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I hope you all have some wonderful holidays, whether
you're actually celebrating Christmas or something else.
I hope you are able to spend this time of the year with
the people who mean the most to you.
Love and peace, friends.
Merry Christmas!
And a solemn
Yee-Haw!
(http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss192/Penthesilea09/0afb3fbf.jpg)
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As you may have guessed, this is the thread to collect all our greetings and well-wishes. But it's also for reporting what you are doing, if and how you celebrate, and general chit-chat of course. Enjoy!
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David and I decided to make a tree this year:
(http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s258/milomorris/CharlieBrownTree.jpg)
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David and I decided to make a tree this year:
(http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s258/milomorris/CharlieBrownTree.jpg)
;D
Wonderful tree, Charlie Brown. ;)
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;D
Wonderful tree, Charlie Brown. ;)
Thank you. And Merry Christmas to you.
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I hope you all have some wonderful holidays, whether
you're actually celebrating Christmas or something else.
I hope you are able to spend this time of the year with
the people who mean the most to you.
Love and peace, friends.
Merry Christmas!
And a solemn
Yee-Haw!
Yee-Haw.
Thank you, Chrissi, for starting this thread.
:-* :-* :-*
David and I decided to make a tree this year...
I love that, Milo - it's like Christmas Arbor Day :D
What kind of tree did you and David plant?
And Merry Christmas, Milo and David!
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Happy, peaceful Christmas Eve, friends!
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;D
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5g4lY8Y3eoo[/youtube]
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I love that, Milo - it's like Christmas Arbor Day :D
What kind of tree did you and David plant?
And Merry Christmas, Milo and David!
Its actually an oak tree that took root next to our kitchen a few years ago. Birds like to sit in it and watch us through the window. And we make sure to get rid of the vines that like to creep up on it. Its kind of like a pet.
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Its actually an oak tree that took root next to our kitchen a few years ago. Birds like to sit in it and watch us through the window. And we make sure to get rid of the vines that like to creep up on it. Its kind of like a pet.
That's wonderful, Milo!
I'm spending too much time on Facebook because I want to say "Like!"
8)
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I've had this Brokeback Christmas card in my PB account for a couple of years -- kudos to the person who created it! (If it's someone here at Bettermost, speak up!)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q135/talkstocoyotes/DozyembraceXmasborder.jpg)
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(http://www.divshare.com/img/13598460-2c9.gif)
Merry Christmas,
Beloved BetterMost Friends -
I wish you all Love and Joy and Peace
During this Season
and Always
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I've had this Brokeback Christmas card in my PB account for a couple of years -- kudos to the person who created it! (If it's someone here at Bettermost, speak up!)
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q135/talkstocoyotes/DozyembraceXmasborder.jpg)
That's me, that's me! :D
Seems the pic has gotten around quite a bit. I created it in 2007, printed it out and stuck it on my Brokie Christmas cards back then.
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We'll be getting ready for church soon. Kids and I will at least. Husband will stay at home and use the time while we're away to put the presents under the tree, lock the living room and prepare our Christmas dinner.
For us (and the Swedes, and who else?) is today THE big day. After dinner we'll wait until we hear Christ-child's bell, this is the sign that it has been here and left presents. Then of course it's the kids' big moment.
The rest of the evening, we'll try their new stuff and play together.
Tomorrow we'll go on tour to visit my husband's family all day. On the second Christmas holiday we'll go and visit my family. I'm so much looking forward to all family gatherings. :D There will be 15 to 20 people on both days.
On Monday, two of my kids and I will see a ballett: Swanlake. This is a Christmas present for them and they don't know yet.
Over the course of the next week, we'll meet friends we couldn't see on the three Christmas days. And when all of this will be over, I'll be happy to go back to normal. :laugh:
I love our yearly Christmas tour, really looking forward to it. But it's also exhausting, and in the end I'm always happy to get a few quiet days before my birthday rolls along and the family will gather at our house.
This evening, I will espcially think of one elderly ex-neighbour who normally spends Christmas Eve with us. This year she's too sick to come and will be all alone. I'll call her after church.
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That's me, that's me! :D
Seems the pic has gotten around quite a bit. I created it in 2007, printed it out and stuck it on my Brokie Christmas cards back then.
Really?? Nice work.
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That's me, that's me! :D
Seems the pic has gotten around quite a bit. I created it in 2007, printed it out and stuck it on my Brokie Christmas cards back then.
It deserves a re-run! :)
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We'll be getting ready for church soon. Kids and I will at least. Husband will stay at home and use the time while we're away to put the presents under the tree, lock the living room and prepare our Christmas dinner.
For us (and the Swedes, and who else?) is today THE big day. After dinner we'll wait until we hear Christ-child's bell, this is the sign that it has been here and left presents. Then of course it's the kids' big moment.
The rest of the evening, we'll try their new stuff and play together.
