1/1/2002 3:22:01 PM Well, the festivities are more or less over, although here in Sweden Epiphany on January 6 is also a public holiday. Now we'll have to make the best of 2002. 670. alistairconnor - 1/1/2002 7:16:08 PM On the way home from the party last night, we thought we'd get us some Euros. 671. ycmeehan - 1/1/2002 9:13:05 PM The note I will miss the most is the bright blue 50-franc note with Antoine de Saint Exupery on one side and on the other his wide-eyed loner in search of love, the Little Prince. In one corner is the drawing from the book of a boa constrictor swallowing an elephant. One of the special counterfeit marks on the bill is a shiny white patch. If you tilt it under a light, you can see the Little Prince's sheep. 672. wonkers2 - 1/1/2002 9:16:38 PM Cap'n Dirty sez, "Arky, you shoulda called the Cap'n on New Years Eve. No extry charge fer home delivery." 673. thoughtful - 1/2/2002 10:48:57 AM Before you rip the thread, wanted to share this lulu with everyone (it must be the cold): 674. arkymalarky - 1/2/2002 12:44:00 PM Now you tell me, Wonk. 675. alistairconnor - 1/4/2002 6:36:58 PM YCM : Actually, Webfeet showed me the article the other day, and said isn't this condescending drivel? or words to that effect. But I liked it. 676. ycmeehan - 1/4/2002 8:14:27 PM Alistair, The Mote | Mote Archive
But there are many other sweets that have to be made, some with indigenous roots, some from across the Lusophone world - laetria, dos, dodol,
I miss all that stuff mightily, but this year I'm thinking of starting a transplanted traditions and making at least the kulkuls at home, with my little son helping.
The Catskills and the Berkshires got up to a foot in some sections from that storm. Christmas should be cold, and New Year's very cold, but it is still too early to predict what if any moisture will be around. It may be a bit on the dry side.
I like either making or shopping for them, looking for the perfect saying to express my feelings about the year and the season and my friends and family.
I like thinking about each person as I sign and address them.
I like the feeling of satisfaction I have when I drop them all off at the Post Office.
I like anticipating the looks on the faces of my friends and family when they go to their mailboxes and see - "look, it's a card from Christi" - and imagine that they take a minute or two out of their day to think of me, spurred on by the card.
I don't miss it a bit and think Christmas still feels like Christmas, no matter what the weather is.
"Holidays bring up opening presents under the tree, the nuclear family, traditional American values and a longing to have that experience -- whether it's a fantasy or not -- because society tells us that is what is supposed to make us happy," said Joni Lavick, director of mental health services for the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center.
Since many in the GLBT community are disconnected and not accepted by their families, Lavick says that can lead to a great deal of stress. "All these images can create a feeling that you've failed, and shame that you don't have that," she says. "The most important thing to remember is not to buy into anyone else's definition of what family is," she says.
"One of the things we encourage is that GLBT people create their own family," says Joseph Neisen, executive director of New Leaf Services For Our Community, San Francisco's outpatient counseling center for the GLBT community. "Spend time with those people that you deem family, whether it's good friends or coworkers. Create new traditions around the holidays with your family of choice," he says. - Planet Out
So I guess I'll just grab a gallon o glog and eat these left over swedish meatballs
:(
You can come to my house for Christmas.
Cards are very nice, and I love getting them and like sending them. The time to send them just happens to come at one of the only two busy times of the year for me, and it's difficult to squeeze in enough time to devote to personalizing them well. It's not so much work as the combination of a busier work time with an endless string of evening activities that starts right before Thanksgiving and doesn't let up until New Year's Day. Same goes for the spring. Too many groups try to do too much in too short a space of time.
Back when she and her brother used to read fray, because of your outragious defense of the Muslim narco terrorists in Serbia, she thought you were a gas.
You know...like passing gas.
When you leave Michigan, mosey on down to these parts and I'll fill you full of Southern edibles. Plus, you can play Santa for my step-daughter.
My standard recipes are:
Orange Drop
Peanut Blossoms
Persimmon
Gingersnaps
Chocolate Chocolate Chip
Gingerbread men
I am always looking for a good recipe to replace the chocolate chocolate chip, which tastes very good but isn't as pretty and doesn't keep quite as well. Something good and chocolatey, rich, and chewy. But not brownies or any bar cookie.
Anna, damn her!
Does it come in a cake tin? Is it the one with the Texas Star and the Alamo on it or have they made a newer version?
I gave it away to someone else.
For the export version, at least, the fearsome Lone Star has been replacef by this rather bland representation of late 19th century Texas. 
Nothing better than a lump of hard sauce sitting in a bowl, drenched in cream. And of course, it's so good for the arteries.
They could've at least given that dude in a top hat a Stetson! 
Mom?
Have any of you had turrón, a kind of nougat? There are a bunch of different varieties, all good. It's traditional Spanish holiday fare.
I like your "interesting" about my cake recipe. When I go to exhibitions and the like and am invited to write in the guest book I always put down "uncompromising".
I haven't tried turrón, Maria, unless I've had it under some other name. Sounds good - I'm a nougat fan.
Diva,
I realise I'm one of the geriatrics here, but I'm not quite old enough to be your mother. However, she sounds like a woman of impeccable taste.
It was actually quite good, but the texture was a bit odd I thought. I've made it more than once, so it was certainly not unappreciated.
yeah, you're probably not old enough to be my Mom, but just then you sure did sound like her. Impeccable taste, surely. 
It's hard and costly work to maintain the reputation of being an eccentric.
Hey Banks, how come we always end up talking about food, anyway?
I didn't know that stuff was exported to the US. What brand is it? It must have been a year ago I sent some to bloodnfire who wanted to taste it.
--
Pelle,
The brand is, no jokes, Abba. I have several tubs of both the black and red lumpfish "caviar" in my fridge as well as tubes of salmon and smoked herring pate. These last two were disappointing, I haven't figured out what to do with them.
Abba, by the way, claims appointment by the royal house.
Oh, I got these all, where else, at Ikea. Though the international food market near me also sells them for about a buck more per item.
They just opened a 300K SF Ikea over here, it's about twice the size of the old one. Haven't been there yet and I am champing at the bit. They have the nicest wrapping paper, and so very inexpensive.
What I do, all through the summer, is hardboil a bunch of eggs, then slice them in half and mix the yolks with some mayo and salt and maybe a touch of sour cream and quite a lot of the fish eggs. Take the mixture (and the sliced egg halves) to Central Park (along with other goodies and friends) - then spoon the mixture genrously into the egg halves and hand them around. An excellent, slightly elegant, hinting-at-decadence picnic snack.
My current favorite CD is of the Bill Evans Trio live at the Village Vanguard. It's fantastic. I read a New Yorker article about it a few months ago, and pulled it out for a re-listen and right now it's on very heavy rotation.
I'm outtie, too, later taters. 
Didn't you know that only steers and queers come from Texas?
Don't they have bakeries in Sweden?
Funny set of words.
Y'all are invited.
We will be using a specially created room at Yahoo Chat.
At the time of the party, go to Yahoo chat, click on User Rooms, then go to Cultures and Comunity.
You will see the room there.
You are welcome to arive drunk.
Happy Holidays :)
Anyhow, have a happy holiday and don't forget: friends are great, be they silver or gold.
And we are using yahoo chat because it provides streaming and we won't have to refresh constantly.
ANyway, please stop by. EVeryone's welcome.
ANd happy holidays to you too, Judith.
It makes a nice little snack tray for late Christmas evening....
We just got back from looking at Christmas lights. Fun.
M'brouke l'aaid!
I had planned to get the house clean and decorated over the weekend. However, several things got in the way -
1. It rained all weekend and I was not about to spend a couple of hours in the rain putting up the outside lights.
2. Last January, I actually got my act together for once and put the tree and the other decorations up in the attic. Little did I know that I would hurt my ankle in March, my left knee in October, and have ankle surgery in November. There's no way I am going to get up the ladder to the attic to get the tree down. LD went up and could have gotten the ornaments, but couldn't budge the tree and what's the point of bringing down ornaments without a tree.
3. I wasn't feeling well anyway. So I spent the weekend doing a little cleaning, but mostly napping.
sigh
Oh well. It's still Christmas, even without a tree and lights and stuff.
However, I don't think my knees and ankle will miraculously heal between now and Christmas. Nor will LD suddenly get stronger. So the tree will stay in the attic. I'll probably get the outside lights up this week though.
Go out and get you a little apartment sized tree. I used to get a 3 ft tree and set it up on a table. About now you should also be able to get a deal on a live x-mas tree.
We took the MIL, FIL and Ms. Vole to Williamsburg for brunch yesterday and then wandered around Colonial Williamsburg to look at the decorations and got in a little shopping. It was a nice diversion from all the other preparations. Saturday I made 6 stollen, 4 batches of russian tea cakes, and two batches of fudge -- one pecan and one mint. That's it -- I'm not baking any more.
