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Some random moments from around the
Dept. lately:
I. My desire was unusually strong to get our Christmas tree up this year. I very much wanted the pretty lights and decorations which I especially enjoy in the quiet of the early morning. As usual, when we are hanging decorations, I get very sentimental about one in particular. It's a small, faded silver ball that was given to me my first year of teaching. One of my sophomore classes heard me fretting about not having any ornaments for our first tree as a tightly-budgeted newlywed couple, and they each brought in an ornament for me as a Christmas present. This little silver one was from a student whose family had nothing to spare; it was obviously one from their very own tree, and probably used for many, many years. I still remember her name and her face from 45 years ago, and I always hang her ornament where I can easily see it.
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II. Even though I have a Christmas tree up and there has been plenty of snow and cold weather (UGH), I am not ready for Christmas music. Honestly, I wonder if I ever will be this year. It seems that I can't find any that doesn't annoy me. Pianos are too plinky for me. Vocals start irritating and distracting me. Organ music makes me feel like I'm in a church or roller rink. Violins make me feel stabby. Jazz, after a while, makes me roll my eyes. And why is it that every Christmas album has some song on it that no one has ever heard of or is just awful? And, speaking of awful, can we just
not with
Baby, It's Cold Outside? Anyway, what Christmas music are you listening to that isn't terrible (or country) and won't get me
Whammed?
III. Scene opens on living room. Nance is in the recliner; Rick is lounging on the couch. The television is on, tuned to the local news.Weatherman: Temperatures will remain in the upper 30s, near 40 degrees. Rain will move in, followed by a wintry mix and then more snow. Wind gusts will be strong--
Nance: Rick! Go hook up the hose.
Rick: (turns to look at her with fear and disbelief) Whaaat?
Nance: Go get the hose and spray the front and back yards. I want to be able to see all grass before it snows again. Just once. Even for a minute.
Rick: (looks at her carefully; he is gauging her level of seriousness) Nance. I--
Nance: Rick. If I really, really needed you to do this for me, would you? Would you go out there and spray down the yard so that I could see grass if I absolutely had to?
Rick: Yes. Of course I would. But in the back yard. I don't want the neighbours to see me and think I'm nuts.
End Scene.
IV. My longtime readers know I have a Cow Obsession. I've loved them since I was a child, and I still dream of owning one (yes, a real one). My kitchen has a black and white Holstein cow theme, and I might be the only woman alive who isn't offended when someone says, "I saw this cow and thought of you." On Saturday, I saw Theo and we talked all about his Christmas tree, and then we talked about mine. I told him, while counting off on my fingers, "Theo, Nana has 1-2-3-4-5-6-
7 cows on her Christmas tree! What do you think about that?" He looked at me, shook his head, and said admonishingly, "Nana! Too many cows, Nana." And then he just leaned back and laughed and laughed.
Everyone's a critic, you know?
As I'm writing this, the grass we finally saw is already covered in the snow they predicted. It's flying thick and fast, propelled by those high wind gusts. No, I will never think it's pretty, and I do not care whether or not we have a white Christmas. More and more, I like the idea of the kind of Christmas my Vacation Cow ornament looks like he's celebrating. That gives me an idea: maybe I need to look for some reggae Christmas music. That, as they used to say, just might Be My Jam.
I see your cows and I raise you gnomes!
ReplyDeleteThat first ornament is such a beautiful story. What a treasure.
I am not going to recommend any Christmas music because it's clear you and I have very divergent opinions on this topic! So I will back away like Homer into the hedge.
Nicole--Get out of that hedge. I would never disparage you for your Christmas preferences. I'm just having a bit of a snit with Christmas music THIS YEAR. I'm thinking perhaps some cello music would help me; it always does. There's something about that instrument that miraculously soothes me.
DeleteI have two Poortvelt gnomes hanging on my tree! They were an early 80s obsession of mine. The ornaments are a married couple, and I always hang them side by side.
I love the story of that ornament. And I approve of that many cow ornaments. We don't have a tree, so feel free to put up an extra cow for me.
ReplyDeleteI too am finding myself not ready for Christmas music yet, although I have joined the church choir for the Christmas cantata and am enjoying the original tunes (i.e. the tunes that were composed just for this cantata and have not been around for a long time).
