Thoughts on New Year's Eve

Philippians 3:12-14 (ESV)

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me His own. . . . I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Skating!

If I were to post here any pictures I took at our ice skating expedition, I would be in hot water with the relatives.

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When I was doing some planning for when my relatives would come (see yesterday), I decided to look for ideas of one thing we could do that would be different from what we usually do. I came across ice skating that would be available to the public the days between Christmas and New Year's. At the ice rink at a local college, we could skate from 1:00-5:00 for $1 admission. If we needed to rent skates, that would be an additional $2. To me, that was inexpensive entertainment, but I wasn't sure if the older nieces and nephews would go for it. When I emailed the plans for when all would be here, I told them about the ice skating and that we would combine that with eating out at an area restaurant in that particular city, as we had already planned to eat out once while everyone was here (and we have nothing in my town that would work for the size group we have).

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As it turned out, all of the nieces and nephews gave skating a try, as did my brothers and sister and their spouses. I even gave it a try. (I can't remember when it was that I last tried this!) I will admit that the few times I did venture out on the ice, I was close to the wall. One of my brothers started out that way, but soon weaned himself off - especially since he needed to be able to maybe join his wife for a few laps together, as she could skate. My other brother and my sister didn't lack in basic ability; neither did their spouses. I was another story! The youngest in the group -- aged 6+ -- persisted at skating long enough to finally be able to skate without hanging onto anyone and without needing the wall. It took her quite awhile, but she kept at it.

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There are other stories about all our skating "achievements." Fourteen of us skated; my mom sat in the bleachers and watched all the activity. It was good to be active and out of the house.

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We stayed at the rink for about two hours before heading to McDonald's for a snack. Even that was a neat experience, as we ended up at one that has been remodeled: part of it is a coffee shop and sitting area that included a player piano. While we sat there, listening to the piano, we all decided that we needed to do this again next December, if all the particulars worked out.

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I am thinking that this will probably be viewed as the highlight of our time together this December.

The Relatives Are Coming!

For years, my parents, my siblings, and their families have converged on our home for a few days after Christmas. Almost all are able to come, although that number will probably start to diminish as the nephews and nieces grow up.

At the first place I lived, I had two bedrooms -- one very small. I also had a nice living room area that could be shut off from the rest of the house (a characteristic of old houses around here). I happened to live across the parking lot from my church, and so next to my house was a trailer that had been renovated into two classrooms. As the extended family grew, we made use of that space as well. (It had two bathrooms with sinks, which was a bit of a help.) For activities, we had handy access to a small gym, AND if it snowed, we had easy access to a great hill for sledding. We always had a great time.

I said, the other day, about my husband that when he married me, he inherited the annual post-Christmas gathering. Our house can contain the crowd a little better. We live on a hill with access to great sledding, if it snows. We have enough space that the noisy activity can be apart from the area where others gather to chat. Usually my husband has leftover vacation days that he saves for this time, as he is a great help PERIOD -- he's a good cook, used to feeding large groups. He also gets the kids outside to do things. That is a help, too, as I also keep somewhat busy in the kitchen as well as busy with the other areas of the house in preparation for the group.

We expect to have 17 here to eat and sleep until Saturday. Then the group will diminish to 12 and then to 8 and then to 2. A new thing I have planned is ice skating at the college in Cortland. We will combine that with eating an early lunch at Denny's restaurant. That should be fun.

Meanwhile, this evening is our Christmas dinner. Then we will have family time, culminating with the opening of our gifts. We plan to eat about 6:00.

Have You Ever Seen This?

Today, as I drove to a nearby, dinky city, I was playing a new CD and singing along/humming along/drumming along to it as I drove the 25 minutes each way. When there were no vehicles close by my car, I had the volume way up so that the bass was thumping. (I can't say that this equals the volume that causes the car to jump and the pavement within a 10' radius of the car to vibrate.)
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Anyhow, during a lull -- or when I didn't care enough for the song to join in in any one of a number of ways, I got to thinking to myself a few things.
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*What runs through the mind of the driver/passengers in a car that passes or spots a car with a middle-aged woman (with quite a bit of white hair) in it, seemingly to be singing to the radio or a CD?
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*What runs through the mind of the driver/passengers in a car that passes or spots a car with a middle-aged woman (with quite a bit of white hair) in it, seeming to be bouncing and swaying to something she is hearing on the radio or a CD?
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I have sometimes thought to myself how ridiculous I could look if a car passed me or met me coming from the other direction and I was obviously caught up in the music I was listening to! That is something I would expect to see a teen or young adult doing -- certainly not a middle middle-aged person!
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Regardless, it does strike me as kind of funny -- a person my age getting caught up in something I am listening to on the radio or on a CD, especially if it is music from my younger years. (I will say that I do this only when I am by myself. My husband would wonder even more about me, if he knew about this!)

For Unto You Is Born a Savior

And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

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Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

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And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

“ Glory to God in the highest,

And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

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So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.”

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And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

Christmas Eve

In thinking about what would set a mood for Christmas Eve, I came up with this familiar carol. If you are like me, when you sing it or hear it sung, you get goose bumps all over and get a knot in your throat. Wow!

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Oh holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of our dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appear'd and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angels' voices!
Oh night divine, Oh night when Christ was born;
Oh night divine, Oh night, Oh night Divine.

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here come the wise men from Orient land.
The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friend.
He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King, Behold your King.

Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother;
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever,
His power and glory evermore proclaim.
His power and glory evermore proclaim.