Tomorrow we'll go on tour to visit my husband's family all day. On the second Christmas holiday we'll go and visit my family. I'm so much looking forward to all family gatherings. :D There will be 15 to 20 people on both days.
On Monday, two of my kids and I will see a ballett: Swanlake. This is a Christmas present for them and they don't know yet.
Over the course of the next week, we'll meet friends we couldn't see on the three Christmas days. And when all of this will be over, I'll be happy to go back to normal. :laugh:
I love our yearly Christmas tour, really looking forward to it. But it's also exhausting, and in the end I'm always happy to get a few quiet days before my birthday rolls along and the family will gather at our house.
This evening, I will espcially think of one elderly ex-neighbour who normally spends Christmas Eve with us. This year she's too sick to come and will be all alone. I'll call her after church.
That's a wonderful description, Chrissi - thank you for sharing with us. I love the Swan Lake surprise - it will be a real treat!
We are doing things out-of-order this year, so our holiday will be lasting and lasting and lasting....
::) 8)
Excellent news is that I have eleven days off from work - I don't need to be back until the 4th of January - so, pressure seems low and I feel like we can have a leisurely long week for the most part.
Last night I did some shopping, but most of it wasn't really 'gifts'. Mom and Chris were in no way prepared for Boston winter, which showed up last week with a vengeance.
::)
We get a White Christmas, so I'm not complaining...in a few weeks, that'll likely change and y'all will call me 'Jack'. :-*
I went to Goodwill (a second-hand thrift shop) after work and truly found some amazing deals - I won't go into details because who knows what nosy person might be reading?! :D
Suffice it to say though, for about $105, I got two terrific home decor type things, a new job interview outfit, and what I actually went for - winter clothing in like new condition - almost all brand names - for Mom and Chris - they must learn to layer! I think I have a button that needs to be sewn on, but that's it. What a fabulous deal!
Today I will be doing more shopping for things that won't be going on sale after the holidays. While I'm out, Chris and Mom are going to 'shop' for me via the computer. I showed Chris a few things I'd like, but the point is that I am absolutely thrilled that Mom is showing interest in Christmas. I know that part of it is that she wants to ship a gift or two to Billy in Tennessee - she's worried about him being alone for the holidays. It turns out that Chris says when they were there, she worried about me the same way.
I love her to death, my ((((Mama)))).
Tonight is Christmas Meeting - I'm making that artichoke dip - followed by carols and fellowship. Andy may join at the last minute, depending on what they have going on. Afterward, I am going to hear Ronny's (SuperD's) band (Hipshot - they've got a FB page!).
Tomorrow will be spent probably wrapping gifts and listening to music and visiting with Mom. She loves to sing, once I get her started, so if the police come knocking on the door, I wouldn't be surprised.
:P >:(
I may even try to accompany a bit with my guitar.
Then another Hipshot performance. ;)
Sunday is Meeting as usual but again with carols - this time I am going to try my darndest to get Mom to attend. I know she would love the music, and she can slip away afterward if she wants.
Monday night is dinner and Love and Other Drugs with friend Sandy. And at some point I want to go to Paul's and gaze upon his gorgeous crystal Christmas tree and just 'be' for a bit...
And Tuesday or Wednesday nights will be our Christmas, depending on the mail order. No rush.
Paulie recently reminded me of the good idea of anchovies, so Titania and Oberon will have a gift under the tree as well.
8)
Lest you think this is too much about me... although Hipshot once again is performing New Year's Eve, they will be fine without me there.
Chris is going to experience his inaugural First Night celebration in Boston and I will be home with Mom. We will have some sort of movie marathon - we'll have to arm wrassle over John Wayne or Humphrey Bogart.
:laugh:
(Oh, yes, there will be cooking going on more or less continuously also...I'll have to report back on that because the only request I've had is the cornbread stuffing and maybe a ham.)
:-* :-* :-* :-*
Love and Light, my Friends,
Lynnie
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(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h257/Ellemeno_2006/6a00f48ce8e4790003010980bb76db000b-500pi.jpg)
A peaceful weekend to all.
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I'd love participation in The Twelve Days of BBM Christmas thread. Day 6 just got done, and I'd love us to get to Day 12. See the most recent additions to the thread here. (http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php/topic,31203.new.html#new) Maybe you'll be inspired to join in.
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It´s six pm here and we have just finished eating. SO MUCH FOOD! :laugh:
Before that we watched the mandatory 1 hour episode of Kalle Anka and his friends.
Now we are about to start on the dishes and then my sisters boyfriend will dress up as Santa and surprise the kids. O0
Happy holidays everyone!
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(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/merylmarie/CowboySantapainting.jpg)
MERRY CHRISTMAS Y'ALL!
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(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/merylmarie/CowboySantapainting.jpg)
MERRY CHRISTMAS Y'ALL!
Nice. Not your run-of-the-mill Santa. The way the colors render on my screen, he looks "ethnic."
