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Arggh!
Having just sat down to write some Christmas Cards, I see that I have completly missed ther last post for all international (even Western Europe!!) Christmas post according to the Royal Mail website.
So, to everyone, I apologise for not sending Christmas cards, and I promise to be more organised next year!
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TUwTFeboiN8/TQt3SW4qISI/AAAAAAAAADE/vrNQ8sv1K98/s1600/468slide1.jpg)
Lots of love,
All of us
xx
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Right back atcha! :)
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HAPPY CHRISTMAS
to you too!!! :-* :-*
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Arggh!
Having just sat down to write some Christmas Cards, I see that I have completly missed ther last post for all international (even Western Europe!!) Christmas post according to the Royal Mail website.
So, to everyone, I apologise for not sending Christmas cards, and I promise to be more organised next year!
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TUwTFeboiN8/TQt3SW4qISI/AAAAAAAAADE/vrNQ8sv1K98/s1600/468slide1.jpg)
________________________________________________________________________
You are so funny. :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
If you are so busy now: next year will be twice as busy. Don't you realize the amount of work that goes into having a baby? Its worth it, completely, however<< it is a ton of work... So the point is: enjoy all your free time now. You will not have any afterwards.
I Love you dearly
Even though you are so funny ..Janice
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________________________________________________________________________
You are so funny. :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
If you are so busy now: next year will be twice as busy. Don't you realize the amount of work that goes into having a baby? Its worth it, completely, however<< it is a ton of work... So the point is: enjoy all your free time now. You will not have any afterwards.
I Love you dearly
Even though you are so funny ..Janice
:P
But I'll have learned the gift of organisation skills as a result!
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Thank our lucky stars for BetterMost, we can post our holiday wishes right here!
And, happy Hannukah too, for those who celebrate it!
I'm praying for peace and sanity for everyone on this last weekend before Christmas...I intend to actually enjoy it!!
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Thank our lucky stars for BetterMost, we can post our holiday wishes right here!
And, happy Hannukah too, for those who celebrate it!
I'm praying for peace and sanity for everyone on this last weekend before Christmas...I intend to actually enjoy it!!
Ditto! :D
And also the Solstice. :)
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Two of my favorite images from the holiday season so far:
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q135/talkstocoyotes/slide_200575_533141_large.jpg)
..
The Rainbow World Fund's "Tree of Hope" in San Francisco. See http://www.rainbowfund.org/tree/
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q135/talkstocoyotes/r-WHCARD-large570.jpg)
..
The 2011 White House Christmas card.
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Merry Christmas, Brokies.
Have a great time.
:-*
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(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/merylmarie/Catchall/SantaClausandcowboyboots.jpg)
HAVE A BLESSED HOLIDAY, BROKIES!
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Click here!
(http://www.weirdwildrealm.com/filmimages/drifters-whitechristmas.jpg) (http://gpsinformation.info/main/merryxmas.swf)
"White Christmas"
The Drifters, featuring Bill Pinkney and Clyde McPhatter (1954)
Cartoon by Joshua Held (2002)
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Click here!
(http://www.weirdwildrealm.com/filmimages/drifters-whitechristmas.jpg) (http://gpsinformation.info/main/merryxmas.swf)
"White Christmas"
The Drifters, featuring Bill Pinkney and Clyde McPhatter (1954)
Cartoon by Joshua Held (2002)
Brilliant! ;D 8)
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Happy Holidays!!!
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AZiyHMuR7CY/R2vls4BizgI/AAAAAAAAAEU/jJ0wgaVEZY4/s320/jake.jpg)
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I hope he come visits me tomorrow night!
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I hope he come visits me tomorrow night!
:laugh: :laugh:
before he has visit me, of course. I will tell him to fly over Scotland. ;D
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A very happy Christmas to everyone at Bettermost. Hope everyone has a wonderful time. Stay safe and enjoy yourselves. :-*
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHrVG06U5MA[/youtube]
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Happy Holidays!!!
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AZiyHMuR7CY/R2vls4BizgI/AAAAAAAAAEU/jJ0wgaVEZY4/s320/jake.jpg)
I hope he come visits me tomorrow night!
:laugh: :laugh:
before he has visit me, of course. I will tell him to fly over Scotland. ;D
Sorry, ladies, but Santa Jake is comin' down my chimney!
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Sorry, ladies, but Santa Jake is comin' down my chimney!
Sorry Paul but we celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve so we have the first go on Santa Jake! And he nead not go the chimey way here, just ring the door and we let him in to glögg (warm wine with spices and sometimes a little more alcohol - brännvin!) and ginger bread!! We'll treat him real well but I doubt he has the energy to visit Boston this year....... ;)
So Paul, have a really nice christmas with the regular american Santa!!
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Poor Berit. I think the cold or the glogg has gone to your head. When I saw him a few weeks ago, Jake was very excited to be joining me for xmess.
While he still has his beard, he'll be playing Santa. And I've been a verrrrrrry good boy this year.
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Poor Berit. I think the cold or the glogg has gone to your head. When I saw him a few weeks ago, Jake was very excited to be joining me for xmess.
While he still has his beard, he'll be playing Santa. And I've been a verrrrrrry good boy this year.
If he is a bit late after all the adventure in Europe. I just ask his stand-in to come to your home, that would be OK, right. ;D
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(http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss192/Penthesilea09/Sonstige/0412080402411door_wreath_204_zps11eb27cb.jpg)
Merry Christmas to all my friends
on BetterMost!
Have a wonderful, peaceful time.
:-*
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Waiting for Santa
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/merylmarie/Cats/VinArtwindowDec62012.jpg)
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/merylmarie/Cats/MerryChristmaswcats.jpg)
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Merry Christmas, I have a present ;D :-*
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Merry Christmas, I have a present ;D :-*
Thanks, Kitty. What I always wanted!
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(http://img-cache.cdn.gaiaonline.com/e7fda8635b81fbcb6449819ae1969fd1/http://i552.photobucket.com/albums/jj343/villagemidget/ss-7478647-cowboyChristmas.jpg)
Merry
Christmas!
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Happy Holidays!!!
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Thought you may find this funny, and I think this thread works for this story.
Two weeks ago I went out to dinner with the bowlers, and after that walked around the mall. We stopped into a Yankee Candle store and found they had a holiday display called "My Favorite Things" which featured candles that had scents to correspond with the lines of that song.
There were candles that smelled like crisp apple strudel, warm woolen mittens, raindrops on roses, and schnitzel with noodles.
As we were looking over the candles this exchange takes place:
Frank: Do you notice they don't have a candle called "cream colored ponies"?
Don: Because they won't make a candle that's scented like hay and manure.
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
I had to leave the store, I was laughing so hard.
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Happy Holidays!!!
Wow, what a fantastic gift! And you look pretty pleased with it, what a lovely photo.