CHM--I may have to do a recount; methinks I may have undercounted the cows on our tree. Theo is coming over on Sunday, so we'll hunt and count together, and I'll declare one of them Yours.
DeleteI used to sing in two choirs (one a chorale, much smaller, and we did various shows and local performances) and that made me really love Christmas music. Something about actually singing the songs and being part of the blend of voices is quite joyous. Seeing the effect of the music on an appreciative audience is lovely, too. Enjoy the cantata with a full heart and full throat of beautiful music.
It's so good to hear from you, Nance, and I hope you are feeling well. I think about you all the time. I love the story about the ornament. I've always believed those who have the least give the most in one way or another. I haven't been able to deal with Christmas music for years. The last time I listened would have been when my kids were in chorus in high school, and it was always so beautiful that it made me cry - and I don't cry easily. I can't believe you only have seven cows on your tree. I thought there would be way more. I wish we could swap homes for a week or two. It sounds like you would benefit from some time lounging on the beach in Florida, and I could benefit from being tucked away all by myself, watching the snow outside from the window. XO
ReplyDeleteMartha--I'm feeling better because I'm learning how to manage and how to be less stubborn. Hard to believe, I know! Thank you so much for thinking of me; it's beyond kind of you.
DeleteIn my years of teaching at a large urban school, I have found your belief to be absolutely true: those who have the least do give the most. I saw this time and time again with kids who shared what little money they had or lunch/snacks they brought. This girl was bright, happy, funny, and kind. I hope that wherever she is, she is happy and doing well.
There are a few Christmas songs that make me cry, too, but not all Christmas music. I sang in choirs all through school, and I loved it. I especially loved singing the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah.
The home swap sounds like a terrific idea--for both of us. The change of scenery, literally, might do us both some good. Let's revisit after The Holidays.
I never really get excited about Christmas music, but I will always love this video compilation of clips from a guy performing All I Want for Christmas Is You to strangers online. Their reactions are so delightful, and I could watch it several times in a row and still love it each time.
ReplyDeleteMikey--Where will you be at Christmas? I'm sure you told me and I've forgotten.
DeleteI'll take a look at the video and I know I'll enjoy it. You find the best stuff. Oh, and I hung up your ornament, of course!
I'll be in Shanghai over Christmas and for most of January, and then I'm heading to Seoul for a few weeks. Usually Shanghai is too warm for snow, but Seoul will definitely be cold enough for it.
DeleteI learned about two things we have in common in this post. 1) I, too, have a cow fetish. Over my kitchen sink I have a painting of a herd of cows and off the top of my head I could name ten others in the room. This year the only Christmas decoration I have up so far is a wreath around the head of a Lladro porcelain cow.
ReplyDeleteAnother think we have in common is I'm avoid all Christmas music. I don't like it to begin with for the reasons you listed but in addition to that they have had at least six music related events here at my CCC with more planned before the holiday is over. Certain songs have the power to make me cry, churning up old memories. My thing is pigging out of Hallmark Christmas movies. They are so soapy and are great to make fun of with their formula plots, but watching them has been my tradition since my husband died.
Jean--Cows are the best! Contrary to my grandson's assertion, you can never have too many. What's not to like about a calm animal who nods when it walks, as if to say, "Yep. Everything is just fine"?
DeleteI'm glad that you can spot the eye-roll factor in those Hallmark movies. That's what makes me unable to watch them, but I love that tradition for you. And if they help you escape all that Christmas music at the nonstop CCC events, even better.
And look at you with the fancy schmancy Lladro cow! The closest I get to that is my Mikasa limited edition cow ornament. At least I think it's Mikasa. Sigh.
The story about that ornament is so very touching!!
ReplyDeleteI love Christmas but must admit I am not one that listen to Christmas music generally speaking... I like it when I encounter it in the wild but it doesn't play in our home besides when we decorate the tree. I am not sure what that says about me! I do enjoy hearing Paul playing Christmas carols on the piano. He can play Jingle Bells and Away in a Manger and is learning Deck the Halls. Taco sings Deck the Halls, but he can't figure out the "with boughs of holly" so he say something kind of indecipherable which is pretty cute.
