Handmade Memories

This is an ornament my Aunt Ronni made in 1989.  

Aunt Ronni was one of the most creative people in our family.  She made everyone a special ornament each year.  Everyone was excited to get one of her pieces.  I have saved most of mine.  There were tiny angels, clear blown-glass balls decorated with ribbons and encrusted with gems, and hand-crocheted delicate crosses.  Always beautiful, always so special.

I have a box of all my childhood ornaments that one day will grace the third tree in my house.  Maybe next year.  I'm sure several of Aunt Ronni's creations will be among the memories.

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2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: Sorry, no post on this day.
2018: Inviting
2017: George In Situ
2016: Purgatory
2015: Happy Little Machinery
2014: Yo, Brooklyn!
2013: ALL Weather Is Tarping Weather Now
2012: 132" Of Christmas
2011: Breakdown = Extra Nap Time
2010: Dr. Lettera Said The Very Same Thing, She Just Wasn’t Qualified To Write The Prescription
2009: The First Snow I’ve Seen This Season
2008: Not That There’s Any Reason To Park Here
2007: A Game You Wouldn’t Want To Play If You Were Say, IN The Witness Protection Program
2006: Companionship Is Just A Phone Call Away. Beauty Is Another Story.
2005: Who Stole My Cheese?

Golden Good Luck Charm

My friend Marlaina says I have a golden horseshoe up my ass because I always seem to have good luck.  In all areas.  

Well, now, an actual golden horseshoe (made by Cody Foster & Co.) has made its way to my tree.  It's beautiful and fits perfectly with all my other golden ornaments.

I hope it brings me lots of luck in 2025!

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2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: Sorry, no post on this day.
2018: Ordinary Food Done Extraordinarily Well
2017: Glimpse From The BQE
2016: Looking Out Over The Valley Of The Sun
2015: Eastern Shore
2014: Sunday Elixirs
2013: Getting Robbed On The Way OUT Of New York
2012: Not Everyone Learns In The Same Manner
2011: Just Another Day In New York
2010: Practicing For The Retirement Home
2009: United Parcel Servant
2008: Whizzing Through Dallas
2007: Eddie With The Luscious Kisser Friday
2006: ’Tis The Season To Be Tweety
2005: Cat Fiiiiiight!!!

Now We're Cookin'

 

My second tree is in the corner of my kitchen.  This tree evolved when we ordered a tree by mistake from Amazon.  It was smallish, so I put it in this little nook in the kitchen and brought a little Christmas to that side of the house.  I'm attached to it now so although I bitch every time I have to decorate the trees, once it's done I'm delighted!

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2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: Sorry, no post on this day.
2018: Eat Local
2017: Rock Solid Christmas Decorations
2016: Illuminated Mystery
2015: Getting In The Holiday Mood
2014: A Door To Another World
2013: Beaver Exploitation In Texas
2012: Perfected And Built By Italians 
2011: So THIS Is What We Look Like!
2010: Just Because
2009: Plastic Is A Sure Thing
2008: The All Purpose Swab
2007: Jump The Weeds
2006: Forty Dollars A Gallon
2005: Off With Their Heads!

Happy Little Trees

 

My cute little trees were purchased last year after Christmas for next to nothing.  This year, they'll grace one of my tabletops, all next to each other, keeping each other happy.

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2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: Sorry, no post on this day.
2018: A Walk In The Park
2017: The Military Capital Of The American Revolution
2016: A Perfect Companion
2015: A Tony In The Making
2014: Collecting America
2013: Approaching Flag
2012: He Didn't Even Need Duct Tape 
2011: The Epitome Of Desolation
2010: Eddie Lobster On The Brain, Listening Skills Disengaged Friday
2009: Privacy Issues
2008: It’s Crazy That I’m Crazy For Keanu
2007: Gifts That Keep On Giving
2006: Classic Las Vegas
2005: Off With Their Heads!

The Month Of Merry

I finished my tree today! Yay! I was feeling very sluggish, and fluffing the tree and unboxing all the ornaments wore me out. I'm still a little under the weather, but I wanted to start the month with at least one of my trees completed. 

Mission accomplished!