You've been mighty quiet. I just wanted you to know I had some celery, cream cheese, and Bubba's pepper jelly as an appetizer this evening.
I also finished "Sometimes I Dream in Italian" and though it was a good read, I just wanted to shake the two girls. I had hoped that the protagonist as she aged would acquire some notion that her old country parents, if they need to be judged at all, cannot be appropriately judged by using all-american standards. I thought the ending -- with the self-pitying adulterous sister and her envious sibling driving away -- was dissatisfying.
Have you read "The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Klay"?
I had the same reactions you did to both books, and agree that though annoying in spots, they were worth the trouble, overall. I've got K & K on my 'to read' list, but I've been lazy and decided to reread William Diehl's Primal Fear trilogy instead. Aaron Stampler is a very satisfying bad guy.
Speaking of enterprising bad guys, some night critter chewed up my neighbor's gigantic animated reindeer. He's livid, but his wife thinks it an editorial comment.
Was Eddie out last night?
The Arab custom of firing gunshots in the air in celebration is rather unsettling.
However - lest anyone think we are wusses - these are the words to the number one Hannuka song, Maoz Tzur:
Rock and fortress of my salvation
it is worthy to praise you
Rebuild the House of my prayer
and there we shall sacrifice thanks
When I prepare a madbeakh
from the enemy barking without -
it is then that I shall complete
in joyous song
the dedication of the Altar
madbeakh means something like sacrifice, I believe. It is a word nobody really uses except for in that song, but I believe the idea is that the enemy's flesh serve as the sacrifice.
But we're all nice Jewish boys.
King Christian Stood by Tow'ring Mast
O glorious mountain crown'd land of the North,
thou quiet thou joyous land, I love thee,
I hail thee as fairest of lands on this earth;
Thy meadows green, the sun in heav'n above thee,
Thy meadows green, the sun in heav'n above thee.
Thy throne is the mem'ry of great days of yore,
when all through the world thy name was carried,
thou art this, I know, the same as of old.
In thee I'll live, in thee I'll die, thou North Land,
In thee I'll live, in thee I'll die, thou North Land.
Appetizers: Cold Curried Shrimp, Artichoke Dip, Baked Sweet Potato Chips with Cinnamon and Sugar, Smoked Oysters, Deviled AIGS, Assorted Olives, Raspberry and Almond Brie, Homemade Oatmeal Bread.
Entrees: Rosemary Encrusted Leg of Lamb, Dijon Leg of Lamb (making 2)
Side dishes: Caesar Salad, Oyster Dressing, Whipped Garlic Potatos, Mushroom Gray, Orange Cranberry Sauce, Sausage Stuffed Portabellas, Spicy Mixed Greens in Pot Likker, Baked Asparagus, Baked Acorn Squash with Butter and Fresh Cracked Pepper, Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls.
Desserts: Raspberry Cheesecake, Pumpkin Pie, Assorted Cookie Tray, Espresso.
Any suggestions for a wine to go with the lamb?
so when are we supposed to arrive?
Are you in the DC area? You are MORE than welcome!
Really? Gee, you're simply such an amazingly wonderful Motie. I'd love nothing better!
I wasn't serious of course, I thought you were talking about a family dinner. And, sadly, I am not in the DC area, not even in the US area.
But, who knows? Maybe some other time.
Where in the DC area? You want a full-flavored red to go with the lamb.
Xmas dinner (for Catholic mother-in-law) will be a low effort job this year: roast chicken, mashed or roast potatoes, salad, some other vegetable.
On December 27, my parents will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversity (half a century of constant bickering), and Mrs. Wombat and I will be cooking a dinner for them and eight of their oldest friends.
Menu:
Buckwheat blinis with smoked salmon or caviar
Rolled roast veal
Wild mushroom risotto
Roasted root vegetables
Italian-style stewed green beans
Cake from one of their favorite patisseries (a croque-en-bouche was not feasible)
Beaujolais
Champagne
Coffee
Wombat, Md. suburb.
Me too! Which one?
(Oh, the shame, the shame.)
Both menus sound wonderful. I don't know what all we're having besides turkey and ham. I'm not good at putting meals together, but Bob's family is so huge and everyone feels slighted if they aren't expected to bring their own specialty, so quantities and varieties are never a problem. They're old-fashioned comfort foods, for the most part. The most exotic dish we ever see is an asparagus casserole, and the most exotic thing about it is the asparagus. In fact, some asparagus connoisseurs would probably be appalled at the mode of preparation, so I won't go into it. It tastes good, though.
Christmas eve dinner (Ms. Vole, Mike and me) Beef rib roast, mashed potatos, gravy, steamed greenie beanies from my garden, and some kind of pie or cake.
Christmas dinner -- leftovers.
You've got me thinking again about making real blinis for the New Year's Eve caviar. Mmmm-mmmm.
Do you have them unadorned (except the caviar) or do you put a dollop of sour cream and some chopped onions on as well?
Christmas Day: depends on if my sister comes up or not. If so, probably standing rib roast, mashed potatoes, vegetables, and more cookies.
Although Spawn surprised me by saying he'd just like to hang out at home for Christmas with no family. It's not like we've got one of those moblike family Christmases or that either of us are party-hounds, so I don't know where that came from.
Cheese and beef fondue was the standard X-mas Eve meal at my house when I was a kid. Is this some sort of wide-spread tradition, or do you and I belong to an elite two-member club?
There was this neat little restaurant in Beirut that my parents took us to one Christmas time. We loved it so much that I read up on it and learned how to make the cheese and the sauces for the meat. It just became a tradition.
But fondue was big in the early 70s, which is when this all happened. Maybe your family started it at around the same time?
About all things.
(Save my foes the trouble.)
May all my enemies go to hell.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel.
My family always did a picnic in the living room next to the tree. I decided last year that foundue would be a good addition to that.
No beef for me, though :-)
I need two fondue pots so I don't have to clean between courses.
Maria,
Did I say that?
No, just baby little pumpkins!
BTW, I made the chocolate cookie recipe. Very good! I was skeptical about the dough that only has 1/4 cup flour, but they've got great flavor.
Chocolate fondue is excellent. We used to do it but the plain truth is that we're all too stuffed by dessert time to enjoy it.
Glad you liked the cookies.
I just got my fondue pot and I've only made one cheese and one chocolate, so y'all can feel free to post your recipes for me.
Christmas eve...at friends' house...eclectic, steamed mussels, carne assada, tacos, and flan.
If at family's...the catholic side...seafood splendor....fresh shrimp, fresh dungeness crab, scallops, veggies, garlic bread and dessert. Wine
Christmas Morning at my sisters: Golden Fizzes to drink; fresh fruit; scrambled eggs; sausage and ham; homemade cinnamon rolls.
Midday, go to local hospital to have stomach pumped.
Dinner: My moms: beef wellington, garlic mashed potatoes, asparagus, rolls, salad, and some sort of chocolate mystery dessert.
Back to the hospital for the stomach pump
Since this is the tyke's first real Christmas, and he's terribly excited, he has been assigned the bottom quarter of the tree to decorate. A big pile of ornaments was put before him and he ran rampant after we strung the lights and the strands of wooden beads etc.
Imaginatively, one low branch of the tree has about 10 ornaments clustered together. Another has about 6, and the remainder are left totally bare. Every 20 minutes or so, the ornaments are rearranged on the two laden branches, but the others are ignored.
I've decided that he's making a statement about skewed distribution of global resources.
I have a conundrum, folks.
I need a Christmas menu.
Here are the restrictions:
I have to leave the house at 9:30 for rehearsal and then Mass.
I will not be back until 12:30.
The in-laws are coming over right after mass.
My father-in-law will not eat turkey or lamb.
I think I need to do some make-ahead stuff, but what, WHAT WHAAAAAT?!?!?!? Lasagne, ham, but what else? I've got dessert covered (cannoli, my Nanny's traditional Christmas cookies, this fabulous orange-soaked cake courtesy of Marcella Hazan), thank God. Probably will do traditional Italian antipasto.
All of the above. Do either tapas or antipasto or both.
I'd further, if it were me, you understand, have one super-elegant appetizer/snack and a couple of daring, delightful, ethnic ones to properly set the tone for the evening.
First thing to make is calm. Relax. Don't lose it over food. Consider delegating to those who can prepare food reliably and well. Must you bear the burden alone? And consider giving your father-in-law his very own Rock Cornish game hen. Make him work for his meal if he's so damn finicky.
marj,
Give me an example of one super-elegant appetizer/snack.
Maybe kir royales, made with really good champagne. Maybe just some good pink champagne.
You know, something luxurious and unusual, to set the tone that this is a happening and that all your guests are privileged.
