My Daily Entertainment

At least once a day, Gracie decides it's time to play with Finnigan, the cat. Usually, Finnigan is sound asleep on Gracie's bed when she decides it's time to play. Hmmm, maybe it's not so much play time as 'get-the-heck-off-MY-bed time!'

Gracie starts the game by slapping her paws onto Finnigan. When Finn was younger, he was gung-ho to return the slaps and so the game was on. These days, Finny has gotten quite miserable and ornery and doesn't think the game is so fun. The cat gets this look on his face that clearly says, "back off or you'll be sorry, missy!" Being the ever playful, fun-loving dog she is, Gracie doesn't get the hint and just wants to play - kinda like clueless Odie from Garfield! She snorts and chortles with mouth open and nose crinkled up! Even after a few claws stuck in her eyebrow or snout or lips, she keeps coming back for more!

Finnigan s-l-o-w-l-Y stalked Gracie, ears back, eyes glaring. His bottom jaw quivered as he smacked his lips and in a final jesture of irritation, he pounced right on her head and ran away!

I really have to practice more with action shots. My ISO was too high and of course I didn't use a tripod for these. I tried to capture the emotion in their 'fight', but this is the best I could get!!

THE APPROACH


THE FIRST MOVE


THE COUNTER ATTACK


THE WARNING


THE STANDOFF [aka, The Cat WON]

I've been Tagged!

This is the first time I've been tagged! I'm new at this so I'm not sure what the protocol is, but here goes!
I've been tagged to write 6 things that make me very happy. Lots of things make me happy (like chocolate, sunshine and new shoes), so I'm not sure how easy it will be to pick the top 6. For me, it's probably easier to write 6 WEIRD things about me... but that's for another time!

6 THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY

1. Singing. Not so much me singing, or hearing singing on the radio but specifically hearing singing in tv shows and movies! I would LOVE to LIVE in a Musical!!
2. My DOG. Gracie is a joy to me, every day.
3. My children's happiness. When my daughters are happy - I'm happy!
4. Shopping for ME. I love buying things for me. Not necessarily clothing and such, but things for my house or for the cottage!
5. Eating -- Good food that somebody else cooked.
6. Sharing good times with my family -- playing games, taking hikes, watching movies, etc.

My Experiment

A friend and I have started a new photography club. So far there are three of us in the group!! We meet every two weeks and discuss cameras, technical stuff and upcoming challenges and projects. Our assignment for this week is Depth of Field. I haven't done too much experimenting, but I decided to try out the Macro setting on the loaned Tamron lens I have. It's a 70-300. I switched the Macro on and took a few shots. I'm not really sure what I'm doing when it comes to lenses - I really don't completetly understand them, but here's what I came up with.
I hand-held these, so I had the Shake Reduction switched on. ISO 800, ss 1/45.





I find them a bit dark, with little definition. What do you think?

My Favourite 10 Photos of 2006!

It was extremely hard to choose only 10 favourites. These are not all technically perfect, but are my favourites for a reason.



I like this one for it's simplicity.











This is a fav for it's photojournalistic style. You can feel how cold M is!


















This is just one of those unexpected successes!





















These, I just like!!




























This past summer I discovered how much I enjoy taking Macro shots. This one is one of the first ones I took.

















It was fun experimenting with light and shadows with this shot of my daughter, L.













My sister's dog, Mally.




























Boathouse on Lake Penage.













Solitude on Lake Laurentian.

100 MORE things about ME!

I promise this is it. I won't bore you with 100 MORE after this~!
I found this quite a challenge [and I love challenges]. It was actually interesting to learn more about myself as I was writing these down. I made it a goal to keep writing and writing until I had written 100 more things. It wasn't hard until I got to about # 65. Then things started to slow down.
________________________________
Leave me a link to your 100 list. I'd love to learn more about YOU!

