Merry Christmas, Christy to you and yours.

Oldnslow and CBL.

Hold out yer cup, fresh French Roast here.

Corporate Christmas

Merry Christmas, Christy, Mr ReddHedd and, where’s that little munchkin, Peanut. And the rest of the pups as they show up.

Good Merry Christmas morning Christy and early pups. I’m typing in the dark here. Don’t want to wake to couch sleeping kid.
Looks like I got on the nice list this year too, because I’m having a great time. All three kids under our roof and no fights, no melt downs either. Just having a great time wrapping, decorating cookies, music, movies and Lots Of Food.
I’m up early to make massive amounts of fruit salad to take to my moms pretty soon and more to take to MIL later.
I hope everyone enjoys their gift of this day. A day to share hugs and understanding and doing things for others.
(((FDL)))

Looks like, I made the shit list. Wife’s father died and was buried Tuesday. She and the kids are out of state for that and I wasn’t able to make it. Sister got hospitalized Tuesday 9again out of state) but she’s OK and was released yesterday. My Christmas pretty much sucks royally. A little sympathy here? (I feel like Fred Thompson) But seriously, it’s not THAT bad. Just odd.

But I’m very happy for the Peanut. It’s actually a good time to buy a house.

Merry & Blessed Xmas to all.

Christmas Gift!

Gosh, Beerfart, it sounds like it sucks worse for your wife.
Gonna have a nice reunion with her and the kids when they get home? Some nice surprise on at your end?

Good morning FDLers and a merry day to you all. It’s just me and the mom here (and she’s still asleep). However, am grateful for the quiet and the chance to reflect on all of the gifts of this year.

Having access to this marvelous community ranks right up there on my list. Hope each of you has a wonderful day celebrating whatever brings you joy.

Thanks for the pic of the townhouse Christy (ah, the Santa memories!). The Peanut is thrilled I assume? *g*

Santa got me an Obama poster! Thank you Santa! *hugging myself* ;-)

Hope you Firepups had a merry day today!

Sorry to hear it. Must’ve been the next name after mine on the list.

(((((HUGS)))))

That looks just like MiniRiezette’s dollhouse! Where are the people?

We played with that house for hours. She named the people in the family, the girl after herself (she called her Meggie), the boy after a family friend, and of course Mommy and Daddy.

MM – Hey! Would you like some struesle and fruit salad? A plate of goodies for later? A hug and big kissie? (smooch)

Beerfart: my #14 goes for you too. *g*

Regardless of the unfortunate events, count your blessings. Sorry to hear of your FIL’s passing.

There are tens of thousands who don’t have a roof over their head or food to eat. Go help out with a local group or church who are doing things for those less fortunate today. You’ll feel better by the end of the day.

Thanks demi! Sure would, sounds like a delight.

ya know. it gave me x-tra time to do my last minute shopping and maybe i can catch some sales tomorrow. it’s gonna be great to see them. normally the day or so after Xmas can be a bummer but i’ll still have something to look forward to. how’s that for lemonade?

thanks.

Oh, you wise one. Love you dragon. I mean it.
How’s the flute playing going?

i did and i do. the whole situation isn’t bad at all for me. worse for the wife as demi noted. and much, much worse for so many others.

Merry Christmas Christy and all firepups. Everyone’s home at my house, too. And sleeping. Things didn’t go as well as planned last night. Last Saturday I was fretting about my ailing son, 3hrs away, sick in bed with fever and all that bad stuff. Well, he scurried home last night looking a little peaked and at about 8:30 we heard a crash. He passed out….cold. I’m thinking he just didn’t fully recover from his illness and never stopped pushing himself. And, who knows what he’s eating (or not). So, that’s where I am. Keeping an eye on him. Hoping a few days of rest and good food will get him back to normal.

what coal did you get MM? they’re in NJ, maybe you can get together.

it’s the best kind of lemonade for sure — hugs to you and yours. They’ll be looking forward to coming home to you, too.
Hope everyone is having a good morning. It’s 32 here in Upstate New York and (woohoo!!) the sun is OUT!

Merry Christmas to all.