I've only tried to make a big spread for the holidays twice as an adult. No one ever came to see us over the holidays as both my ex's family and mine are in the midwest and we were in NM and now I'm in TX.
This year we're going to Missouri again to visit my Uncle who is now in a nursing home. As far as I know, it will be just LD, me, and my Mom. So I doubt we'll do anything special as far as meals.
I need some good make-ahead side dishes. Maybe slow-roasted Yukon gold potatoes, and a couple of somethings I can stick in the crockpot before Mass. Do some oatmeal-honey bread in the breadmaker.
Bubba likes 'em. Sniff.
Today is LOTR day!
Banks, now there is an idea, and I have to have sweet taters anyway. You going to see LOTR today? Richie called in passes for Greg and Gracie for the midnight show last night but Gracie wouldn't get out of bed when it was time to go.
T'was Ms. Gleason with the sweet potato recommendation.
Sorry, guys.
Instead, I have concentrated on my gifts. The young 'un has an excellent German-manufactured trike, and several additions to his Brio wooden train set. Plus one of those giant Toblerone bars which will be his only, to consume in very small portions.
And the wife has some blings. The Bombay Company has also contributed to the revelry, having exchanged their participation for a large wodge of my dough.
I guess these are good for sons of all ages...mine is getting one, too, but the portions he will consume are probably much bigger.
You are a geek.
I have seen one movie at the theatre since my son was born, and I didn't enjoy it, because it was bad, and because I was afraid he'd die in the care of my mother.
I did not think of that. A very sage point.
What's that?
Gracie wants Japanese snacks for stocking stuffers.
Honey, seaweed and wasabi does sound good, actually.
Any decent Japanese grocery will have them. Would you like me to locate one in DC?
Ronski,
Today is lovely fall-like weather in the NYC area. I hope you're crying hot tears, you, um, bastard.
Thanks, hon, I just found them online at asiafoods.com, and ordered her some cuttlefish crackers, too. One thing I can say about this kid, she is not a picky eater.
Ronski
You snowhound. We're going to have a 50ish-and-sunny Christmas.
Far from it, she has clearly inherited and cultivated a discerning palate. You, madam, are to be commended.
Ronski,
Kindly do not jinx me with long-range forecasts. As far as I allow myself to consider, we're not going to have a winter at all.
Inshallah, thanks to Mother Mary, all praises to Shiva, I don't care who is the interceding deity.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. Her father shares some of the credit; he has never hesitated to take her to interesting restaurants and always urges her to try new things.
If you run across Shrimp Chips, those are good, too. They aren't actually chips but are shaped like crinkle cut french fries.
Yeah, I saw those! Pretty intriguing, I was thinking about grabbing them.
Forever I was considered picky because I near-puked when something had a hint of shellfish in it. No one considered that I, a fullblooded Goan, could have some food allergies towards such stuff.
But I did. Though I've apparently gotten over them, I still hate the stuff.
So you can't or won't eat clams or mussels or anything?
Siva's okay, but I'm a fan of Ganesha, Remover of Obstacles, and have him guarding the door to my foyer as is the custom in parts of the subcontinent.
But for ensuring good ski conditions, we turn to Ullr, whom winter sports enthusiasts have adopted as the chief snow god.
Now that I am an adult and a parent, I give my Mother full credit for near-sainthood as she did not strangle me as a child. Not only have I always been a picky eater, but I was one of those kids who couldn't bear to eat a food if another food touched it.
Your mother is indeed a saint. I go nuts just hanging around picky kid eaters for a short period of time. In fact, I'm awful. I fuck with them. What? You don't eat peanuts? Man. I guess that means you can't have dessert, because I put peanuts in everything. Yes, even the icecream. You want me to buy more icecream just for you? No, I can't do that. I guess you can't have dessert. Oh, wait! I have broccoli! You can have that instead.
It's mean of me, I know.
I really like the salt scrubs and the papaya face stuff.
At least I was quiet about it. I didn't fuss and demand new food or anything. I just wouldn't eat. In your scenario, I would have just meekly said, ok, no ice cream is fine.
My Mom was a charter member of the clean-plate club. As in "you will NOT leave the table until you have eaten everything on your plate, young lady." She usually gave in and let me leave the table when bedtime rolled around, though.
I'm free as of 1:00 today and it feels great. We're getting our tree Thursday night and doing the whole pre-Christmas ritual of looking at lights, eating out at a cozy place, and doing some last-minute shopping. Mose is actually going to be able to go with us. I can't believe it.
The thing about traditions involving kids is that it seems such a few years before they're gone for the traditional events, but they're not yet bringing families of their own to continue and extend the traditions--not that we're in any hurry for that, mind you.
We're having lots of goodies, too. Some paté, Brie, puffed pastry hors 'd'ouvres, smoked oysters, crudites, olive and pickle tray, cheese tray, assorted crackers, and French bread for the paté. And off course, we'll have Texas Caviar so everyone will have good luck in the coming year. I never really know what all we'll have until we go to the store and see what looks good.
You awful, awful, cold-worshipping man, I also have Ganesha guarding the threshold of my home. It's a little pastel rendition by charming Indian artist, Badri Narayan. 
My Gaud Saraswat Hindu brethren are given to Saraswati, the goddess of learning. And to Shantadurga. In fact, when the Portuguese took Goa they destroyed all the goddess temples and replaced them with shrines to Mary, an effective tactic in the end.
Ha! Funny that golf courses are what spring to your mind when trying to think of a Swdish place without tree cover. Have you finally abandoned agriculture in Volvo-land?
Absolutely brilliant, even my toddler was riveted. What a genius the Duke was.
I left you a little "gift" in Parenting.
I don't even know what it was but it was on some Christian Dial a Prayer station and was led by Dino At The Piano, a faux Liberace in glittery tuxedos...many suit changes in the 15 minutes I watched...and was a Christmas pageant in search of a coherent theme. Everything from fake iceskaters in the park to antebellum hoop skirted women dancing with guys in powdered wigs and dayglo costumes. Throughout the entire thing, ballet dancers in gauzey see-thru skirts scampered all over the stage. Dino played the piano very well...the rhinestone encrusted piano.
It was absolutely mesmerizing in its gaudiness.
I cannot understand why I was not taught about him at length in school, all American children should grow up having experienced his music and learned about the great man.
Today we're supposed to get a tree and do our Christmas thing, but Bob's going straight to the hospital after work (he gets out of school at around 11) so I'm not sure what the plan will be. Mose and her b/f and I will still go, but it won't be the same if he can't go too.
Oh, btw, I forgot to tell you that we're out Feb 18-22. I hope that's not too late in the month for everyone.
Well, I'm going downstairs to get ready to go, and hopefully we'll hear from Bob soon.
Y'all have a great day!
I'm sorry to hear about your FIL...hope he'll be able to enjoy Christmas in spite of his troubles.
Christi, Banks
Replies in the Arts thread.
So, I'm starting to go out and do stuff.
Normally, I have not treated New Year's Eve as anything other than another night, and New Year's day just a day I'm grateful to have off work.
However, in the spirit of having a life, I have accepted an invitation to a New Year's Eve party this year. I expect to have fun, but if I don't -shrug.
Ha. Ditto. It's not like I'm wrapped up in Spawn's life now, but it's still a monster of a milestone looming out there. I'd rather be in motion before that day comes, so I've got a few things in transition.
Or maybe it's just another example of using a deadline to motivate me. Who knows?
I'm not sure if I could cope with parties, though. I'm thinking more professional stuff. I can't imagine Spawn leaving will make me any less leary of neighbors.
That's a Man - Fri on my calendar. I'm thinking Arky was saying that's the week of their Spring Break. So we need to decide if we Motieo on the first weekend, Feb 16-17, or the second weekend, Feb 23-24. Either one, I can be there!
Anyway, as far as what I'll do after LD leaves the nest, I don't think I'll focus on career. I don't really have a "career", I have a "job" - as in I'm just doing this to pay the bills. However, I may seek a career. I don't particularly like where I'm living now - I don't hate it, but I don't like it either. I'm not moving any time soon because I'm not uprooting LD at this time in her life. So, maybe I'll look around after she's grown.
As far as the New Year's party, the people who invited me are friends who have invited me several times before. I've just never said yes, before. So it's not like I'll be hanging with people I don't know well or don't like.
It may be that you don't have as much energy, because I've never felt physically exhausted by parenting. I really enjoy how self-reliant Spawn is these days. Not that he doesn't still need a lot of attention, but it's not the constant monitoring stuff. And of course now that the ex and I split him, I have a lot of free time to boot.
