IT'S CHRISTMAS! 2021 VERSION (WEEK OF DEC 20)

 

Silly thought as we were stashing extra food items for the big "reveal" on Christmas day. Living in a northern state we actually rejoice at the colder weather for a variety of reasons (no mosquitos is a biggie for me). But it does provide extra cold storage space. When we say "where are we going to put this stuff?" Why in the "garage refrigerator" of course. Cools extra beer and soda too. Lemons to lemonade.

Started the celebration early as the Robel family came over at lunchtime Christmas Eve. (Fortunately, Santa had made a stop earlier in the week.) Consequently we were ready for the next morning as long as a certain room did not get breached early by the "believer" who eagerly tracked the big guy's progress across the world on his phone. He even scored a personal message from the bearded one stating Joe's "good behavior" status would serve him well the next day. 

Tradition dictates that we order chinese food for dinner Christmas Eve. Learning from the past, we called in our order shortly after five and were told an hour wait (which is followed by a half hour wait when you get there).  All part of the fun though as the restaurant is swamped with excited chatter in both Mandarin and English while the kitchen whips out order after order. Scorning any technology apparently, orders are written down and passed on to the kitchen by the multi-tasking maitre d, phone in one ear, fingers flying on the cash register and menu pad. Not understanding chinese, it appears that major fights are breaking out between the kitchen staff and Mama proprieter as they zip around filling orders on virtual roller skates. Much yelling or maybe that's just how it sounds.  Although the chinese take-away was jammed, the adjoining Sub and pizza places were having a more leisurely evening. But everyone is in a good mood and it's all just part of the show. Plus we get our free Chinese calendar! But alas they forgot the fortune cookies : (

Speaking of cookies, Joe helped me make our Christmas batch. Nothing fancy on his part, just some egg cracking (usually all over him) and some mixing. Later after they were baked I said don't you want one? "No", he said, "I don't want to eat something I had my hands in." Huh? He did wash his hands, but the dough was kind of sticky as he tried to get it off the spoon.  LOL. He may have a problem later in life when he has to make his own meals...

Before the horde, er, er, the guests arrived I was trying to figure out what was in the plastic container Kristen had left on the hallway bench.  Opening it I thought it looked like some dried up chocolate chips and wondered why she didn't present them for the cookie bake-a-thon. Upon tasting one, I understood why. I had just crunched down on some of Zoe's dinner (Zoe is the dog). The OH thought the faux pas hilarious and I didn't die so all is well. Zoe was cool with it all-she was after turkey anyway.

The dolpins sweat shirt below was a must-have; size be damned.                                    

Though big disappointment that my sister and her new husband had to cancel last minute (loss of 2 pies and shrimp ring-oh yes their company as well), at least that meant everyone could squeeze into the living room. Though I had various seating locations-kitchen, basement, even outside set up, everyone opted for the one area afraid to miss anything I guess. Kids had given us a lamp post sized heater so even the deck was comfy when one of the party escaped to get some air and another to "vape". Eventually like lemmings, the rest floated out there too for a bit. The OH and I stayed busy creating and serving each course and refilling drinks. He's the cook, I'm the wait staff. Several bottles of wine appeared from guests and a bouquet of flowers from first-timers as well as a pineapple upside down cake from big Sis. But everyone kept ordering mimosas and shots.

Secret Santa has kind of deteriorated into a lot of booze-type gifts, though one thought an offering of a 24 pack of quilted Northern was appropriate-it got traded.  My "Naughty and Nice" bottles of wine got picked by the middle school participant so I had to sacrifice myself on my pick to take it back.  She grabbed the sweet smelling lotions and creams from an earlier player so it all worked out.

This game used to be a lot more cutthroat in the old days with much trading going on and lasting forever. Dad would put on quite a show of selecting just the right package performing a little dance around the intriguingly wrapped parcels. The best time was when he didn't remember what he gave before so when he got it back the next year, he was more than pleased. 