Waiting for the 25 yr. old to wake up. He was the one who was up by 6 on Christmas pasts. My daughter called at 9 to wake us up.

Drinking coffee with my husband listening to Christmas music. Bliss

Sounds good to me.
But, beyond the shopping, I really like SD’s ideas.
Maybe get the house all spiffied up? Flowers on the table? That would mean a lot to her, I think.

wishing you and the boy the best, solai. Merry Christmas.

I have der Bingle on.

OH, Solai — well, at least if it happened, it happened where you can keep an eye on him.

I’ve come to the conclusion that just about every hot drink (including my Starbucks vanilla coffee freshly out of the coffeemaker this a.m.) tastes a LOT better with Malibu Coconut Rum in it.

Here in northern Illinois, the wind has died down so the -1 F. temp doesn’t seem quite as brutal, and all the slush has frozen solid, making the snow birds and other timid types come right up to the window feeder. And the fresh coat of white we got yesterday brightened things up considerably.

Now it’s on to celebrate Christmas morning with my 1-1/2 year-old twin grandchildren and my kids. Life doesn’t get a whole lot better than this, especially since we can look forward to Jan. 20. What a holiday season!

He’ll be much better after having your TLC for a few! Go mom. But, don’t let your own self get run down.
I’m glad he made it home safely, if not strongly. *g*

The confirmation that my job ends on Jan 30. My cousin took his own life 3 weeks ago, his father passed last week. Other cousins lost their baby this week, my 93 year aunt has been in the hospital for 6 weeks and we’re trying to figure out the care she going to need while another aunt is being uncooperative (I’m being nice with that word) my brother found out he has a aneurism on one of heart valve.

I’m going to mass (again). Went to outdoor mass at midnight last night. Acoustics were absolutely awful. See you guys. Thanks for the well-wishes and a merry and blessed Christmas to you all. Those of you with young kids, enjoy every second. This is the first year I don’t have a Santa believer and it’s just not the same. In some ways better, i guess. But not the same. Love to all. BFL

OMG Solai. How awful! Is this the same son who was in the video you posted recently? Jees. Giving you both a big huge hug this morning from Maine! ;-)

My kids and grands are supposed to be in a little later. They were hitting the slopes yesterday and spent the night in the high country. Hope they stay safe as there are winter storm warnings up there.

You should be there today, Beerfart Liberal. Let the sound consume you today. ;-)

Oh, God almighty, MM. I didn’t know any of that. I’m so sorry. Hang in. My situation is a stroll in the park by comparison. I’m running out to mass now. You and solai and everybody will be in my prayers.

Christmas and stability… Losing loved ones in the year, or being isolated on this day is never fun.

About this time two years ago, my dad went into full arrest, and i brought him back, to lose him six months later to a cancer. It’s harder this year than last, for a reason I can’t identify.

This year, I’m thinking of the lonely folks out there. I’m thinking of my sister who has isolated herself from this world, because of mental challenges. I’m thinking of the homeless who got rained on all night, to see their world turn to ice this morning.

I’m thinking of Katymine, and all those who are fighting against an insidious maladie.

Yet, I also feel blessed, I’m alive, taking care of my 87 year old mom, and my passion is being fulfilled with the new cam. I’m also happy to share my love with you all at FDL.

I can get through a scale exercise without squeaking too much. It would prolly be a little easier if my fingers were a little fatter. Small hands and slim fingers. I have to make a concerted effort to completely cover the holes. I get that head tilted to one side look from the tigers. Pretty funny.

It’s gonna be in the mid 70s today. I had to switch to shorts yesterday.

((((Beerfart Liberal)))) and all pups everywhere.

Yikes. Whatever it is, YOU didn’t do it! Sympathies, and here’s to better days.

p.s., apologies, but u oughta do somethin’ about that name. i can’t believe i started out my Christmas day hugging a beerfart. hmmmm.

Our holiday season is a bit fractured also, but for really nice reasons. Sonny and veryspecial girlfriend visiting her mom and bro 1st, then returning home for more holiday with us. Sound nice? Oh Yeah! Truly!