But it's things like where I live, or what money decisions I make. Once his college is paid for, I have no requirements other than what I need, and I can live absolutely anywhere--don't have to worry about uprooting Spawn, or where the ex is in relationship to where I live. That should sound very attractive, but it always scares me. I was at Spawn's Christmas concert with the ex last night and he mentioned that he hasn't talked to his first wife in years, now that his older daughter is in her 20s. It's not that I'll miss the ex, but it's weird to think of the tangible ways in which my life will change once Spawn hits adulthood.
In this part of the world, there isn't much difference between career and personal life, so as one develops the other usually comes along for the ride--if you want it to. I've been more reclusive than I probably should be in the past three to five years, and that's probably something I should think about.
It's not even like I'll be "old" when Spawn finishes high school. Hell, if he does college in four years I won't even be fifty then.
Speaking of age, I was carded by the Safeway clerk today, who apologized for doing so because it was clear I was over 21, but he got reprimanded the other day for not following the rules, which is to card anyone under 30.
I showed him my driver's license and he said, "Really. Wow."
Wow, indeed. And a Merry Christmas to you too, bub.
Judith,
Congrats on finishing the story! That's such a neat tradition you have.
As for Feb, any time is fine with us. You all pick whatever suits your schedule best.
Wrt kids and places in life, Mose has a year and a half before college and it's unreal. I'm perfectly content in every way with where I am, but it will be tough getting used to having college kid.
Christi,
I think you'll really enjoy the party. We used to have a New Year's Eve party almost every year with good friends, and it was really nice. We probably won't have one this year, but we've got several gatherings planned with people close to us.
Wombat,
I hope you all have a good trip and visit.
BTW, the tree must be a spruce. Pines will not do. For table trees a juniper bush is acceptable.
I'm glad to say that it is not a Swedish tree that has given its life for our enjoyment but a Danish one
Which is of course a completely upside-down situaiton. But I take it you haven't room for growing Christmas trees in Sweden due to all the golf courses all over the place?
This is the photo we've put on ours. I offer it to you all with the same cheery holiday greetings we've printed up.
Why do you hate photo greeting cards?
Yes, I do appreciate hearing from a select few on the holidays, those far-flung people I only get to communicate with in writing once a year or so.
But the very idea of exchanging packaged formulaic greetings with everyone I know, including all the people I meet (and talk to, and e-mail) on a regular basis, makes me puke.
The photo ones up the ante, with self-conscious, self-congratulatory, forced show-offiness.
--
Needless to say, my wife does not even bother to consult me on these matters, and simply gets and sends cards and the rest of the world appears to appreciate it.
We have not had snow yet this year that has lasted on the ground for more than two minutes, something that I have very rarely seen in 40 some odd years here in the heart of the prairie. I was begining to wonder if I'd be jingling my Great Grandfather's sleighbells over a bleak grey landscape, but things are looking up.
That's so cynical!
But the very idea of exchanging packaged formulaic greetings with everyone I know, including all the people I meet (and talk to, and e-mail) on a regular basis, makes me puke.
Talk about a daunting task. There'd be no way to afford sending greeting cards if I sent one to every single person I knew and everyone I had ever met. I'd have a hard enough time trying to track down their addresses, let alone buying thousands of cards.
You know Majori loves being crabby. :P
I say, take delight in showing off your beautiful child.
For me, sending cards is a way of keeping in touch and letting the people I know, know that I care for them.
One year, as a payback to all who sent me Christmas cards, with long letters and kids' pics (many I didn't even know,) I took the kid to the ice arena in his full hockey gear...had him get on the ice, with his helmet under his arm, look fierce, and "snap." Then took it to Kinko or whoever, and insisted the words "Peace & Joy" be printed under the picture. Hahahahaha. No one "got"it. I still have one left, and whenever I run across it, it's been at least 11 or 12 years, I laugh and laugh.
To resident?? Are you sure it didn't have a coupon on the other side?
The only mass mailing letter I get is from my great aunt and great uncle who have 6 children, 20 grandchildren, 8 nieces, 2 great nieces, 3 nephews and 1 great nephew.
Gee, Schmilsson, I thought the Schwedes had grown out of exploiting Third World countries...
Yet another year and I didn't send my cards. Things just got too crazy right about the time I needed to send them. I really wish we'd have final exams after Christmas. It's just too much at a time when people are trying to prepare for the holiday. I love getting cards, but I'm always amazed that people send them to me, as bad as I am about sending cards.
Oh well. The shopping's done and now all I really have to do is enjoy the tree and clean my house and be home until Christmas day.
Happy Ho Ho's everybody!
We will spend Christmas Eve (the big day here) at my SIL's so we just made the basics: baked ham, two kinds of pickled herring and the yum-yum cake.
My partner made sure the first ornament we placed upon it was the one which says, Peace.
Had my mother behaved honestly, and just told us she was tired of tradition back in October or November, we would have gone out of our way to adjust. Instead, she tried to weasel out of an honest acknoweldgement by inventing a reason and presenting it at the last moment in the hopes that we wouldn't object. I don't know why she'd have such a foolish hope; after all, she raised us.
It's not like she's being forced to comply; she was just given a few choices and took the one we expected. Next year we'll revamp plans early in light of her preferences.
Have a great Sunday all!
I've decided that whether Bob's dad is out of the hospital or not, I'm going to cook as usual and plan for everyone to be over here. My family will be here anyway, and we can haul what's left to town if Bob's family has to congregate at the hospital.
Mose is very anal about the Christmas tree. She informed me that we weren't to put anything but red and gold balls on it. She always decorates the house and tree, and she had gold and red balls and ribbons and beads and ornaments that matched the gold/red/green color scheme except for one or two sentimental ones.
I think while she's gone I'll stick something on it and see what she says when she gets home.
I know it is too much to ask, but I wish for peace in the new year. Perhaps the most we can hope for is peace in our own lives. Evie's gift to me is her health, which is great.
Mose is on the right track. Less is more.
each and every Motie this holiday and throughout the coming year! 
To those with whom I have found favor, I say "I am as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry as a school-boy. I am as giddy as a drunken man. A merry Christmas to every-body! A happy New Year to all the world! Hallo here! Whoop! Hallo!"
Happy Yaddas!
I say this once, only once.
Merry Christmas, everyone.
But then again it was heartening to see a Taiwanese fellow with very poor english, wanting to give something but not understanding what the children were asking for, so I suggested he make a cash donation, so he dropped a $100 on the table.
Another woman came by with her 4 mo. old girl, obviously very emotional, she was near tears at the thought of children not receiving anything for xmas, couldn't pick out a single tag and also chose instead to make a cash donation.
I had a salad with tomatoes, fresh mozarella and basil confit. Hubby had "insalata tricolore" with radicchio for the red, and endive for the white, (I can't remember what they used for the green) freshly shaved parmigiano-reggiano cheese with a balsamic vinegrette dressing. Hubby's entre was salmon in a puff pastry with a sauce I can't remember...mine was a tuna steak on a bed of sauted fennel with a black truffle sauce. Delicious. We were so full, we skipped dessert and settled for a cappuchino. Very nice. We plan on returning again soon. 
A Blessed Week to All!
Jex,
Can't believe I didn't recognize where Francis' quote came from. It's been a long time since I sat through A Christmas Carol. The "more gravy than grave" sounded Hamletish.
Love those Greek icons!;-)
Judith,
We all knew what you meant. Well, at least 99% of us!
God is so good!!
Today, it's cleaning, baking a cardamom cake (that goes into a mold making it look like a little cathedral) for tonight's dinner at other friends, and wrapping presents.
Thanks, but I do have it now.
Happy holidays to you.
And to you all.
'Peace upon earth!' was said. We sing it,
And pay a million priests to bring it.
After two thousand years of mass
We've got as far as poison gas.
- Thomas Hardy
Okay. I've got some serious wrapping to get going on, so I better get ... I'll be up all night knowing what a perfectionist I am when it comes to seams on boxes. :-(
Good night, y'all!
First, I better get a question off in the TV thread before I head out.
Did you get your package yet?
No. When was it suppose to have arrived ?
I'll ask my neighbor tomorrow to see if she might have received it in the last few days. She has received packages for me, only to forget that she has them.
Thanks again ( I wonder what it is ?), though.
With a small lump in my throat; there will be great joy to loved ones, when they are told that they are loved.
This is a Christmas with family and friends and those we see to it share what we have. To be with the ones we love and remember those whom we miss.
I miss my grandfather, whose smile and greeting made me feel loved.
I miss my aunt whose christmas card, I wont receive this year. She always made me feel welcome and loved.
I miss another aunt who also gave me a greeting of welcome and love.
I miss my sister-in-laws mother, whose welcome and love overflowed to me and my family.
God bless the Moties families who have dealt with loss this year, 2001.
God bless us, everyone.
We're outta here - WE HAVE SNOW!!!!! - about a foot, and we're goin' sleddin'!
I wanna sled naked with yo bro!
