Not Your Oma's Oliebollen

Happy New Year!

How Old Is Santa Claus? (And other discoveries on our Christmas stroll.)

You know you are in America when you see this "nativity" scene on a front lawn.

And this tableau proves a couple of things that have been disputed recently on cable tv.

One question: Is this pink car for a large doll or a very small child?

And one of many hydrants "watered" on Flip's Christmas stroll.

Hark, Hark. The Dogs Do Bark!

We are back in the Big City for a couple of days. Christmas lights, barking dogs, tennis courts, swimming pools, manicured yards, and traffic.

I still love it. 

But just for a change. 

A chance to get back to a neighborhood. Even if I do not see many people, I know they can't be too far away. The lights are on in the kitchens and once in a while there is a hint of an aroma of something cooking. 

I am glad Flip needs his daily walks in the Big City.

Merry Christmas from the neighborhood!

Have I the Real Spirit of Christmas ? -anno 1938

                                                            Christmas

    Christmas, you know, is the holiday that everyone celebrates in some way. One person might celebrate it one way, while another celebrates it entirely differently. Some people lose the real idea of Christmas in the maze of parties and gaieties they attend and give during the holidays.

     The idea of gifts at Christmas was originated when the three Wise Men brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the Christ Child. They gave these to Him, thinking that He would benefit by them. Through centuries and generations this thought has come down to us. We help those who need help, and in doing so we make ourselves happy.

      The celebration of Christmas is stressed in every country for the same reason, but is different in some way in each. Still the spirit is the same.

       During this whole holiday season ask yourself this question: "Have I the real spirit of Christmas?"

(By C. -Editor Chapman)

On Facebook yesterday, my dear brother published this piece written by my dad when he was the editor of the sophomore journal publication in January 1939. I took the liberty to transcribe it above for easier reading. [As a side note, Daddy's father (our grandfather) passed away on December 24, 1940.]

Hugs to all my readers and a very Merry Christmas <3, Linda

Welcome Back. Otter

I borrowed this photo, but we have a guy (or gal) like this otter in our pond. Don't think we have any catfish, but who knows. Our renovated pond has been full now for one year, so we should not be surprised that "Spooky"Otter has returned. Or maybe this is a new visitor.

I have named the otter "Spooky," since both Flip and I are spooked out by this animal that spends a lot of time trolling our waters.

This animal is so long, that it is our Loch Wetcreek Monster!

According to www.nature.org:

"Interesting Facts about the River Otter

• Otters are part of the weasel family which includes minks, skunks and badgers.
• Although happy to play, river otters are solitary animals. Males do not associate with females until mating season. Only then will you see pairs chasing, diving and cork-screwing through the water as a sort of mating ritual.
• The otter loves to swim and can hold its breath for up to 8 minutes. Its eyes are even adapted for underwater vision, leaving them nearsighted when out of water. On land, otters rely on their sense of smell, hearing and touch to get around.
• Rivers otters are land-bound most of the time; its tail gives it balance and can run as fast as 18 mph. 
• When at play or way to get around, otters are often seen sliding down riverbanks on their stomachs.
• River otters are territorial and will mark their territory with feces (or spraint) as a warning to others. Though not a fighter, it will charge and scratch those who get to close."

Would the World Have Christmas Without Women?

I know that I should not let what my immediate family do influence my beliefs about most things, but I have been wondering.

Wondering what Christmas (or most celebrations/holidays, for that matter) would be like without WOMEN?

Especially at this time of the year, I see women busy with shopping for gifts and groceries, decorating Christmas trees and homes, cooking delicious meals and holiday treats, wrapping oodles of gifts, creating homemade gifts and decorations, writing notes and sending Christmas cards, and wishing everyone  "A Very Merry Christmas."

Would there be Christmas without women?

If you have ever wondered about this question, please pour a cup of coffee or tea and read these two enlightening articles from two different parts of the world:

http://www.monitor.co.ug/Magazines/Full-Woman/What-would-become-of-Christmas-without-women-/-/689842/1648404/-/b6g93cz/-/index.html

And

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1993-12-15/lifestyle/9312140390_1_christmas-men-are-smart-great-wife

Advantages of Gloomy, Gray, Cold Days

The sun is out today. 

Glorious? Well, I am not so sure.

Have you ever noticed how dirty your windowspanes look when the sun shines through? 

And what about the dusty furniture both inside and out?

Once the sun is shining, even the sad little flowerbeds beg for some sprucing up.

But it is December, and tomorrow may be cloudy and dark and rainy. 

And if you are warm and cozy in the grayness, you don't see the work that needs to be done.

;))))