Have a wonderful holiday season folks, even if you have to make your own sunshine in a little corner of your big liberal heart of hearts. ;->

Pink stairs? That interior designed was on LSD! hahahaha Imagine if these colors WERE the colors of our interiors! Things would be brighter! Our world is so taupe!

Merry Christmas Christy and everyone. My husband was stranded in NYC yesterday – a day trip to meet with UNICEF turned into missed-flight, stay overnight, be on standby on Christmas Eve. He finally came in around 5:30 pm, in time to wrap the hidden Lego Star Wars boxes for our nine year old. My husband and I decided to skip gifts for ourselves, to pay the mortgage on our home, rebuilt with solar this year. Still, my dear guy gave me a beautiful talisman necklace from Africa(where he goes for work). Now, coffee, cinnamon rolls, and a midmorning nap, I think.
I dreamed that Karl Rove was marrying one of the Bush twins.As I woke,I thought, “Well, Jenna is already married, so he must be marrying the one who was formerly known as the smart one.”

Good idea, demi. It would be nice for her to come back to a bright, cheery home.

I really don’t know what to say – sometimes it really does seem that ‘if you had no bad luck, you’d have no luck at all.” Sending strengthening thoughts your way.

Hey! flute? really? Good for you. Please avoid those coupons for taking lessons from Sara-uknowho. Not even gonna link her today. brain bleach in aisle 45
please…

Merry Christmas, Christy.

Today is as good a day as any to thank you and Jane for what you done for this country through this site. All the best to you and your family today and always.

(puff puff puff) I’m late, I’m late! G’morning, and Merry Christmas. And Hanukkah and Kwanzaa and Festivus and every holiday.

you haven’t been watching tv lately have you. heh. that “trading places” show, or whatever it is. whew.

Demi plays a conventional flute and I’m teaching myself to play a 6-hole Native American flute.

How many hours of assembly on that house? I’ll never forget the 6 hours of putting together the playmobil Victorian mansion — right down to the individual petals on the window box flowers, which of course were the first things the children “picked.” It sat under my desk for over a decade after the kids outgrew it because I knew dis-assembly meant it would never be used again. Finally took it apart this summer when we bought our first house for inhabitants over 2 inches. It’s still in the attic awaiting the next generation.

Mornin’. Merry Christmas. My project of the day is to clean up the shithole formerly known as my back porch.

Thanks, it’s all part of life. That’s why the whole focus on material goods and creating the perfect Hallmark holiday is so screwed up. The focus is so wrong.

I’d like to wish some innocent, suffering Iraqis a good day also, but I’m ignorant, plus terrified to google them. Dang face-shooter. I used to be a perfectly ordinary person. Now I’ve got to learn all over again not to be a-feared of my own shadow. FDL helps. Thank you ALL.

Merry Christmas Peanut!

Cool.

I have often wished I played a portable instrument. Piano is tough to take along. At least, my piano is. Which brings to mind the hilarious scene at the opening of a Woody Allen movie (”Take the Money and Run”?) where he plays bass fiddle in a marching band.

Thanks Toby. I feel bad for my cousins who are more directly affected by these events.

Fantastic! Then u can move on to nose flute! We heard a gifted one in HI on an elderhostel several years ago. Um, classically trained, but could also play passable, pleasant-sounding nose-flute, ahem, 2 at once. I kid you not!

Morning, Barbara!!!

I knew about your job, but the rest is quite a list. I better add some more goodies to your plate!
I’ve got a 21 year old son who’s got the PLOM’s pretty bad and it’s hard for me to watch. But, he’s got to learn about what works in life on his own. And, I’ve got to let him go and not worry, since there is nothing I can do.

My dad played piano for a living and always joked that he didn’t have to haul all that crap to each and every job.

It ended with a laugh. The scene of the crash was a bedroom. While about 8 adults tended to him for about 30-45 minutes, the other adults were keeping the little kids out of the way (their task may have been the more daunting). After a while, Steve was sitting up, feeling much better, and so the bedroom door was opened and people began leaving the room. This was the cue for all the kids. One by one they ventured in to look at him. It was quite comical. They’d just mosey in and stare. By this point he had a bandage on his forehead and an ice pack as well so he was quite a spectacle for the 6 & under crowd. At one point there were 4 or 5 little kids standing in a row directly in front of him….staring. Well, even he laughed. So that was our night. Entertaining the little ones.

