Ringing The Bells

Bells I have a few.. one was an ornament the year we lived in Buxton, ND.  That year I had zero for imagination so the ornament was a simple bell with your name and the year on it..mine now has a bow to dress it up a tad..but I am not sure if the others had bows or not.

Last year I got a new bell, but for the life of me I cannot remember who gave it to me... maybe I bought it for myself.  As an ornament giver..I am not often an ornament receiver..I think it must be true..you give the gifts that you would like to receive yourself.

In 2006, I received a very special gift from my niece, Rachael and nephew, Jacob and my X brother in law.  I kept the slip of paper that they sent with the bell.. " We hope that you enjoy this authentic Victorian Sleigh (Jingle) Bell. The kids and I have restored this bell and offer it to you in celebration of the Christmas season.  We hope that you will find a place on your tree or perhaps an entry door to hang it and each time you hear it jingle, be reminded of all your blessings in life."  It is one of my most treasured ornaments.

In some cities the church bells ring at noon everyday..I am sure that many people don't even hear them anymore.  They are just a normal part of the city noise. Far Guy has a favorite Christmas Carol..it is a tad sad..but it has a happy ending.  As Christians whatever our life story is..there is a happy ending.  No matter what pain and sorrow you have, no matter how tough your row is to hoe ( my Grandma used to say that) ..everyday should be all about reaching the end..it is not a race either..everyone will reach the goal in their own time:)  

"Loony" Ornaments

Every year Far Guy and I design and develop a Christmas Ornament.  It is a labor of love..and once you start a tradition..you just keep plugging away..every year.. this is our 19th year.  Here is a link to the history of all of our ornaments.  

This year I designed a loon for the Christmas ornament.   This is quite a process.. first  Far Guy cuts out the diamond shape..he used Basswood.  He sands them and gets them looking smooth...

I transfer the pattern in pencil.

I use the wood burner to burn an outline.  The first couple of ones are always just practice, I worked out in  Far Guys Greenhouse/Shop this fall when the weather was nice.

I brought them back in the house to paint them..painting about ten at a time. Each one is different..It is impossible for me to make them all look the same.  Hand painted one at a time!

 I write the recipient's name and the year on the back..then they go back out to be wood burned on that side.  Then Far Guy drills a hole in them  and dips them in a shellac...and they hang to dry..

Then I decorate envelopes and package them all up.. delivery has started.   I am glad I started early this year..there was no mad rush to get then done.   I made sixty of them.  I have two that I made especially for blog readers, if you would like to enter a drawing for one leave me a comment telling me about one of your Christmas Traditions. I am giving one away on both of my blogs..area voices and blogspot.. the drawing will take place on Monday at 9PM  and the winners will be announced on Tuesday.  So comment away! I am just a little loony..and you can be a little loony too:)

Milestones

"Last week the candle factory burned down. Everyone just stood around and sang Happy Birthday.”... Stephen Wright 

It has been a bit of a milestone type of week for several people that are special to us.

First of all a small child was born in New York City..a much awaited first Grandchild to one of my best friends. I told the new Grandma to think positive..Sadie Magnolia  doesn't sound real New Yorkie to me ..so I am sure that she will become a Minnesota gal!!   My friend will be 60..and she is just now a Grandma for the first time ..I was a Grandma when I was 45.  So she has some serious Grand mothering to do! Since she only birthed male children..this little girl is a very special person that is entering her life. Will Sadie ever know how much she is loved?  When she is older..when I meet her I will have to tell her..that her Grandma was pee your pants excited for months before her birth..she ought to remember that!!

Far Guys Auntie Esther was ninety yesterday..we went to town for a gathering of friends and family for cake and coffee. It was a great turn out, after all the golf course is shut down for the winter! Ninety years..not everyone makes it to that milestone! She reads my blog everyday..she is probably my oldest reader! Yes, she is a computer savvy ninety year old! Don't that beat all! Many people her age wouldn't even try to navigate around the Internet.. way to go Auntie Esther!