Theo's comment about too many cows is hilarious. Instead of cows, I collect Eiffel Tower ornaments/decor. I have an Eiffel Tower tree topper! I used to host my college friends and their kids for cookie decorating when I was single. The kids would love counting all the Eiffel Towers in my house! It was a double digit kind of thing between the ornaments, tree topper, and photos on my walls!
Lisa--"Encounter it in the wild" is a great way to put it. I like that, too, unless it's country or that annoying Mariah Carey song. And hearing your son play carols on the piano must be both satisfying and precious. I bet he was so excited to be able to play them (and have his brother sing along)!
DeleteI'd like to know more about your Eiffel Tower obsession. Was Paris always a dream of yours and then you finally got to go? Did you take many of the photos yourself? How many photos do you have of yourself with the Eiffel Tower?
I was interested in Paris/France from a young age for some reason. In 4th grade we had to write a report on a composer and I insisted on writing one about Camille Saint-Saens. I remembering delivering it in a French accent, whatever I thought that sounded like! I went to Paris for the first time in 2008 - I tagged it onto a grad school 2 week course in Lyon. Then I went 2 other times. All of those trips were by myself as this was before 2 were before I met Phil and the 3rd was during my year I spent on Charlotte when we were broken up (we met and then 3 months later I found out my job was moving to Charlotte…). So I am in only a couple of the Eiffel Tower pictures!! Most of the pictures hanging on our walls are of the Eiffel Tower without me. I did have someone take a pic of me on the Thanksgiving 2013 trip and I used that as a Christmas card! I must have 5-6 Eiffel Tower ornaments!! I would love to take the boys and Phil there some day!!! But I really loved those solo trips. I got to do exactly what I wanted to do which was very nice!!
Deleteoh, I also have a cow fetish. I just love cows and I’m fortunate to live in a subdivision that used to be a dairy farm and now there are still part of that farm within the subdivision and so we have cows all around us. Now they are beef cattle, however. I actually live in the back of the subdivision and on the corner and I have cows literally right behind me. I can walk out in my backyard and they are right there. This morning there were the babies and the mommas and they come right over to me because theyI think I have food. There is a lady at the end of the street who does feed them so they think everyone is going to feed them. I have a cow theme in my kitchen all cow pictures that I have painted.I have taken dozens of pictures and videos of them. I wish there was a way I could send them to you some really good, if I say so myself.
ReplyDeleteAlso I do not care for Christmas music and never have and now being widow with no children, I’m just really not into the holidays anymore. Luckily I have a good friends and we will have get together for the holidays with some good food and drink, and that is plenty of plenty for me. Mary
Mary--!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DeleteYou are the luckiest lady in the world! SO MANY COWS IN YOUR LIFE! AND BABIES!
Herefords are my favourite cow, so perhaps you are living right there with them. Good heavens. My email is right there in my sidebar on my blog. Send away!
I used to like Christmas music quite a bit. I have lots of Christmas CDs (where to play them now? Sigh). This year is sort of an anomaly for me. I think it's just an off year, mostly due to my illness. Even the music I used to listen to annoys me.
I hope you and your friends get together before the actual holiday and just celebrate your friendship. Take some time away from the hustle and bustle of Christmas and have Friend Time. Enjoy each other's company. That's what the holidays should be, anyway.
Our grass disappeared several weeks ago. It would take a lot of spraying to find it. One year, when JG had worked hard to make the kids a rink, we had a thaw. The grass reappeared. JG was away at a conference and when he came back and saw the ruin of all his spraying, he was Not Pleased. (Shortly after that, the winter cracked down and the rink reappeared.)
ReplyDeleteIf it is kids singing, I will suffer through almost any Christmas music. And I get a chuckle out of Eartha Kitt singing 'Santa Baby'. But it is punishing to go shopping and be forced to listen to the Christmas Musac.
Cows? hmm. I have never had the urge to collect artifacts, but I can see that a tree with lots of cows would be, um, unique.
Our tree is up. JG roared back to the beaver ponds in the Gator and cut down a tree that he and the daughters had marked. Because of the snow, he decided to bring it in and he and the YD put it up. (With considerable growling and snarling.) I unsnarled the lights, silently, and the YD wound them on. Now I am slowly adding the glittery stuff. Might get it done by the 25th, who knows.