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David and I decided to make a tree this year:
(http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s258/milomorris/CharlieBrownTree.jpg)
There's nothing like a nicely decorated tree! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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;D
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5g4lY8Y3eoo[/youtube]
"make the yule tide gay" ;D ;D ;D
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Happy Christmas Everyone!
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwHyuraau4Q[/youtube]
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Happy Holidays everyone!!!
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[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YR1ujXx2p-I[/youtube]
.
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Jussi Björling, the world famous Swedish tenor, sings O Helga natt ( Oh, holy night)
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofKk_Etapq4[/youtube]
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Just now woke up from bed - very late - to a dreary, raining, gray and yellow grass typical Texas winter day. :P
It's evening in Europe and my European friends have already sent holiday greetings. I am about to do the same to them.
So I will give in greetings a scene that makes me wistful and is currently on my PC at work. I will go seek out a pie for tomorrow's dinner dessert - my half-brother is hosting - though I have no other gifts for my half-brother and his family who are treating because I had to spend money on my cat's visit to the veterinarian. I doubt that will even come up in the conversation, so I will again look like the poor cousin arriving almost empty handed.
Would rather stay at home and I'm still debating it. It will be the first holiday season without my mother and it feels very strange.
But to my fellow Brokies who are hopefully having a more cheerful holiday season, my Best Wishes to you All!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v728/Jovieve/Paris__Snow__by_rakel8a.jpg)
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Merry Christmas Bettermost!!
(http://blogs.westword.com/latestword/rudolph%20the%20red%20nosed%20reindeer.jpg)
I hope everyone has a wonderful, safe and very happy Christmas!!
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Happy Christmas Everyone!
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwHyuraau4Q[/youtube]
Kelda, that was...different! But became quite good about halfway through!
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Aussie Christmas
It is already Christmas day here so Merry Christmas everyone.
I now live in New Zealand but have returned to have Christmas with my sister and brother-in-law, the only relatives I possess. There are cousins but never see them now.
Some education about Christmas in Australia
First some terms: Esky called Chilly Bin in NZ, (http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g218/brianr44/esky.jpg)
Swaggy (http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g218/brianr44/swaggy3.png)
and Rusty Holden Ute.(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g218/brianr44/ute.jpg)
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UH0vMpp3ma4&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]
Now enjoy and let me know if any other translations are needed (Oh, boot = trunk)
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Jussi Björling, the world famous Swedish tenor, sings O Helga natt ( Oh, holy night)
Björling was an amazing talent. Did y'all hear that high B??? Jeeeez!!!
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Merry Christmas Bettermost!!
(http://blogs.westword.com/latestword/rudolph%20the%20red%20nosed%20reindeer.jpg)
I hope everyone has a wonderful, safe and very happy Christmas!!
Merry Christmas, David, and to everyone here! I'm on my lunch break. I'm one of the few people working today, and I'm hoping the big bosses In Sacto will let us off early.
I don't have any real plans; we were anxious and already opened our presents: lots of electronic gadgets to go around. I'll just do another round of shopping, go home, eat the prime rib my mom is preparing and watch Scrooge.
Happy Holidays, my Brokie pals! :-*
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Jussi Björling, the world famous Swedish tenor, sings O Helga natt ( Oh, holy night)
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofKk_Etapq4[/youtube]
I was wondering about the high B but then I noticed the song was just halfway done. There was no missing the high B near the end...seemed like he had no problem nailing it either! Wow, the images of Christmas in Sweden were so interesting, and near the end the Northern Lights and images of the Swedish landscape were fantastic!!
Brian, your presentation about Christmas in Australia was very informative. Wow, we all have eclectic tastes and talents, don't we!!
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Björling was an amazing talent. Did y'all hear that high B??? Jeeeez!!!
Glad you like it, Milo. I felt pretty sure you'd know Jussi Björling.
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I was wondering about the high B but then I noticed the song was just halfway done. There was no missing the high B near the end...seemed like he had no problem nailing it either! Wow, the images of Christmas in Sweden were so interesting, and near the end the Northern Lights and images of the Swedish landscape were fantastic!!
Brian, your presentation about Christmas in Australia was very informative. Wow, we all have eclectic tastes and talents, don't we!!
Glad you like it Lee! I find the images very well chosen too, very solemn and full of feeling.
I've never seen the Northern Light myself, I don't live up north, but I sure would like to see it one day!
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Glad you like it, Milo. I felt pretty sure you'd know Jussi Björling.
Oh yes. Thanks to great singers like Jussi Björling, Nicolai Gedda, and Birgit Nilsson, opera singers and fans (at least here in the US) have created the mythical idea of the "Swedish School" of singing. All 3 had big, bright voices, and in perfect stereotyping form, people started assume that there was something about the way Swedish singers are taught that makes that happen. In reality, these singers were using a standard bel canto technique, which originated in Italy. It is coincidental that they had vocal size and color in common.
I was lucky enough to perform Berlioz's La damnation de Faust with Gedda in the title role. Frederica von Stade sang Marguerite. I was singing with the Tanglewood Festival Chorus and the Boston Symphony Orchestra with Seiji Ozawa conducting. AND...it was my senior year in high school.