_________________________________



1. I wish I wasn’t such so shy as a youngster and teenager.
2. If someone were to buy me flowers, I wouldn’t want roses. I like daisies, Gerbera daisies, lilacs, freesias and baby’s breath.
3. One of my favourite smells is fresh air.
4. If I had a choice I would never, ever exercise, but I go to the gym to stay healthy. I do love going on hikes, though.
5. I have no interest in Politics. At all.
6. I tend to complete my chores/errands/things-to-do if I write a list.
7. I LOVE a good challenge.
8. I am not a follower. I like to be unique. I actually enjoy being the nonconformist!
9. I’m not phobic, but I don’t like sleeping with the bedroom door closed.
10. I really regret losing touch with one of the best friends I ever had.
11. My husband is such a charmer. He warms my heart and makes me giggle.
12. I can fall asleep just about anywhere. Anywhere.
13. I am very optimistic
14. I love to go to restaurants for dinner. I would do it every night if I could afford it, and if it was healthy!
15. I love, love, love hot, hazy summer days.
16. I make my own espresso. I make a latte every morning.
17. I can go to bed without washing my face, but I HAVE to brush my teeth.
18. I can pick up almost anything with my toes!
19. I am blessed with a fast metabolism
20. I would love to have a male, Gay best friend.
21. I don’t want to go back to work.
22. I love raw cookie dough and cake batter.
23. My mom “lost” me once. She found me in my Oma’s chicken coop! I was two.
24. I love my dog.
25. I used to read Rod McKuen poems a lot when I was a teenager.
26. I’m not a music fanatic, but I do have eclectic tastes.
27. I prefer white cake with white icing to chocolate. Unless it’s my mother-in-law’s chocolate cake!
28. I took Drum kit lessons for six months when I was 40 years old. I had wanted to play drums ever since I remember. I got it out of my system!
29. My husband threw me a surprise party for my 40th birthday.
30. I have had people stop me to tell me I look like Lea Thompson, the actress!
31. As a child, I would cry when I saw a dog-sled team. I thought they were being mistreated. I could NOT ever watch the movie ‘Eight Below’.
32. I absolutely am a huge fan of the Harry Potter books and movies.
33. I like the number13.
34. I once stuck my finger in a light socket to see if it was ‘on’!
35. I wish I had the money to decorate my house the way I’d like to.
36. I once ate 6 hot dogs for dinner.
37. My feet are not ticklish
38. Right this second I crave a Dairy Queen chocolate-covered cherries Blizzard
39. I hate taking showers. I find it such a chore. I DO though!!
40. I don’t have a dishwasher, never have had one and I don’t want one either.
41. I am so disappointed that Arrested Development was cancelled.
42. I have great handwriting.
43. It bothers me when I hear numbers said wrong. I was taught that you’re supposed to say ‘one hundred seventy four’ – not ‘one hundred AND seventy four’!
44. One of my biggest peeves is rude salespeople. Especially if they don’t KNOW what they’re doing!
45. I get migraines. I don’t get as many as I used to.
46. I am not allergic to anything, but I have a slight sensitivity to walnuts. They make my mouth hurt.
47. My mother is a war bride. Before my dad passed away, they were married for 57 years.
48. I am a really good cook – but I hate cooking!
49. I felt so alive and healthy and energetic when I was pregnant.
50. I absolutely love silence.
51. I make simple sacrifices. Little things – like eating the apple with the bruise on it because nobody else will; or letting someone else take the last piece of pie, even though I haven’t had a piece yet; or giving up my comfy seat so someone else can sit down.
52. I almost never wear a watch.
53. I work best under pressure. Some of my most successful projects were completed in the ‘nick of time’.
54. My dream job would be a Camp Counselor