Jesus, Name of Wondrous Love

It seems that in every cantata our church choir (of which I am part) sings, whether Christmas or Easter, there always is a song or two that really captures my attention. I suppose that if I were to get hold of the CD that was made of our presentation, I could figure out how to allow you to not just see the words here but also hear the melody. (No midi I have located online here really matches it, and for me, that aspect of the song really adds to the impact of its message.)

Jesus, Name of Wondrous Love

William W. How

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Jesus! Name of wondrous love!

Name all other names above!

Unto which must every knee

Bow in deep humility.

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Jesus! Name of priceless worth

To the fallen sons of earth,

For the promise that it gave—

“Jesus shall His people save.”

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Jesus! Name decreed of old,

To the maiden mother told—

Kneeling in her lowly cell—

By the angel Gabriel.

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Jesus! Name of mercy mild,

Given to the holy Child,

When the cup of human woe

First He tasted here below.

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Jesus! Only name that’s given

Under all the mighty heaven,

Whereby man, to sin enslaved,

Bursts his fetters, and is saved.

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Jesus! Name of wondrous love,

Human name of God above!

Pleading only this, we flee,

Helpless, O our God, to Thee.

Feeling Guilty About Enjoying Holiday Eating?

I hate this time of year. Not for its crass commercialism and forced frivolity, but because it's the season when the food police come out with their wagging fingers and annual tips on how to get through the holidays without gaining 10 pounds. You can't pick up a magazine without finding a list of holiday eating do's and don'ts: eliminate second helpings and high-calorie sauces and cookies made with butter, they say. Fill up on vegetable sticks, they say. Good grief. Is your favorite childhood memory of Christmas a carrot stick? I don't think so. Isn't mine, either. A carrot was something you left for Rudolph.

I have my own list of tips for holiday eating. I assure you, if you follow them, you'll be fat and happy. So what if you don't make it to New Year's? Who cares? Your pants won't fit anymore, anyway.

1. About those carrot sticks: avoid them. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.

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2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. You can't find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-aholic or something. It's a treat, for pete's sake. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!

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3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

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4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

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5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. H-e-l-l-o? Remember college?

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6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

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7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. You can't leave them behind. You're not going to see them again.

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8. Same for pies. Apple. Pumpkin. Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or, if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

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9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards, mate. [Fruitcake is not really food. The one I got once is still being used as a doorstop out in the garage.]

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10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Reread the tips. Start over - but hurry! Cookieless January is just around the corner."

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Craig Wilson, USA Today

Weeweechu

It was a romantic full moon when Pedro said, "Hey, mamacita, let's do Weeweechu."
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"Oh no, not now. Let's look at the moon!" said Rosita.
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"Oh, c'mon baby. Let's you and I do Weeweechu. I love you and it's the perfect time," Pedro begged.

"But I wanna just hold your hand and watch the moon," replied Rosita.
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"Please, corazoncito, just once, do Weeweechu with me."
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Rosita looked at Pedro and said, "OK, one time, we'll do Weeweechu."
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Quickly Pedro grabbed his guitar and together they sang . . . . .

"Weeweechu a Merry Christmas,

Weeweechu a Merry Christmas,

Weeweechu a Merry Christmas,

and a Happy New Year!"

Another Two Questions

I am having fun asking questions. These are based on something I have observed this week.

• How many television networks, besides Christian ones, have you seen the network wish us viewers "Merry Christmas"?
• How many television networks have aired 15-second or so spots that actually depict the true meaning of Christmas as part of their greetings to us, the viewers?

I have seen Fox News air one. Because it seems to me to be so rare, that is why it caught my attention. The one I am seeing uses religious art to depict scenes from the birth of Jesus. I think they include Scripture -- but I am not positive. They do have words, though, that convey a Christian greeting.

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I am ready to email Fox and let them know I appreciate it. How about you? I would suggest doing that for any station you see that is not afraid to say "Merry Christmas," if not go beyond that, as Fox News has done.

Your Top 10 Christmas Songs

What are your ten favorite Christmas songs? Why have you chosen these? I think those are interesting questions. I know that for me, that list is subject to change, as to what songs are on it AND there is no way that I can say which rates #1, #2, and so on. For me, it would be a challenge weed out possibilities and list 10.

You can google the topic "Top 10 Christmas Songs" and get a variety of suggestions. You will find that some list few, if any, Christmas songs that are religious in nature. To me, that's sad, because it conveys to me that this person really has no sense of the true meaning of Christmas.

I do have non-religious Christmas songs that I like; but I must say that none of them would make it into my Top Ten list. I would hope that this fact conveys to you that I do know -- beyond mentally -- the true meaning of Christmas. While I enjoy much about the season, religious/non-religious, my focus for the season is where it should be -- God's long-awaited gift given to the world.

So, what is my current Top 10 -- not necessarily in this order?

"O Holy Night"
in addition to the lyrics, the music adds so much to the majesty of the song

"Of the Father's Love Begotten"
see the blog from Sunday

many selections from the Messiah
from the Messiah; I marvel at how Handel was able to take actual Bible text and incorporate it into music in less than four weeks

"Who Is He in Yonder Stall"
I love the refrain: ’Tis the Lord! O wondrous story! / ’Tis the Lord! the King of glory! / At His feet we humbly fall, / Crown Him! crown Him, Lord of all!

"On Christmas Night" -- talk about a joyous song (aka the "Sussex Carol")

"Mary, Did You Know" and "Joseph's Song"
by two different writers, but I like how it focuses on what might have gone through the minds of Mary and Joseph during this time in their lives

I could list more, but if I went back to list specific songs from the Messiah, I would have my ten.