Have I mentioned that being a teenager was a blast for me??
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Jussi Björling, the world famous Swedish tenor, sings O Helga natt ( Oh, holy night)
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofKk_Etapq4[/youtube]
Björling was an amazing talent. Did y'all hear that high B??? Jeeeez!!!
Brought tears to my eyes when he finally hit that note. Beautiful, just beautiful and the images are hauntingly gorgeous. Thanks so much for posting Sason.
P.S. excuse my ignorance, but what is the significance of the curly-horned goats?
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Kelda, that was...different! But became quite good about halfway through!
This is my favourite Christmas song.. its a total classic over in the UK as a Christmas tune!
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Brought tears to my eyes when he finally hit that note. Beautiful, just beautiful and the images are hauntingly gorgeous. Thanks so much for posting Sason.
P.S. excuse my ignorance, but what is the significance of the curly-horned goats?
Glad you like it Delalluvia!
The curly-horned goats are made of straw, and are an old, traditional xmas decoration. It's history goes way back, but I don't know too much about it, I'm afraid.
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David and I decided to make a tree this year:
(http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s258/milomorris/CharlieBrownTree.jpg)
Thank you for doing that!
I understand that people like live Christmas trees, but one thing that irks me is all the dead trees lying around on curbs after the holidays.
My family has always had an artificial tree, and I continue that trend. I never lecture anyone who has a live tree, they're entitled to what they want, it just seems like a waste to me.
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Happy Christmas Everyone!
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwHyuraau4Q[/youtube]
Thank you so much, Kelda, from this New Yorker. Happy Merry yourself! (Some of my family used to say Happy, the others said Merry, so I compromised by saying "Happy Merry!")
By the way, did anyone notice who played the cop in the beginning? If so, good for you--but did you notice the young African-American fellow nodding off in the drunk tank? Take a good look, and if you can't guess--
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairytale_of_New_York
Happy Merry, everyone! (I know Bill Donohue won't like it--but I'm not saying Happy Merry to him, nor to Maggie Gallagher neither, that's for sure! :laugh: )
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That just has to be Matt Dillon!
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That just has to be Matt Dillon!
Yes, Lee, and the fellow nodding out in the tank is--
::)
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A gay couple in New York's Chelsea suddenly found themselves living in the North Pole (on West 22nd Street), and....
(http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/misc/nytlogo152x23.gif)
Video:
N.Y./Region | City Room
Miracle on 22nd Street
Two New York City men feel a tremendous responsibility to respond properly when they mysteriously receive hundreds of letters addressed to Santa Claus at their Chelsea apartment.
Click on the photo for the video:
(http://www.collider.com/wp-content/uploads/miracle_on_22nd_street_slice_01.jpg) (http://video.nytimes.com/video/2010/12/24/nyregion/1248069482199/miracle-on-22nd-street.html?emc=eta1)
http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2010/12/kids_think_santa_claus_lives_i.html
excellent things
‘Kids Think Santa Claus Lives in Chelsea,’
So Adorable Couple Obliges
By: Nitasha Tiku
12/24/10 at 1:15 PM
As Christmas approached, a Chelsea couple named Jim and Dylan mysteriously started receiving hundreds of letters from children addressed to Santa Claus. "Our address is on 22nd St, apartment no. 7, New York, NY, 10011. It's not at all the North Pole," Jim told the Times. "Kids think that Santa Claus lives in Chelsea." Neither of them were able to figure out why these letters, which came from all over the state and all five boroughs, were showing up in their mailbox. (Probably Mary Kate & Ashley's Manhattan Christmas Mystery, right?) Overwhelmed by the emotion and expectation, but without the resources to fulfill all those Christmas wishes themselves, Jim decided to make [NYMag's Daily] Intel's cold heart swell with joy by passing out the wish lists to co-workers and on Facebook, managing to send the presents requested in half of the four hundred plus letters to Santa. At one point, Dylan expresses his reservations about granting some wishes, while others were left ignored, but tells Jim, "You don't think about it, you just give. That's been your way and I love that about you."
Everything about this video, from the couple's struggle with making good on an unexpected obligation, to their generosity of spirit, to their festively decorated brownstone, to the ambient Apple products in the background, could not have been better cast as an only-in–New York modern-day Christmas miracle. Spoiler alert: Kids, ignore this post. Those Dora the Explorer T-shirts are totes from the North Pole. You were such a good girl!!!!
Now, like everyone else, Daily Intel is going to celebrate the War on Christmas (http://nymag.com/tags/the%20war%20on%20christmas) by hitting the eggnog. We'll be back to our regularly scheduled programming Sunday evening. Have the happiest holidays ever, you heart-melting Chelsea elves.
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Glad you like it Delalluvia!
The curly-horned goats are made of straw, and are an old, traditional xmas decoration. It's history goes way back, but I don't know too much about it, I'm afraid.