After a two hour cleanup, we collapsed in two puddles and contemplated life and left-overs. I had great intentions of finishing off the bubbly, but moving was too much effort and more dishes not a desirable option.  All and all a successful celebration. Peace out and love to all and sundry...Merry Merry

                                                                                       

REMEMBERING CHRISTMAS PAST

 

I wrote this article several years ago and hestitated to bring it out again, but I happened to see it recently and felt compelled to post it again. It is not possible to go through the holiday season without memories of the past - both good and bad.  It was cathartic when I wrote it and so much has changed but that may be the point. Joy has a way of creeping out just like a single candle in a darkened room.

She died on September 30 and we buried her on October 4. The heart of our family was gone. We went on, lived our lives, worked our jobs, took care of our families. So we thought. That call that I used to enjoy in November on the anniversary of my birth was missing. I'm okay. 

We gathered that Christmas Eve laughing and feasting as we always did. Then the four sisters drew together compelled by some force that we could not explain. We talked; we laughed and then...we cried. Cried for the one who was missing; cried when we realized that it was up to us to carry on the traditions, to bring the joy that she used to bring. She was weaker in the last few years, but the festivities still revolved around her wheelchair, her laughter, her strong opinions and her love for her family ringing out over the noise of the children.

Our children drew close, worried and disturbed by our universal grief. We knew she would not have wanted this. The eldest now became the heart and she suffered so much. 

So our children went out and adorned my sister's car with the silliness of Rudolph nose and antlers. We brought her out to see the Christmas lights and the spectacle of her car which now featured a face and a mood. The laughter rang out, the joy returned, and we all knew she was there orchestrating the celebration as she always did.

WHINING, MUSLIMS, RESPIRATORS (Week of Dec 13)

 Our big adventure this week was our annual wine tasting with a select group of "coon a sewers" of all things bubbly red and white. We normally hold our soiree around All Hallows as a Fall fete, but covid knocked that back a few weeks.   I had five selections this year starting with a refreshing sparkling reisling that I asked all to hold while I presented a toast to Christmas, to all we lost since we last imbibed and promoting hope for the future. We were assisted this year by one of the couples who braved a couple of days with the OH and myself in Traverse as we scoured wineries for our 2021 party. Exhausting work, but someone has to do it - I think we made 8 or was it 9?  They just played along and drank whatever they wanted; party worthy or not.  Great attribuite in traveling companions.

I prepare an elaborate description about the nuances on each choice, which no one reads anyway.  I gave up reading it out loud as the lively conversations already occurring require no other punctuation.  Yet I persist in the name of full disclosure.  Though we do find it fun to pretend one found and correctly identified the grapefruit, kiwi, black cherry and toffee notes advertised.  Though the description that mentioned weathered wood and fallen leaves I felt was better left undiscovered. Also realized a couple days later, I served the wrong red wine. I had similar bottles but intended to serve a different one than the one I actually set out.  As that was number four on the hit parade, no one really noticed. Also our generous friends all follow the rule that you never accept a party invite without bringing a hostess gift of yummy food! Our Traverse City traveling buddies made cookies utilizing the cherry concoction they got on the trip. Another brought his mind-blowing brownies; cashews from a third and a goodie basket from the fourth couple.  We were pleasantly wined and bloated with our cheese fondue and various other snackies.

We are tentatively, well actually full-blown, restoring the Ide Family Christmas dinner.  Although as families grow and change we realized we suddenly have 17 people rsvping. Whoah!  We had decided to forego the whole turkey carving schmear for simplicity's sake and stick to ham and turkey breasts (for my S-I-L). Carving takes over all available counter space, it's messy and the dog goes nuts waiting for something to inadvertently hit the floor. 

 The turkey breast choice proved to be both prophetic and inspired if one believes in Godwinks (coincidences) My sister's step-son has married and has a wonderful new family that we love. Then my sister wrote to say, "you know, they don't eat pork". This after I had already invited them saying you may have in-law responsibilities but you are welcome here on Christmas. Though they revere Jesus as a great prophet, the Muslim religion is not so much into celebrating his Winter Solstice birthday or any feast days for that matter.  Happily bottom line, they're coming and I will discreetly whisk them in first to the table to grab the turkey entree LOL. 