These are the precious years, while the grandkid is young and loving the season. Cherish him and the family as, I am sure, they cherish you. And, I worry, please only do what you want this year ... and guard your health.
The terrible Christmas Letter will arrive shortly.
Mary G--You know, the snow we've been getting is a gift from you overly kind folks in Canada. I am starting to wonder if you're exacting your revenge on us for A Certain Individual's Nasty Behaviours, and, while it would be extremely justified, I would remind you all that not everyone in the affected area voted for said individual.
DeleteJust saying.
I think a man should sing the woman's part and vice versa for Santa Baby. How would that go over, I wonder.
Do you have a large tree? Have you ever brought in a ridiculously enormous tree because it looked so much smaller out in the woods? Asking for a friend.
Do not worry that I will Christmas Overmuch. I have already scaled way back on decorating, and we adults have agreed that there will be no family gift exchange--only gifts for Theo will be bought, wrapped, and opened at my house on Christmas afternoon. My family does a great job of making sure I am not overextending.
I love Christmas letters and used to write one every year for the longest time. I'm sure you can imagine that mine was not...typical.
"I saw this cow and thought of you." ---this made me laugh, but honestly, I think of you when I see any cow decor, or even cow purses. :) Theo is funny, and I had a giggle with his giggle! I know you are loving having this little man around, with his lovely antics.
ReplyDeleteNicole has gnomes, you have cows, and what does Suz have? Bees, of course.
Nance, I could not tolerate the miserable winter that seems to go on and on, and on. It would depress me to no end, and I see why people flee the cold for Florida. Or the Caribbean. Or Hawaii.
Rick is a doll and would do anything for you, I mean, except let the neighbors think he's completely bananas.
I occasionally listen to a mix of Christmas music. Some of it is meh, some is tolerable. I still don't get the Wham thing---I enjoy that one!
Oh, I also have butterflies out the wazoo----how did I forget them? 🤣
DeleteDang it---I forgot to mention the ornament. What a sweet treasure!! You were a very special teacher and I'm sure this student still remembers you as well.
DeleteBB Suz--Oh, I'd be so honoured if she remembered me. I loved that class, and they really were my guinea pigs. I was hired to be a long-term substitute, and I had no prep, no curriculum, nothing. I muddled along, but we had such a great time. I think they were thrilled to get such a young teacher to replace the 70+ year-old woman who they originally had.
DeleteI like the Wham song, too. It's just a silly game that started on the internet. It originated between two friends in Denmark who got tired of hearing the song. It then spread via facebook and became a huge deal. You could start one yourself with a song you're sick of. May I suggest that Mariah Carey one? I know *I'm* sick of it.
It's funny that you mention a cow purse. I've been on the hunt for a leather/pleather cow purse for a while now. I already have a furry one that my BFF in Maryland got for me, but I need one I can carry during spring and summer. Like most women, I'm super picky about my purse: cannot have a shoulder strap; cannot have a bunch of compartments; cannot have a worky clasp; cannot look Western-ish; cannot be more than about $50; cannot be tote-sized; cannot be too heavy when empty. Somewhere, it's out there.
Oh, what a treat to see your Christmas post! Loved the story of the Christmas ornament. Isn’t it always the students who have the least to spare who are always the most thoughtful and generous?
ReplyDeleteChristmas music: Not a fan of any of that pounding my ear drums at the mall as they play that music quite loud. Agree with you about sound of a cello.