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Happy holidays, friends. This is an oil painting by Frederic Remington painted in 1895, called "The Fall of the Cowboy"
(http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j341/LeeRecca/remington_zps76a3c0cb.jpg)
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Wow, what a fantastic gift! And you look pretty pleased with it, what a lovely photo.
Thank you Chrissi. The painting warmed my heart immensely. If I remember right, I even fell a tear or two. :)
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Sign of the season: Buds have begun forming on my Christmas cactus. :)
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Thanks for ushering us into the holidays in a tasteful way, friend!
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Yup! I haven't decorated for Christmas, I refuse to do that until Thanksgiving passes.
However, I did buy some decorations, and a tree for my apartment.
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Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is on TV tonight. ;D
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Communities around my area have put up the Christmas lights, but they're not lit yet. Next Sunday will be the first Advent, and that's when the lights will be lit.
I still don't have an Advent wreath and Advent calendars. Better hurry now, the season starts in two days.
This year, I think we'll start a little earlier and hang up some lights around the windows next week. Jens also wants to put up the tree earlier, maybe two weeks before Christmas, but I'm not sure it I like the idea. Usually we put it up a day or two before X-Mas. But we leave it up way longer than commonly in the US, as I've learned over the last years.
-
I started decorating my windows tonight, the lights are up. I need to get a few more suction cups to hang the flag I have.
Tomorrow, I put up my tree. I'll have Christmas music playing.
This one makes me cry! ::) I'm such a sap!
Exposé is a girl group from the 80s, that had 8 Top 10 hits here. They've reunited and doing shows again, and recording new music. This is their Christmas song - "I Believe In Christmas (Like It Used To Be)" proceeds are going to a charity called "The Wounded Warrior Project", which assists soldiers who have been wounded in the line of duty.
The video features reunions between soldiers and their families.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Frr4I5z2P5c[/youtube]
I Believe In Christmas (Like It Used To Be) Promo Only
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I was reading over the weekend that during the Christmas season a really cool toy train layout is set up in the museum adjacent to the main concourse in Grand Central Terminal. That might be something cool for Brokies in and around the NYC area to do over the holidays. I believe admission is free!
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(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v660/BlueWorkBoots/P1010001.jpg)
My Christmas tree - full shot
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(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v660/BlueWorkBoots/P1010002-1.jpg)
Contrary to what you would believe, I did NOT intend to use a cowboy hat on top. LOL I got a star that did not fit, and kept tilting back and falling off. Rather than get a different one, I just put the hat on top! LOL
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(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v660/BlueWorkBoots/P1010004-1.jpg)
The Christmas balls (stop smirking) are in the colors of the gay pride rainbow. Other ornaments include Superman, some cowboy boots, and a hat and saddle.
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(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v660/BlueWorkBoots/P1010005-2.jpg)
The bumble from the Rudolph cartoon, a cowboy boot, a replica of a Super Friends lunchbox.
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(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v660/BlueWorkBoots/P1010006-1.jpg)
A cowboy bear and Wonder Woman.
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(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v660/BlueWorkBoots/P1010007-1.jpg)
A smurf, and Ralphie from A Christmas Story.
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(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v660/BlueWorkBoots/P1010010.jpg)
A thermos that goes with the Super Friends lunchbox, a saddle and hat, figure skater Kristie Yamaguchi, and Batman.
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So American and so Chuck! :D
My son just came into the room and his eyes almost popped out at the colorfulness. 'Whoa, what's that?' He loved it! ;D
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Very cool! I'm glad he liked it!
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Great tree, Chuck!
Very you!
Love the cowboy hat on top! :D
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[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhaR_1rmO5I[/youtube]
Gayla Peevey--I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas--1953
The Ed Sullivan Show
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[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRLe6MfGsDo[/youtube]
Paul Lynde, Mary LaRoche, Ann-Margret, Bryan Russell
Bye Bye Birdie 1963
"Hymn for a Sunday Evening"
(We're Gonna be on Ed Sullivan)
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[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxsrutuVIPI[/youtube]
.
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Love the hat topper!
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I'm actually getting a lot of compliments on the hat. ;D
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[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxsrutuVIPI[/youtube]
.
Love it!!!
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Latest pic of Trenton, 2 weeks old. My brother (grandpa) is Santa.
(https://scontent-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/t1/1469807_10151581245522609_456577719_n.jpg)
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[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMSN9zcscME[/youtube]
.
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Latest pic of Trenton, 2 weeks old. My brother (grandpa) is Santa.
(https://scontent-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/t1/1469807_10151581245522609_456577719_n.jpg)
Awww. What a woderful photo. :D
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[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMSN9zcscME[/youtube]
.
Hilarious! And my idea of hell too!
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Awww. What a woderful photo. :D
;D
Love the cat video! I have to say, with all the cats my family owned, that only happened one time. We had an ornament with bells under it, and Blaze walked under the tree and rubbed up on it, which made it wobble. The motion made the bells ring, and he climbed up the tree looking for the bells.
After we took that ornament off, it didn't happen again.
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[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMSN9zcscME[/youtube]
.
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
I'm on the safe side this will never happen to me. I have NO cat and NO tree! ;D ;D
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Cute kitty video! :)
We have two or three destroyed ornaments each year. Mostly by the cat, but sometimes it's the dog or a child. So far it has never been a beloved, special ornament, just regular baubles (*knock on wood*). I can live with that.
When the cat and kids were younger, we always secured the tree at the ceiling. We had a hook in the ceiling extra for this purpose. Bind an invisible nylon cord around the tree and connect with the hook - done. Saved our tree a couple of times. :laugh:
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I love that your tree is so expressive of YOU, Chuck! Love the cat video, too, John, thanks! ;D
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Today we decorated our tree. :D
(http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss192/Penthesilea09/Nach%20Neugestaltung%20der%20Website/CIMG2188_zps86cecce9.jpg)
46 years old and still doing duty.
Here I was, thinking all those years the chain of lights was bought in Dec. 1968. I was born in Jan 1968 and my parents always told me my father bought it for my first Christmas, instead of using real candles. Today I looked at the receipt (who on earth keeps a receipt for 46 years? :o ::)) and saw it was actually bought on Dec. 21st 1967. So my father bought it a couple of days before I was due, which was on Christmas that year. Either way, a wise investment for a new baby.
Meanwhile my father is long gone and another generation has grown up with these lights. That's some quality, eh? :)
This year, Oliver wanted the tree to be red and gold and ta-da, here it is:
(http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss192/Penthesilea09/Nach%20Neugestaltung%20der%20Website/CIMG2189_zps1d9af384.jpg)
With flash
(http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss192/Penthesilea09/Nach%20Neugestaltung%20der%20Website/CIMG2190_zpseeb6290b.jpg)
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Some special ornaments:
My Ennis truck, a gift from a fellow Brokie. :D
It's on the tree every year, no matter the color-theme.
(http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss192/Penthesilea09/Nach%20Neugestaltung%20der%20Website/CIMG2193_zpsd5b023c5.jpg)
The little silver-green bell has been my favorite ornament since I was a child. Took it with me when moving out from home and it's very precious to me.