Milestones reached..what are you reaching for?    I am reaching for several things..several dates..December 20, December 25, and December 28 ..all milestones for me/us.   December 20 will mark forty years of wedded bliss, December 25 marks a two year Trigeminal Neuralgia diagnosis for Far Guy,  that was a gift that kept on giving.. (not all milestones are pleasant) ..and December 28..two years of blogging for me:)

Chance : Ornamental Help

They  have a tree inside..and it isn't even a real tree..  they fussed with the limbs and all the lights one whole night.  I suppose there will be no playing ball in the living room now.  

Last night we helped Far Side put on some of the ornaments.  Wanna see mine?  

This one I got from Savannah one of my favorite kids in the whole world. 

This one I got from Sue, Joe and Buddy in Indiana.  


Far Side makes me an ornament every year just like everyone else in the family.   I have five of those!  So I have seven ornaments in my collection..well maybe only six..there was that year I was still a wild one year old pup and the ball went under the tree.. and the tree crashed.. Far Side forgave me..and I didn't get hurt in all the broken glass..but one of my ornaments bit the dust. 

Far Guy and I had a cozy spot on the couch to watch the trimming of the tree.  I watched Far Side go back and forth..forth and back..she tired me out so much I just had to have a nap:) 

Wistful Wednesday: 1979

On December 08, 1979..thirty years ago, my brother married "she who always sees the first robin." They were young ..my brother was just nineteen. Too young to get married..but it seems to have worked out for them quite well..after thirty years they are still married! Our oldest daughter Trica was a flower girl in their wedding..she was seven years old. My brother sure did have a head of hair back then, of course this was before they had four children and eight grandchildren!


Minnesota in 1979 was a year without snow at Christmas time. The frost was so heavy that it appeared to have snowed. I remember how the frost sparkled in the trees that year..like thousands of diamonds. Far Guy and I planted these little trees..I wonder are they still there? Trees can grow quite a bit in thirty years.

Sometimes I think that marriages are kinda like trees. There are all different kinds, but they all start out little, planted in the same spot, bending and growing with the winds...putting down roots, you can't see them, but you know they are there. Some get too much water or are struggling too much and they croak. Some are toppled in violent windstorms. Some cannot bear the extra weight of an ice storm... some just never had a chance to build good roots. Some never took the time to build roots..or one side of the tree was a good root builder and the other side really sucked at roots. Some worked together and communicated, they grew, the tiny branches that were formed grew sturdier each year, strong and vigorous.....until finally they are full grown and filled out..now they just ebb and flow with the seasons..anchored by a good root system.. enjoying their grandchildren:)

My Newest Old Ornament

The tree is up..but just the tree and it's lights..not so many ornaments yet.

I found this box at an Antique Shop. I thought is was an interesting box..it had a foreign flavor to it. 

Inside was this ornament, which is now hung on my tree! What does it say? Yes, that was my thought exactly. I asked everyone in the Antique Shop if they spoke or read any foreign languages..no one did..so I had to part with a whole dollar to bring it home and find out for myself. It says "Jolly Christmas" in German. Apparently Louise was the artist..this is a hand painted ornament.


Now to research the box..it is not foreign. Instead it came from Schumachers at the New Prague, Minnesota Hotel. Chef John Schumacher is known for roat duck, kolacky and other Czech and German specialties. First I wondered what is a roat duck..apparently is is a roasted duck. Kolacky..what are they? I looked them up.. ahh Kolache..those wonderful pastries that are filled with prunes or apricots. Montgomery Minnesota is known as the "Kolacky/Kolache capital of the world." I have had just a few of their kolaches from their bakery on main street. I can just taste that dough that is not to sweet..and the wonderful fruit filling.


Apparently the 1898 Hotel with it's historic charm was closed after thirty one years..it has just recently reopened..Chef John is still the owner. Apparently my ornament came from one of those thirty one years... 1974 to 2005. So my newest old ornament is not so old. It is still a nice ornament and it has it's own box..that is a plus when you collect lots of glass ornaments. If I am ever in New Prague, Minnesota ..I know where I am going for lunch:)

Snowshoes

One snowy cold spring day a gentleman came by the greenhouse to visit.  He was newly retired and needed some help designing a few gardens.  We talked of rock gardens and perennials.  I asked him to come back in about a month, some perennials would be out from under cover by then.  