Next, I will work on the tree in my kitchen.  Photos to follow!

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2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: Sorry, no post on this day.
2018: Traditional Klompen
2017: Kicking It Up For Christmas
2016: Testing Ed's Giant Brain
2015: Practically A Cardinal Red Sin
2014: Drink And A Movie?
2013: Leaving The Blue Skies Behind
2012: One Special Request
2011: Body Language
2010: Move Along, Not Much To Read Here
2009: My Favorite Geek Scores Two Bargains In One Day
2008: Your Beating Heart
2007: All I Want For Christmas Are My Two Front Teeth
2006: Eddie Opens An Eye In Vegas Friday
2005: You’re Giving Me Agida

Christmas All Day And All Night

 My Christmas Tree,  in day and night mode.

I've done this same color scheme for several years now - white lights, gold ribbon and balls, some glass ornaments, and red snowflakes.  Next year I think I might have to change it up.  Or, add a second tree to the house with another theme. 

I keep the tree lights on all the time - I love the twinkliness of them!

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2020: Contained
2019: Sorry, no post on this day.
2018: The Most Exclusive Rooftop
2017: Cell Block 8
2016: The Price Of American Made
2015: Sunset In The Brick City
2014: The King Of Light
2013: The End Of WiFi???
2012: Through A Canopy Of Oaks
2011: Clap Your Hands
2010: Wishing For A Blizzard But Will Settle For Flakes
2009: A Hideous Thief Exposed 
2008: Southwest Sunset
2007: Subtlety Is SO Not His Middle Name
2006: Bridging Chicago
2005: Oxymoronic Holiday

New Jersey Wonderland

 I know it's after Christmas, but since I was kinda busy getting married and entertaining, I totally forgot to post these pictures from this delightful surprise we came across in New Jersey.

We were driving from Bordentown to Princeton in New Jersey when I saw a side street with TONS of Christmas lights.

"Ed, Ed, Ed!  Wait....stop...lights!" I stammered. 

"What? Where?" Ed said.

"Turn around!  Go around the block!  Turn here!"  I started barking instructions and pointing.  I LOVE Christmas lights and I was certain this was a giant display.

Boy, was I right!  This place was AMAZING.  One of the best single house displays I've ever seen.  We realized when we turned down the block that this was something big, not just a guy who put up a lot of lights.  We easily got a parking spot on the street a few houses down and as we got closer, we saw people streaming in and heard Christmas music playing. 

I was in awe.  Every inch of his house and yard was covered in lights and Christmas-themed decor.  Animated figures, lights chasing lights, toy soldiers, candy canes, everything you can imagine.  He's got close to 2,000 pieces!

Bob Martel has been decorating his house on this block for over 29 years.  We met him and his family sitting in the driveway on our way out.  It was cold on this night and they were sitting around a fire pit.  He was with his wife, son, and another young girl.  The son lived around the corner in the same neighborhood and directed us to go see his house next, as he also got his dad's decorating bug (although his house wasn't as incredible).

Mr. Martel said it takes him two months to set up the lights and the yard.  He's even spilled into a willing neighbor's yard.  WeirdNJ.com did a piece on the house titled Martel's Christmas Wonderland.  

If you happen to be in the area, it's definitely worth a drive-by.  You can find it here:

Martel's Christmas House
21 Phillips Ave,
Hamilton Township, NJ 08610


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2017: A Resting View
2016: Harmoniously Incorporated
2015: Buy Sandwiches
2014: A Room With A View
2013: Is The Coast Clear Yet?
2012: Why So Angry, Birds?
2011: One Hand In The Air For The Empire State
2010: Hitching A Ride From The Frying Pan Into The Fire
2009: Don’t Look At Me Like That. No, Really. Don’t. You’re Making Me Melt.
2008: A Mid-Winter Pick Me Up
2007: I Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You
2006: How To Get Rid Of Your Girlfriend
2005: Sorry, no post on this day. The blog didn’t start until May 2005! 

Holiday Vibe

Another shot from our visit to New York City.  I tried to convince Ed to do this to all the trees in our yard, but after wrapping one cactus, we ran out of lights. 