55. I have Central Serrous Retinopathy in my left eye. I only see peripherally.
56. I skipped Grade 2.
57. I wish my hubby liked to cook. I would rather eat a bad meal made by someone else than a good one that I had to cook myself!
58. One of the grossest odours is the smell of peanut butter in dishwater. Ew.
59. I have 5 televisions, 4 telephones, 2 DVD players, 2 computers and 2 VCRs.
60. I enjoy playing Sudoku.
61. I have two scars. One is from a cut I got when I bent over and hit my forehead on an old metal bed frame at Brownie camp. It bled profusely, but it didn’t hurt at all. The other is from my Cesarean sections.
62. I faithfully wear sunscreen. I love the look of a deep tan, but I’m afraid of skin damage. I often use a self tanner.
63. I can’t stand it when a cupboard door is left open.
64. I have short stubby fingers. I wish they were long and slender.
65. If I could afford cosmetic surgery, I would like a tummy tuck, eyelid lift and chin lift.
66. Once I get up in front of people and speak into a microphone, I love the feeling and it’s hard to shut me up!! Otherwise, I’m pretty quiet and shy!
67. I am an amazing harmonizer! I can harmonize to almost any song. I find it difficult to sing the melody.
68. I would like to have a Scooter, but I’m very afraid of motorcycles.
69. I don’t have a favourite colour, but I tend to buy a lot of RED things for my cottage and a lot of brown/earthy-tones clothing for myself.
70. I love shopping at thrift shops and yard sales.
71. I just got my hair cut. I miss my long hair already!
72. I am not a trendy person, and I swore I would never follow the CROCS revolution. But I have to admit, I LOVE my imitation Crocs that I bought for only $6 a pair! I have white, yellow and orange!
73. I am always hungry.
74. I used to teach fitness classes. I was a certified Aerobics instructor. I enjoyed teaching beginners or seniors. I worked in two different gyms and taught night school classes.
75. I used to work in a flower shop. I can design all kinds of floral arrangements.
76. I don’t wear my contacts anymore. I’m so used to my glasses now.
77. I performed on stage in ‘Evita’ and ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat’
78. I was the Producer for ‘Footloose’ and ‘Wizard of Oz’
79. I coached girls softball for seven years.
80. I am intrigued by forensics
81. I went to Disney World twice and I wasn’t thrilled.
82. I don’t like many Reality shows. I do watch Dancing With the Stars because my husband likes it. I enjoy So You Think you Can Dance.
83. I rarely win anything.
84. I hate to see money spent on extravagant celebrations. I always think about how so many people in the world are in poverty.
85. I would like to have a chauffeur. I hate driving.
86. I have to eat breakfast. No matter what time I get up in the morning, eating is the first thing I do.
87. I get grumpy when I can’t eat when I’m hungry. I often carry a meal replacement bar in my purse.
88. Sometimes I can be a pushover.
89. But… sometimes I’ll fight until I get my way. Especially with store clerks who just don’t listen!!!
90. I love hardware stores and stationary stores!
91. I still have my Barbie collection. I wasn’t into ‘dolls’, but I loved my Barbies!! Barbie, Ken, Midge, 2 Skippers, Scooter, Casey, Alan, Ricky, Tutti and various original outfits, accessories and case.
92. When I was a young girl, I preferred to play with building sets, cars and racing sets.
93. I am an artist.
94. I can make a delicious pot of soup out of almost anything – without a recipe!
95. I love to watch my daughters dance.
96. My husband learned to play guitar when he was 30 years old. He is an amazing guitarist. I admire his talent and his dedication.
97. I absolutely hate getting the hiccups. I get angry when I do!
98. I keep a daily journal. I’ve been doing it since 1990. I also record the weather each day!
99. I love chocolate.
100. I am happy!