I received my very special gift from Jen on Saturday and so put it under the tree to open today. I must say, I don't think I've ever seen a halter top more embellished.
The simple denim halter top (well, ok, they had little disco ball danglies hanging from the nipple area) has been improved beyond all reason and good sense with gold fringe, gold ric-rack, and two cut-outs of the grinch -- one on each breast --surrounded by white and gold lace. Muh darlin has been pestering me to try it on all day, but I'm waiting for a special occassion -- maybe new years eve.
How oh how can I ever improve upon it? I don't know, but I must try.
I don't know how I did it, but I managed to leave out the Christmas card. I found it today, and it was to go with the halter top!
I just know that you'll look fabulous in it. Tell me, do you like the shoulder bows?;-)
Hey, I fed my MIL your salsa, and she REALLY, REALLY, REALLY wants the recipe. Can you share it? (please)
Here goes:
LOTSA SALSA
About 20 cups chopped tomatos
2 large onions, chopped
15 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tspns black pepper
1 tspn tumeric
3 TBLSPNS salt
1/3 cup lime juice
~ 15 jalapeno's minced
1/4 cup olive oil
enough tomato paste to thicken to perferred consistancy.
Bring to a boil, put in pint jars, seal, and process 15 minutes in boiling water bath.
Last year we decided to do Christmas Eve with Ms. Vole so she didn't have to run around so much on Christmas day to cover all her required territory. It worked out so nicely that we're making it a tradition.
Tomorrow I'm catching up with my family, though Mike's going to pass since he'll be working late and is usually wiped out.
Kids insisted on doing all the handing out of gifts, and all of the clean up...age does have it's benefits.
Now I have to update my OS, since these newfangled printers aren't compatible with my trusty Windows '95.
It's always something...
But we did get snow, so we were out sledding half the day before heading to the parents' for turkey dinner.
No sooner had they all gotten out the door and the table cleared than Bro's daughter, who just turned five, hit the door facing while running through the house, so we were back in the emergency room for seven or eight stitches to her lip.
I hope everyone had a great holiday. Family time is the best part of the season, even when it's hectic.
Joe, what a treat!
arky and bubba,
I'm so glad it was good for you and cozy, too! It's so much better that way.
Joezan, sounds like you had a great day. No snow here, but cold enough for icy roads. Very clear skies. Good luck doing the computer stuff. I don't know how to do much besides put a disk in a drive.
My post posted befre I edited it. what I was tryong to say was that the mood was right (cozy and with family) and that I was sorry for Arky that her neice got hurt!
Ms. Vole gave me a lovely venetian glass pendant with lots of stars and a crescent moon in a dark blue field.
I wonder how Inspector Friendly did with Adrienne this year.
Good day here. No ER visits for us, thankfully (they're not unheard of in my large extended family). Kids were quite happy with their gifts. We've started doing family gifts on Christmas Eve and Santa gifts in the morning (Santa does one gift per kid, a shared gift, and stockings). We then go to my mom's, then my grandmother's. As far as I'm concerned, Christams IS at my gm's, so we have to do that. And my mom lives next door to her, essentially, and the kids won't go stand for being that close to Gram and not going.
The biggest hit Christmas Eve was the fire truck for Q. Maia got a little white board and markers which she was quite fond of. Also liked her Miss Clavel (from Madeline) doll.
Santa brought a big wooden dollhouse for her and an airport playset for Q. He was quite tickled by the jump rope in his stocking. Oh, he's over the childlike thrill at all gifts: He opened his traditional Christmas PJ's and said "That doesn't look very much like a present."
One of my cousins got him a football, which he didn't let go of all afternoon. And M got her first Barbie.
BTW, I hate that Mike is having to work so much OT. Will it slow down after the holidays?
On a lighter subject, thanks Abs! You will love slippers. Bob's motives were a bit selfish, I think, since I have feet like a cadaver when I go to bed. ;-)
Cork does sound nice, Bubba. I'll have to check them out.
Shannon, it sounds like your kids had a great day. How about you?
I'm sorry that Bob's dad isn't doing better.
Some of my cousins are building a massive bonfire for New Year's Eve. I hope they know what they're doing... It's very impressive, assuming that it won't collapse and send burning logs rolling in ever direction. They do one every year, but this one's just HUGE. 30 feet or so, I think, a good 2-3 times taller than any previous ones.
Hey, several people reported seeing a few snowflakes this morning.
LOL! I love it.
Seeing my niece get a visit from Santa is the first for me since Mose was little. It's really neat.
I'm sorry about your cousin, Shannon. I remember when you posted about it. I'm glad you all had a good gathering.
No fair for y'all to have snowflakes in L'weezyana when we Arkies haven't seen any yet.
I hope that Bob's dad is soon on the mend. It must be very stressful for your family, Arky.
Nine years seems like a long time when you're overworked, but it really isn't in the big picture, and things may change soon if they lose enough people. I hope so. I have only seven years before I could retire.
Arky, how was Mose, today?
Still, I got a nice edition of Alexander Hamilton's collected writings, two great DVDs--Apocalypse Now and It Happened One Night (with commentary!). But my mother got us all halogen lamps. Gosh, mom, just what I always wanted.
I think she exchanged our cooler gifts after the fondue rebellion.
I was the one who made the fondue sauces this year--that was the negotiation that allowed the meal to go forward. Having not had the opportunity for formal cooking in a while, I decided to create a couple basic sauces that couldn't fail and then just go wild on the rest, finding recipes that appealed to me and hoping for a 50% hit rate. While I enjoy cooking, I'm not a sauce person--they require far too much detail.
But I scored 100%, if my family's response was any indication.
Aioli (per Julia Childs)
Lime (sour cream, lime juice, and parsley. Don't laugh, it was wonderful.)
Mustard (also per Julia--pure Dijon whipped into olive oil)
Horseradish (sour cream and lemon)
Mayonnaise with fresh herbs (let it sit, mayonnaise from scratch)
Garlic parmesan (fresh mayonnaise, parmesan reggiano, and several cloves of garlic)
And then the safe entries: the Heinz sauce that has been on the menu since we began in the seventies (Heinz catsup, Heinz 57, A-1, Worcestshire sauce, and Tabasco), and guacamole.
The aioli in particular was a big hit, which was neat, because it was a fair amount of work.
I hope Bob's dad is feeling better soon, arky.
Cork slippers do sound nice. I need nice comfy slippers because of my foot problems. My current ones are Easy Spirits; I may check out the LL Bean ones when they wear out.
Mose is great, but her holiday is full, with three trips out of town before she goes back to school.
Eddie Bauer would have some neat slippers too, I would think. I haven't looked into a catalog in a while, but those wooly leather ones look so cozy and comfortable.
We had cheese foundue for Christmas Eve. Yummy. At least we thought so. The kids didn't much like it. Those swiss-type cheeses aren't to their liking. I'll have to concoct a cheddar fondue for them.
Hahaha! For the life of me, I didn't remember what I'd posted that your comment was in response to before I'd read the rest of your post, and suddenly remembered "snowflakes." Duh. My imagination was running wild.
Thanks for the thoughts on Bob's dad.
Bro's niece didn't wake up until nine or so, but she sleeps late. I was wanting to wake her up, but refrained.
That's right, Mose does have trips and things. Glad the day went well for her.
It must have been difficult. Did they ever find the killer(s)?
We had a nice quiet day; good food, long naps, and Raiders of the Lost Ark in the evening.
Most of my extended family lives in Miami, and we usually go there for at least part of the holiday, but not this year. My godmother was extremely pissy about it and she was rather distant when I called her today. Tough; that just means I go underground.
Oh, and our traditional family Christmas story for the last forty years is Dad's tearjerker about the time he only got one little present--a small airplane that turned around. I swear, he asked again this year if we'd heard it. Even Dad's new jokes are old. He bought a joke book and it was full of Henny Youngman one-liners. But he carves the turkey and does the heavy lifting, even at 70, so I'm not complaining, just observing.
There was some sort of pre-trial hearing a couple of weeks ago; I'm not sure when the actual trial is supposed to start.
Maria,
Who was the Martin Short character who couldn't wait for Santa and would sneak up in the night--he had the strange hairdo? His parents would yell at him to go to bed.
I myself have to hit the sack for a quick nap. I have to be at work in two friggin' hours. :-(
I'm just so happy to be home relaxing I'm not ready for bed.
I had a great Christmas. I spent it with my family -- all of my family, including my sister, her husband and the kids from Maui -- and, the camcorder worked for once, unlike the last time I tried using it in France, and found out later that one must recharge NEW batteries. They are ALL there on tape for once ...
...except for me, that is. I was too busy playing cameraman.
Abs,
Those who usually handle those responsibilities are away on Christmas leave. I'm going to need to get some sleep, and soon.
I cooked the roast in one of those oven bags, in a whole cup of sherry. Mmmmmmmm!