We'll have to save it for next year.  I want my yard to look like Tavern on the Green in Central Park!



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2016: Four Eyes At Your Service
2015: Good Morning, Arizona
2014: Boom! Last Load Of The Year
2013: Do You Really Need To Ice Skate At The Mall??
2012: Christmas Score! 
2011: Iowa Beef Dresses Up For The Holidays
2010: Weather, Wyoming And Wings
2009: The End Is Not Just Near, It’s Here!!
2008: Keeping The Mountain On The Right Side Of The Fence
2007: Divine Intervention Comes A Little To Late
2006: General Delivery
2005: Frumpy To Nicole

Desert Decorations

Ed putting Christmas lights on the saguaros, and our friend MacGyver photographing the process from below.  A safe distance from the spines that cover every inch of it.  



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2016: Ranch Sky
2015: NSFW Takes On New Meaning
2014: Mirrors, Glass, And Anxiety
2013: Skip The Stockyards, Head To The Roadhouse
2012: One Week To A Delightfully Dazzling Christmas
2011: My, What A Long Truck You Have
2010: A Place For The Snow To Rest
2009: They’re Always Touching Their Hammers
2008: Raindrops On Roses And Whiskers On Kittens
2007: Love Hate Relationship
2006: Full Service
2005: Struffo-What??

Golden Glow

Last month I was putting together this plastic tree, looking at it's bare form in my living room wondering if it was ever going to look Christmasy. 

Now it's got lights and shimmery golden ornaments and even though I didn't have a lot of time to pull this together, it looks like a tree during the holidays should look.  Next year I'm considering going a little crazy.

After I hit the post-Christmas sales, of course.  



~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2016: Swirls Of Life Emerge From Hell's Kitchen
2015: Taking My Faux Fur And Heading To Arizona

2014: The Place For Pajama Pants, Motor Oil, And Christmas Lights
2013: Christmas Cheer Comes With Antlers
2012: Think About It
2011: She Strikes Again

2010: The Frozen Tundra
2009: Your Tax Dollars Hard At Work
2008: What’s Next, Reporting Your Maid In The Middle Of Her Dusting The Living Room Tsochkes?
2007: Fashion Forwards
2006: Swimming Po
2005: Just Call Me Rosa

Rock Solid Christmas Decorations

This fantastic snowman is the creation of a longtime family friend.  He's insanely creative and has been self-employed for years, making one-of-a-kind pieces for anyone lucky enough to hire him.

When he and his oldest son discovered their giant inflatable snowman from last year was dead, they came up with this idea.  It's perfect for Tucson!

And, he'll never melt.  


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2016: Illuminated Mystery
2015: Getting In The Holiday Mood
2014: A Door To Another World
2013: Beaver Exploitation In Texas
2012: Perfected And Built By Italians
2011: So THIS Is What We Look Like!
2010: Just Because
2009: Plastic Is A Sure Thing
2008: The All Purpose Swab
2007: Jump The Weeds
2006: Forty Dollars A Gallon
2005: Off With Their Heads!

The Season Has Begun

My mother decided she didn't want a "big" tree this year, so she gave me the artificial tree she bought just last Christmas.  It's pre-lit and came with brand new ornaments!  I started to fuss with it over the weekend, spreading out the plastic branches in a way I thought looked more "real".  I haven't decided where I'm putting it yet.

I haven't had a real tree since I was a kid, and honestly, don't think I'd want one.  I don't want to vacuum pine needles every day and have to remember to water the thing.  I've already killed two houseplants. 

I'll do my best to make the house look somewhat festive, and maybe I'll buy a pine-scented air freshener to stick under the tree.



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2016: Half Flesh, Half Steel
2015: Delving Deep Into The Nefarious Actions Of A Truck Driver
2014: Delivering In The District
2013: Loving What's On The Inside
2012: When You Walk Like That, Talk Like That, Look Like That...
2011: Like And Loathing In Las Vegas
2010: Get Fresh With Me…Please!
2009: In The Blink Of An Eye
2008: Duck, Duck, Drake
2007: The Lady And Sons
2006: The Department Of Mindless Vegetables
2005: Ooo Rah Johnny Cash!