Here's what Wikipedia says - pagan, like I thought ;)
The Yule Goat is one of the oldest Scandinavian and Northern European Yule and Christmas symbols and traditions. Originally denoting the goat that was slaughtered during the Germanic pagan festival of Yule, "Yule Goat" now typically refers to a goat-figure made of straw.[1] It is also associated with the custom of wassailing, sometimes referred to as "going Yule Goat" in Scandinavia...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yule_Goat
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^^^^^^^
Yeah, I thought something like that, but wasn't sure.
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Yes, Lee, and the fellow nodding out in the tank is--
::)
Peter Townsend?
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Peter Townsend?
Nope. (Unless he's out of focus, deep background.)
According to wikipedia, it is supposedly Morgan Freeman (in 1987). Do you think? Maybe not.
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It is also associated with the custom of wassailing, sometimes referred to as "going Yule Goat" in Scandinavia...[/b]
Ever had someone go all Yule Goat on you? ;D
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No, youle?
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Merry Christmas Bettermost Brokies
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It's SNOWING outside!! It's very very "Christmassy" looking. I'm not sure how much we are supposed to get, but there's already over a foot of it out there right now from the previous snowfalls we've received during the past couple of weeks.
Now I have to go downstairs and finish wrapping the Christmas presents. Only 8 more to go!
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Dev and David: Like!!
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Merry Christmas & Happy Holiday's Everyone!
(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e321/Brad3816/032106chrstmas.jpg)
Brad & Steve
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So many lovely greetings and pictures! Thank you all. :D
Brad: this is your own garden, isn't it? I've seen pics of it before. This one is postcard perfect.
Kelda, John: I like the song very much, too. I love that its lyrics are so contradictory to the ususal Christmas sweetness. Jens discovered it some years ago, and we both instantly liked it. It's slowly catching on in Germany now.
But I don't think the guy in the video is Morgan Freeman.
Milo, Marcia: thank you. :)
It has been snowing non-stop for the last 24 hours. Winter-wonderland outside. I'll take some photos and post them later.
If memory serves, this is the first time in my adult life that we have white Christmas.
For Christmas I got a charm for my bracelet and a book, both from hubby. Then a heart made of gypsum from my son, a jingling pendant for my handbag (love the jingling) from one daughter. And hubby and me got a huge surprise together from our daughters: a big collage from our family, made of dozens and dozens photos. There must be almost a hundred pics in it. They selected, printed, cut out and glued every single one themselves. And we didn't have the faintest idea, they managed to do it all in secrecy. Every time they were alone in the house during the last weeks, they hurried to get on the computer and printer. Wow, left me speechless.
Off to the in-laws soon. The driving will be no fun, but we'll bey very cautious and slow.
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Someone mentioned shopping here (Lynne?): big cultural difference. In Germany all shops are closed for the two Christmas Holidays, plus 1/2 day on Christmas Eve. So for 2.5 days there is no way to do any shopping; it's the law (yes, we are so crazy, we have specific laws avout every little f*rt. ::))
Some gas stations have little shops though, with a restriced assortmend of goods.
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Here's a wonderful song Paul introduced me to a couple of years ago or so:
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9H9Fi4Qcus[/youtube]
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Ever had someone go all Yule Goat on you? ;D
Thankfully I've been spared so far. ;D
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Merry Christmas Bettermost Brokies
Same to you Dev!
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Merry Christmas, everyone!
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixmNZQH0NjU[/youtube]
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Kelda, John: I like the song very much, too. I love that its lyrics are so contradictory to the ususal Christmas sweetness. Jens discovered it some years ago, and we both instantly liked it. It's slowly catching on in Germany now.
But I don't think the guy in the video is Morgan Freeman.
I think you're right--somebody edit the Wiki entry!
Paul, thank you for the Handel video--LOVED it! At the very end, though, it got a bit heavy and suddenly I thought I would see Carly Fiorina's 'demon sheep'!
(http://www.geekosystem.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/demon-sheep.gif)
:laugh: :laugh:
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A little Christmas morning cheer: probably the strangest version of "Baby, It's Cold Outside".
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EJ1SBAO1HU&feature=related[/youtube]
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I thought this was really clever!
Ingmar posted it on DCF, and I put it on my Facebook page.
It's what could happen if the Nativity scene that occured then, would've looked like with the digital innovations of now.
;D
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZrf0PbAGSk[/youtube]
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Merry Chrismas everyone!
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Here's a nice version of John McCutcheon's "Christmas in the Trenches", which I always think of at Christmas.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfdOOCOQ9sk&feature=related[/youtube]
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If memory serves, this is the first time in my adult life that we have white Christmas.
Wow, I didn't know Germany was so snow-deprived on December 25.
And hubby and me got a huge surprise together from our daughters: a big collage from our family, made of dozens and dozens photos. There must be almost a hundred pics in it. They selected, printed, cut out and glued every single one themselves. And we didn't have the faintest idea, they managed to do it all in secrecy. Every time they were alone in the house during the last weeks, they hurried to get on the computer and printer. Wow, left me speechless.