I made black beans and rice, and yucca, too. Usually you boil the yucca and make a garlic sauce for it, but the day before I'd had a dream where Robert De Niro told me to put it in with the roast, so I did! The taste was unbelievable.
By the way, for Christmas I bought my mom a CD titled,Donne Reed's Dinner Party, and among its cuts in one by Mike Douglas ( The talk show host from the 70s ) titled, "The Men In My Little Girl's Life".
... If any of you are familiar with the song, you might understand why this 44 year finds himself in tears when listening to it --everytime it was/is played ... I'm I a weird softy, or what ?
And, I don't even have a daughter!
...Dad, there's a boy outside
His name is Lee
He wants to carry home my books for me
Can he daddy, is it alright, dad?
He's got freckles, dad.
The men in my little girl's life
The men in my little girl's life
Popsie, there's a boy outside.
His name is Tom.
He wants to take me to the prom...
I can't go on.
(snif) :-)
I better get some sleep. G'night y'all!
G'night!
where Robert De Niro told me to put it in with the roast
Hmmm. I've had some rather vivid dreams the last couple of nights, myself, which I attribute to gastronomical over-kill. But none with anyone so interesting as Robert DeNiro. I did dream of my high school boyfriend. He and I ran into each other, but unfortunately, I had turned into that fat woman with the freak hair and make-up from the Drew Carey show. The boyfriend laughed and snorted at me.
So in guilty fear of turning into that woman, I only had 3 macadamia nut chocolate chip cookies for breakfast the next morning.
We decided to buy ourselves a roto-zip for xmas...now our cat has some beautiful scroll-work designs in his fur.
(Only kidding!)
As far as I know, he is still 18. Isn't it wierd, when I saw him at our 25-year reunion, he hadn't changed a bit. In fact, I think he is still wearing the same glasses.
I bought a roto-zip one morning at 3:00am after watching an insomnia-induced info-mercial. It looked like the most wonderful tool in the world. I have yet to take it out of the box, and it is over 2 years old!
What is it? Some sort of power tool?
I felt myself weakening yesterday while glancing a little too long at an infomercial for LePresse. Forced myself to change the channel...
I'm also reminded of that Cybil Sheppherd show where she and maryanne would get involved in taking revenge on maryanne's X, Dr. Dick. Very tempting.
What is it? Some sort of power tool?"
If you saw the infomercial, you would know this this one tool is absolutely indespensible. Whatever you could possibly need done around the house, this tool will do. For example, it will take down your Christmas lights and put away your Christmas decorations, it will do your 2001 taxes, it will clean your closets, sculpt your cat, etc. etc. etc. It is absolutely fabulous. A must-have. A cannot-do-without.
Unfortunely, between the time I ordered it and got it, I forgot how to use it or what to use it for. Thus the 2-year repose in the box.
(I know, I could take it out and read the instructions. But I'm too busy right now, maybe later.)
Yes, my Texas caviar recipe here in Recipes...in the 60s-70s, I believe...after my mashed potatoes which is #66.
Toys
When we were in Omaha a week and a half ago, we all went Christmas shopping at the base exchange (no taxes). As soon as you walked in, there was this guy on a makeshift stage, hawking this glorified blender - for 400 BUCKS!
Of course, this guy produced a 4-course meal - with hot and cold items - in a matter of minutes.
This meal "retained all of the vitamins and nutrients of all of its ingredients, since you add everything - stems, sticks, skins, seeds, etc."
Pretty impressive and tasty - but I swear, all it was was a glorified blender.
My sister bought one on the spot.
What a gabroni...
Seriously, joezan, it does everything he said and more...you can make your own flour with it, even.
Joe, it's a great appliance...I don't have a food processor or a blender or a hand mixer or anything like that so this machine does just fine for me.
Bob and I slept like a couple of rocks while his bro pulled hospital duty last night, and it was great. It's a wonderful thing to be rested and have a beautiful day and no plan.
I'm at work.
I'm on the Mote!
Guess it all evens out.
Just have D look at the instructions.
By the way, you should see what we found under the carpet!
I "told" on you in the Mote cafe. About the emergency poncho and sardines and blue eyeliner and all.
What was under the carpet, I fearfully ask? Should I come see? Should I bring my roto zip?
So, the installers will have to remove more linoleum than we planned for. I don't think it'll be a problem though.
Man is this stuff ugly.
Bubba loved her halter top, did you see that?
As we always say, "Christmas isn't Christmas without Grinches and Fringes!"
I think I'll be going to a friend's. What about you?
---
Hokay, here are some of my Christmas Day pics, to go with those I've posted in the Religion thread of Mass at St. Patrick's.
[that last one shows the Olympic Flame, it was installed in that location for a couple of days]
First we're going to the restaurant we love where they are having a private get-together; then back to our neighborhood for our good friends who do a Mexican food feast every year...this guy makes enchiladas to rival any Mexican restaurant...and he isn't even from Texas! Then over to our friends who always have a great International flavor to their parties...and a huge balloon drop with confetti at midnight. Their ceilings are very tall and the guy affixes a huge net full of balloons and mylar confetti and at the stroke of midnight, he pulls a cord and we are all dancing in balloons and covered in confetti which tracks into the car and to our house and we find it all over for months after...imagine what THEIR house looks like!
Note to all prospective parents. You may get your almost- two year old son everything from an expensive German tricycle to tons of books, and a train set, even a huge slab of chocolate. But if you toss in a small 'suitcase of frogs', available at various museums across the country, your child will become obsessed with said frogs to the exclusion of all the other wonders.
I wish more people would post photos of what's happening in their lives over the holidays. Zan and I have been the only stalwarts for this whole year, which is odd because digital cameras are becoming really quite cheap. You can get a very decent Olympus for well under 200 bucks nowadays.
Here's one of my tyke surveying his loot on Christmas Eve:
He personally decorated the window that you see behind him with these Santa/reindeer/stars decals.
(I guess you can tell I have little knowledge of what it takes to post pictures...)
We're going to have a New Years DAY party and I'm searching for some non-alcoholic effervescent stuff for the non-drinkers in our crowd...very few but I want to provide something festive for their champagne flutes. I've heard that one called Ariel is very good; anyone have any contact with this stuff?
ripened pomegranates you have grown yourself, naturally.
He leads a church that not only does these things, but near as I can tell, regularly collects for the local food banks, sponsors AA meetings, financially supports ministries abroad, and collects funds for every order of cause, from the homeless children of Moscow to the starving children of Africa. All in addition to its regular and not insubstantial service of offering humanitarian and spiritual service to those who are sick, dying, bereaved, and otherwise searching for solace. This is but one such church amongst hundreds in my area, all of whom perform the same or similar services.
Damn it, Julius, put your toys away.
This is your new moniker? The grandeur delusions are ever increasing, if so. (If you are instead a newbie, apologies.)
And a Happy New Year to you all.
I'll post some soon, I hope. I don't have a digital camera, but I do have a scanner. So I've got to do the old-fashioned developing. I think hubby (who is far more organized than I) may have put them in the car today to take in.
I am also continually amazed at those who laud ministers good works. Are they not paid for doing this?
And please note I am not dismissing his earnestness. I'm not dismissing him at all. Thus your anticipatory accusation of arrogance will have to apply to someone else.
And yes, they are cute pics of everyone's kids.
I dunno. I get bored with self-congratulatory yapping about ministers--and for that matter, churches (which JC does as well).
People do this sort of thing to fulfill their own self-image. If they didn't enjoy it, they wouldn't do it. So it's nice that others benefit from their do-goodism, but I find it tedious to act as if they are somehow different from the rest of us.
The guy has a job where he pretty much gets to do anything he wants and still play basketball. I suspect he is in a very well-funded parish, and gets paid nicely for it. This does not sound like anything approaching a difficult life.
Everyone pretty much finds the life they want. It's no more laudable to be a minister than it is to be a salesman. Both are making choices that make them happy. In fact, the salesman probably supports a lot more ministers than the minister does.
Your little boy is a doll, and your Christmas pix are beautiful! Better give them to Guilliani, as they're a great promo for NYC!
CalGal
Ministers of the type that Julius describes put in far more than 40 hours a week (and you're right, they do it because they want to, because they are called to.) But they also do what few others of us are able to do: help people in their moment of darkest need, when loved ones die suddenly, when they are dying, when people are facing terrible illness or loss or other tragedy. These men and women step in where the rest of us would respectfully back away.
By the way, Giuliani just gave his farewell address. Monday is his last day in office. Never thought I'd say it but I'll miss the hardheaded bugger, he has come to epitomize NYC in my mind. Like Koch most recently before him, but better.
Most professionals put more than 40 hours a week at their job. And they are able to do what you describe because, again, they want to.