He came back and purchased a wide variety of perennials.  I gifted him some Phlox subulata that was struggling to look good enough to sell. 

  
He returned one day, with a gift for me.  A tiny pair of handmade snowshoes that he enjoyed making in the evenings while watching TV.  They are a one of a kind ornament..that reminds me of retired people, Phlox sublata and that one kindness often leads to another:) 


** Our tree is not up yet, this photo was taken last year..we still have time!  

Cinnamon Ornaments

A few years ago, Maddie came home from school with a little package for me..she was so excited.  It was one of those "School Creations."  She said that I could open it right away or I could wait until Christmas morning.  We discussed it..and decided together that all gifts should wait until Christmas morning.

Every year when I open the Christmas Ornament container the smell of cinnamon greets me and I am reminded of the big smile she had on her face that day.  How proudly she presented her gift, and the ornament that she made especially for me.  

I have many ornaments, and I mean many..enough to decorate several trees.  I collect Christmas Ornaments..however this one holds a very special place in my heart and upon the tree.

Perhaps you would like to make a memory for your tree.

Maddie's Cinnamon Christmas Ornaments
One Cup Cinnamon
One Tablespoon Cloves
One Tablespoon Nutmeg
3/4 Cup Applesauce
2 Tablespoons white glue
Mix the dry ingredients, add the wet ingredients..kneed for a few minutes.  Roll out to a thickness of 1/4 inch.  Cut out your shapes with a cookie cutter.  Use a straw to poke a hole through the top of the cutout.  Air dry for several days turning occasionally.  Paint with a glitter glue..attach a length of ribbon for a hanger:)

Cousins Christmas

Last night was the annual girl cousins Christmas Party. We do a potluck supper and invite the Aunts and Uncles. It gets everyone out for an evening! It is nice to see everyone in one place at one time during the winter..when it isn't a funeral. The Aunts and Uncles each receive a small gift from one of the cousins. Nothing fancy, usually something handmade. One of the Aunts brought a whole bag of knitted dish rags, she said "I sit in my chair and knit while I watch TV." ..we got to choose our favorite..I was the last person..and there was still a red one for me! My Mother and Father usually bring some small gift for everyone..this year it was a bookmark. Everyone is getting older..the oldest is Aunt Senia ..she is 92. One of my cousins had the geriatric limo..she had three Aunts with her, she had her hands full. Aunt Grace had her hips done..she is moving along pretty good. She complained that her hearing aid didn't work real well, she thought it might have water in it. ..My Father being the helpful person that he is suggested that she stand on her head.

Earlier in the day we heard through the family grapevine that one of our cousins was touched by tragedy when her boyfriend and the father of her four year old twins was killed in a car accident. Very sad. All I have to say is ..wear your seat belt..because your chances of survival are much better if you stay inside your vehicle instead of being thrown around like a rag doll and ejected from a vehicle.

One of the coolest gifts at the cousins party was a bowl that had been sewed..I would like to try this ..and I don't even like to sew.

My Dad had his own take on this bowl. That is one of his sisters on the left, and a sister in law on the right.

It is 0 degrees F ( -18 C) here this morning...I suppose there is little hope of Indian Summer returning.  We got some new snow yesterday..it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas..no we do not have our tree up yet...the Christmas letter has not been written and there are no packages to wrap yet. We still have time:)

Wish Books

Sometimes late at night I think and try to remember...things from a simpler time. I have not thought about "Wish Books" in years. I googled wish book..and low and behold there is a site with some of the old wish books..I really enjoyed my visit there. I was so excited I almost woke Far Guy up..but since he was sleeping like a big ole baby..I figured my discovery could wait until morning. He recalls the excitement that surrounded the arrival of the "Wish Book" ..he would look it over and then get out a sheet of paper and methodically write down everything he wanted, with the page number and description and everything. He said " I made it pretty simple for my parents to shop..I never thought about what would happen if they lost the piece of paper."