(http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss192/Penthesilea09/Nach%20Neugestaltung%20der%20Website/CIMG2197_zps4f472c59.jpg)
A couple of Hutschenreuther porcellain ornaments. A star, a boot and two bells. Hutschenreuther limits their editions to the year. I intend to get one new piece every year.
(http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss192/Penthesilea09/Nach%20Neugestaltung%20der%20Website/CIMG2196_zpsc98c7d23.jpg)
(http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss192/Penthesilea09/Nach%20Neugestaltung%20der%20Website/CIMG2194_zpsd5ad9915.jpg)
This year's theme for the bell is "Iceland" and it reminds me of my stopover in Iceland this year. Okay, I only saw the airport, but it still makes me happy that I was in Iceland. :)
(http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss192/Penthesilea09/Nach%20Neugestaltung%20der%20Website/CIMG2192_zps8b8984af.jpg)
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Oliver has good taste!
The tree looks beautiful, Chrissi!
And no, they don't make things like that any more - things that will last for 50 years. :-\
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love the tree, Chrissi!
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This year, Oliver wanted the tree to be red and gold and ta-da, here it is:
(http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss192/Penthesilea09/Nach%20Neugestaltung%20der%20Website/CIMG2189_zps1d9af384.jpg)
What a lovely tree! Oliver does have good taste: Red and gold is also my preferred color scheme for a green tree. ;D
I love those electric candles, too. :D
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Thank you Sonja, Chuck and Jeff. :)
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Beautiful tree, Chrissi! Over the years my Christmas trees have toppled over a few times, usually because they were unbalanced. I should have done the hook and fishing line from the ceiling thing. Even when the tree fell over, most of the ornaments were all right as long as the trunk didn't fall on them. And the tree didn't even make a crash when it fell over, just a low whooshing sound.
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And the tree didn't even make a crash when it fell over, just a low whooshing sound.
If a Christmas tree falls over and there is no one there to watch it, does it make a sound? ;D
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We always have a hook and a line to tie the tree and preventing it from falling, all because of the cats! :P They all have a special glimpse in their eyes when the fake tree comes in.....we lose some ornaments each year because of our pets. There is one small angel that our cat Brassing always carries around in his mouth. He has done so for 6 years - the glory days for the angel are gone :'( - so it will be fun to see if there will be a seventh year.....
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If a Christmas tree falls over and there is no one there to watch it, does it make a sound? ;D
If it is Schrödinger's tree, we'll never know. ;D :laugh:
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If it is Schrödinger's tree, we'll never know. ;D :laugh:
a whut?
-
a whut?
A joke on Schrödinger's cat (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schr%C3%B6dinger's_cat).
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Ok, that was all Greek to me.
:laugh:
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Ok, that was all Greek to me.
:laugh:
Me, too. I googled "Schrodinger's cat" and came up with this:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schr%C3%B6dinger%27s_cat (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schr%C3%B6dinger%27s_cat)
and it's still Greek to me! :laugh:
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(http://mediacdn.snorgcontent.com/media/catalog/product/s/c/schrodingerscat_fullpic.jpg)
(http://www.timemachinego.com/linkmachinego/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/schrodingers-cat-is-alive-dead.jpg)
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(http://mediacdn.snorgcontent.com/media/catalog/product/s/c/schrodingerscat_fullpic.jpg)
(http://www.timemachinego.com/linkmachinego/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/schrodingers-cat-is-alive-dead.jpg)
:laugh: :'( :laugh: :'( :laugh: :'( :laugh: :'( :laugh: :'( :laugh: :'( :laugh: :'( :laugh: :'( :laugh: :'( :laugh: :'( :laugh: :'( :laugh: :'( :laugh:
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No cats were harmed in this "thought experiment". LOL
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Oh, I thought you were referring to this person's cat.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schroeder_%28Peanuts%29 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schroeder_%28Peanuts%29)
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Oh, I thought you were referring to this person's cat.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schroeder_%28Peanuts%29 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schroeder_%28Peanuts%29)
(http://www.faboverfifty.com/barbaras-blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/SCHULZ1.gif)
;D ;D ;D
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No cats were harmed in this "thought experiment". LOL
(http://www.webzeest.com/articleimages/f340f1b1f6_1371893649376cat%20sleeping%20awake.jpg)
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SjFJImg2Z8[/youtube]
(http://thisrecording.com/storage/cheader01.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1244221900897)
:D :D
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No cats were harmed in this "thought experiment". LOL
(http://anticache.img0.joyreactor.com/pics/post/auto-200980.jpeg)
:o :o
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(http://anticache.img0.joyreactor.com/pics/post/auto-200980.jpeg)
:o :o
That's the best of all! It made its rounds on FB a while ago. Love it! ;D
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(http://www.scribblegraph.me/wp-content/gallery/scribblegraph/erwinschristmas_900.jpg)
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(http://www.redesignrevolution.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Schrodingers-Cat-Gingerbread-House.jpeg)
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(http://skreened.com/render-product/c/z/f/czfrdeiunaqmsmgyleac/schrodinger-s-cat-plays-with-string-theory.american-apparel-unisex-fitted-tee.black.w760h760.jpg)
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???
*walks away from thread, confused*
:laugh:
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(http://skreened.com/render-product/c/z/f/czfrdeiunaqmsmgyleac/schrodinger-s-cat-plays-with-string-theory.american-apparel-unisex-fitted-tee.black.w760h760.jpg)
:laugh:
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[youtube=425,350]
[/youtube]
Defying Gravity
as sung by Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer:
Matthew Gordon
Published on Dec 10, 2013
Santa has just told Rudolph that he will guide his sleigh through the foggy night skies. Blitzen is not pleased, but Rudolph convinces him that this is his moment to shine.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/17/defying-gravity-rudolph_n_4458936.html?utm_hp_ref=gay-voices&ir=Gay%20Voices
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[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_qLSKHMaachttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_qLSKHMaac[/youtube]
Santa Speedo Run 2013:
Participants Strip Down In Boston For A Cause
(http://i.huffpost.com/gen/1517765/thumbs/n-SPEEDO-RUN-medium.jpg)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/16/santa-speedo-run_n_4453852.html?utm_hp_ref=mostpopular
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[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azoWedQH8zQ[/youtube]
To Healthy and Happy Holidays
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/conor-gaughan/to-healthy-and-happy-holi_b_4465492.html?utm_hp_ref=gay-voices
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[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgdLdl60EMA[/youtube]
Is this really from THREE years ago?
Yes. It is. :o
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[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtoW4aV-CIc[/youtube]
Gaga has great taste!
8) 8)
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My front windows. They were decorated very early this year, on first Advent. We taped self-made ornaments on them; cut-out stars, trees, angels and such stuff. With so many years of kindergarden and elementary school behind us, we have a nice stock and don't need to craft them anymore. ;D
(http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss192/Penthesilea09/Nach%20Neugestaltung%20der%20Website/CIMG2183_zpsad488da6.jpg)
(http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss192/Penthesilea09/Nach%20Neugestaltung%20der%20Website/CIMG2182_zps440bf27c.jpg)
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Looks cute, Chrissi!