The discussion of Christmas carols always reminds me of my first Christmas in Spain when my flatmate and her boyfriend invited me to the boyfriend’s family Christmas dinner. (SIDEBAR: Hispanics always celebrate Christmas on “Nochebuena” (Christmas Eve) rather than on Christmas day. In Spain, a ton of money is spent on this Christmas Eve feast, which usually starts with lobster as a first course. It begins after listening to the King’s Christmas speech on T.V. at 9 p.m.) Just about the time when I thought we were done with the sumptuous repast, around midnight, my flatmate and her boyfriend said we would be going downstairs to the nearby streets to sing Christmas carols (with all of the other inebriated neighbors, lol.) It was amazing. Families out strolling, dancing and singing typical Christmas carols. Note: There are some Spanish Christmas carols that are solemn and traditional (e.g., Noche de Paz = Silent Night), but many are quite jolly, so to speak, and great for dancing and clapping. Below is a link to probably the most traditional Christmas carol that I learned the night of my baptism into Hispanic Christmas culture: Ande, ande, Ande. (And I hope it doesn’t hurt your ears, lol.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fDFYHgbpAw
The snow-covered lawn: I totally get why you wanted to see some grass before it was snow-covered again, and hope you got at least a glimpse of it before the hideous snow showed it’s ugly face again.
Your cow ornaments: delightful, especially the vacation cow! Loved Theo’s reaction as well. I’m certain that he is a huge part of any Christmas joy that you are feeling. And I sure hope you are feeling and coping better lately.
Here at Casa Ortiz, it is , uh, well, not as jolly as it could be. I thought last year was the worst Christmas ever when Mr. O. had a severe attack of gout just before Christmas which was followed by getting shingles 3 days later. But here we are this year, with Luis recovering from recent emergency kidney surgery 2 weeks ago. A follow-up visit yesterday revealed that he had 1 liter (yes, ONE LITER) of, uh, nitrogenous waste in his bladder and will likely need prostate surgery. Oh, the joys of getting “older.” Right now, he’s home with a catheter until we check in again with the urologist next week. All of that said, I am determined to create a little joy on Christmas day and plan to shop for a couple of fun stocking stuffers… and maybe splurge on lobster tails. 🥰
Ortizzle--Oh, poor Mr. O! And poor you! The two of you are way overdue for a long, long streak of wellness. Certainly some lobster tails and a few other goodies are called for after all you've been through.
DeleteI can just imagine how festive and happy the scene was with everyone out strolling and singing and celebrating Nochebuena and then el dia de Navidad (?). I'll give your link a listen when Rick is done watching TV.
Thank you for your kind wishes; I am learning more and more how to cope and live within my new limits. It's getting easier to do, to accept, and I am lucky to have a very supportive family.
Hang in there, my dear friend. XOXO
That first story made me weepy - in a happy way :) You have your cows & I have my penguins. Interestingly, we don't have many sheep (on the tree - we have sheep elsewhere)! Might have to fix that.
ReplyDeleteI have been listening to a Spotify Christmas playlist put together by a stranger on the internet & his family (he is a fellow subscriber to one of my favorite writers & offered the playlist to her other readers). It is VERY ECLECTIC! There's the song about the guy trying to get home to Mary Anne in a blizzard (spoiler alert - he doesn't make it). And there's a Christmas Polka song. Some old beloved standards (Johnny Mathis - happy sigh). And then there's Bob Dylan. What. The. Heck. Just no.
Bug--I have one sheep on my tree; it is a Baby's First Christmas ornament for Sam. It's fluffy and cute, and I can either hang it or tuck it into the branches. No penguins, but Sam has some. He's the penguin person in the family.
DeleteI do like Johnny Mathis's voice, also Nat King Cole's. Bing is a big no. Polkas make me think of all the weddings I used to go to as a kid--so many polkas were played and danced. I doubt I'd like a holiday polka very much. Now, my old aunts? They'd have loved it.
Everyone's a critic. ~ so funny. My mom's sister has a similar thing for cows, so I can now say that when I see a cow I think of you and Aunt Maureen. I hate snow and while I've not really voiced it or considered it an opinion, I'm not a big fan of Christmas music. I sort of resent the one station in Chicago that plays it round the clock starting super early. I want to listen to my regular music. Kay and Rae try to listen to Christmas music year-round and it makes me batty. I love the ornament story - so sweet. What a sweet group of kids to decide to all bring you ornaments. You suggesting Rick spray down the lawn is classic. I also hate snow and I detest the cold weather. It never would've dawned on me to request Coach spray down the lawn - put a for sale sign in the yard and decide on a warmer climate . . . maybe? ;)
ReplyDeleteErnie--I can't imagine why anyone would want to listen to holiday music all year. It's so specific. But hey! That seems a fairly innocent quirk. At least they don't want to dress up in Halloween wear all year round.