My brother and I would share "The Wish Book" ..the special catalogue that came out in the Fall, it was filled with toys and games and everything imaginable for Christmas. We would write our names by the things we wanted. Before you wrote your name by an item, you had to spend hours looking through the book and reading all the descriptions. I can remember telling my brother to write neatly and not scrawl his name all over everything.. Our "Wish Book" would end up without a front or back cover and all the pages would be dogeared. We kept them from one year to the next, they were stored in the front room closet, stacked neatly in the corner with all of the other catalogues..Sears, Pennys, Montgomery Wards and Spiegel regular editions .. none of which got nearly the attention that the Wish Book did..I believe that the wish book we got every Fall was from Sears. In later years we may have gotten one from Pennys too.. but by then we had another brother and a sister who we had to share with. There just were never quite enough wish books to go around. The were also lots of wishes that were made..it would have been impossible to make all those wishes come true.

I wonder what children today would do with a wish book..:)

The Christmas Skates

All I wanted for Christmas back in 1962 was a pair of white figure skates. I did get them the next year. I loved trying to skate in town at the rink..I never was very good at it. I spent lots of my skating time on the ground, up close and personal with the ice. I loved watching all the town kids skate on Saturdays ..especially the ones that could skate backwards.  I had a hard time going forward upright.. backwards was just a figment of my fruitful imagination. Some of those kids sure could skate.  I did have a beau one winter who could skate backwards..couples would dance and skate holding each other in their arms.. I just kinda hung onto him for dear life and went along for the ride.  The kids in town were really lucky they could skate everyday, and they had a warming house!

The only ice skating that took place on the farm was in the spring in a corner of one of the fields where the spring runoff would collect and freeze for just a few days..but you had to watch out for the weeds that stuck up..they would send you flying. We would haul a block of wood out to the edge of the field so we would have some place to sit down and put on our skates.

My beautiful white skates were a size seven and a half..the last time I can remember wearing them was in the winter of 1972..Far Guy and I would skate down on the narrows in the moonlight. We would put Trica to bed, and head down the hill to shovel a spot to skate. Those skates served me well... I had them much longer than that old pink radio. Not that the radio was a bad gift..it wasn't. I would unplug my parents radio all the time and take it to my room..so I suppose it made perfect sense to them. I don't ever remember wanting anything for Christmas as desperately as those skates.. I just had to wait patiently for them until the next year:)

Wistful Wednesday: Christmas 1962

The year was 1962..my brothers were two and eight, I was eleven.   I desperately wanted a pair of figure skates, I wanted to glide along the ice and dazzle everyone with my skating skills..I just knew that a pair of proper ice skates would be better than the old pair of strap onto your boot skates with the double runners on the heel and on the toes.   Figure skates..they were the only thing on my list.

There was one package under the tree for me that fit the bill, it was just about the right size, kinda heavy and jiggled like it contained skates..I could just imagine them all white and nestled in their box..I could even smell the leather through the box.  I was so excited..this was going to be the most perfect Christmas ever.  I didn't even peek..

Christmas eve after church we opened our packages.  My excitement had moved to a fever pitch by this time.  I ripped off the wrapping paper and was about to yell "Thanks for the skates!!" When I noticed..that there were no skates..inside that box in place of my skates was a pink radio..my "Thanks for the radio" was polite..but my cheeks were sore from biting back my tears:(

December First

I do declare that the Christmas Season has begun..but only because the calendar says so.. the stores began their Christmas season in August..they better dust off that stuff they have been trying to sell since August.. either that or put it on sale. Who wants to buy dusty old crap anyway.


I would just as soon hibernate until New Years Eve.. that's right I could sleep from the night before Thanksgiving until the eve of the New Year no problem. If I didn't have children, that have children I would totally "ignore the hype" that goes with these holidays.

I just want an old fashioned Christmas, all homemade gifts, someone playing the piano and singing, stringing popcorn and cranberries to put on the tree, reading the Christmas Story out of the Bible by candlelight, going for a sleigh ride. I know, I know I was born 100 years too late. It kind of sucks, everyone else loves these holidays, I am the odd person out, my girls are quite used to my complaining, they tune me out over the holidays... Far Guy too. Yup, I must be related to Scrooge.. I must be his sister.

I believe that my girls always say "Mom and Dad are having Christmas" because they know that if it is at their house I won't drag out even one decoration. Don't mind me..I will plug along through the holidays..I will entertain you with some stories..I will show you some of my Christmas tree ornament collection, it is way to large to be shown in one year...last year I just scratched the surface. I will slowly decorate for the Christmas Holiday. With the emphasis on slowly..