Another Question

Do bald-headed people get discounts when they get their hair -- what there is of it -- cut? Seems like they should.
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Why did this come to mind? Well, I was able to get a last-minute haircut at Melanie's this afternoon. She has her shop in the upstairs of her house, which is next door to one of my many brothers-in-law (aka B.I.L), one who happens to get his hair cut at Melanie's -- and one who happens to be losing his hair.
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You know how general conversations can be regardless of where you are. It is amazing the course conversation takes. I had parked my car in my in-laws' driveway. Because there is about 8" or more of snow here, it isn't possible for me to just cut across the grass and be at Mel's. I had to go around. I commented on that. We went on to say why it didn't make sense to shovel a path from the back porch at Mel's to the neighbor's driveway, unless my brother-in-law felt motivated to do so because he needed to come over for a haircut.
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I do have a degree of sensitivity toward my BIL, but on occasion I do tease him a bit -- especially when he will say he had just gotten his hair cut. I have been known to ask him how he knows when he needs one . . . Anyhow, that is what prompted me to wonder aloud whether or not bald people get discounts when they get their haircut -- what there is of it. She and I laughed, as I was trying to figure out what percent discount my BIL should get. Mel did tell me I had better not make any such suggestion to my BIL -- but you know, I think it is a good question: Should bald-headed people get discounts when they get their hair cut?
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I have a few BILs who have receding hairlines; however, I can't say that any of them qualify for more than 50% off (pun also intended).

A Few Christmas Trivia Questions

I like "brain games." I like trivia. I like quizzes of non-essential knowledge that somehow is stuck in minds of people like me. I am the type who plays a great game of Jeopardy or Millionaire from my recliner but I know the pressure would be such that I would not do so well actually there. Problems with the board or computer game versions of these games is that after awhile, the questions reappear OR a response is counted wrong because it was slightly misspelled. I like to pun. I like to play with words in other ways. What is great about this is that research is showing that this is a great way to push back the chances of dealing with dementia and other mental weaknesses that can occur as one ages. Engage the mind. (Haven't you seen the new gadgets advertised on television that are to do that?)

So, count this as one Christmas gift to you -- a Christmas mind challenge. I just might post the answers in the comments section so that no one cheats!

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1. 'Buon Natale' is the Christmas greeting in which of these countries? Greece, Spain, Italy, France

2. In which language is this greeting 'Froehliche Weihnachten'?

3. 'Svetan Boznic' is the greeting you will hear in which Baltic country -- Bosnia or Croatia?

4. 'Feliz Navidad' is the holiday greeting in which one of the three major North American countries?

5. In which country will you hear this greeting 'Zalig Kerstfeest'? Belgium, Hungary, Austria, Poland

6. 'Boas Festas' is what they say in which of these countries? Turkey, Ireland, Portugal, Hungary

7. 'Joyeux Noel' is what you will hear in in several countries around the world. What language is this phrase?

8. 'Hyvaa Joulua' is the greeting you will hear in which of these countries? Finland, Russia, Norway, Netherlands

9. In which of these countries will you be wished 'God Jul'? South Africa, Portugal, Switzerland, Sweden

10. Where will you be greeted with 'Mele Kalikimaka'?

Were you glad some were multiple choice?

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I decided to list the answers here, in small print.
1. Italy -- looks like it is from the Romance languages
2. Germany -- just has that look of being German
3. both -- a toughie, but the Bosnia part seemed like a give-away
4. Mexico -- we all know that song
5. Belgium -- I know what the German looks like; this looked like it was similar to some German words. Belgium is near Germany
6. Portugal -- looks like it is from the Romance languages

7. French -- living next to Canada, not too far from Quebec . . .
8. Finland -- I've seen enough Finnish to feel I know some when I see some
9. Sweden -- the greeting looks a lot like the Norwegian one
10. Hawaii -- I just know this one PLUS it has that Hawaiian sound to it
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How did you do? I did get nine them right. I admit that I guessed at a few, but I tried to take educated guesses, which I tagged on the answers above. (To be classified as average, you would need to have no fewer than six correct.)

Of the Father's Love Begotten

How often is it that when you become aware of a Christmas song you have never heard before -- especially at church -- that it seems you hear it more and more and begin to wonder if it is all that obscure afterall.

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Our choir has been working on a musical presentation for the Christmas season. Most of the songs are arrangements of lesser known Christmas songs. Both my brother-in-law and I hav commented on how we have heard some of these songs this season, whether on the radio or on a CD. One such song is one that really is very old.

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"Of The Father's Love Begotten" is a hymn that comes down to us from Aurelius C. Prudentius, in the early 5th Century. Christians have been singing it for over 1500 years.
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Of the Father's love begotten

Ere the worlds began to be,

He is Alpha and Omega, He the Source, the Ending He,

Of the things that are, that have been,

And that future years shall see

Evermore and evermore.

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Oh, that birth forever blessed

When the Virgin, full of grace,

By the Holy Ghost conceiving,

Bare the Savior of our race,

And the Babe, the world's Redeemer,

First revealed His sacred face

Evermore and evermore.

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O ye heights of heaven, adore Him;

Angel hosts, His praises sing;

Powers, dominions, bow before Him

And extol our God and King.

Let no tongue on earth be silent,

Every voice in concert ring

Evermore and evermore.

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This is He whom Heaven-taught singers

Sang of old with one accord;

Whom the Scriptures of the prophets

Promised in their faithful word.

Now He shines, the Long-expected;

Let creation praise its Lord

Evermore and evermore.

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Christ, to Thee, with God the Father,

And, O Holy Ghost, to Thee

Hymn and chant and high thanksgiving

And unending praises be,

Honor, glory, and dominion,

And eternal victory

Evermore and evermore.

Question

Why is it that in a husband-wife relationship it seems that one always has to have all the covers on the bed all four seasons of the year while the other, as a result, usually is way too warm to sleep very well?