My Canine Daughter

Meet Gracie. Vegas Grace is her full name, but Gracie suited her much more than Vegas did. She was such a little scrapper when she was a pup. Perpetually happy, nippy and rambunctious! I went through a [short] stage where I couldn't stand her because she just. wouldn't. listen.



There's something about owning a dog that makes you a different person. Inside.
You love your children unconditionally, but the love for a dog is precious. Perhaps it's because they can't speak our language. Perhaps it's because they are totally dependent on us to survive. Could it be the look in their eyes when they seek acceptance or love? Their utter joy in pleasing us?






My heart grows heavy when I think about the day that Gracie won't be with us anymore. She's only three years old now, and I know she'll bring us joy for many more years, but the thought of losing her is almost unbearable.



Give your pet a hug today!





Do you have a pet that pulls on your heart strings? It's a feeling that just can't be explained if you're not a pet owner.

Winter Walk

Winter was certainly in the air today. After the crazy mild weather we've had up until now, it really felt C-O-L-D today. It was above zero, but the wind was nasty, the sky was dark grey and it felt like winter. We supposedly in for a few frigidly cold days. At least the sun is supposed to shine, which will be a treat!

D and I went to the gym this morning. I walked the treadmill for almost a half hour while reading my novel. Did some of the weight machines. Then I scraped the whole driveway (before the little bit of snow on it froze solid tonight!) Then we took our hike this afternoon.

Man, I'm gonna sleep great tonight!!!

I need three hands!

I took Gracie for a walk in the bush today and brought the new Pentax with me. I learned something. I need three hands.

With my old P&S, I used to hold the dog's leash in one hand and snap away with the other! Not so easy with a dSLR. I didn't actually have the dog ON the leash, but my pockets aren't big enough to put the leash IN, so I had to hold it in my hand. It's one of those retractable ones, so it's not like I could have just wrapped it around my neck to keep it out of the way.

So there I was, struggling with my footing, [there's not enough snow to walk on top of it and too much to be able to see the terrain underneath, so I was doing a lot of slipping, sliding and tripping!], trying to operate the camera controls and zoom ring AND focus AND set WB AND set my SS and fstop with one hand and freezing my fingers at the same time! Good thing I didn't have a pooper-scooper-bag with me! [I don't usually bring one in the bush. Bears poop in the woods don't they?]

Not to mention that I had to wear my clip on sunglasses because it was too bright outside. That posed a problem too because the clip-ons were too dark and without them was too bright! So I had to take them off when composing and put them back on when I was walking!

THEN, to make matters even worse, by batteries kept draining! I managed to take a few nice shots, but eventually the batteries died completely. I knew that might happen so I brought new ones with me, but my fingers were so cold, I didn't want to stop to change the batteries! I missed a great shot because of it. Picture this...a cluster of dried, hydrangea flowers silhouetted against backlit 4pm sunshine! Darn!

Note to self:
1. don't bring camera when walking alone with the dog
2. bring hubby on walks so he can hold the leash
3. get warmer gloves
4. wear a cap to stop the glaring sun from my eyes
5. have newly charged batteries in the camera
6. find third hand

Us

I don't often post pictures of myself, because there are so few that I like.

This one isn't too bad! Of course I COULD be smiling, but I'm probably barking orders at my daughter on how to use my camera while she's taking the shot! For once, I'd like a photo of me where I look like ME, to me!! Doug is usually more photogenic than I am, but the reflection in his glasses doesn't do this shot justice!



By the way, I know that people are looking at my blog - I can see the counter go up! I'd sure love to know who you are! Please don't be shy, leave me a comment, even if it's just to say HI or I WAS HERE!!

Have a GROOVY day!!

100 Things about ME

I've seen a few of these lists on other blogs and websites. At first I thought, meh, I'm not gonna do that. But reading other's has inspired me to make a list of my own. And it didn't take me long at all. In fact, I think I can even come up with another 100!! Is that crazy? I even find myself thinking of little snippets of me-isms throughout the day.
Without further ado, welcome to 100 things about me, Part I