That is the sweetest thing ever! :D
Will have to come back later tonight and check out all the vids. I'm off to a Christmas brunch in Manhattan and an open house in Brooklyn. Have a great day, everyone! :-*
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Here's a nice version of John McCutcheon's "Christmas in the Trenches", which I always think of at Christmas.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfdOOCOQ9sk&feature=related[/youtube]
Never heard that song before, although I know of the Christmas truce.
Very nice song, and I like his rendition of it.
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I've never understood how they were actually able to continue fighting each other after that... :-\ :'(
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Wow, I didn't know Germany was so snow-deprived on December 25.
Not Germany, but the region where I live. It's one of the warmest in Germany. We're the first every year where the almond trees bloom, we can grow figs and eggplants, even though normally we should be too far north for it. But we're hit directly by the the gulf stream. We also have very fruitful soil (loess) and more hours of sunlight per year than similar regions. That's why our wine is so good, and we're a famous asparagus region.
(Maybe I should work for the tourist office, ;))
That is the sweetest thing ever! :D
Yes, made me very happy.
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Here's a nice version of John McCutcheon's "Christmas in the Trenches", which I always think of at Christmas.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfdOOCOQ9sk&feature=related[/youtube]
Oh, I've never heard it before. I've heard of the Christmas truce and of the movie, bit I didn't know this song. Heartwrenching
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Not Germany, but the region where I live. It's one of the warmest in Germany. We're the first every year where the almond trees bloom, we can grow figs and eggplants, even though normally we should be too far north for it. But we're hit directly by the the gulf stream. We also have very fruitful soil (loess) and more hours of sunlight per year than similar regions. That's why our wine is so good, and we're a famous asparagus region.
(Maybe I should work for the tourist office, ;))
Yes, made me very happy.
And onions!
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Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am proud to present to you
The New Jersey
Tacky
Christmas Lights
Tour
2010!
;D
-
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/Decorated%20images/TackyLights2010001.jpg)
There is nothing that anyone can ever say to me to convince me
that flatable lawn ornaments are not tacky.
and to have more than one? Why?
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I've got big balls.....
you've got big balls...
but he's got the biggest
balls of them all!
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/Decorated%20images/TackyLights2010028.jpg)
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Icicle lights! Nutcrackers! Snowflakes! Presents!
Where's the sink?
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/Decorated%20images/TackyLights2010002.jpg)
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Plastic light ups! Nothing says "Christmas" like a ton of toy soldiers!
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/Decorated%20images/TackyLights2010003.jpg)
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this was just a fraction of what was on this house.
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/Decorated%20images/TackyLights2010004.jpg)
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(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/Decorated%20images/TackyLights2010005.jpg)
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What? The lit up trees on the ground weren't enough, you had to
attach two to the walls of the house?
And why stop at 4 reindeer? If you're gonna put that many
lights on your house, go for all 8!
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/Decorated%20images/TackyLights2010006.jpg)
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(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/Decorated%20images/TackyLights2010007.jpg)
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I've never seen an inflatable
this tall before.
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/Decorated%20images/TackyLights2010008.jpg)
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(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/Decorated%20images/TackyLights2010009.jpg)
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I wasn't sure what was worse,
the uncoiled spring looking trees,
or the ferris wheel of Christmas.
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/Decorated%20images/TackyLights2010010.jpg)
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Hmmmmm.....
A snowman, and little person snowman
And my brother thought the choir
people had "blowers cramp".
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/Decorated%20images/TackyLights2010011.jpg)
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all on one lawn....
a horse drawn sliegh
a flock of angels lining the sidwalk
and a plastic, light-up nativity scene!
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/Decorated%20images/TackyLights2010012.jpg)
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I've never seen an inflatable
this tall before.
Not outside of a car dealership anyway. ;D
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I think this is the largest natvity scene
that lights up that I've ever seen.
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/Decorated%20images/TackyLights2010014.jpg)
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Can't decide whether to honor
Jesus or Santa on Christmas?
Do both!
Have the Nativity on your lawn, with
Santa pulled by sled dogs behind them!
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/Decorated%20images/TackyLights2010015.jpg)
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(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/Decorated%20images/TackyLights2010016.jpg)
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The House of Indecision!
I like large, multicolor lights.
I like small, multicolor lights.
I like small, green lights.
I like small, white lights.
Screw a "theme", I'll have them all!
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/Decorated%20images/TackyLights2010017.jpg)
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*sings*
Who brings presents to me on Christmas Day?
SpongeBob Squarepants!
Who fills up my stocking with candy and clay?
SpongeBob Squarepants!
::)
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/Decorated%20images/TackyLights2010018.jpg)
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Due to the lagging economy,
Santa has laid off the elves and
replaced them with Mickey & Minnie,
who apparently had too much
to drink when they took the sled.