In your circle of married friends, how many have challenge? I am thinking that having both like the temperature to be about the same when sleeping is rare. I was reminded of this in an odd discussion at a Christmas party I recently attended.

So, How Much?

Wonder what it would cost if you were to actually be given, by your true love, those twelve things in the well-known Christmas song? There is at least one company that figures out the cost, whether shopping in person or online. The organization makes it possible to incorporate into a class lesson for school. I think that if I were teaching a course in economics, I would look into doing this.

Anyhow, the Christmas Price Index indicates that the cost of those items of the "Twelve Days of Christmas" has gone up 3.1% since last year. If you go by the index, the cost this year will be just over $19,500. In reality, the cost of the 364 items will run about $78,100, which is an increase of about 4%. By the way, buying online cost considerably more. That is attributed to the costs of shipping and handling.

If you are interested in reading more about the specifics of the cost of buying your true love those 364 items, go to www.pncchristmaspriceindex.com/pressRelease.htm to learn more.

Hot Beverages for the Holidays

How many Christmas parties have you been invited to attend? How many are you hosting, whether at home, in the community, or at work? Are you like me, looking for ideas -- ideas for anything from activities to food and beverages? Some of these here sound rather tasty.

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Chocolate Hazelnut Java

4 (1 ounce) envelopes instant hot chocolate mix
3 cups hot freshly brewed hazelnut flavored coffee

[Single serving? 1 envelope of chocolate mix plus 3/4 cup brewed coffee]

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Spiced Hot Chocolate

4 cups prepared hot cocoa with 1% milk
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
4 cinnamon sticks

Combine cocoa, nutmeg and chili powder. Pour into mugs and serve with a cinnamon stick.

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Chilled Mocha Eggnog

1 1/2 teaspoons instant coffee granules
1 tablespoon hot water
4 cups eggnog
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup whipping cream
2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a bowl, dissolve coffee in water. Add eggnog, brown sugar and cinnamon; whisk until sugar is dissolved. Chill. In a mixing bowl, beat cream, confectioners' sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Pour eggnog mixture into glasses; top with whipped cream.

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Frozen Hot Chocolate

(for your friends who may have dietary restrictions)

1 1/2 cups ice cubes
1/4 cup SPLENDA, Granulated
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons instant nonfat dry milk powder
1 cup 1% low-fat milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Combine all ingredients in a blender in the order listed; process mixture until smooth, stopping to scrape down sides.

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White Hot Chocolate

(for your friends who may have dietary restrictions)

2 cups fat free half-and-half
2 cups fat-free milk
3/4 cup white chocolate morsels
1/4 cup SPLENDA, Granulated
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Garnishes: fat-free frozen whipped topping, thawed; crushed peppermint candies

Bring half-and-half and milk to a boil over medium-high heat; add white chocolate morsels and SPLENDA, stirring until morsels melt. Stir in vanilla. Garnish, if desired.

Fruitcake

I ought to do some research as to why fruitcake is associated with the Christmas season. It is not something seen at any other religious or national holiday. Although I know that there are other countries that have a type of bread with the dried fruits in it that they serve at Christmas, I don't think any are grosser than the ones in the USA. Of course, the joke is that fruitcakes are so preserved (usually with some alcoholic beverage) that they never go bad and that what fruitcakes the "receivers" don't eat get passed on as a gift to someone else -- usually as a hostess gift when people are invited to a party. Saturday, one of our games we played at the Christmas party, I drew the word fruitcake. I distinctly remember calling it the "gift that keeps on giving." I had in mind that reputation fruitcakes have of being passed on and passed on and passed on. (Have you ever wondered if you have gotten back a fruitcake you gave to who-knows-who who passed it on to who-knows-who who passed it on . . . ?)
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Probably the best way to get these fruitcakes out of circulation is to come up with new ways to use them. I offer here a few suggestions. Feel free to add to the list.

• Use slices to balance that wobbly kitchen table
• Use instead of sand bags during El Nino
• Send to the military, and let troops drop them on Al-Queda
• Use as railroad ties
• Use as speed bumps to foil the neighborhood drag racers
• Collect ten and use them as bowling pins
• Use instead of cement shoes
• Save for next summer's garage sale
• Use slices in next skeet-shooting competition
• Use as bricks to build a garage or shed
• Pass on to a couple with a new baby who could use something to teethe on

Men and Christmas Shopping

I came across an item that I thought was quite humorous. It makes points in it that I have heard about before when it comes to men and their challenges at shopping for their women -- I tend to think it's more difficult for them to shop for their wives than to shop for their girlfriends. It does go beyond what to get her -- trust me.
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I remember a friend of mine saying that she usually had to take back most of what her husband got her for Christmas, if they were clothing. Why? Wrong size. Why? He confused the department number on the tag with the size. (Must be he never bothered to unfold the item or shake it out to make a sensible judgement call.) I remember my sister-in-law telling me one Christmas that my husband had called her to see if she had a guess as to what size to buy me if he were to buy a dress. He told her he had looked through our closet, but he just wasn't finding something he thought he could use for a size. (The good news is that he did just fine. The clothing always has fit.) I am sure that other wives have tales they could tell about their husbands.
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My husband listens quite well. He proved that again recently with an early Christmas present I found waiting for me at home last week when I got home from work. Weeks ago I had mentioned to him something that I would like to have -- and I left it at that. I thought probably he did record that in his mind. I said nothing more about it, deciding to wait to see if he would act on a tip I had given him. He did.
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Anyhow, Neil Cavuto offers his tips to men who have Christmas shopping to do. I choose to share it here. I am sure that you will find yourself smiling as you read it.