1. I love chocolate.
2. I am a technology geek. I love computers, cell phones, PDAs, etc, etc.
3. I am a great mom. I feel totally confident is saying that.
4. I met my husband when I was 14 years old. We’ve been married for 28 ½ years.
5. I have two daughters. My Shining Star, Lauren Quinn and my Sunshine, Meghan
Ashley.
6. I am not a spontaneous person.
7. I used to have a large gap between my two front teeth, but I had them bonded
several years ago. My husband says my space is what made him fall in love
with me!
8. I named my eldest daughter after two actresses. Lauren Hutton and Quinn
Cummings.
9. I have the best dog ever…… Vegas Grace [Gracie]. She’s a Golden/Yellow Lab, almost three years old!
10. I love pasta.
11. I spend way too much time on the computer.
12. I am totally at peace when at our cottage on Lake Penage.
13. I used to be afraid of going to funerals, but it's not as difficult for me anymore.
14. I am a VERY organized person. Some people have called me anal.
15. I love playing games, especially board games, and Sudoku.
16. I have two sisters. They are 8 years and 10 years older than me.
17. My mother is from Arnhem, Holland. I never learned how to speak Dutch.
18. My father was born and raised in Verner, Ontario.
19. I’ve worn glasses since I was 9 years old.
20. I don't like spicy foods, especially HOT spicy.
21. I have three tattoos, and I want one more.
22. I have a belly ring.
23. I prefer to go bare feet whenever possible.
24. Ever since I was little, I wanted to be a Hippy. I was too young in the 60’s to be part of the Beat Generation, but I think I am a hippy now!
25. I am a poet.
26. I can play the piano, at about a Grade 4 level.
27. I love to read. One of my favourite authors is Dean Koontz.
28. I am a certified Barista. I can make a mean Latté!
29. I had a horrible corneal infection a few years ago. I have a fear of losing my eyesight.
30. My Dad had sinus cancer and had to wear a prosthetic nose.
31. I desperately wanted more than two children. Hubby didn’t.
32. I had a tubal ligation in 1991. My incision got infected and it was horrible for several weeks.
33. I have been to the Netherlands twice....at 1 ½ and at 13.
34. One of my first dates with my husband was on October 13th,. We went to a school dance and April Wine was the band that played.
35. I used to be in a band. We were called Skyler’s View. I sang back-up and played hand percussion.
36. I hid in the bathroom when I was 5 years old. I was competing in a piano recital and I didn’t want to go on stage.
37. I had a panic attack when I attended The Irish Rovers concert. I was 11 years old.
38. I am very creative.
39. My husband and I took Colin James fishing in 1991.
40. I weigh about 125 pounds. My weight hasn’t changed in over 20 years.
41. I generally don’t like fruit or vegetables very much.
42. I would prefer to eat junk food.
43. I am a Prime-time TV addict!
44. I watch Days of our Lives every day.
45. I hate game shows.
46. I wish I could speak more than one language.
47. I wanted to get married in a white eyelet peasant dress, a crown of daisies and bare feet. My family talked me out of it.
48. I have never smoked.
49. I dye my hair.
50. I refuse to be an old lady. [see #24]
51. I like frozen Margaritas.
52. I can’t wait to be a grandmother. I’ll even take an illegitimate grandchild!!
53. I have a LOT of patience.
54. I RARELY ever get stressed.
55. I love popcorn.
56. I wish I could afford to buy new furniture for my house.
57. Someone in my family forgot my birthday this year. [Not my husband or kids]
58. I produced two theatrical plays. The Wizard of Oz and Footloose!
59. When I was young, I wished my name was DeeDee. I think I heard it on the "Tammy's In Love" movie!
60. I used to have a Pug named Togo. I would love to have another Pug.
61. I love watching movies.
62. I used to sneak chocolate in the middle of the night, but then fell asleep with it in my mouth. Woke up to a messy pillowcase a few times!
63. I don’t dislike many people. I can’t stand Bob Barker or Regis Philbin.
64. I would love to take Ballroom dancing lessons. Hubby won’t.
65. I love thunder and lightning storms.
66. I love scary amusement park rides.
67. I love scary movies, but not the cheesy, gross ones.
68. I wish I had have taken Photography classes in high school.
69. I’m not afraid of many things.
70. I am not religious, but I’m very spiritual.
71. Just the thought of fresh Coconut makes me gag.
72. As far as I know, nobody hates me.
73. I have only dated two other people besides my husband.
74. I got drunk a few times before I was legal.
75. I can drive a Standard stick-shift.
76. I flew a small airplane once – for about 45 seconds!
77. I wrote my first poem at 11 years of age.
78. My daughters and I share clothes and shoes.
79. I love my husband’s red hair.
80. My husband and I thought we were terrible parents because our daughters hated each other for years. They are great friends now!
81. I love Musicals.
82. I had a crush on Mark Lester [Oliver]when I was 13.
83. I rarely ever wear a watch.
84. I am an environmentalist. It really bothers me when I see wasteful people.
85. I cry when I see animals hurt.
86. I never watch TV during the day.
87. I won a short story contest once.
88. I have enjoyed taking pictures since I got my first 35mm camera when I was 15.
89. I often crave lemon meringue pie from Perkins.
90. I am SO lucky to have met and married the perfect man
91. I can’t stand the hype and pomp that celebrities get. They are just people with careers.
92. I don’t need a career to fulfill me.
93. I know I am loved
94. I wish I had a best friend
95. I would have made a good teacher.
96. I get nervous on road trips. I'd rather travel by bus or train or plane.
97. I don’t want to get old
98. I love having Saunas and soaking in my Hot Tub
99. I’m going to be 50 next year!
100. I could easily write another 100 things about me!