-
(http://www.redesignrevolution.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Schrodingers-Cat-Gingerbread-House.jpeg)
:laugh: :laugh:
Love the clever design of the cat!
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...With so many years of kindergarden and elementary school behind us, we have a nice stock and don't need to craft them anymore. ;D
Same here. I'm hoping the precious hand-crafted ornaments will last another year or two until my grandchildren are ready to start producing!
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Very nice and Xmassy looking windows, Chrissi!
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I love Handel, and
I love Lynne Dawson.
Happy/Merry Christmas!
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtU1c5JZf0k[/youtube]
Lynne Dawson sings "I know that my redeemer liveth"
Stephen Cleobury conducts the Brandenburg Consort.
Uploaded on Mar 5, 2007
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What beautiful music to listen to while I cook! Thank you so much John...I hope it is the best Christmas you've known in a long time. :-*
Merry Christmas to New Zealand, Germany, Sweden, and all the rest of you in the Eastern guard of Brokies! And merry Christmas eve to the rest of us! A special God Rest Ye Merry Gay Gentlemen too!
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What beautiful music to listen to while I cook! Thank you so much John...I hope it is the best Christmas you've known in a long time. :-*
Merry Christmas to New Zealand, Germany, Sweden, and all the rest of you in the Eastern guard of Brokies! And merry Christmas eve to the rest of us! A special God Rest Ye Merry Gay Gentlemen too!
Merry Christmas, Lynne! (Ms. Dawson, your namesake, is quite something, isn't she? Just beautiful.)
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I love Handel, and
I love Lynne Dawson.
Happy/Merry Christmas!
Thank you, John. I love her too. `
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(https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1/1395214_10201439145760398_729649141_n.jpg)
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Happy Christmas everybody.
It is now after 7.30am and I saw Christmas arrive at Midnight Eucharist.
This is the first Christmas I have spent in New Zealand and almost the coldest one in my life. I did spend Christmas 1975 in Avignon, France.
As I was in Sydney for a reunion in November, I have not gone over again so soon. I will soon wish my sister Happy Christmas on Skype as she is 2 hours behind me. I am going to Christmas lunch with a group from the 60+ club who have no family living in Dunedin.
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HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE,
from down under.
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(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/Cowboy%20Pics/thumb_COLOURBOX8309132.jpg)
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(http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss192/Penthesilea09/Nach%20Neugestaltung%20der%20Website/CIMG2188_zps86cecce9.jpg)
46 years old and still doing duty.
Guess what? The cat killed my beloved Christmas lights.
He gnawed through one of the wires. Damn you, Cäsar! >:(
But yay for Jens instead! He put an insulation screw joint (luster terminal?) between the cut off parts - and now it works again! :D So now I have an old, beloved and patched chain of lights. But that's okay. As long as it still works and it's safe. 8)
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Thank you, Brian, Rob and Chuck!
Since we somehow ended up with two threads for Christmas wishes this year, I'll add mine here, too:
(http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss192/Penthesilea09/Banner/weihnachtsschrift_www-clipart-kiste-de_032_zps824467b2.gif)
(http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss192/Penthesilea09/Banner/0d87e539-ba14-4528-ae5e-3610d5bf218c_zps39565e0b.jpg)
to all friends on BetterMost
(http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss192/Penthesilea09/Banner/winter-weihnachten-linien_www-clipart-kiste-de_095_zpsded0727c.gif)
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Okay, who wants to share their Christmas 2013? Brian already did and here's my part:
On the afternoon of Dec 24th we always go to church. We're not religious, but go every year on Christmas Eve. The tradition started when the kids were small and still believed in the Christkind (Christ Child). We needed them out of the house and church was the only available thing on Christmas Eve.
So the kiddies and I went to church and that time window gave Jens the opportunity to put the gifts under the tree secretly, lock the living room and cook dinner.
Meanwhile it has become a nice tradition, which I really appreciate. It gives you time to calm down, let everyday stuff behind you and fall into Christmas mode. We sing well-known carols, the children play out the nativity scenes, everything is very festive and we meet lots of people to wish them a Merry Christmas. Additionally it's also a time to reflect about the meaning of Christmas and be thankful.
That's why we still go to church, even though the children are old enough to know where the presents come from.
After church we mostly play one or two short games until dinner is ready. Then dinner, coffee, dessert and yes, a cigarette break for us parents. Then comes the time when hubby has to "go to the bathroom". Just at that moment, the Christmas Bell rings, which is the Christ Child's signal that he is just leaving the house.
Then it's gift-giving time and then we play and talk until late. After the youngest is finally in bed, the two older kids and we watch a movie. The last years it always was Die Hard (yes, on Christmas ::) :laugh:). This year, we opted for the Lethal Weapon movies. Can't help it, we all love silly action paired with humor. ;D
Since we celebrate Christmas for full three days, tonight we'll watch the second part in the series, after a long day at the in-laws. Tomorrow we'll visit my family.
I love Christmas. I love seeing all our extended families: siblings, cousins, great-cousins, aunts, including all their families, boyfriends, dogs and whatnot. It's always loud, overcrowded, chaotic and very, very happy. :)
What did you do for Christmas this year?
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Meanwhile it has become a nice tradition, which I really appreciate. It gives you time to calm down, let everyday stuff behind you and fall into Christmas mode. We sing well-known carols, the children play out the nativity scenes, everything is very festive and we meet lots of people to wish them a Merry Christmas. Additionally it's also a time to reflect about the meaning of Christmas and be thankful.
Chrissi, did you meet and
take notes with the Queen
earlier in the week?
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngVYT9GRz6I[/youtube]
Your two Christmas Messages
are a lot a like! (I wonder if
the cats gnawed the lights
in Buck House?)
;D
(Your Christmas sounds wonderful, Chrissi--thank you for sharing it with all of us!)
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Guess what? The cat killed my beloved Christmas lights.
He gnawed through one of the wires. Damn you, Cäsar! >:(
But yay for Jens instead! He put an insulation screw joint (luster terminal?) between the cut off parts - and now it works again! :D So now I have an old, beloved and patched chain of lights. But that's okay. As long as it still works and it's safe. 8)
I do hope it is safe. A young family here in Dunedin lost their house a few nights ago because they left the Christmas tree lights on all night and it shorted out. Fortunately they had their smoke alarms working but the dog also began barking (just before the alarm went off). The husband ran and got the baby and its cot caught alight. No matter how much you love your Christmas lights, I would throw them out and buy new ones before next year.