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/Decorated%20images/TackyLights2010019.jpg)
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When did purple lights become Christmasy?
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/Decorated%20images/TackyLights2010022.jpg)
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Thanks for the fun tour. I think this is my fave!!
:laugh:
Can't decide whether to honor
Jesus or Santa on Christmas?
Do both!
Have the Nativity on your lawn, with
Santa pulled by sled dogs behind them!
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/Decorated%20images/TackyLights2010015.jpg)
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Is that a horse-drawn baby carriage on the lawn?
Oh, and btw, if your stuff doesn't work, don't put it out.
Note the two half blown-out reindeer figures.
::)
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/Decorated%20images/TackyLights2010023.jpg)
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I apologize for the fuzziness on this one.
Yes, that is a light up arc you walk under.
And note the string of lights up the flagpole
with the giant snowflake on top. lol
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/Decorated%20images/TackyLights2010025.jpg)
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I guess that when the reindeer
get sick, he goes to a balloon.
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/Decorated%20images/TackyLights2010026.jpg)
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Oh, and when the balloon deflates,
he goes to his airplanes.
;D
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/Decorated%20images/TackyLights2010027.jpg)
That was the last pic! Hope ou liked the tour!
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What? The lit up trees on the ground weren't enough, you had to
attach two to the walls of the house?
And why stop at 4 reindeer? If you're gonna put that many
lights on your house, go for all 8!
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/Decorated%20images/TackyLights2010006.jpg)
wow! :o :o
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/Decorated%20images/TackyLights2010005.jpg)
Double wow!!
:laugh: :laugh:
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Thanks for the great Tacky Tour, Chuck. Maybe there should be a contest for the town's tackiest. :P
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Oh yes. Thanks to great singers like Jussi Björling, Nicolai Gedda, and Birgit Nilsson, opera singers and fans (at least here in the US) have created the mythical idea of the "Swedish School" of singing. All 3 had big, bright voices, and in perfect stereotyping form, people started assume that there was something about the way Swedish singers are taught that makes that happen. In reality, these singers were using a standard bel canto technique, which originated in Italy. It is coincidental that they had vocal size and color in common.
I was lucky enough to perform Berlioz's La damnation de Faust with Gedda in the title role. Frederica von Stade sang Marguerite. I was singing with the Tanglewood Festival Chorus and the Boston Symphony Orchestra with Seiji Ozawa conducting. AND...it was my senior year in high school.
Have I mentioned that being a teenager was a blast for me??
Wow, Milo! Congratulations! What a coup - even I know what a big deal that had to be! :P 8)
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...And hubby and me got a huge surprise together from our daughters: a big collage from our family, made of dozens and dozens photos. There must be almost a hundred pics in it. They selected, printed, cut out and glued every single one themselves. And we didn't have the faintest idea, they managed to do it all in secrecy. Every time they were alone in the house during the last weeks, they hurried to get on the computer and printer. Wow, left me speechless....
I really, really love this, Chrissi - great kids!! :-* :-*
And I also love that you had a White Christmas..hopefully the driving wasn't too bad and everyone is safe.
We are too much about the commercial here - I did shop on Christmas Eve; many shops do close early - 6 pm, but others are open until 11 or midnight. Almost everything is closed on Christmas Day; here and there you will find a convenience store or service station open...and Chinese restaurants.
:)
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I really, really love this, Chrissi - great kids!! :-* :-*
Thank you!
Driving was tricky, but we managed. Just had to go slow, thus needed much more time than usual. We saw two cars which had landed in the ditch.
I'm a bit more concerned about driving today, when we want to visit my family. My BIL called last night. Yesterday he didn't manage to pick up our mother (not the one I didn't get along with, but my other mom). They had planned to have her over yesterday, but there was no way to get through, she lives at the foothills of some mountains. He had to turn around and go back home without her.
The snow is breaking many records in the flatlands. In parts more than 70cm fresh snow, that's more than two foot. In my garden it's rather one foot though. Weather conditions are the big topic in the news these days.
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Oh, and when the balloon deflates,
he goes to his airplanes.
;D
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/Decorated%20images/TackyLights2010027.jpg)
That was the last pic! Hope ou liked the tour!
Chuckie! You did it again, whoo-hoo. ;D
I called my hubby and showed it to him, it's that good. Love your comments.
Your tacky Christmas tour exposition almost makes me want to put out some tacky displays myself. :laugh: The time when I considered a single string of colored lights around a window 'tacky' is long behind me, thanks to my kids. But this is a whole other game - what do I say, it's a different universe! :laugh:
And you saved the best for last. Inflatable Santa on an airplane - beats all.
Thank you Chuck for taking the time. :)
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(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/Decorated%20images/TackyLights2010005.jpg)
omg........ :P :P
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What? The lit up trees on the ground weren't enough, you had to
attach two to the walls of the house?
And why stop at 4 reindeer? If you're gonna put that many
lights on your house, go for all 8!