While we were at my son’s house last night, Santa came to my house and left me a filled stocking and a basket of wrapped gifties. Haven’t opened any of it yet, but deeply grateful to . . . someone. I suspect my daughter, her husband and my youngest grand. You know what? People are good. There’s probably a wee streak of that even in the most vile among us.

Oops. Gotta go hep the Mr. git his breakfast. Still haven’t convinced him how easy it was for me a decade ago to carry whole breakfast into the living room recliner for myself a decade ago with MY new knees (hint: walker basket, bottles with tightly screwed tops, bowl with good top yadda yadda). His is doing well, coming along a bit slowly but o.k. Back later after I sprinkle some sparkly tender mercies on himself. Yes. He’s worth it.

(((TobyWollin)))

I bet you and I could give you know who a few lessons, don’t you think? And more than just about the flute. Ha!

I have a cheesy recorder I bought for myself in an earlier life. Any chance I can teach myself to play that, do you think?

did i mention it was a decade ago? oye!

Bad manners, barging into your place without saying hullo. (((Christy!!)))

depends on who else is in the room. heh.

Really big long Christmas morning hug for you Barbara.

(((Adie))) (((Millineryman))) (((Beerfart Liberal)))

Oh, thanks! I’m standing in the need of hugs! Well, sitting, actually.

Absolutely. Dragon got some instructional tapes with his, but I bet you could find something on line.

Is cheesy sufficient for the learning?

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

This might be a start.

It’s me, it’s me,
It’s me, Oh Lord.
Standing in the need of prayer.
I love your new take on those words.
It seems that in our humbleness, we are in a position to receive, yes?

(((Adiegirl!))
Big Christmas smooch for you, baby.(schmack)

Should be more than sufficient. Once ya get the hang of it a little less cheesy instrument may be in order.

I think so. Lord knows, I’ve been brought to my knees this year. And could I just say here, late in the thread and not really wanting to hijack it, but I’m missing him something fierce.

(((barbara)))

(((((barbara)))))

Thanks Cellar!
Wasn’t she just the best?
Big Christmas hug for you too, dear. (mmmmmm)

David is with you always. Don’t be shy about talking to him.

All y’all are terrific. Thanks so much.

that’s OK, Barbara. (((Barbara and David))) The ones we love the most are the ones we miss the most.

please pray for just a tad more patience that must be hidden somewhere in my hard little nutmeg of a soul, heh. If he doesn’t figure out how to screw the top on a bottle soon….. well….. it has something to do with the cook lacking proper perspective and time, precious time, with which to turn ordinary old ingredients into sparkling and tasty cookies, sigh.

Oh gosh, you got me going here. (passing hankie)
I hope you know how many people are sharing your sorrow this morning.
I bet David’s smiling on you right now.

Oh, dear . . . . .

Blessings, Beer. Certainly a different view of the season. Peace.

(wah!!) I wish you could have known him. You must suspect by now that it took an extraordinary man to deal with me all these years!! *g*

I second that idea, barbara. Yes. I actually do realize how fortunate I am to have my honey with whom to become ever-so-slightly irritated once in awhile. Fortunate indeed. But then I’m not married to a chainey. I wonder how Bar’s doing these days. some matched couple there. *SMACKS own hand for sullying the Lake with less than pure thots*

(((Beerfart!!!))) Just read your #4. Crikey!

You got it, but I prefer to think of you as spirited and strongly committed.
You’re smart and you stand up for what you believe.
Hope your hubby’s new part is fixing up well.

Southern: Good Morning. I seriouly waited for you yesterday morning to help get me out the door. Were you missing in action? Had to Nataste myself;) Merry Christmas.

wow, i’ve had Christmas like that before. you reminded me of 1995. made me thankful for the blessings this year and I’m sending you light and hope, Beerfart Liberal.
I’m so sorry for your wife. Brighter days to come, for sure!
hugz!