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Here's another
Christmas Message--
from whistleblower
Edward Snowden
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymGgsLkiQdk[/youtube]
Although it's only
1:41 long, this
German TV station
is one of only three versions that aren't cut and interlarded with lots of inane or outright hostile commentary I have seen so far (the other two are Britain's Channel 4, the original message, and, strangely enough, the Mirror --click here and you can see the actual video (WochenschauTV was only able to show still images) which the audio:
http://www.channel4.com/programmes/alternative-christmas-message/4od
http://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/video-watch-whistleblower-edward-snowden-2958139
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The version on our TV was intercut but not hostile. Although in NZ it came from ABC (?) which was not the Australian Broadcasting Commission (Australia's government station which is always balanced and often critical of the government) as the accent was American.
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I only have one family member, my sister. I have not even received cards this year from the 2 cousins who usually send. One, in her late 80's has been in a mental hospital. My sister does keep in touch with her, mainly trying to keep the peace between her and her daughter, certainly not her long suffering daughter's fault.
The other, actually a 2nd cousin younger than me, I have only seen once, at her father's funeral in 2006, in over 20 years. She is quite poor and may not be able to afford the international postage.
Our family never believed in Christmas presents once we were adults so I have not received a Christmas present for 40 years and we also gave up birthday presents over 20 years ago. I would rather occasionally buy my sister something she needs as a surprise and she does the same for me.
If my sister goes before me (God forbid but she does turn 80 next year), I will not keep in contact with my brother-in-law. He is quite homophobic but we tolerate each other for my sister's sake.
I did think of having a sandwich at home by myself. I cannot cook. However I am glad I joined 7 others for a rather expensive lunch in a garden restaurant. However it was raining all day so we just ran quickly through the garden. The others were only occasional acquaintances, 3 are over 90, and we went back to one's home for coffee afterwards. I drove one lady and I know her best as she is in my walking group every Tuesday but not one of my closest. My best friends here, mainly widows, were all busy with their grandchildren.
The religious side of Christmas is most important to me but Easter is more important. I will be back in Sydney for next Easter and I will be at services Thursday night, much of Friday and Sunday morning.
Today, Boxing Day, it is continuing to rain but I am not going near the sales. I may buy some necessary clothing tomorrow or Monday. I went to the movies on Christmas Eve but have several others I want to see but will avoid the crowds on a wet public holiday.
I thought of doing some housework but so far I have just upgraded my Mac to Mavericks which was a bit frightening but thankfully it was successful.
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Evening Bettermost Friends!
;D
Mom decided to get me some joke gifts for Christmas, so it was a Grumpy cat kind of Christmas.
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/IMG-20131225-00198.jpg)
The family mostly celebrated on Christmas Eve. We went to my Brother and Sister-In-Law's place for dinner. We exchanged gifts and had a good evening.
Today was low key. Lunch at my parents' place, some more gifts exchanged, and then came home for a nap. :laugh:
Making some dinner now, and then bed at my usual time. Work tomorrow for me.
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Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year!!
(http://i.guim.co.uk/static/w-620/h--/q-95/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2014/12/22/1419264380753/Reindeer-crossing-street-012.jpg)
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:o :o :o :o :o :o :o
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yule_Cat
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dFpVPOIUnYk/Upo8OxzWNoI/AAAAAAAAE-c/dVRfGmA2gWg/s1600/YULE_CAT_by_Quizzical_Squidopus.png)
Yule Cat
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Yule Cat (Icelandic: Jólakötturinn or Jólaköttur) is a monster from Icelandic folklore, a huge and vicious cat said to lurk about the snowy countryside during Christmastime and eat people who have not received any new clothes to wear before Christmas Eve. [1] The Yule Cat has become associated with other figures from Icelandic folklore as the house pet of the giantess Grýla and her sons, the Yule Lads. [2]
The threat of being eaten by the Yule Cat was used by farmers as an incentive for their workers to finish processing the autumn wool before Christmas. The ones who took part in the work would be rewarded with new clothes, but those who did not would get nothing and thus would be preyed upon by the monstrous cat. The cat has alternatively been interpreted as merely eating away the food of ones without new clothes during Christmas feasts. [1] The perception of the Yule Cat as a man-eating beast was partly popularized by the poet Jóhannes úr Kötlum in his poem Jólakötturinn. [3]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yule_Lads
(http://www.iceland.is/images/the-icelandic-yule-lads.jpg)
http://www.iceland.is/images/the-icelandic-yule-lads.jpg
http://www.iceland.is/the-big-picture/news/celebrating-christmas-with-13-trolls/7916/
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Lovely to hear about your Christmas stories. Sounds like you all had a great time. Brian with his sister in the lovely south of Australia. looking forward to boxing day. 😉 Chuck stuck between Grumpy or His mum. Who shall I choose? John seems to dream a about exotic places, where it snow all year around.
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Merry Christmas to all! :D
For us, the first two days of Christmas are over. On Christmas Eve we went to church, had a long and yummy dinner and then presents. I got a travel-guide for Sweden from Jens and a beautiful cowboy picture from my kids.
Today we spent the whole day at Jens' parents. Good thing we still have my old car in the family (it's Hannah's now). It seats seven people, respectively the six of us plus the dog in her crate. Came back today evening, stuffed, tired and happy. :)
As soon as we were home we switched into PJs resp. jogging pants. Nothing better than letting your hair down and lounging on the couch. :laugh:
Tomorrow is the third and last day of Christmas and we'll visit my part of family. This is always the moment when I must play Chris Rea on the Autobahn: Driving home for Christmas, I can't wait to see those faces,... get my feet on holy ground.... with a thousand memories...
That's exactly it. :)
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I have some understanding of the German Christmas. My sister's closest friend (was her bridesmaid over 50 years ago) is German although they lived in Lithuania before the war and came to Australia in the 40's. She has 3 younger brothers, one lives with her and one has moved back to Germany. The youngest is very wealthy and lives near her and is very good to her. She has Christmas eve for the whole family at her place, very traditional German and she is keen that the family keeps up traditions.
Then Christmas day is at her youngest brother's home and is more Australian (his wife is actually from NZ originally)
Today it has become customaryl since I have been returning to Sydney for Christmas that my sister and I to go to her place for lunch. The food is a mixture of German and Lithuanian, leftovers from Christmas Eve.
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Merry Christmas everyone!
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[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMT4oWqcr2c[/youtube]
Published on Nov 10, 2015
Home is the heart of the holiday season. Shop Nordstrom, Where the Gifts Are.
http://nordstrom.com/gifts
(https://yt3.ggpht.com/-a-9TfmvLo88/AAAAAAAAAAI/AAAAAAAAAAA/loQF105pXBk/s88-c-k-no/photo.jpg)
Nordstrom
http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2015/12/beautiful-new-nordstrom-holiday-ad-stars-a-gay-couple-and-their-dog/
Beautiful new Nordstrom holiday ad
stars a gay couple and their dog
LGBTQ Nation
Monday, December 7, 2015
(http://i0.wp.com/static.lgbtqnation.com/assets/2015/12/xmasnordstrom-670x376.png?resize=500%2C281)
Nordstrom demonstrates why they have a 100 percent approval rating from the Human Rights Campaign Buyers Guide.