So are you brave enough to meander along with this blog for the next 24 days? Misery loves company.. To my youngest daughter..who will call every day until the tree is up..cause "You know you have to get that tree up before we get there." It is only December first..I still have time:)

Exercise?

I  have been using the Elliptical exerciser..it is a machine from hell..but it does provide me with low impact exercise.  I can now do a 12 1/2  minute mile.. I may have some fat..but by golly it is going to be firm fat.    My goal is to do two miles in 24 minutes.  It is a work in progress.  It is low impact, so my bad leg does okay,  my good leg helps make up for the weakness in my bad one.   I broke my ankle and leg back in 1979, the Doctors said I would only walk ten years.. twenty if I was really lucky..this year marked thirty.  Funny thing is ..those Doctors  are pushing up daisies and I am still walking!   I find that the Elliptical is better than walking on the uneven ground outdoors..or walking in ice and snow..although I still like going outdoors.  I have a selection of oldies that I  listen to..I crank up the music and sweat.   Every other day is the required goal ..everyday is sometimes an option..especially if I feel real bitchy.. somehow walking my fat butt off makes me less cranky.   It is totally impossible for me to actively bitch when I am puffing like the little engine that could.   The nearest gym is fourteen miles away.  Far Guy and I  went to a gym when we lived in North Dakota.. I loved the variety of the exercise equipment that could be found in a real gym.  For now this machine fits the bill..it does get boring..perhaps I will start reading a really good novel out loud to myself..or move the little TV up there and watch old videos.   That TV is so old..it will not get any channels..but it has a built in VCR. Far Guy is way ahead of me ..he does over two miles in twenty five minutes.  His hips are bad, a few weeks ago he tried running down the driveway..he walked around here limping for three days mumbling "That was a really stupid thing to do.. but the dog was so impressed."   Exercise in Minnesota in the winter..you gotta do some..even if you don't feel like it.  What kind of exercise do you do during the winter months?  :)
*** That monstrosity ended up in my storage area upstairs..the room that is suppose to have custom built bunk beds for the grands.. and that scale..that belongs to Far Guy.

Seamstress Project #1

I am not a seamstress..yet why do I think that I should be able to sew? Just because I was born female..I should be able to sew, cook, shop and talk on the phone..I am a failure..I have never been truly in touch with my inner seamstress. Remember I only passed Home Economics because my Mom sewed my skirt for me..she saved me from failure and herself from embarrassment in the seamstress community.

Where was I when God handed out the special qualities? You know the lines you stand in to get your specialness the sewing line..the cooking line..the shopping line.. I never made it past the B's. Books, Breasts and Bitching.

I guess you could say I have been gifted with the ability to collect enough books that I will never be able to read them in my lifetime..I admit it I am a book hoarder. I wonder if I should think about going to some sort of support group..speaking of support.. will there ever be a comfortable support bra? As for the bitching part.. Far Guy says "You must have been the most difficult child ever." Perhaps I was, I know as a teenager..my Mothers friends called me a bitch.. and I totally agreed with them.

I am attempting to be a seamstress. When I asked my youngest daughter..the one who sewed her finger in Home Economics if she wanted to come help with my project..she said " Really Mother, just hire someone to sew for you." Then she mumbled something about people that don't understand their own limitations...


I have been sewing in my mind. Sometimes I have to do things in my mind first..before I really do them. Sometimes just doing something step by step in my mind is enough for me..once I have it all figured out..I no longer have the desire or need to do it. No so with my sewing projects. Just because I did them in my mind..they did not magically appear. Yes, there are four different projects. Do I have a pattern ..NO. Did I have a clue when I purchases all this yardage? NO..I was swept away with visions of perfectly sewn window seat cushions...