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My Annual Christmas Tips for Men
By Neil Cavuto

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While we're on this subject of Christmas shopping, time now for my annual Christmas tips for men. Again, ladies, sorry to appear sexist, but you clearly know your way around a mall. We men don't. So, guys, completely free of charge, my tips to help you through the rush:
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Tip 1: Don't buy anything on sale. Your wife or girlfriend will know you got it on sale and assume you don't find her worth paying full price.
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Tip 2: Don't be offended women buy on sale. Don't be offended this rule doesn't work in reverse. Women will get your gift on sale, because they don't find you worth paying full price. Get over it.
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Tip 3: Don't buy lingerie. I know that sounds crazy. But while even the most romantic woman might find it sexy, she's more inclined to think you're a pervert. And you're selfish. After all, this isn't for her. It's for you. And you're a pig, which you are, but again, why bother confirming you're a pig and a selfish one at that?
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Tip 4: Avoid anything with the label "As Seen on TV." We love that stuff. They don't.
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Tip 5: Avoid meat and cheese products. Even women who like meat and cheese products, and sadly that's not many, hate it when you think food is a way to their hearts. It's the other way around, Sparky. Men are that way. Not women.
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Tip 6: Don't make your gift. Unless you're Bob the builder, you'll screw it up and she'll just think you're too cheap to buy her something yourself. Besides, making things worked for Michael Landon on Little House on the Prairie, news flash: you're no Michael Landon. Again, get over it.
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Tip 7: If all else fails, diamonds. They're the bomb. Women love them. And in any form, earrings, necklaces, pendants. Be careful with rings though. Because the diamond thing can backfire, if you're buying a girlfriend something with diamonds but it isn't a ring, and maybe she was hoping to get a ring, and you get her a stupid pendant. Trust me, she will stick that pendant in you. So don't go there, you'd have been better off carving a hand-made cabinet loaded with meat and cheese products than committing that faux pas. But again, in most all other cases, and for almost all married men, diamonds can't fail.

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www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,314824,00.html

Good Times at Church

One of the benefits of being part of a church that is not huge in the number of people attending is that it is possible to have all-church events throughout the year. Most of the events are for people of all ages, from babies to seniors. We have a small gym, which works just fine for our setting up tables and chairs for people plus setting up tables for food and beverage service. We also have a kitchen that has two regular-sized stoves. That works. I didn't give a whole lot of thought before to the fact that not all churches can do what we do. That probably is due to the fact that I have never belonged to a huge church.

One highlight of the year, though, is an activity we save for just the adults. In fact, this activity was initiated a little over 20 years ago for that purpose. I happened to be on the social committee at the time when this idea was proposed. (Actually, I think that I had come up with idea because at that time it seemed all the other age groups had separate activities from time to time.) The activity, still popular today, is held early in December and has a Christmas theme.

Our first events included a meal and some musical entertainment. The meal was not potluck; we planned a menu and people signed up for what they would bring. The committee took care of the beverages and the decorations. We also took care of the dessert. We found that the adults enjoyed the time they had to chat with others they rarely saw outside of church. (Our church entryway is not very big, and so it is hard to find a place to stand around and just talk before, between, and after services -- especially when it is too cold to be outside!)

The committee experimented with different ideas as the years went on. Eventually we stopped bringing in entertainment. Part of that was due to the fact that December often started the season of respiratory ailments AND travel sometimes could be a challenge due to snow and/or ice. Sometimes instead of a meal, we would have finger foods. Another time we'd have just fancy desserts. For activities we planned some games -- my department. We also instituted a gift exchange (inexpensive, gender-neutral gifts). Sometimes we really went all out decorating the small gym in order to have some ambiance.

About four years ago, we decided to try something different -- rather than having people being in items, we would start to ask for monetary donations and furnish the items; afterall, what fun was it to go to a party if you had to work to get ready for it? When we did the fancy desserts was when we began to ask the people for a few dollars to help with the expense. From there we tried catered dinners, keeping the cost to about $10 per person max. (When the church budget times weren't too lean, the committee would ask that costs beyond that $10 be covered by the church because we were very good about managing our spending.) Although we had a few grumblers -- and they didn't have to come if they didn't want to -- the guests were more than willing to pay and not have to furnish anything, not even table service.

This year we tried something new -- a Christmas Breakfast Buffet for the adults. We asked for $5 per person. We decided to end the gift exchange portion of the time and have people donate money for a missions project instead. (We had a gift bag set up for people to drop their money in.) We kept the decorations simple BUT nice. We had a variety of activities. Although I do not care to get up before 5:30 on a Saturday morning, it was all right for this. Six of us were down at church anytime from 6:00 on. While half set out cooking, half set out decorating and finishing getting the feeding/activity area set. We were planning to eat at 8:30. In addition to the activities, we had a person on for doing a challenge from the Bible. (That was excellent.)

For $5 this is what guests had: pancakes, syrup (real as well as fake), sausage gravy and biscuits, oj, aj, bacon, scrambled eggs, fried potatoes, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. Because we did not have the gift exchange, we decided to have prizes and drawings -- stuff we got at the Christmas Shoppe. We don't think that the numbers were adversely affected by going with a morning event rather than an evening. A lot of people who also came to the evening ones thought this was a great idea.

If we six stay on the committee for next year, we may go with this same idea again. Probably we'll add a little more to the fruit category, but I think most of the other parts of the plan will stay essentially the same. Our purpose is to provide fellowship -- we did.