Back to Normal

...or whatever 'normal' is! Meg is back in North Bay at teacher's college. This time she's there for six weeks before coming home for another job placement.
Lauren is back to teaching dance, although today she is sick with the flu. :(
All the Christmas decorations are put away and the holday food has been eaten or thrown away -- but I have a few chocolates left! Mmmmm, chocolate! :)

I am NOT a resolution maker, but I do like lists. I've got an ongoing list of things I want to do and get done. Nothing too crazy or consuming, but things that tend to get postponed or shoved under the proverbial rug!

Here's a few things on my list:
-- organize my Fonts. I've got too many and they're not sorted in any way at all. I've been trying to find an easy way to do it, but no luck so far.
-- write a Bio. I want to include a little Bio about myself on my website.
-- make templates. I have been wanting to design some everyday templates to post on my site. I've got some ideas, and now I've got to apply them! I also want to make another Border set.
-- make new business cards. I've already got a basic card design and printed, but I need to update it!
-- update my photos. I do this fairly often, but it's been a few weeks.
-- start a photo group. A few friends and I are in the process of beginning a new Photography/Camera group in Sudbury. Our goal so far is to meet to share camera techniques and editing styles and techniques. Haven't had a first meeting yet, but I am anxious to get this started!
-- learn my new Wacom Tablet. Doug got me this for Christmas. I'm having a bit of difficulty getting used to using it as my 'main' mouse, but for editing, it's absolutley fantastic!
-- LEARN MY NEW CAMERA. This should be number one on my list. I need to sit down with manual in my lap and camera in hand and read, read and learn! So far, I am LOVING this Pentax dSLR

Here's a pic from the new camera. This was taken on Hillside Trail. We just discovered this trail and we love it. It's a 2km walk ONE way. It's beautiful!

I'm now a dSLR owner!!

I once said that I would never want/need a digital SLR camera! I was quite happy with my Fuji S5200 prosumer Point and Shoot digital. Doug kept telling me, "one day you'll want one...just you wait and see!" Well, he was right. After dozens of disappointing shots from low-lit bars, dance recitals and indoors, I decided that a dSLR would be the fix I was looking for!
For my birthday, on New Year's Day, Doug bought me a Pentax K110D. The model I want is the K100D, but Future Shop was out of it, so I have the 110 to play with until it comes in. The K100D is a 6.1mp camera with stabilization, and two lenses. Already, by just playing around with the K110 I have noticed a huge difference. I was able to take a bunch of photos in my living room, with NO flash and they're awesome! I'm so excited. Now, I anxiously await the K100D........