Merry Christmas everyone…… have a nice cup of french roast french press coffee and toasted slice of Irish soda bread with raisin’s and raw sugar sprinkles ….yum

It is gray and predicted to rain like hell….. what else is new…… Thanksgiving, every time I was discharged from the hospital…….. Phoenix has gotten a ton of rain this fall….

Kids are coming over later to cook dinner with Mom…… otherwise it is just me and Miss Dog….. hanging out on the sofa…..

Merry Christmas, pups.

I’m up early in Alaska, wrapping mundane presents – like new windshield wiper blades and headlamps and other practical things.

Sometime when you feel like it, or just in little bits here and there if you prefer, we’d love to hear about him. Such loving couples take work and patience on both sides. You’re special, hon.

Good luck to you and your son. Im glad he’s home for rest and food and Mom’s care. Take care of yourself as well.

(((Adie))) Thanks. Love ‘im to pieces, girl. You’ll never regret it!!

I figure Bar’s struggling …hence the pre-T-giving hospital stay for the bleeding ulcer. Maybe even she can see what that family has wrought? … or probably not. We can blame the ulcer on that ol’ ugly MSM that’s finally telling some truths about her boy.

Now back to merry mode.

I avoid the boob toob except for front line, cspan and MSNBC Obi and Rachel, Moyers and Frontline. The rest is insufferable.
HiDef nonsense.

(((Beerfart))) …. hope mass gives you some peace…..
(((Barbara))))….. a hug back for all those you have sent my way….

To everyone else at FDL……….one big ((((((((((((((((FDL))))))))))))))) for your support, wishes, ALL that light sent my way…… encouraging the pacman keep chomping…

Morning, Katy — so glad to see you here!! Hugs to you and yours this season. Hope it’s not too cold there. We have sun here, so I’m feeling pretty cheery this a.m.

I think I bailed on Christy’s post following the morning swim. I knew I would be sitting twiddling my thumbs at work all morning so put my procrastinator in gear.

Barbara,

My sympathies go to you for your pain. Try to focus on the gifts he gave you and take each day as it comes. We have a lot of minds to change and work to do.

There is enormous suffering and cruelty in this world which needs to be eradicated.

War must be ended. It is completely insane.

Seriously. We’re fine here, and he’s mending beautifully. He’s earned it(!) He’s working hard at his therapy, and beginning to see positive results. Yayyyy! That’s a big step, and hard to achieve. It gets better after you can actually you’re accomplishing something. He’ll be good as new. It just takes awhile. (Yer talking to a x-pert; me had one infected, removed, iv 24/7 for 6 weeks, replaced,….. and lo and behold, now can’t tell the difference. Stubborn is good for somethin afterall. Plus a fantastic surgeon.)

(((katymine)))

You’ve got it…

You are absolutely right and thanks. In the day, I was a peacemaker, involved in assorted “flaky” activities, as some viewed them. I don’t know what happened to her (my inner flake), but you remind me that I need to excavate some in search of her.

(((((((katymine)))))))) I think of you more often than I send hugs. You go, girl. Give the beastie hell!!

Thanks, luv. This is an absolutely amazing community, isn’t it?

Happy Holidays, everyone. I love Christmas but this year the music has gotten to me. I thought that if I heard Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree one more time I would run screaming from the store – and some of them started before Halloween! I think it’s going to be a beautiful day here.
I hope that all of you have a wonderful holiday and the joy of the season. Peace and good will to all.

Katymine, see 38.

brother G is up and at ‘em. Probably have mentioned before that he’s my little adult brother who has mental retardation. I became his guardian when our mom died a decade ago. He is the sweetest man imaginable, and quite a loving soul. He is a blessing to the world and to me. Need to fix him breakfast now. Stay warm, dry, healthy, safe and tell someone today that you love ‘em, okay?

You betcha! I think every day of how fortunate I am. Married my 1st and only love, and we’re still perkin’ along happily together after 40 plus years. Feel like freaks in today’s world. Oh well. I wish others could experience what we have and do. You know what I mean. It takes active participation in a cooperative effort. Sadly, that part’s lost on a lot of folks.