Christmas Carols I

Like most people, I enjoy Christmas music. I like to sing Christmas carols; however, I must admit that there are some carols that I don't care for -- not because of the words but because of the usual tune we sing them to. I, for one, am not disappointed when I find a new tune used for some of those carols. (Some people I know do not like it when different tunes are used for familiar songs. I am not one.) It is because of the alternate tunes that I have found I do like some of the carols I didn't tend to care too much for. Two such carols come to mind at the present moment: "There's a Song in the Air" and "Angels from the Realms of Glory."

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This morning we sang a Christmas song that I really enjoy. It is not one we think to sing when we are out caroling or at Christmas parties where carol singing is part of the activities. To me, it is a song whose tune helps to reinforce the lyrics. I get goose-bumps most times I hear it and/or sing it. I think, if I recall correctly, this was a favorite carol of Grandma G.

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Birthday of the King

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In the little village of Bethlehem

There lay a child one day,

And the sky was bright with a Holy light

O'er the place where Jesus lay.

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Halleluia! Oh, how the angels sang!

Halleluia! How it rang!

And the sky was bright with God's holy light:

It was the birthday of the King.

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It was a humble birthplace; but, oh how much

God gave to us that day:

From the manger bed what a path was led --

What a perfect, holy way!

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Halleluia! Oh, how the angels sang!

Halleluia! How it rang!

And the sky was bright with God's holy light:

It was the birthday of the King.

Politically Correct I Am Not

Politically correct I am not, which is why the extremes that people go to to avoid inadvertantly offending someone gets ridiculous, especially as it relates to anything -- not just religious but more specifically Christian. Blog Fridays have usually been rather lite and/or humorous. Today's humor, though, has an underlying message to it.

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Twas the night before Christmas and Santa's a wreck...

How to live in a world that's politically correct?

His workers no longer would answer to "Elves,"

"Vertically Challenged" they were calling themselves.

And labor conditions at the North Pole,

Were alleged by the union, to stifle the soul.

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Four reindeer had vanished without much propriety,

Released to the wilds, by the Humane Society.

And equal employment had made it quite clear,

That Santa had better not use just reindeer.

So Dancer and Donner, Comet and Cupid,

Were replaced with four pigs, and you know that looked stupid!

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The runners had been removed from his beautiful sleigh,

Because the ruts were deemed dangerous by the EPA,

And millions of people were calling the Cops,

When they heard sled noises upon their roof tops.

Second-hand smoke from his pipe, had his workers quite frightened,

And his fur trimmed red suit was called "unenlightened."

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To show you the strangeness of today's ebbs and flows,

Rudolf was suing over unauthorized use of his nose.

He went to Oprah, in front of the Nation,

Demanding millions in overdue workers compensation.

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So . . . half of the reindeer were gone, and his wife

Who suddenly said she'd had enough of this life,

Joined a self help group, packed and left in a whiz,

Demanding from now on that her title was Ms.

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And as for gifts . . . why, he'd never had the notion

That making a choice could cause such commotion.

Nothing of leather, nothing of fur . . .

Which meant nothing for him or nothing for her.

Nothing to aim, Nothing to shoot,

Nothing that clamored or made lots of noise.

Nothing for just girls and nothing for just boys.

Nothing that claimed to be gender specific,

Nothing that's warlike or non-pacifistic.

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No candy or sweets . . . they were bad for the tooth.

Nothing that seemed to embellish upon the truth.

And fairy tales . . . while not yet forbidden,

Were like Ken and Barbie, better off hidden,

For they raised the hackles of those psychological,

Who claimed the only good gift was one ecological.

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No baseball, no football . . . someone might get hurt,

Besides - playing sports exposed kids to dirt.

Dolls were said to be sexist and should be passe,

And Nintendo would rot your entire brain away.

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So Santa just stood there, disheveled and perplexed,

He just couldn't figure out what to do next?

He tried to be merry he tried to be gay,

But you must have to admit he was having a very bad day.

His sack was quite empty, it was flat on the ground,

Nothing fully acceptable was anywhere to be found.

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Something special was needed, a gift that he might

Give to us all, without angering the left or the right

A gift that would satisfy - with no indecision,

Each group of people in every religion.

Every race, every hue,

Everyone, everywhere . . . even you!

So here is that gift,

It's price beyond worth . . .

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"MAY YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES, ENJOY PEACE ON EARTH"

Natural Highs

Natural highs -- how would you explain them? I tend to think of them that are more mind-oriented than wallet-oriented. They come from seemingly small things.

How do these measure up as natural highs? [The bracketed items are my thoughts.]

• Knowing for sure that God loves you
• Falling in love
• Laughing so hard your face hurts [or you have a hard time catching your breath]
• A hot shower
• No lines at the supermarket
• A special glance
• Getting [real] mail [the "snail mail" version]
• Taking a drive on a pretty road
• Hearing your favorite song on the radio
• Lying in bed listening to the rain outside
• Hot towels fresh out of the dryer
• A milkshake [a real one]
• A bubble bath
• Giggling [especially over something funny just between you and your spouse]
• A good conversation
• The beach [New England]
• Finding a $20 in your coat from last winter
• Laughing at yourself
• Looking at the stars and the Milky Way on a clear, moonless night
• Looking into someone's eyes and knowing he/she loves you
• Running through sprinklers.
• Laughing for absolutely no reason at all [makes others wonder . . .]
• Having someone tell you that you're beautiful
• Laughing at an inside joke with FRIENDS
• Snow lying on the boughs trees on a sunny day after a snowfall
• Accidentally overhearing someone say something nice about you
• Waking up and realizing you still have a few hours left to sleep
• Your first kiss (either the very first or with a new partner)
• Making new friends or spending time with old ones
• Sweet dreams
• Hot chocolate
• Road trips with friends/spouse
• Swinging on swings
• Making chocolate chip cookies [actually, making any cookies]
• Having your friends send you homemade cookies
• Holding hands with someone you care about
• Running into an old friend and realizing that some things never change
• Watching the expression on someone's face as he/she opens a much desired present from you.
• Watching the sunrise [watching the sunset]
• Getting out of bed every morning and being grateful for another
• Knowing that somebody misses you
• Getting a hug from someone you care about deeply
• Knowing you've done the right thing, no matter what other people think

A Pet Peeve

Today I had the opportunity, as I drove to a nearby city, to be reminded of one of my pet peeves. I would venture to say that many others can say that this would be on their lists as well.