This isn't a bad thing. I just don't think they are any better or worse than the rest of us and it is a false comparison to suggest that they are simply because what they do happens to benefit other people. They enjoy doing it.
There are some people who influence others in a life-changing way. Almost everyone remembers a teacher who had a profound impact on him or her at a critical juncture in life. Same with doctors. Same with ministers. They deal with people during the most difficult moments in life. And that is no small thing. You say they enjoy doing it. But I would have to disagree. I have seen my pastor after he conducted the funeral of a much-loved baby. He didn't enjoy it. His heart broke with the family. The same pastor is on the Police Chaplain list. He gets calls in the middle of the night when someone is killed and the officer requests a chaplain accompanying him/her to notify the next of kin. Do you think he "enjoys" that kind of call? He does it because he is called to do it, just as a doctor answers a call in the middle of the night.
Some people give more in their jobs than the rest of us do, and for that I am thankful.
While on the subject, I am also thankful there are people who will pick up and bury my trash and keep sewer lines clean and do all kinds of jobs that I could not/would not do.
I think it's a good thing that there are people who do enjoy the sort of jobs you're talking about, but yes, I do think they enjoy them. My mom is a teacher, and a pretty good one I think; she enjoys her work quite a lot. Most good teachers do; most also have some aspects of the job they don't care for, I'm sure, just as other people do.
Hell, I take calls in the middle of the night for my job. Less stressful calls than doctors generally get, no doubt, but I don't enjoy getting them. But I do enjoy my job, and I accept those calls as part of my responsibility for doing the job.
I don't know that this is true. I certainly think that there are good ministers and bad ministers, and I'm sure that JC describes a good one.
I would say instead that some jobs require more contact with death and illness than others, but again, they chose that.
I just don't think they deserve additional kudos for something they actively sought out and enjoy doing. And yes, I think they enjoy helping people, even if sometimes that involves dealing with death and illness. They also enjoy additional standing in the community--and I am reasonably sure that this is a factor in what draws them to the career.
It is a career, just like any other. It has advancement, it has the potential for fame, for money, for a comfortable living, for failure, for disgrace--the whole shebang.
I just don't see any reason why it should be singled out for additional acclaim. They are doing what they love to do, they made an active choice to take it on, and they generally get a bunch of people telling them how wonderful they are. It's fulfillment of their dream, best case.
Ministers are the equivalent of a luxury item. They are funded by the rest of us. JC's minister seems to be living a very happy life. So why single him out as admirable merely for having a good time at his job and doing it well? Gosh, that seems the least that they could do, not something that deserves three posts of celebration.
CalGal, you are something else!
I'll be sure to post pics of the bonfire too. That's my New Year's Eve plan. Then of course cabbage and blackeyed peas on New Year's Day. Must go shopping.
You disagree that they are a luxury item?
Arky--Not all ministers are poorly paid, and not all of them go into it expecting no renumeration. And plenty of people went into the church and are miserable. So your post is accurate whether applied to ministers or those who took "good" jobs to pay for (gasp) "material" things. Material things like ministers--who are, after all, supported by all those folks who take those high paying jobs.
I agree, 2001 was a very sucky year. I hope 2002 brings much better things.
Bob's dad is being cared for by loving nurses and hospital staff. They could be merely efficient and competent without the added care and attention, and in such a case I might be confident in their abilities to treat him, but I'm infinitely grateful they are so caring and loving and gentle with a suffering man and so accommodating to his hurting and worried family.
Sure. That has nothing to do with what we've been discussing, though.
As for the nurses and hospital staff, they are doing a good job.
I am also continually amazed at those who laud ministers good works. Are they not paid for doing this?
The issue was why some people such as ministers are so appreciated and admired--"lauded," if you prefer--in their work. Your position was that the admiration was out of proportion to their contributions as employees simply doing their jobs. I explained that job satisfaction is irrelevant to the appreciation and admiration people feel for someone's work.
As for the hospital staff, they would be doing a good job if they were merely competent and efficient. Once again, it's irrelevant to the level of appreciation we and others feel for them.
marj:
Beautiful pics -especially the boy.
You mentioned the Olympus (under $200) - is that what you use...the Brio? I have the older D490 (which is 2.1mp to the Brio's 1.3mp), but I got my mom the Brio for Christmas. It's a much more comfortable camera, and the picture quality is awesome.
Your posted photos are much clearer and less pixelated than mine - tell me something. Do you shoot and upload at the HQ setting? I shoot a lot on HQ, but I'm still on dial-up, so I reduce my photos to 640x480 for email and upload.
I used to use a D - 360L. Unfortunately, this perfectly useful camera (though with no zoom) got busted.
So, I've just bought a D-510.
My approach to digital photography is totally no-frills. In fact, I've barely used the zoom at all, I merely set the camera permanently to shoot at SQ and the lowest setting (I think it's 640/480 and gives me 33 images a pop in the new one), and shoot and download (and upload, and post) away.
I'm on a dial-up connection at home too, and it does take quite a while to upload photos. Which is why I use Shutterfly's applet, merely drag over the score or so photos I want at a time and go off to do other things while the photos upload (taking half-an-hour or more).
Ah. I was speaking of the generic paean that Caesar posted, listing all the things the guy did that are very much his job. That is, to me, much different from saying "The minister was an incredible support to me in this difficult time." which is not significantly different from "My friend Joe was an incredible support to me." Once the appreciation becomes personal, no big. It was the notion that this guy is amazing just for doing his job because his job is somehow more worthy than the rest of us slobs--that's the part that I always find tedious. 
Shannon, they are most adorable. 
There is no fixing a digital camera. At least, it costs so much you're better off buying a new one. I was deeply disappointed to learn that the D-360L would cost $260 to fix - this when a new one is now available for a mere $150 and change.
Abs, I don't think he's half bad myself.
Hubby bought a four thousand dollar digital camera, and I'm not allowed to use it.;-( ( a waste if you ask me!)
With him being the photog man, we have tons of great cameras, but I use a disposable one.;-)
Was your husband ever in The Ozark Mountain Daredevils? (g)
Jenn:
What is this MAC place? If you can get a 3+mp camera there for approx. $300, I'll eat Abs's shorts.
Abs,
I'm a little afraid to mess with it, to be honest. I'd press the wrong buttons!
My daughter and niece this afternoon...
...Nowhere near the penache of their dad/uncle, who has just conquered the fabled K-1 at Duncan's Hollow, and is going back for more...
Happy New Year, all.
Brandy Sour on Greek brandy.
Various snacks
Russian caviar with smetana (Russian sour cream) and toast.
Chablis*
Cœer de Filet, Pommes Chateux, tomates gratinées au Rocquefort and home-made Sauce Bearnaise.
Santagostino Epoca**
Home-made Creme Caramel
Madeira
Irish Coffee
* Yes, I know that the prescribed drink is chilled vodka but neither our guests, nor we, are fond of hard liquor.
**A Sicilian wine described as robust and full-bodied. Made from the Merlot grape which we like.
Judith,
Yep, it's one of his work cameras.;-)
***************
My God - tonight will either be fantastic or an unmitigated disaster. I believe that there is little room for in-between.
There are rival parties happening. WHikle it is usual - not to mention desirable to avoid ethnic warfare - that there is more than one party on Y, tonight will be odd because there will be two parties in the same social group.
One set of friends feels like family and their party will likely be debauched and comfy - as long as I don't get into a fighyt with an ex-boyfriend. But nothing exciting. Also, all my girlfriends from this group, bar one, have had horrific breakups with their boyfriends recently and are all emotional powder-kegs. Meltdowns are common, if not frequent I *reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeally* don't want to spend NYE in someone's bedroom comforting her and telling her, "he wasn't right for you anyway".
The hostess of the other party knows people I don't and that is inherently exciting. But it could be very awful also. Her friends have a horrible tendency to arty leftism. But she knows some Brazilians and they are usually good for parties. WHo knows.
My kids didn't get up until almost 9. Actually, my daughter got up around 7:30 and crawled into bed with us--I guess she forgot it was Christmas. It's odd that they sleep so late, as they're usually up by 8. I always slept late (people would wake me, in fact) on Christmas, but then I slept late the other 364 days of the year too, so...
And a very happy New Year to you too.
We are having 7 different kinds of champagne for our New Years day celebration. And some lovely French Sparkling Cider. The champagnes range from brut to very sweet so no one shall be disappointed when the group toast rolls around.
Should be fun. It's a good party to take the kids to, anyway.
The dogs have enjoyed my week off by going inside and outside every 15 minutes. I'm ready for the Holiday to be over and took the tree down last night.
We're going over to Mike's sister's apartment early this evening and then having a few people over to ring in the new year. Then I have a couple coming over tomorrow for brunch. I still haven't decided what to serve (except mimosas).
Even jexster.
here's a helpful site, even if i disagree with the 'painometer' rankings.