The upscale fashion retailer has created a dazzlingly beautiful holiday ad titled The Homecoming that features a man coming home with a suitcase and a Nordstrom shopping bag to be reunited his partner and their gorgeous dog.
The two handsome men featured in the video are a couple in real-life and are engaged to be married soon so Nordstrom gets extra props for not simply hiring two photogenic actors.
Naturally, not everyone is pleased.
Back2Stonewall.com (http://Back2Stonewall.com) reports that right-wing site American Thinker expressed outrage that Hulu dared broadcast the ad during classic programming, such as The Rifleman and Dennis the Menace, that don’t include a “large proportion of Haight-Ashbury and Greenwich Village types” viewers and when innocent people and children might see the horror of two grown people in love exchanging a warm greeting.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=052pWUSy7P8[/youtube]
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Goofy, but cute--[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Er5c_YHRb-8[/youtube]
Published on Dec 12, 2015
(https://yt3.ggpht.com/-mKGMc4Q-nfA/AAAAAAAAAAI/AAAAAAAAAAA/LEZJ8DqoG5U/s88-c-k-no/photo.jpg)
HAPPY HUNKMAS, from the Hunks!!
hunkappella.com (http://hunkappella.com)
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Happy Christmas and Merry Hanukkah to all the Brokies in the world!!
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Happy Christmas and Merry Hanukkah to all the Brokies in the world!!
Happy Christmas Brokies! :)
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Merry Christmas Brokies!
Now, on to New Year's!
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How does people celebrate Xmas in different countries? If you are not from USA or know how they celebrate - write here! ;D
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Looked through old Christmas cards today. When I saw this one, I just lost it. :'(
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I understand. (((Lee)))
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((((Lee))))
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Slowly but surely, the apartment is getting decked out for Christmas. Windows were done yesterday, and the tree is next. Just finished putting out my collection of stuffed characters from Rudolph.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4530/38591000836_cab65b9a06_z.jpg)
Front Row: Rudolph, King Moonracer (guardian of the Island of Misfit Toys), Abominable Snow Monster, and Clarice.
Middle: Sam the Snowman, Santa, Hermy the elf, Yukon Cornelius and a misfit toy, the cowboy who rides an ostrich.
Back: This misfit toys. Water pistol that shoots jelly, train with square wheels, Dolly, the planes that can't fly, Charlie in the Box, and the spotted elephant.
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No Xmas zombies? You disappoint me Chuck! >:(
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I'm saving them for the Nativity scene........
:laugh:
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Ooh, looking forward to that! ;D
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Oh geez. :laugh:
In case it wasn't evident, I was kidding!
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Oh geez. :laugh:
In case it wasn't evident, I was kidding!
I took it as a promise to create a nativity scene with zombies!
You don't want to go back on your word, now do you?!
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Some little inspiration for ya:
(https://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/80e460dcf9c8c01462d0b5e0214ab2a6e2c2c306/c=0-0-946-711&r=x404&c=534x401/local/-/media/2016/12/07/Cincinnati/Cincinnati/636166864431532386-zombie.png)
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(https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2014-12/24/11/campaign_images/webdr12/ohio-man-ordered-to-kill-his-zombie-nativity-scene-2-18722-1419440384-11_dblbig.jpg)
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:laugh:
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(https://localtvwghp.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/s057468730.jpg?quality=85&strip=all&w=1296)
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(http://geekologie.com/2014/09/22/zombie-nativity-2.jpg)
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(https://i.pinimg.com/564x/5f/a3/f0/5fa3f020b2759f7ee032d3536be1a13c--zombie-nativity-scene-christmas-nativity-scene.jpg)
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Looking forward to your creation, Chuck!!
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But beware, not everyone endorses it!
(http://www.irishtimes.com/polopoly_fs/1.2458533.1449567434!/image/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/box_620_330/image.jpg)
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But beware, not everyone endorses it!
God frowns upon this!
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4528/26934678969_480edc6d1d_z.jpg)
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I don't think I'll be sending out Christmas cards this year, except perhaps in response to cards I receive. Given my dad's health situation, I'm simply not motivated. I will probably skip the annual Medieval Yule Revel that I usually attend. Before I returned to Philadelphia, I put up the Christmas tree at my dad's home, because Christmas trees are cheerful, and I figured we both could use that. I will make a small effort in my own home, but I just don't feel very motivated.
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I went to a talk about "Coping with the holidays" and one of the things they emphasized was that you must do whatever you feel is right, celebrate, observe, or don't do whatever doesn't feel right. I'm following that, and it feels good.
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I went to a talk about "Coping with the holidays" and one of the things they emphasized was that you must do whatever you feel is right, celebrate, observe, or don't do whatever doesn't feel right. I'm following that, and it feels good.
Good suggestions!
Part of my trouble may also be that I'm already feeling overwhelmed, and it's only December 1! :o
Feels to me like kind of a short season because the last Sunday of Advent just happens to be Christmas Eve, so essentially we have three weeks until Christmas, and I will "lose" the weekend of December 16--17, or at least Saturday, December 16, because my dad's medical procedure is Monday, December 18.
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I don't think I'll be sending out Christmas cards this year, except perhaps in response to cards I receive. Given my dad's health situation, I'm simply not motivated. I will probably skip the annual Medieval Yule Revel that I usually attend. Before I returned to Philadelphia, I put up the Christmas tree at my dad's home, because Christmas trees are cheerful, and I figured we both could use that. I will make a small effort in my own home, but I just don't feel very motivated.
Completely understandable that you wouldn't feel motivated. Sometimes life just gets in the way of what we want to accomplish.
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God frowns upon this!
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4528/26934678969_480edc6d1d_z.jpg)
Yes exactly!
So be careful, Chuck!
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Well, today I did just about all the decorating I'm going to do. I hung the garland and ornaments from the branches of my dining room chandelier, as I always do. I set up my grandmother's ceramic Christmas tree, Christmas carolers, and part of her Nativity set. This year I didn't set up the stable, just some of the figures. Next to the figures I have a King James Version Bible open to Luke 2. I replaced my fall flowers with poinsettias and hung my wreath on the door. I also hung up the Christmas stocking that was made for me when I was a baby, and I have a small teddy bear peeking out of the stocking. I also hung a ring of small bells on my apartment door handle.
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Sounds just perfect, friend. I am focusing on getting all the stockings mended and hung up on the mantle. There are 11, ELEVEN, stockings! Quite a production!
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Yes exactly!
So be careful, Chuck!
I shall do my best!
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Sounds just perfect, friend. I am focusing on getting all the stockings mended and hung up on the mantle. There are 11, ELEVEN, stockings! Quite a production!
Sounds like my mom.
She doesn't mend the stockings, but she has a large number of them. 10 all together.