Oh yeah I mentioned respirators.  Attended a Christmas concert which was just what the doctor ordered for holiday kick-off.  Mask or not? Though not crowded (community band) it seemed prudent to don the "gay" apparel.  Wonderful concert with band members similarly masked-at least the percussionists as they're not blowing on anything except each other.

 Reminded me of a favor I did the Fire Department. Upon obtaining new air supplied units they neglected to buy individual mouthpieces for each fire fighter reasoning if they had to be used, they would sanitize between wearers - which is acceptable.  Only problem was, one had to take the unit apart to dry which took much longer than advertised. Complaints, to me, of tasting the previous wearer's chewing tobacco, etc., arose.  Whether it was really true I have no idea, but everybody got their own and everybody was happy. Sometimes you just have to go with it. 

In keeping with our last few year's tradition, daughter, s-i-l and grandson will spend Christmas Eve night with us. Santa (Mom) has already made a visit so a little someone will not be disappointed that Santa will find us at Nana's house.  Cookie decorating and Chinese dinner are on the menu.

Merry Christmas and definitely Peace to All.....

MERRY KRISTEN/CHRISTMAS (Week of Dec. 6)

 Freddie Fir made his way from a benevolent field of green to a plushie carpet of gray next to the fireplace. Finally realizing we were rounding the curve toward Christmas at breakneck speed we decided it was time to hustle and pick out the main player of the interior design. Although only open since November 26, the tree lot had gone through 1000 of the 1200 trees they usually pre-cut. That doesn't even count the ones you ax-down yourself. 

Another week of painstaking work placing each ornament at precisely the correct elevation and distance from its brothers and sisters (theme this year is red and gold). However the multi-faceted light combinations available made picking one color or action (chasing, twinkling, fading, etc) difficult to settle upon. Though a slim member of the evergreen family was chosen, again I will not have enough room for all the packages that will soon adorn it's feet. 

Stock market settled down after four weeks of incremental losses; though when the DOW is sitting at 36,000 it's hard to feel bad. The whining about inflation seems to affect only those things that we need that are costing us more, yet those things we want -Christmas trees, family trips to Florida, all the latest toys and adventures continue merrily on. So apparently the ones really affected are those who barely have money for groceries and gas. However, gas has dropped dramatically here which is what always happens. Groceries, not so much. 

Speaking of groceries we hit the warehouse store so I could crab about grocery prices and discovered a treasured belief debunked.  Standing behind a "little ole gal" I noted her cart was crammed with several types of baked goods and cookies. Aha! Grandma's cookies actually come from the store!! Perhaps she places a few in the oven on low temp to diffuse the fresh-baked aroma and "lie" to the grandkids.  But between her yoga classes, race car fetish, classes on conversational italian and podcasting, Grandma has a lot less time than she used to. Soldier on I say.

Segueing to employee training, ahem, I watched a comical demonstration while waiting for my order at a local drug store. As the Manager was at the computer talking the new "emp" through the steps on a rather detailed transaction for me I noted the new "emp" standing off to one side, totally oblivious while cleaning her glasses. As I was in a unique spot I could see the whole exercise go down. The Manager never turned to see if her lesson was being understood and the "emp" was in la-la land waiting for someone to say GO I guess.  Although my first instinct was to interrupt and say "she's not listening" I realized - not my problem. 

A friend's Mother passed away this week and it brings up all types of emotions and memories. We don't remember the struggle of the last few years, if one has the gift of a long life. We remember the youthful parent who both frustrated and loved us standing staunchly in our corner whatever the challenge and being so familiar that we took for granted they would always be there waiting. The thought that we are now alone as the elders of the family and that the traditions our parents represented are changing is sobering. The goofiest memories, the cringe-worthy moments strike at the oddest times and the grief we put aside for a moment comes barreling back without warning. It gets better you think, but just not today.