Bring Me Some Snow!

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2015: Have A Very...
2014: The Christmas Table
2013: Wishes To The Whole World
2012: Merry Christmas!
2011: Who Says Money Doesn’t Grow On Trees? It’s Christmas!!
2010: Christmas Time Is Here
2009: Commanding Attention Once Again
2008: A Meal Of Delicious Cheesy Goodness And A Day Of Good Delicious Cheeriness
2007: The Merry. The Moments. The Memories.
2006: I Love Your Bawwwlls!!
2005: Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

Christmas In The Sonoran Desert

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2014: Boxing Day Mani Pedi
2013: Racing Toward The New Year
2012: I Need A Support Group
2011: No One Mentioned The Elephant In The Room, But The Zebra Was A Big Topic Of Discussion
2010: White Chocolate Melts Away
2009: An Appetizer With Heart
2008: Angelic Eddie Friday
2007: Would You Like A Fried Egg With A Side Of Influenza?
2006: Cerrado
2005: The Best Gift Of All

Have A Very...

Wherever you may be, and whatever celebration you're taking part in, Ed and I wish you the Happiest and Merriest of the Season!

Be safe if you're on the road if you're out there, and if you're home with family, enjoy your day!

And if anyone has snow to spare, send it my way!  Thanks.



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2014: The Christmas Table
2013: Wishes To The Whole World
2012: Merry Christmas!
2011: Who Says Money Doesn’t Grow On Trees? It’s Christmas!!
2010: Christmas Time Is Here
2009: Commanding Attention Once Again
2008: A Meal Of Delicious Cheesy Goodness And A Day Of Good Delicious Cheeriness
2007: The Merry. The Moments. The Memories.
2006: I Love Your Bawwwlls!!
2005: Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

O Christmas Plant, O Christmas Plant

Every room in my mother's house is decorated for Christmas. Even the bathroom. But she didn't put up a tree this year.

Instead, she has a Christmas Plant.

One string of lights and a few snowmen ornaments. The epitome of simplicity.

The cat is so confused, she hasn't touched a thing on it.

Merry Christmas, my friends!



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2014: In The Shadow Of Friends
2013: Christmas Eve Big Ass Surf And Turf
2012: This Sled Is Being Pulled By Rudolph The Bucking Red Nosed Reindeer 
2011: Call Me For A Good Time – I’m ALWAYS Happy
2010: Blue Plates And Books For Christmas Eve
2009: Holiday Theft Is On The Rise…Right In Your Own Neighborhood!!
2008: The Team Finally Takes A Rest
2007: The Night Before Christmas And All Through The House
2006: The Only Visible Flames Came From The Candles On The Altar
2005: Tonight’s The Night, People

Joy Delivery

Christmas has come to our home on the road!  This year, I've made a few additions to the exterior decor - a Santa hat and stocking adorns the stack heat shields.

 And a little red bow sits atop each mirror...

Inside, window clings are always fun.  A snowman on the passenger side...

And Santa on the driver's side.  Red garland and shiny green ornaments across the windshield, a a shimmery red North Star dangling from the center.

Another new addition to the exterior - garland on the grab bars near the back door of the sleeper.

 Inside, there's shimmery silver garland, Santa, reindeer, and a teeny red tree..

 Santa with his sleigh and reindeer fly above the entrance to the cab...

 My tissue box wrapped like a present...

Santa hangin' out by the thermostat (he always keeps the room below 55 degrees - I love him for that).

 A Christmas tree on the back door...

 Wrapped "presents" on the bookshelf above the bed...

 A few more window clings keeping Ed's polar bear ornament company...

And again, another shot of the grill ornaments...

It's definitely cheery in here and we get tons of looks rolling down the road.  People wave, honk their horns, smile, and comment.

It's as if we're delivering a little holiday joy.  I'm cool with that.



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2014: All Huddled Together
2013: Me And My Shadow
2012: Weekend Update
2011: Midway To A Haven Of Triple X Activity
2010: The Cowboy And I
2009: Christmas In OKC
2008: Ain’t Nuthin’ But A Lizard Pimp
2007: After The Storm
2006: Border Town
2005: Easily Amused