DeleteYou and I live in some of the worst areas for people who dislike snow and cold. Why on earth do we live where we do? Or keep on living where we do? WHAT IS WRONG WITH US?!
We have a Cleveland station that does the same, playing Christmas music continuously starting on November 1st. It's done it for ages, so it must be something that a lot of people like. I haven't listened to the radio in the car for a long time, opting instead for music from a streaming service or just silence.
Nance, I know you treasure that ornament and so would I.
ReplyDeleteSeeing as I am not in the Christmas spirit AT ALL, *sigh* I have not sought out Christmas music yet - and the local stations have yet to start playing it.
Gigi--I have lots of ornaments with sentimental value or meaning attached. I think that's why I don't understand theme trees at Christmas.
DeleteWe have one Cleveland station here that starts playing Christmas music on November 1st. I think that's overkill. However, I don't listen to the radio anymore now that I have a music streaming service that I can listen to, even in the car. What a saving grace!
Sometimes it's tough for women to get into the Christmas spirit. Christmas is like a part-time job for us since we're the Holiday Bringers/Makers. Even if the husbands "help", we still have to direct and list and manage, and that's another whole job in itself. So, I totally get it.
Hi, Nance. When I read your post earlier I was actually watching (well, mostly listening) to a presentation on Christmas music on Zoom (one of the many offerings from my alma mater's ElderStudy program--although I prefer the name Lifelong Learning that apparently some locations use instead--which I recently joined--not sure if I've shared that with you yet). I hung in there for about an hour. The presentation was far more detailed and analytic than I cared for. It was given by one of the university's music professors. Wow, did he know his musical history but again it was more analytical than enjoyable. I find that I don't always want to know the details on very little thing. My brain is already plenty full, thank you very much. I find that my enjoyment of Christmas music really depends on the setting and my mood. The instrumental Christmas music played on low during my massage yesterday was just right, very relaxing, but lots of times, the blaring holiday music feels like an afront to my very soul. I definitely run away from that.
ReplyDeleteI honestly didn't know that Herefords were your favorite cows. That's what was on Smokey's family's farm when I first met him. His grandparents had gone from dairy cows to dairy cows and sheep to beef cows over the years. At one point, I had a really nice painting of Herefords in a field with a scenic vista behind them because it looked just like what I saw whenever we visited the family farm. Your conversation with Theo absolutely delighted me!
Oh, that silver ornament ... that definitely made me tear up. A true gift from the heart! I love that you still treasure it although I'm not at all surprised by that of course. I lost all the ornaments I really loved during my water issues several years ago. As I only have the 3-foot tree now, I don't need any new ones but there are still so many beautiful ornaments on sale that appeal to me.
Oh, that Rick, he is a gem! I understand his initial hesitation while he was still "reading" you and his compromise offer for a measure of self protection. It's too cold too soon here as well. I'm back to doing firewood just to have that true warmth. Trying to not move to many logs at once to keep things intact after my surgery earlier this year but I need to be really warm and I'm not curtailing lifting all things as the doctor recommended because I want to maintain my upper arm strength as long as possible.
I hope you end up having a lovely Christmas with your family. Son was talking about how very, very different our Christmas is now from the Christmases of long ago--on both sides of the family due to deaths and family being farther away--and how happy he was that he got to experience those Christmases. It made me happy to hear he remembers them so fondly. They'll be here on Christmas Eve Eve. We'll spend time with my mom on Christmas Eve and then on Christmas Day we're doing something very different and heading to a cabin very close to our property on the Shenandoah for two nights. We actually plan to tour Luray Caverns on Christmas Day or the day after as it's open year round. The last time we visited Son was about 10 I think. If everything has changed, why not add to the changes, right? We just didn't want to do the same old same old when there's nothing that's the same. We loved the idea of getting out of our usual environment but none of us were up for flying or driving a long distance and the river is stunning during the winter--it's almost a surreal Caribbean blue in spots--but camping is obviously out. Anyway, I'll let you know how it all goes! Our time together for Thanksgiving was really wonderful so hopefully, this get together will be as good or better.