Here's a few of my first shots...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Here it is, January 1st and we have only a dusting of snow on the ground and the temps are well above seasonal for the 3rd or 4th week in a row. We had a bit of icy frostiness the other day, but that was from the freezing rain. At this rate, we won't be getting to the camp for another couple of weeks. In the past, we've crossed the ice by mid January at the latest. I'm not complaining about having no snow, but I would like to see a bit more sunshine than we've been having.

Hope everyone has a prosperous, healthy and happy 2007!! CHEERS!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

It's Raining again!

I can't get over this weather we're having! In the last 3 1/2 months, we've had LESS than 10 full sunny days! I KNOW!!! It is so drab and dreary and wet and misty and foggy and grey all the time! We're also having above seasonal temperatures, so the big snowfall we had a few weeks ago is down to slush. The grass is showing and the mud isn't frozen anymore! Poor Gracie, [our Lab] hasn't been for a decent walk in days. I know she wouldn't care if it's raining, but I hate walking the dog holding an umbrella. It's just not comfy.
I haven't had a chance to get out and take many photos lately either. I've been trying to capture some closeups of the birds at my feeder, but every time I bring the camera to the window, they take off!! The squirrels have been frolicking on the trees and fence, but they too seem to be camera shy.
Here's a few shots I managed to get the other day -- when the rain had stopped for a bit!

Christmas Inspiration

A Poem, by Deborah.....
[©1992 Deborah Pero]

Christmas Inspiration


What is it about this season
that gives me inspiration?
I love the invigoration
that comes with this festive occasion.
It's such an exciting contagion
to attack us with such jubilation!
Shopping can be quite an aberration
as I have seen in my observations.
It seems like the whole entire nation
is pacing the malls in an odd formation,
staring in fixation
at prices of inflation,
blocking the aisles in fraternization,
searching in desperation
for a gift for a relation.
Amidst the decorations
we all ask the same question,
will this gift be received
with thrilling elation
or tossed in a closet
with no hesitation?
Don't you sometimes wish for tranquilization
to put us in a state of anesthetization
just to get through the holiday aggravations?
Then in the New Year,
with renewed determination
we resolve to change things
in personal affirmation,
or to answer life's questions
in interpretations,
to find justification
in our idealization,
to bring warmth,
peace and love to creation.
We may ponder our past in
contemplation;
some with sadness or great damnation.
Others with glee and gratification.
But I have nothing but glad appreciation, and in my final closing summation,
I can say with acclamation
I hold dear in my heart such adulation
for all of my past Christmas vacations.
So now I look with clear admiration
at our elegant tree in illumination,
and give thanks for my love,
for fate's destination,
for my family,
my life,
my inspiration.

My Christmas Treasures

I decorated the trees last weekend. It's been a tradition in our family, for many, many years, to decorate the tree during the local Lion's Club Children's Telethon. It's usually broadcasted on TV the first Saturday of December. We watch the talent on the telethon, drink and eat munchies, while I decorate the tree. WE don't decorate.... I do!
Now, for those of you who know me, I don't usually let anyone help me decorate MY trees! I am SO particular about it being done just so!! When my girls were little, I would give them their own tree to decorate any way they wanted. That left Mommy to do her tree her way!! That started after I let them help me one year. The decorations they put on were all on the bottom branches and bunched together like cold people around a fireplace! It was actually adorable, but I couldn't leave it like that. After they went to bed, I moved everything around! That's when I decided to give them their own tree. Now that they're grown up, my girls just let me do it and they sit back with their Dad and enjoy the tradition!



Some of the ornaments on our trees date back to the early 1950's. My parent's had quite a selection of glass ornaments that I remember hanging very carefully. I also remember dropping a few. I have about a dozen of these old ornaments that I treasure and put on the trees each year.



The floral tin 'bulb protector' [right] was used on trees back in the day to prevent the bulb from burning the surrounding tree branches. I have about 10 of these left from my mom and dad's collection. The larger ornament in the picture is one of 6 we found in the attic of our first house. I'm not sure how old they are, but they were amongst newspapers, books and magazines we also found dating back to the 1940s and 1960s!