Rip and i will be going downtown to have dinner and watch a drag show after which we will stumble to our room at a bed and breakfast around the corner i reserved as a x-mas gift.
see you all in the new year!
I hope all of you have a great New Year.
We're going to a neighbor's house for a pot-luck (called pitch-in in Hoosierese). Supposedly, we having a "murder mystery" game. I guess I am not very enthustiastic about thise, but if this party is similar to other neighborhood events, there will be good food, pleasant chat and we'll all go home to bed by 10:30.
SANTA CLAUS - An Engineer's Perspective.
There are approximately two billion children (persons under 18) in the world. However, since Santa does not visit children of Muslim, Hindu, Jewish, Jehovah's Witnesses, or Buddhist religions, this reduces the workload for Christmas night to 15% of the total, or 378 million (according to the Population Reference Bureau).
At an average (census) rate of 3.5 children per house hold, that comes to 108 million homes, presuming that there is at least one good child in each. Santa has about 31 hours of Christmas to work with, thanks to the different time zones and the rotation of the earth, assuming he travels east to west (which seems logical). This works out to 967.7 visits per second.
This is to say that for each Christian household with a good child, Santa has around 1/1000th of a second to park the sleigh, hop out, jump down the chimney, fill the stockings, distribute the remaining presents under the tree, eat whatever snacks have been left for him, get back up the chimney, jump into the sleigh and get on to the next house. (That's really why it's pointless to stay up and watch for hirn ...)
Assuming that each of these 108 million stops is evenly distributed around the earth (which, of course, we know to be false, but will accept for the purposes of our calculations), we are now talking about 0.78 Miles per household; a total trip of 75.5 million miles, not counting bathroom stops or breaks. This means Santa's sleigh is moving at 650 miles per second 3,000 times the speed of sound.
On land, a conventional reindeer can pull no more than 300 pounds. Even granting that the "flying" reindeer could pull ten times the normal amount, the job can't be done with eight or even nine of them --- Santa would need 360,000 of them. This increases the payload, not counting the weight of the sleigh, another 54,000 tons, or roughly seven times the weight of the Queen Elizabeth (the ship, not the monarch) . 600, 000 tons travelling at 650 miles per second creates enormous air resistance --- this would heat up the reindeer in the same fashion as a spacecraft re-entering the earth's atmosphere.
The lead pair of reindeer would absorb 14.3 quintillion joules of energy per second each. In short, they would burst into flames almost instantaneously, exposing the reindeer behind them and creating deafening sonic booms in their wake. The entire reindeer team would be vaporised within 4.26 thousandths of a second, or right about the time Santa reached the fifth house on his trip. Not that it matters, however, since Santa, as a result of accelerating from a dead stop to 650 mps in .001 seconds, would be subjected to centrifugal forces of 17,500 G,s. A 250 pound Santa (which seems ludicrously slim) would be pinned to the back of the sleigh by 4,315,015 pounds of force, instantly crushing his bones and organs and reducing him to a quivering blob of pink goo.
Therefore, if Santa did exist, he's dead now.
1. Celebrate. It occured to me that even though the circumstances may be tough, segments of life may be sad, depressing, or frustrating, that I shoud endeavor to break my old habit of waiting 'till things are better to celebrate.
2. To acknowledge what's been accomplished and create what's next.
3. Continue to be committed to make a difference.
4. Be aware of the words I use as they form the framework within which I will create my life.
5. To be grateful and un-presumptuous for the inconceivable surprise of living.
6. To play.
7. To read.
8. To be friendly.
9. To dream.
10. To look around -- the day is too short to be selfish.
11. To be patient.
How is life treating you and yours?
I think Bob will have to be gone again, and since I wasn't invited to Mose's friend's party and none of our friends are having one, it will be a quiet evening, which is just fine by me. I like to enjoy our tree NYE and then take it down Jan 1. I already made my blackeyed peas.
I hope everyone has a great 2002!
At midnight I shall stand with my 16 year-old daughter along Lake Michigan, hand in hand, and as we look up I will ask her to promise to tell her children and grandchildren to do the same in these United States on that night and speak my name, and the name of my father, and his father, and his father, and his father's name, and his father's name, back to 1752.
She and her children and grand-children will not speak the names of the mothers in your ancestry and progeny ? Why not?
Meilleurs voeux!
That sounds lovely, Scott.
I see. I apologize for my tasteless remark.
Today we had brunch with my older son and his fiancée and we exchanged presents. Joe and Karin spent Christmas in Chicago with his grand-parents, a tradition started before I came back in the area and which I am loath to break.
We happily admired Karin's engagement ring. It looks as they will have a large wedding. There will be a professional photographer and there will be a French contingent too in attendance (uncles, aunts, and cousins) and they will all look very smart for posterity as they always do. My first resolution for the new year is that I must look my very best so as not to disgrace my sons. A few pounds to lose, some toning, the best clothes etc. should do the job. It is really pitiful to be so vain but I have visions of descendants saying to their children: Here is the French grand-mother and she was a corker, let me tell you what she once did, said...
The champagne did Bill in so I will watch the ball fall alone.
Arky, Happy New Year to you!
"When do you need it?," he asked. "Is next year okay?"
He then added, "Dry cleaners live for this day."
We'll be looking for Jupiter tonight, which is crystal clear and cold.
Jules - Your Engineer's Perspective on Sanity Clause fails to fully take into account the moral portion of the Claus equation. Remember, he only visits good children. Your engineers have, for some reason, assumed that every household with children has at least one good child! Puh-leeze.
Santa actually only has to make about two dozen stops every Christmas night, piece of cake.
The last time we had a palindrome year (1991) we had a Bush in the White House, a recession, and a war in Western Asia.
Hmmm . . .
Predictions for 2112, anyone?
My kids both stayed up for the new year, although Maia snoozed in my lap for a while around 11. Q loved the fireworks and such, and asked if he can do fireworks when he's six.
Don't tell me we can expect a descendent of one of GWB's twins to be president in 2112. I guess unless I start a daily habit of sipping Crown Royal and chewing Juicy Fruit gum, I shouldn't worry about it.
YC,
Thank you for the thoughts on my FIL and for the New Year wishes! A wedding will be something fun to plan for and look forward to in 2002.
This was the first New Year's Eve in twenty years that Bob and I spent apart, but he called at midnight. I had a nice evening with my parents. They'd even bought some cheap bubbly. Mose got back from her NYE party at 12:30, and we all had a healthy dose of blackeyed peas for lunch a while ago.
The thread will stay up until I get back from skiing (see Notices).
You know, those fake dollars they've been making all the fuss about.
2 a.m. in a small town. First ATM is at the post office. I hit the button for "400", then I think : that's a lot of money. Oh, it didn't say what currency... and sure enough, it spat out 400 boring old francs. Happy new year? Bah humbug.
Next ATM : our bank. A notice : Closed between midnight and 3am. Humph! Across the road to the competition, and finally, at the 3rd ATM out of 4 in the town, we get our Euros.
The most boring, insipid banknotes I have ever seen. I am already nostalgic for the old money. Especially the 50 franc note, which a real work of art.
Alistair,
This is an excerpt from a New York Times article by Sparkle Hayter titled A Fond Adieu to the French Franc. The article is great for us Francophiles but although I tried, I can't now link it. Maybe you have read it but if you haven't it was published 12/12 in the opinion page.
The link is as follow but I suspect it is not complete because it will not work as it is.
I could not find it in search either.
http://www.nytimes.com/2001/12/12/opinion/12HAYT.html?pagewanted=...
I printed the article for one of my classes and took the incomplete link from it.
Maybe someone will help.
Prarie du Chien, WI marks new year with carp
Prairie du Chien - It wasn't a bird or a plane or a big glowing ball that fell from the sky over Prairie du Chien this New Year's Eve. Instead, revelers cheered as a 3-foot frozen carp nose-dived into the crowd.
About 400 people were out in freezing temperatures along the Mississippi River Monday night to watch as Lucky the carp was lowered from a crane at midnight, Prairie du Chien Police Chief Michael King said Tuesday.
"It was an enormous fish," he said. "Just like the ball in New York City, on a slightly lower scale."
The carp drop was accompanied by a number of other carp-inspired festivities and fare - singing, smoked carp, fireworks, a carp pinata, a carp king and queen -all in the spirit of the event's motto: "Carpe Diem," or seize the day.
Our beloved Webfeet is correct, of course. The article is written by a French writer for Francophiles and reeks of condescension while subtly intimating what a great culture the French have compared to the rest of us, slobs who cannot eat a fatty meal without gaining weight and drink wine without getting drunk. Obviously, Sparkle does not know which country in the world has the highest rate of alcoholism.
Anyhow, the article is good for teaching French culture to my students.
Have you heard about the Frenchman who paid for his restaurant bill with monopoly money and got away with the stunt?
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