• Don't you just love it when a car turns into your lane just as you are getting to their street, particularly when there is no car behind you?
• Don't you just love it when that car, which was in such a hurry to turn into your lane, goes 5-10 mph below the posted speed limit?
• Don't you just love it when the car in front of you finally decides to go the speed limit just as you get to where you can pass him?
• Don't you just love how that driver then slows right back down once there is no passing?

I was coming through a village where the speed limit is a strict 30 mph. I spotted a silver Ford getting ready to turn into my lane. I happened to look in my rear view mirror and see that no one was behind me, and so I wondered what the rush here was, particularly since the driver settled in at 20-25 mph. This is a village in which there are no traffic lights, AND we had passed through the only crosswalk on that particular route through the village. So, we crept through the village. Yes, it had snowed yesterday. Yes, there were signs of plowed roads all around us. HOWEVER, there was no snow nor slush in the road. Thus, that was not the need for such caution. (I was interpreting his driving as being cautious.)
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The speed limit rapidly returns to 55 just as we crest the small knoll outside the village. The driver ahead of me "floored it" up to 40 mph! Of course, we have to go quite a distance before the dotted line appears that allows me to pass. Naturally, the driver sped up to 55, and I thought that we were set. WRONG! Once we got back to the double solid line, the driver slowed right back down to 40 mph.
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While it is true that I was on my way to an appointment, I had allowed myself plenty of time to get to my destination because I hadn't been too sure how the roads would be when I left my house, about 12 miles before this village. I was glad I had given myself that time.
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As we came into the edges of the city, the speed limit dropped back. So did this driver's speed. I knew that I wanted to take the first right, and I purposely waited on putting on my turning signal, as I wanted to be sure I wasn't giving him any ideas. (I had been good and not ridden the tail of his car -- (1) not a smart idea as it is; (2) the wet junk off the roads made windshields a mess, even with using the wipers and window wash.) Wouldn't you know it -- he put on his signal. Ugh! Of course, he did not speed up at all once he got going on that next street. I had hopes that at the next light, or sooner, he would turn. WRONG!
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Finally, he did take a left. Although I could have gone that way to where I was headed, I chose one of several other options I had.
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Had the roads been a slick mess, I would have probably driven like this guy did -- if I had to be out. HOWEVER, I would not have been quick to turn onto the main road, like he was. I would have waited., especially if the roads were a mess. Anytime, though, that I might be quick to pull out, I always make sure to be quick to get the speed up to where it ought to be -- especially if it seems that I could have waited for a car to pass before entering onto the road.
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Men are quick to make fun of women drivers and point out their flaws. I would be quick to point out that there are also many men who are mindless drivers. The driver I followed for miles and miles was a man. That may be why he felt the need to pull right out there . . . .

Snow Day!

Yesterday I feared that I may have said too much here and jeopardized the gut feeling I had than that today we'd have a sow day. Must be that I sensed it was going to happen for sure because this morning I was somewhat awake about 4:30. I noticed -- fuzzy as it can be without my glasses -- that the light that comes into out bedroom from outdoor lights in the neighborhood seemed somewhat muted. I resisted the urge to get up and peek out the window.

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A little before 6:00 the call came -- no school today. The unusual thing about this particular snow day is that neither my husband or I had to be up for work. He is on vacation. So, I must admit that we stayed warm and cozy in bed until about 8:30 this morning. As unusual it is for my husband to be content to stay home, he did even though he was tempted to go to Binghamton early this afternoon. (That made no sense to me, I told him, since he was going that way tomorrow. He could take care of all his errands then.)

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How do I usually spend a snow day? I go back and forth between doing what I want to do versus doing what I need to do. A snow day is on a day I would normally have to work, and so it makes some sense to think that I should not have to do anything here at home between 7:30, the time I usually leave for school, and 3:45, the time I get home. By not doing anything, I don't mean just lying around all day in bed or relaxing in my recliner; I mean spending the day reading for fun or watching tv and enjoying coffee made from freshly-ground beans. On a snow day, I tend not to venture out because I do not like to drive up and down hills when the weather is slick. Here where I live, there is no way to go any place without having to tackle a hill. So, I can't blow a snow day meeting a friend in a nearby city for lunch. All of these things would constitute in my mind "doing nothing."

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As for doing what I need to do, that would mean that I spend a snow day doing laundry, doing some house cleaning, tackling the closets to get rid of more junk, and/or maybe baking. I admit that I usually don't do those things, or at least no more than one of those things.

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Regardless of how I choose to spend the day, one thing that I do is cook a good supper. This evening we had chicken (onion soup mix, French dressing, jam), baked potatoes, and home-canned green beans and garlic. I even lit the Christmas candle (unscented) on the table and put a Christmas CD on for additional ambiance.

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The one thing that my husband and I did for fun together today was to put up our Christmas tree and decorate it. It is a real tree he cut from a hill not too far from here. It is downstairs, and now when we head that way, we can smell the pine.