Finished off the week with the grandson for an overnight this weekend. He was quite hilarious claiming staying with us meant he could just "chill" as he had experienced a rough week including various school yard injuries of both the physical and emotional types. Then switching gear from woe two seconds later he excitedly asked me "do you know what comprehension means?" "Yes, wait what do you think it means?" He told me, correctly, which was to preface that he got ten out of ten on his comprehension assignment.  LOL.

 As he does each year, Joe tested all the musical Christmas creatures we've accumulated over the years. When he was younger he would attempt to get all of the toys running at the same time, but the older version is more scientific. He experimented on which would last the longest and placed bets. He also relayed his approval to Grandpa (he knows who decorates) for his efforts on both outdoor and indoor decor and then claimed our Oreos (we have a cookies & milk ritual at 9 pm) were stale.  Oh the truth of children. He finished out his visit by treating Grandpa to one of his Godzilla movies carefully explaining what was happening in each scene. He's one of those...  Finally he dutifully helped his Mother blow out the candles on her birthday cake which her Mother (me) humorously marked her age with a series of 3's.  Figure it out. Peace to All of Good Will....

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS, COVIE AND HARVEST DAY (Week of Nov. 29)

 It's beginning to look "a bit like Christmas" with the outdoor lights installed and spreading their twinkling gaiety on our exceedingly dark neighborhood (no streetlights) on the river. I can see one lonely lighted snow person down the street and of course our neighbor and I flash our patio lights green for the Spartans on game days so both sides of the house are covered. Now trying to decide if the extravagant inside decor should commence; which takes days...

 The OH is the prime decorator; a lesson I learned many moons ago. If I placed something it was usually moved so I let him have at it. He is also a prolific collector of antique (mostly) Santa figures so we made our annual trek to the flea/second hand/antique shops this week. He came home with several new treasures so our shelf normally dedicated to various Santas is becoming an entire bookcase. 

In Covid news, our lowly virus is now associated with another greek letter, omicron, in this spelling bee that no one wants to win. Interesting factoid - in astronomy the15th letter omicron is the 15th star in a constellation. How lovely. 

We had a health scare this week as our niece was transported to emergency with difficulty breathing and the eventual development of blood clots. After a couple of days, my sister-in-law let me know it was not covid but still serious. Fortunately there was room at the inn, though they had to transport to another hospital for treatment. After breathing a sigh of relief when she was discharged my S-I-L got back to town to discover her boss had just died of covid.  This lady was unvaccinated and unabashedly vocal about her vehement skepticsim of covid being as serious as reported. Covid doesn't care. Rest in Peace.

One commentator conjectured that 25% of  the population is petrified of needles and with the constant advertisement of public stabbings on the news and commercials, we may be actually strengthening their resolve not to be poked regardless of the consequences. On the plus side, the grandson got his second shot like a trooper. My relief is stellar. 

We also picked up our massive 1/4 beefy order this week compliments of our once frolicking bovine, though 900 pounds probably doesn't frolic that much. The butcher just whipped the three boxes into the trunk with the ease of long practice and we struggled to dislodge them upon arriving at home. We won't be needing ground beef for awhile as those packages alone took over an entire freezer shelf.  Along with some succulent roasts and steaks...The OH wondered if we should name our moo-er volunteer, but that seems a bit too chummy considering his ultimate sacrifice which gives a whole new meaning of not playing with your food, or personifying it.

After several years of hinting a certain evergreen in our yard would make a perfect Christmas tree, it's fate, and, elevation occurred this year. As fitting for their first year in their new "forever" home, Kristen and Matt harvested the, by now, 12 foot tree.  This was planted on earth day by Kristen when she was in grammar school.  Almost 30 years of growth (with it's roots compromising the fence) now proudly heading to a celebration of light and color. The old Ship Master Burt spent the next 20 minutes securing it to the truck with his sailor's slip knots for transport to its ultimate glory...and demise. 

Let the Festivus celebration commence......Peace Out and Good Will Toward All