Category – ‘Tis the Season

Much of the nation has had dreadful weather this winter. But in Kansas City we’ve been relatively fortunate. We had bitter cold just before Christmas, but have had mostly mild weather since then. This week, it looks like we’ll have a brief cold spell, then return to the 50s. That’s warm enough for a walk, which warms my soul as well as my body. How do you define a warm winter?

I got a Timex Weekender Chronograph watch for Christmas. I haven’t owned a Timex since I was a kid, so it was interesting to see what they had to offer these days. Until a few years ago, I hadn’t warn a watch since my twenties. Then I discovered mechanical watches and started a small collection. It’s nice to have a timepiece on my wrist that doesn’t have to be plugged in every night. It just tells me the time and date. And looks pretty good too. While I still love my automatic/mechanical Seiko 5, I also enjoy a nice quartz

Continue reading Telling Time

About a year ago, we received some free plastic cups from a realtor who works in our neighborhood. I never really looked at the cups until last week, when I read this one. “I’m sorry for the things I said when it was winter.” After the cold spell we endured just before Christmas, this made me laugh. I might have said a thing or two I shouldn’t have. What about winter makes you laugh?

Many years ago, I gave my parents a Waterford set of the Holy Family. And somewhere in her childhood, my daughter acquired a Waterford angel. After my parents died, and after my daughter moved away, I acquired (reacquired?) these items. They are now displayed together on my bookshelf. Not just during the Christmas season, but year around. What “holiday” mementos do you keep on display throughout the year?

We still get a real Christmas tree. Every year I think it might be time to switch to artificial, but so far we still buy real trees. A Fraser fir tree if we can find it. A friend of mine has an artificial tree that looks so real I had to check to be sure she hadn’t put it in water. If I got an artificial tree, I’d want a green one that strives to look real, not a frosted white tree. Which are you — Team Real or Team Fake?

No elf on the shelf in my house, but I have these two figurines of Father Christmas. They both ended up on my mantel this year. Which do you prefer?

I had trouble finding the white poinsettias I usually decorate with at the holidays. But I found this unusual pink with greenish border that complements my decorations. Looks fancy, but I just picked it up at the grocery store! In doing a little research, I came across this tip for caring for poinsettias: “Make sure you pinch off the tip of each node (pinched back) to create a bushy plant and a fabulous poinsettia bloom.” If you have words of wisdom about these fabulous seasonal plants, do share!

Many years ago, I gave my mother silver bells representing the twelve days of Christmas. They were sold by Halls Department Store in Kansas City. It took six years to get the set, as Halls came out with two new bells each year. After my parents died, I reclaimed the silver bells, as I reclaimed the old clock that has been in our family since 1875. During Christmas season, the bells sit beside the clock and remind me of my parents. What old Christmas decorations do you have?

I’m a little behind on making my Christmas shopping list this year. Did some browsing over the weekend and got some ideas, but I need inspiration. One kid travels and can’t pack a lot of stuff. My parents don’t need a thing, and I’m leaning toward consumables for them. I actually love to come up with just the right thing for my gift recipients. It’s part of the fun of Christmas! So tell me, what cool gifts are you giving this year?

This is as much decorating as I did for Halloween this year. This is the fourth year we’ve been in our home, and the first time I’ll be open for trick-or-treaters. In 2019, we were the only occupied house on the block. Only one family made it to our door. I hadn’t bought any candy, figuring no one would come down an (almost) empty cul-de-sac, and I promised them treats in 2020. But . . . pandemic. No trick-or-treating in 2020. Last year we were out of town. And so, this year I have no idea how many kids to

Continue reading Happy Halloween!