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It is still snowing out. The Lake Effect Snow Warning is still in effect until midnight. At least for us, the wind isn't as blustery as it was; the darkness and cold are settling in, re-freezing the slushy pavements. Over 6" of snow is in our yard, much less than the northern parts of our county. I really don't think there will be another snow day tomorrow, though. That gut feeling is gone.

Here Comes Winter

Those adults who are in the field of elementary or secondary education know that there is an art to predicting whether or not an anticipated snow will be enough to warrant a snow day. For those of us who live in snow areas, it takes quite a bit for that to happen -- 6" of snow in one storm does not necessarily mean a snow day. It all is a matter of timing (when is the snow going to stop falling) as well as wind factors. Those of us who are in rural areas have students who live on outlying hills with unpaved roads. Their coming by bus could pose safety issues.
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It seems that the day the weather report is not looking too good, those of us who are able -- and have the time -- will pull up some of our favorite Internet sites to see what we can find. My favorites are www.accuweather.com (I like their hour-by-hour) and www.wunderground.com (I like their maps). From time to time I also take a look at www.weather.com; but I don't think they do as good of a job. The information I gather in my "research" I use to draw some conclusions about the prospects of a snow day.
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However, there is the "Snow Day Jinx" that we have to tip-toe around. There are a few things that this means:
1) No saying to anyone that you anticipate a snow day the next day.
2) Don't forget to set your alarm to go off at its normal time.
3) Do prepare for the next day, avoiding the temptation to put it off because you just KNOW you are having a snow day.
4) Go to bed at the regular time.
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For good measure, experts in this will say that nightclothes should be worn inside out. (That's ok for me, but what about those who just wear their boxers to bed?) I never bother to do that, as I am not that superstitious.
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Why do I write this? I will post our weather report below here; HOWEVER, I will not say what I predict for tomorrow, lest I be the one guilty of jinxing a possible snow day for us.
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Lake effect snow warning remains in effect until midnight EST Tuesday

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A lake effect snow warning remains in effect until midnight EST Tuesday night. Strong northwest winds of 15-25 mph... gusting to 40 mph at times... will bring colder air into the region. This will cause bands of lake effect snow to intensify off of Lake Ontario late this afternoon and evening. Lake effect snow showers and squalls will continue across the area tonight into Tuesday. Snowfall rates of 1"-2" per hour are possible in the strongest bands. This snow combined with northwest winds of 15-25 mph will cause blowing and drifting of snow with near whiteout conditions at times. This will make travel particularly difficult.
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By Tuesday morning snowfall of 4-8" with isolated higher amounts is expected. The lake effect snow will continue on Tuesday and into Tuesday night before gradually dissipating. Through Tuesday and Tuesday night additional moderate snow accumulations are possible with some locations in the warning area seeing 10"-14" of total snow accumulation by late Tuesday evening. Snowfall will taper off heading south into _____ County with the city of _______ and points south seeing 2"-6" tonight... with total accumulations by late Tuesday evening of 4"-8" possible.
(www.wunderground.com)

Advent Starts Today

My Scandinavian roots probably have lead me to an interest in looking at this time of year as the Advent season. Although my church does not have the wreaths and candles that are all a part of it, I don't think there is any reason why we couldn't; we just don't. Advent wreaths at home -- I've done that before.

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This morning I was remembering that this is the first Sunday of the Advent season. With that, there are certain Christmas songs and Scriptures that "match" the focus of the day. I do think about that throughout the day.

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During the season of Advent, Christians across the world prepare for the celebration of the arrival of the Lord into the world through the birth of His Son Jesus Christ. Advent is a time to celebrate light in the midst of darkness. It is also a time to look forward to when Jesus will come a second time.

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The Advent Wreath is the widely recognized symbol of Advent. The wreath is made of a circle of evergreen branches laid flat to symbolize eternal life. Four candles (traditionally red) stand in the circle and each one represents one of the four Sundays of Advent. In the center of the circle is a fifth candle (traditionally white), the Christ Candle, which is lit on Christmas Day.

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The circle of the wreath reminds Christians of God, His eternity and endless mercy, which has no beginning or end. The green of the wreath speaks of the hope that Christians have in God, the hope of newness, of renewal, of eternal life.

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Advent worship is like a journey through the Christmas story. Christians use the Advent candles to celebrate this period with one lit every Sunday of Advent so that during the last week before Christmas all four candles are lit. The last central candle (which represents Christ), is lit on Christmas Day.

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Candles symbolize the light of God coming into the world through the birth of His son, Jesus. There are three purple and one rose/pink candles. (Purple dyes were one so rare and costly that they were associated with royalty; the Church has long used this color around Christmas and Easter to honor Jesus.) The three purple candles in the Advent wreath symbolize hope, peace, and love. These candles are lit on the first, second, and fourth Sundays of Advent. The rose candle, which symbolizes joy, is usually lit on the third Sunday. A fifth candle is placed inside the Advent wreath. This candle is lit on Christmas Day. It is white, the color associated with angels and the birth of Jesus.

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The first Sunday of Advent focuses on the theme of hope. The Christmas song I usually associate with the start of Advent is the one I share today.

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O come, O come, Emmanuel

And ransom captive Israel

That mourns in lonely exile here

Until the Son of God appear

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.

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O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free

Thine own from Satan's tyranny

From depths of Hell Thy people save

And give them victory o'er the grave

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.

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O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer

Our spirits by Thine advent here

Disperse the gloomy clouds of night

And death's dark shadows put to flight.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Key of David, come,

And open wide our heavenly home;

Make safe the way that leads on high,

And close the path to misery.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.

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O come, O come, Thou Lord of might,

Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai's height,

In ancient times did'st give the Law,

In cloud, and majesty and awe.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.