Still looking forward to talking soon ... love and hugs,
Shirley
Shirley--What a wonderful idea for your Christmas! Time for new adventures and new Christmas traditions or non-traditions. It's like the Whos in Whoville remind us: Christmas Day will always be/Just as long as we have we. I no longer do the big all-family Christmas, but my niece does, usually before Christmas Day. That way, each separate family gets to spend the actual holiday at home rather than in the car. So much better! I'm not sure yet if I'll be up to attending; that's a lot of activity and quite a crowd scene.
DeleteI know you'll be careful with your recovery. It's so hard to maintain strength after illness and/or surgery, and tough to know that line between doing and overdoing. I've been there too many times. But that adage Use It Or Lose It keeps ringing in my head, you know?
Oh, to lose things like you did those ornaments! It's just terrible. My sister is still in mourning from her basement flood of several years ago. She lost all her old photos and so many other sentimental mementos of childhood and her kids' baby/child years. She tried so many ways to save/restore things, but it was hopeless. She remains devastated by the loss. All of the southern end of my hometown flooded, and many of my own childhood photos are gone now, as well as photos of my parents and their old photos too. My brother's basement flooded and so did my mother's former home. All of that is gone. Thank goodness the memories I have are still with me.
I like a sturdy, no nonsense cow, and Herefords fill the bill. They are a lovely shade of reddish brown, have that adorable fluffy topknot, and always look amenable. Since they have the white face, I can see their expressions so well. I do, however, love and appreciate all cows, and would be tickled to meet any sort. And, of course, hug him/her with great affection.
Shirley, the wonderfully charming bunny ornament you gave me always gives me great joy to place on my tree. I cannot wait for Theo to see it. I will text you soon for our chat. You are always so good for me. XXOO
Nance, have you ever followed the child who gave you the ornament?
ReplyDeleteGjill--I have no way of following her. As a matter of fact, I don't think she finished at the high school, but moved after that year. Sad, isn't it?
DeleteNance, LET’S GET YOU A COW!!! In my imagination, I have a miniature horse named Clip Clop. Clip Clop is beloved by all, and goes for my walks with me. No, I do not RIDE Clip Clop, any more than you would ride a cow. Clip Clop is a house horse, and sleeps at the foot of my bed.
ReplyDeleteSo, now, tell me about your cow. Is she a full sized cow, or a miniature cow? Does she come inside and sleep at the foot of your bed? What is her name? Theo is going to want ALL OF THE DETAILS. (Oh my heart, ‘too many cows, Nana!’)
Forgot to say - whamageddon - NPR took me out today. Though they did give a bit of a warning and I could have stopped it, I decided to be organic.
DeleteJ--Damn It! I am still going strong. The grocery store was playing Christmas music yesterday, and my favourite clerk was singing along loudly. I was so fearful, but I remained IN. At one point, the song "Let It Snow" was playing and he was really belting it out. I said, (weary of our nonstop snow), "Let it snow? What on earth is wrong with you?" He smiled and said, "I'm just not right in the head. But you knew that!" and went on singing.
DeleteKudos to you for Being Organic and Letting It Happen. I am in constant awe of your Zen.
I am all about your house horse. Do you have only Dutch doors so that ClipClop can look inside at will and be very Mr. Ed about it when outdoors enjoying the fresh air?
Ideally, my house cow would be a minicow, and it would be a Hereford. I like them because they are sturdy and their hair is full but not fluffy. They have white faces and a cute little curly topknot. I would name him/her (no preference) Velveeta. Velveeta would have a small barn (heated), and a cow wash station. He/she would also be a Happiness Cow who would visit schools, nursing homes, and hospitals to bring joy to others. Of course I would walk Velveeta daily, and take him/her to the big field that used to be the elementary school playground so that he/she could graze and relax.
Theo is coming this Sunday for Football Sunday--he's already so excited.
I LOVE VELVEETA! I’m trying to imagine how low the Dutch doors would have to be for Clip Clop. LOL. A cow wash station! You are genius. Also, yes, I suspect Clip Clop could visit people and bring them happiness, though of course we would have to see whether they had that personality or not. Genevieve could totally have been a happiness dog. Mulder was great at leaning in and comforting a person, but was also known to jump up and bark a lot, so that would not have been his biggest skill.