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/Decorated%20images/TackyLights2010006.jpg)
House? What house??
Are you saying there is a house hidden somewhere behind all that??
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I wasn't sure what was worse,
the uncoiled spring looking trees,
or the ferris wheel of Christmas.
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/Decorated%20images/TackyLights2010010.jpg)
You're right, it's a tie.
But I'd say the ferris wheel wins the competition. FWIW..... :P
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Due to the lagging economy,
Santa has laid off the elves and
replaced them with Mickey & Minnie,
who apparently had too much
to drink when they took the sled.
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/Decorated%20images/TackyLights2010019.jpg)
I see. Not everyone is celebrating Christmas?
Some people are celebrating Walt Disneymas?
Interesting.....
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I apologize for the fuzziness on this one.
Yes, that is a light up arc you walk under.
And note the string of lights up the flagpole
with the giant snowflake on top. lol
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/Decorated%20images/TackyLights2010025.jpg)
The fuzziness in this case is to be considered as mitigating circumstances. :P
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I guess that when the reindeer
get sick, he goes to a balloon.
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/Decorated%20images/TackyLights2010026.jpg)
A balloon?? ???
I fail to see the Xmas connection.... ::)
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That was the last pic! Hope ou liked the tour!
*Standing ovations*
Thanks Chuck, that was great! It's always good to start your day with a laugh! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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Back home. We didn't stay as long as usual because it started to snow heavily yet again. Half of the drive was tricky again, but as soon as we crossed the Rhine into our federal country, the snowfall stopped.
Guess what I got from my BIL? A package of Starbucks coffee, Christmas edition! :D
He said I mentioned it last year, so he got it for me this year (they have a Starbucks shop, we don't). I'll happily try my first Starbucks Christmas coffee tomorrow.
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White Christmas in the Palatinate:
(http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss192/Penthesilea09/9ee4b863.jpg)
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Totally unromantic pic of my wheelie bins. But you can see how much snow we have:
(http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss192/Penthesilea09/01ecce97.jpg)
Snow galore.
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When did purple lights become Christmasy?
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/Decorated%20images/TackyLights2010022.jpg)
In neck of the woods? When you're a TCU hornfrogs fan - colors are purple and white. And yes, among the ritzy mansions in my part of town, one house had a huge banner in front of their house, trees encircled by purple Xmas lights, wishing everyone a "Happy Holidays and a Go Hornfrogs Year!"
:D
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Totally unromantic pic of my wheelie bins. But you can see how much snow we have:
(http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss192/Penthesilea09/01ecce97.jpg)
Snow galore.
Amazing. Today here, it's sunny, and the bright sunlight illuminates the dead, yellow grass, and gray bare tree branches. :P Even your trash bins look more festive than what we have.
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I took these pics of the Columbia River Gorge while we were driving home from spending 'Christmas' with my family last weekend:
(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e321/Brad3816/Gorge2010a.jpg)
(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e321/Brad3816/Gorge2010e.jpg)
Steve and Sadie fixin' to take care of business:
(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e321/Brad3816/Gorge2010b.jpg)
Brad
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(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e321/Brad3816/Gorge2010e.jpg)
wow!
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What a beautiful place Brad. Have white Christmas here for the second year in a row.
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Amazing. Today here, it's sunny, and the bright sunlight illuminates the dead, yellow grass, and gray bare tree branches. :P Even your trash bins look more festive than what we have.
:laugh: Thanks for the laugh.
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I took these pics of the Columbia River Gorge while we were driving home from spending 'Christmas' with my family last weekend:
(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e321/Brad3816/Gorge2010a.jpg)
(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e321/Brad3816/Gorge2010e.jpg)
Steve and Sadie fixin' to take care of business:
(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e321/Brad3816/Gorge2010b.jpg)
Brad
Gorgeous, especially the middle one.
The rock formation in the 1st pic looks like a group of (huge, stone) trees, standing side by side, with some trees fallen to the left.
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Hiya Chrissi! Your pics look like what we're getting now. :o
Brad, great pics! Such beautiful scenery!
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Great pics Chrissi & Brad.
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Thank you so much, Kelda, from this New Yorker. Happy Merry yourself! (Some of my family used to say Happy, the others said Merry, so I compromised by saying "Happy Merry!")
By the way, did anyone notice who played the cop in the beginning? If so, good for you--but did you notice the young African-American fellow nodding off in the drunk tank? Take a good look, and if you can't guess--
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairytale_of_New_York
Happy Merry, everyone! (I know Bill Donohue won't like it--but I'm not saying Happy Merry to him, nor to Maggie Gallagher neither, that's for sure! :laugh: )
:) I knew it was Matt Dillon. but not sure about the other guy? I don't really recognise him? Def not Morgan Freeman!
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I took these pics of the Columbia River Gorge while we were driving home from spending 'Christmas' with my family last weekend:
(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e321/Brad3816/Gorge2010a.jpg)
Brad
Absolutely stunning.