I did my dear……. and I thank you for your thoughts…..

It truly is. I think I’ve told you my sister and mother both died about 2 years ago. Not long after that my daughter put me onto this group. It has truly kept my mind busy, given company, laughs, and all those things that you know. And here 2 years later is about the first time I can really feel my soul has more healing and peace…really like a physical healing. I do funerals fairly regularly and I have a piece I read about the end of a long marriage. I have come to think of that as really the hardest loss. (I know they can’t be compared; that is just my observation.) Enjoy the peace and music of the season.

(((((Katymine)))))

Lovin’ you something fierce here, hon.

That’s not flaky. It’s being in tune with Mother Earth. Living in the “modern” world we build up layers of crap as we strive to get by. We fall into the “things will make you happy” trap, not knowing we do so. By shaking off those layers we once again become more at peace with ourselves and the world we live in.

World and Peace

Off to make breakfast and the project of the day.

Be good to yourselves, and all other living things.

Peace on Mother Earth and good will to all.

Namaste

It’s nice to hear from people living ordinary lives. It helps me cope with a life that is not at all ordinary or normal. It’s heart warming to feel the sense of love here, and that’s got to count for something.

Merry Christmas.

Back to you. I messed up the word earlier. Thanks.

FDL is my home away from home…… where my friends hang out…… some I’ve met and some I haven’t but feel like I know as if I did…….. this FDL house does not contain fair weather people but those that support everyone through the good times and the not so good times…….

I thank my lucky stars that I found it…….

(((((Katymine)))))

What Adie and Barbara at 111 said! Always know that we keep thoughts of you in our hearts. Rooting for you to beat the devil! Get well ASAP! We need you!

I’m just dropping in to wish you all a Merry Christmas. Our extended family is getting together in about an hour and a half. The little ones have already opened some presents at other parents/grandparents houses. We’ve had to develop some pretty complex Santa intenerary stories involving leaving gifts for the same child at various houses. Anyway, I’ll use the day to apologize to any of you to whom I may have behaved like Scrooge during the year and say, again, Merry Christmas or other festive occasion.

Santa got me an Obama poster!

I hope he also got the Peanut one for her Barbie Dream House. It will look swell with that decor!!

Who had 4:02 am ET in The Peanut pool?

How many hours of assembly on that house? I’ll never forget the 6 hours of putting together the playmobil Victorian mansion — right down to the individual petals on the window box flowers, which of course were the first things the children “picked.” It sat under my desk for over a decade after the kids outgrew it because I knew dis-assembly meant it would never be used again. Finally took it apart this summer when we bought our first house for inhabitants over 2 inches. It’s still in the attic awaiting the next generation.

My daughter, now 23 and in the next room “on-line,” has NEVER let me forget that she craved a “real” doll house about 15 years ago, and I never got her one, for the same reasons you list. That plus I would have been the one to assemble it from scratch.

It’s just now wake-up time in Maui [if you have college students & not six-year olds]. The sun is casting a beautiful light on the West Maui Mountains, with a few clouds hanging in the sky. Yesterday was full of rainbows because of light rain across the island.

Good thoughts and wishes to all FDLers, especially BFL, Barbara and solari. As I contemplate the beauty here, I will think an extra thought for you.

And much love to Christy & the Peanut. As someone who had her kids very late in life, after many unsuccesses, I know how precious and joyous that young life is.

Holy smokes. Is it nap time yet?

Merry Christmas to you and Peanut and Mr ReddHedd, Christy. We are in Nebraska with family and several of us got an extra special gift from a relative this year – the flu. Blerg, as Christy would say.

Sprout is happily playing with his stuff – nerf dart guns, hot wheels, markers and drawing pad – but he can’t play any wii games until his college freshman-cousin wakes up and vacates the wii room.

Well, looking at the bright side, I don’t have to cook an elaborate meal today…no one feels much like eating.

Merry Christmas, Christy to you and yours and all the rest.

Doll house: ooooooh!

Merry Christmas, Christy and everyone.

thanks for the linky love, christy, and merry christmas to you & peanut & all the firepups.