DeleteI enjoy Christmas music! I guess I might be in a minority. I particularly like Irish songs. Some are pretty ornery! But the Bells of Dublin album by the Chieftains is a real favorite of mine.
ReplyDeleteYour ornament story touched me. I have a couple made by Adult Basic Ed class members. These people were trying to better their lives, but thought the library was just for the educated. I visited their class, convinced them to come to the library, and watched them grow in confidence. They each made me an ornament the year I announced I was being promoted to a new job . It was at Christnas, and I have bever forgotten how sincerely they thanked me. So humbling.
G Sue--I'm so glad you intervened and convinced them to visit and use the library. Our libraries are incredible resources--for everyone! Well done.
DeleteThose ornaments--handmade!--are truly treasures. Each one represents a life changed, and you were the agent of that change. Bravo to you!
I generally enjoyed Christmas music of all kinds before this year. I think it has something to do with my illness. My patience is worn thin, as they say, and I find myself easily distracted, too. Maybe next year?
That is such a lovely story about the ornament. I hope whenever you see it, she receives a blessing.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure it won't surprise you to know that I LOVE Christmas music, except for a few songs. I tend to ignore it when it's playing in stores, etc., so don't get bothered when they start playing it in July ... and I even really like Baby It's Cold Outside (I know, not supposed to), but I think the story behind it is amusing.
Cows rock. That is all.
Bridget--I hope that she is happy and well wherever she may be. Good heavens, I just did the math, and she is about to turn SIXTY. Holy crap. We could be best friends. I was 22 and she was 15 when she gave me that ornament. I...have never really thought of that before. Goodness.
DeleteThat you love Christmas music surprises me not at all. I'm glad that you do and that it brings you joy. This year is an anomaly for me, truly. I have lots of Christmas music and used to play it regularly, all kinds, once the calendar hit December 1st. It's just this year.
Damn right cows rock! Truth.
Love the story with the silver ornament, Nance. How special to be so beloved as a teacher so early in your career.
ReplyDeleteAnd I love hearing all the affection around you: Rick spraying the grass and Theo's gentle teasing...
Do you think orchestral Christmas music might be what you want this year?
maya--I was so touched by those sophomores. The fact that they organized such an effort was momentous in and of itself, but the whole idea of it was overwhelming. They were awesome people. And, happily, far from the only ones in my career. I was certainly blessed with more than my share of fantastic kids.
DeleteWe had Theo for part of the weekend, and although incredibly tiring, it was such a joy. His sense of humour and mischief is incredible. And he is already so empathetic and sweet. I love seeing things through his eyes.
Yes! I've found that cello Christmas music is suitable for my needs this year. There's something very calming about the cello--its register is just right. And it's making me feel that I need to get into Cleveland for an evening with the superb Cleveland Orchestra as soon as we can.
I am here for all the cow ornaments! Now I wish I had some cow ornaments. I live on a cattle ranch and I don't have a single cow ornament. I will rectify that asap!
ReplyDeleteMG--I'm actually stunned that you don't have a single cow ornament. Perhaps you don't want to mix business with pleasure? I can't recall ever having a Teacherish ornament on my tree. It's funny--right now is the very first time I've ever thought about that!
DeleteI love that you place that ornament on your tree every year. I bet that student still thinks about you.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't listened to Christmas music for several years. I couldn't put my finger on why, but it annoyed me, so I avoided it. I just started listening again (in doses) this year.
I feel you on this, Nance. I hate snow! We got too much of it this fall already. But with 30s and 40s and rain in the forecast- I predict seeing grass by Wednesday!
I would love to see your cow kitchen! 🐮
Kari--Oh, it would be lovely if she did. That class was a standout, every one of them.
DeleteI used to think Christmas music put me in the mood for Christmas. Now, I think I have to be In The Mood for Christmas in order to listen to it. As I mentioned above, I've found cello music to be a good fit this year.
My fingers are crossed mightily for seeing grass this week. Supposedly, our temps are reaching just above freezing today after starting out in the teens this morning. It was a chilly outing at 7:15 AM to feed my blue jays.
I think I'll have to put up a post full of photos of my little cow kitchen very soon. Theo loves it almost as much as I do!