They are not perfect..but they will do. Today I am starting the next sewing adventure.. lined Drapes/Curtains... two windows..four panels..all lined..I have never lined anything in my entire life..why the lining? Because they are south facing windows and because I never want to do this project again in my lifetime:)

Four Seasons at Guyles Lake

Yes, we are supposed to have four seasons in Minnesota. Sometimes it doesn't seem that way. It seems that old man Winter hogs a great share of the year..or perhaps I am just imagining that. One of my favorite places to go is Guyles Lake. Not exactly the sunbathing, boating mecca of Minnesota..but it was home to a pair of Trumpeter Swans last summer. So here is Guyles Lake through the seasons...no I did not stand exactly in the same place each time..but close enough for an old lady. One of Minnesota 's last wilderness lakes in our area ..they are logging off the south east shore..I was deeply saddened to see that this area is being disturbed. If it belonged to me, I would let the animals have it.

Winter at Guyles Lake in March

Spring in June

Summer in August

Fall in October ..the Larch or Tamarack are golden, they are a deciduous conifer, which means their needles turn golden and fall off for the winter.


This was a fun project for me to do.. what other totally obscure projects can I find to photograph? I have begun a rather bazaar collection of other subjects easily found in Minnesota..weed seed heads.. deer stands..I really miss the wildflowers..it is certainly a long time til May..five more months ..most all of them wintery:(

I would like to thank Jeanne at The Raisin Chronicles ..she was the inspiration for this photo project. If I recall correctly.. she said "You should do a four season presentation for us! ."

Thanksgiving Report

We got snow on Wednesday morning..just in time for a white Thanksgiving..I do believe that this snow will be the one that stays..it is our third snow.   We hurried off to my Dental appointment.. Root canals..what fun.  I came home and baked all my pies while I was numb.

I went to the All School Reunion meeting on Wednesday evening to give my two cents on the fundraising dinner..I shared my observations and recommendations concerning safe food handling with them..they took my opinionated opinions quite well.  They asked for feedback on the dinner..so I gave them some.  No one had noticed the things I did ..my thought was they all must be blind as bats..or really shouldn't have graduated from high school at all.

We went to Trica and Dick's for Dinner.  The turkey was cooked and we all ate way too much.  I had a nap before dinner, I am still a little tired..that root canal I had on Wednesday was not exactly a piece of cake.   I still cannot chew anything on that side of my mouth..but the other side works just fine.  I even passed up the wine..usually I really enjoy some wine with our Thank Meal.  We have much to be thankful for a warm home,  reasonably good health, beautiful children and grandchildren..and a good dog.   It is a whole lot of fuss and cooking for twenty minutes of eating.. Jen tried to fit black olives on all of her fingers like she did when she was little..she has bigger fingers now.   My favorite..the mashed potatoes and gravy and the dark turkey meat.  With a slice of Pumpkin Pie for desert..some things never change:)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wistful Wednesday : Thanksgiving

Old photos of Thanksgiving..boy they are few and far between.  I did find a few..this is part of Far Guys family.  His Great Uncle Frank, his Grandfather Curt, his Mother and his Great Aunt Mae.   These are old Polaroids, taken no doubt by Far Guys Dad as he was a bit of a camera nut.

This is one of the table all set for their dinner..I see cranberry relish and pickled  beets and possibly pickles. Far Guys Mom has her eyes closed in this one.. but it is still a good photo..note the telephone on the wall..and the little edging on the shelves in the pantry.   Far Guys Mom has written on the back Thanksgiving 1963. :)

Return To Swan Pond

One day this fall ( November 08)  we were driving by Swan Pond..the Swans are gathering. I noticed a distinct separation of the Swans.  A bunch of large adults were along one of the islands.

Another group was swimming with their now grown babies.. this years cygnets are sporting a dirty grey color and pinkish colored beaks.. next year they will be all pretty and white. The cygnets stay within the family group for about a year. So the other group with no cygnets must have been the Swans that did not hatch any young this summer. I viewed it as a bunch of gossipy old Aunts.."Look at that show off..they had five cygnets this summer. Tsk..Tsk..bet they have their beaks full."

We watched the Swans for quite some time..they are beautiful creatures.  They must gather up here and then migrate out together..going to warmer climates for the winter.   You could learn something from a Swan.

The other night I was listening to my father and my brother discussing the upcoming winter.  The muskrat houses are low, the beaver houses are high.  The squirrels are not gathering acorns like they should.. their consensus was extreme cold.   Well isn't that just wonderful.. I am looking forward to that with great anticipation:)