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Well, today I did just about all the decorating I'm going to do. I hung the garland and ornaments from the branches of my dining room chandelier, as I always do. I set up my grandmother's ceramic Christmas tree, Christmas carolers, and part of her Nativity set. This year I didn't set up the stable, just some of the figures. Next to the figures I have a King James Version Bible open to Luke 2. I replaced my fall flowers with poinsettias and hung my wreath on the door. I also hung up the Christmas stocking that was made for me when I was a baby, and I have a small teddy bear peeking out of the stocking. I also hung a ring of small bells on my apartment door handle.
I've done all mine as well. Windows are lit, the tree is up, and my collection of stuffed toys from Rudolph are out on the recliner.
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I've done all mine as well. Windows are lit, the tree is up, and my collection of stuffed toys from Rudolph are out on the recliner.
Bumbles bounce. ...
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I impulsively bought a third string of solar Christmas lights when I was shopping yesterday afternoon. I blame the discussion here ;D but only $15.
However I would not think of putting them up until about a week before Christmas. Last year I did not put any up but I went to Sydney for Christmas. This year I am staying home.
However with sunset now at 9.15pm I will have to stay up to see if they are working. I went to the Advent carol service in the Cathedral last night but it finished at 8pm so no lights on the way home. I will be going to the Christmas concert by the Dunedin Royal Male choir tonight and Tuesday of next week I will be going to "the Messiah" by the City Choir so will have a chance to check out any lights then.
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Bumbles bounce. ...
I got the Bumble in my collection. ;)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4530/38591000836_cab65b9a06_z.jpg)
Front Row: Rudolph, King Moonracer (guardian of the Island of Misfit Toys), Abominable Snow Monster, and Clarice.
Middle: Sam the Snowman, Santa, Hermy the elf, Yukon Cornelius and a misfit toy, the cowboy who rides an ostrich.
Back: This misfit toys. Water pistol that shoots jelly, train with square wheels, Dolly, the planes that can't fly, Charlie in the Box, and the spotted elephant.
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I impulsively bought a third string of solar Christmas lights when I was shopping yesterday afternoon. I blame the discussion here ;D but only $15.
However I would not think of putting them up until about a week before Christmas. Last year I did not put any up but I went to Sydney for Christmas. This year I am staying home. However with sunset now at 9.15pm I will have to stay up to see if they are working. I went to the Advent carol service in the Cathedral last night but it finished at 8pm so no lights on the way home. I will be going to the Christmas concert by the Dunedin Royal Male choir tonight and Tuesday of next week I will be going to "the Messiah" by the City Choir so will have a chance to check out any lights then.
I've seen a few houses with the solar power lights, they are getting popular.
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Today, December 6, is St. Nicholas Day.
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Here's Chrissi's facebook post for St. Nikolaus Day:
(https://scontent.fzty2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/24784947_10210275522585189_4471440347447921274_o.jpg?oh=7b88902f2561f2ae245c3e571aa7b44e&oe=5ACA453D)
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awwww, cute!
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Thanks for bringing it over here, Paul! :)
Yup, I totally love Nikolaus :)
I have to find a new photo hosting site after the photobucket disaster. :-\
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Your post inspired me to go research St. Nikolas and he was very loveable. How St. Nikolas morphed into Santa Claus is understandable language-wise but not imagery wise. I understand that he was Byzantine and was born in what is now Turkey.
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I have to find a new photo hosting site after the photobucket disaster. :-\
Currently using flickr, but looking for something better.
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Your post inspired me to go research St. Nikolas and he was very loveable. How St. Nikolas morphed into Santa Claus is understandable language-wise but not imagery wise. I understand that he was Byzantine and was born in what is now Turkey.
Tell you what, I've gotten to wondering how the visit from St. Nicholas got transferred from December 6 to Christmas Eve. Was that unique to the United States and spread like McDonald's to the rest of the world?
It would seem the Christmas Eve visit was well known, at least in the New York region, by the time "A Visit from St. Nicholas" was published in 1823, otherwise readers would probably have been mystified. So when was the tradition established? Did the change originate with the Protestant Dutch settlers of New York, and did it have anything to do with anti-Catholic prejudice, since St, Nicholas was a Catholic bishop?
Our familiar image of St. Nicholas/Santa Claus really originated with the cartoonist Thomas Nast. I guess it was the poem that introduced the eight tiny reindeer?
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Our familiar image of St. Nicholas/Santa Claus really originated with the cartoonist Thomas Nast.
Thomas Nast was a local from where I live! :D He was from Landau, the next town from me. My kids go to school in Landau and the yearly Christmas Market is called Thomas-Nast-Nikolausmarkt.
St. Nikolaus is Sinta Claas in Dutch. From there it's only a small step to Santa Clause, linguistically. But how he got transferred from Dec 6th to 24th/25th I don't know.
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Thomas Nast was a local from where I live! :D He was from Landau, the next town from me. My kids go to school in Landau and the yearly Christmas Market is called Thomas-Nast-Nikolausmarkt.
Wow! I din't know that Thomas Nast was an immigrant to the U.S. I think perhaps it was before he "designed" Santa Claus he was also a political cartoonist. He was known for making cartoons about corrupt politicians in New York City.
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I just checked: he was only six years old when he (with his mother) emigrated to the US.
He created Santa Claus and the elephant as symbol for the Republican Party. He did not create, but popularize, the donkey for the Democratic Party, Columbia and Uncle Sam.
he was also a political cartoonist. He was known for making cartoons about corrupt politicians in New York City.
Yes, he is considered to be the "Father of the (political) American Cartoon".
Anyway, even though he was only six when he left Landau, people around here are very proud of him and consider him as one of them/us. :laugh:
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I just checked: he was only six years old when he (with his mother) emigrated to the US.
He created Santa Claus and the elephant as symbol for the Republican Party.
I forgot about the elephant! :laugh:
Anyway, even though he was only six when he left Landau, people around here are very proud of him and consider him as one of them/us. :laugh:
He's still a home-town boy who made good. ;D
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Well Happy Christmas from Dunedin, New Zealand. It is warm at the moment 19'C at 6.30am. However a cold change with rain is suppose to arrive in the early afternoon.
I can see from the webcam that the first cruise ship "Ovation of the Seas" with 4,500 passengers has already arrived. Diamond Princess with just 2,500 passengers should arrive within an hour. I guess many will stay on board as so much of the city is shut but some tourist activities are going to work.
I will go to the Cathedral at 10am. There are usually some ship passengers there so I guess a lot more likely today.
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Happy Christmas from Warsaw, Poland.
The weather is dreadful (7 degrees Celsius, strong winds and rain), haven't seen any snow at Christmas here for as long as I can remember, though heavy snowfalls are forecast just before New Year's Eve. Always a couple days belated!
Already through with the Christmas Eve dinner, also today is when we hand out the presents. Do you celebrate Christmas Eve? Or only Christmas Day?
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Happy Christmas from Munich! Although it is winter here in Bavaria, there is no snow at all. No winter wonderland as it is supposed to be, if we believe in tradition .
I don't mind, I don't need snow. I went on a hiking tour in the mountains today and it was great!
We just finished our Christmas dinner and exchanged gifts. Since we decided not to go to church this year (I'm very happy my Dad didn't even try to persuade us), we are sitting in the living room watching a Christmas movie. Really relaxing.
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No, we do not celebrate Christmas Eve. My sister's girlfriend (she was her bridesmaid 56 years ago and they still talk on the phone every day as well as meet up at least once per week) was born in Lithuania and is German. They celebrate Christmas eve at her home then have a typical Australian Christmas Day Dinner (middle of the day) at her brother's home. She always invites my sister and brother-in-law and me over to eat leftovers on Boxing Day but I have not gone to Sydney this year.
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Merry Christmas across the world! Thank you for inviting all the Brokies to your home campfires on this holiday. It is truly a sweet life, and for a short time I can forget about the black cloud over the U.S. :-*
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Merry Christmas to everyone celebrating! :D
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Happy Christmas from Munich! Although it is winter here in Bavaria, there is no snow at all. No winter wonderland as it is supposed to be, if we believe in tradition .
I don't mind, I don't need snow. I went on a hiking tour in the mountains today and it was great!
We just finished our Christmas dinner and exchanged gifts. Since we decided not to go to church this year (I'm very happy my Dad didn't even try to persuade us), we are sitting in the living room watching a Christmas movie. Really relaxing.
Munich is one of my favourite cities along with Vienna and Paris (and of course Dunedin ;D )
The first time I saw snow falling in a city was in Munich, I think about October 1974. I was wrapped but everyone was walking around looking annoyed.
Now that I have moved to a city where it snows, although only a few times each year, I do understand. I try to visit Munich every 2nd or 3rd year. My last visit was in May last year. I went to the Englischer Garten and had lunch listening to the brass band which I always enjoy then went to the opera to see "Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg" with Jonas Kaufmann (so easy on the eye as well as the ear ;D )
The next day I went to Garmisch Partenkirchen for a week of hiking and sightseeing. One of my most favourite parts of the world.
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Munich is one of my favourite cities along with Vienna and Paris (and of course Dunedin ;D )
The first time I saw snow falling in a city was in Munich, I think about October 1974. I was wrapped but everyone was walking around looking annoyed.
Now that I have moved to a city where it snows, although only a few times each year, I do understand. I try to visit Munich every 2nd or 3rd year. My last visit was in May last year. I went to the Englischer Garten and had lunch listening to the brass band which I always enjoy then went to the opera to see "Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg" with Jonas Kaufmann (so easy on the eye as well as the ear ;D )
The next day I went to Garmisch Partenkirchen for a week of hiking and sightseeing. One of my most favourite parts of the world.
I'm impressed you even know Garmiscch
You are right, Munich is an great city. I love all the pubs and restaurants, the Opera Houses and of course the "Englischer Garten".
Unfortunately I never made it to Australia or New Zealand, though I have friends near Newcastle. The come to visit us every 3 or 4 years, but I always thought it would be too far away to travel there... 18 hours by plane. I really should do that sometime.
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As I said I stayed 5 nights in Garmisch in 2016, but also 4 nights in 2015 (and it rained for 3 days), 3 nights in 2010. I also visited on a day trip at least once perhaps twice back when I was in Munich in 1974, 76 and 80 but am a bit hazy about those. I also spent a few days in Munich during the 2000 Sydney Olympics. It was strange seeing Sydney on the giant TV screens in the Munich Hauptbahnhof.
Yes I hate the flights. I always stay overnight mainly in Dubai now as I prefer to fly Emirates, it use to be Bangkok, Singapore or Hong Kong. However I love Europe so it is the price I have to pay.
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However I love Europe so it is the price I have to pay.
My Australian friends say the same :laugh:
They go on the long trip every few years, even though they are in their 70s now. I think that's terrific.
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My Australian friends say the same :laugh:
They go on the long trip every few years, even though they are in their 70s now. I think that's terrific.
I am 73 ;D
I try to go every year. This year I only went to North America. It was just over 13 hours from Auckland to Vancouver but I had an hour and a half flight from Dunedin to Auckland first. Then two days later I had 3 hours flying from Vancouver to Toronto, Then it was 3 days in the train back to Jasper which I enjoyed much more.
I later used overnight ferries to get to Alaska but had to fly back eventually to San Francisco in a series of short flights. Then it was 12 hours back to Auckland and another flight down to Dunedin. It is a bit of a bummer living at the bottom of the world. I was away 7 weeks. Next year I am considering flying to London and staying 5 or 6 weeks.
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Happy Holidays Brokies from Rudolph :-*
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This year I only went to North America.
That's great! I'm planning to go to North America next year ;D We want to visit friends and in California near SF and then hit the road to Yellowstone, Yosemite and Bryce Canyon. We plan to spend 4 or 5 weeks there. I'm really looking forward to it. It's been ages since I've been to the U.S., because it's expensive with the flights from Germany.
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that sounds like a great trip, Corax!
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that sounds like a great trip, Corax!
Oh yeah! I love the U.S. so much but unfortunately it's so far away!
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It's funny, I don't put much up for Christmas, but when it's over and I "de-Christmas" the apartment, it looks so much bigger!!!
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A cheap and easy way to get a bigger apartment! ;D
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yeah, that works!
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Today is St. Nicholas' Day.
A week from today is St. Lucy's Day.
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Yes, I've seen a few pics of shoes with treats in them.
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Merry Christmas to all Bettermostians!!
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I've been forgetting to mention: This Christmas Eve 2018 was the 200th "birthday" of the beloved Christmas carol "Silent Night."
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Written on Christmas Eve, huh? Seems appropriate.
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Written on Christmas Eve, huh? Seems appropriate.
The story I read somewhere a long time ago was that the organ in the church in a place called Oberndorf, Austria, was out of commission at Christmas, 1818. The priest, Joseph Mohr, was inspired by a recent visit he had made to a family with a newborn child. He wrote a poem (I guess that's what you'd call it), and the church organist, Franz Gruber, set it to music and played it on guitar at Midnight Mass.
I won't vouch for the truth or accuracy of that story, but it does lead me to one of my all-time favorite Christmas memories. I forget if it was my first or second Christmas in Philadelphia, but it happened at the staff Christmas party at the historical society, where I was working at the time. The book conservator was a sort-of unreconstructed hippie, with shoulder-length hair gone to salt-and-pepper, a similar mustache and goatee, and a baritone voice (yeah, I found him quite sexy). He also played guitar. He brought his guitar to the party, and he played Silent Night while a bunch of us stood around him and sang it. Considering that the hymn was actually written for guitar, I got goosebumps while we were singing it.
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Thank you, friend, for "giving us the boot". Merry Christmas!
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Merry Christmas, Chuck, and to all the BetterMostians! You have all been a highlight in my year and I've enjoyed lounging around the campfire with you!
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Thanks, Chuck!!
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