Holiday Bits and Pieces

What happened? When I was a child, it seemed to take forever to get to Christmas each year. Now - "Snap" - year gone by. Is it retirement that does that? Weeks are no longer split up into Work days and Weekends. I'm glad I have a watch that tells me what day it is. Lots of days seem like Friday. 😆 

Thanksgiving at the Archers, Foxes, and more!

Entertaining the kiddos at Thanksgiving

We alternate holidays with our children/spouses and gkids with the other side of their families. It was our turn for Thanksgiving this year. 🦃  

Thanks to Niece Barb and her husband Mike for hosting the eight of us at their lovely home in Norwalk for Thanksgiving. We celebrated with them and their children Greyson and Mandy, Barb's mom (Paul's sis) Carol. Members of the Fox family - Jean Fox (Paul's sis), her husband Dave, their daughter Annette, and her husband Jeremy with kids Megan and Caleb were there from Webster City and Minnesota. A good time was had by all!

Prime Rib time!

So 

On Black Friday, we had our 🎄Christmas Celebration! All eight of us - we added Baby Reece a month past Christmas last year. We planned around naptimes (grandkids and grandfather) to avoid crabbiness. The meal - with centerpieces of Paul's Prime Rib, and Pat Bullock's Scalloped Corn. Yum!

Pookie saves the day - note Nell has Amy's beloved Pookie stuffy after forgetting hers at home! 

Next, we opened presents that were stacked under the small but festive Christmas Tree. This year I put it up downstairs - to protect it from our little crawler and seeker, Reece. Corey played Santa. Nell enjoyed helping everyone open gifts. That evening we played with new toys - it took a team to assemble the light-up race track. It was a big hit! 

Amy and Corey flew back to NYC early Saturday morning. They had arrived on Monday evening, and we enjoyed hanging with them for a couple of days before the STL Goldsmiths arrived. A highlight was lunch at the Angry Goldfish and visiting the MacRae Park lookout - with a view of the city. 

Nell and Reece had fun with Amy and Jud's old toys

Jud, Kara, Nell, and Reece stayed through Sunday. We went to the Science Center in downtown DSM on Saturday (we loved it) with lunch at Big Grove Brewery in Sherman Hill. That night we celebrated an excellent Cyclone Football win. 

Science Center Fun

On Sunday, Jud and Kara gathered up the considerable gear it takes to travel with two young children and two doggos. A trip to St Louis takes us just over 5 hours. It takes them more like seven with stops to eat and stretch their legs - tending to a three-year-old and a little guy who will be one in January. 

Archie and Charlie

Paul and I will head west to Colorado for Christmas - Denver and Vail to "group up" with our family there. We feel so fortunate to be included in that gathering. 

This time of year is not easy - for many of us. It's set up to be a special time for families and friends. It's hard not to think of those who are no longer with us. I don't know about you but I breathe a sigh of relief when we get beyond the holiday frenzy. Be kind to yourself! 

Our "not fam" family! 

Speaking of kindness, we were invited to our longtime friends' Christmas family gathering last weekend in Minnesota where they all live (we prefer living in the south...of the frozen tundra 🥰). We wish our kids/gkids could have joined - alas they live too far away. It's like an ongoing present to have a group like this - including all generations. Merry Christmas! 

  

Back By Popular Demand

I haven't published a blog in over a month. I wrote a couple - but didn't publish them. I do enjoy writing. Just wasn't feeling like sharing them - too personal.

But hello...I'm baaack! Literally (just back from a weeklong vacation) and ready to write. I saw my relatives and they asked me about it. So here goes!

I love my family - if not for them, I'd be a total Christmas Grinch. Like many others, I get so tired of all the hoopla. Isn't that a great word? See - I've still got it. Insert Smile.

The first leg of our great End of 2018 Adventure started in Denver. This year we flew out! We have driven the past 10 years - taking Odie (RIP baby girl) and braving icy and snowy roads at times. Upon arrival in Denver, we took the light rail from the airport to Union Station where we were greeted by our four "kids". Jud and Kara had arrived from St. Louis the day before. We headed to the Wynkoop Brewery downtown for a brew and appetizers to catch up.

Marty and her peeps

That night we gathered with our Denver family - the Lamms and niece Jordan and wife Jill. Family  Matriarch, Aunt Marty, hosted at her place, Holly Creek Retirement Community. We sipped wine and dined on a lovely meal. But mostly we talked and laughed. It was a delightful evening - 3 generations of Bullocks with cousin Amy Lamm Brownlee's children Matt and Kate. I love nights like that - pretty special. Marty tells stories about prior generations, including my Dad and Mom.

We talked about siblings and cousins who weren't with us - hope your ears were burning! I feel so fortunate that our family truly loves to get together - even the next generation! Our children enjoy their 2nd cousins the Lamms, and Amy and my aunt have a special relationship that warms my heart.

Rounding up the scooters

On Sunday Amy and Corey had a lot planned to keep us busy. It was a sunny nice Denver day. The kids helped the elderly download the Lime app onto our phones to enable us to "check" out electric scooters that have now taken over the larger cities in the US. Are they good? Bad? I'm still not sure but we sure had fun, and it was easier than finding parking for cars. I did feel nervous that I might crash and burn my old brittle bones self. But we all came through unscathed - riding on streets, sidewalks, and bike paths. My lower back took a bit of a pounding - no shock absorbers, riding up to 16 mph. It was fun!

Where did we go? First off, we went to Denver Milk Market. It's a market under one roof with lots of booths and restaurants. We all got sandwiches (lobster roll for me, yummo) and settled into a sunny comfy communal corner - there was all types of seating around for the many restaurants. A DJ type guy started a rousing game of Bingo and helpers handed out cards. (No pesky dobbers for you St. Malachy Bingo veterans - these had sliding tabs built right in). We joined in as game prizes were awarded market stores. The Bingo caller was hilarious.

Using all my talent and skills garnered from my years working Bingo as a St. Malachy parent, I won game 2! Good 'ol B15 - I always did like that combo. But wait! There was another Bingo, a young woman at least half my age. How would they select the prizewinner - bloody mary mix and bacon?

Two draft beers suddenly appeared in front of us. It was to be a chugging contest. You may find this hard to believe, but I've never been a chugger. I prefer to sip my beer. And my competition? She chugged it down like a barmaid from Wisconsin! Well played. I did get a free beer out of my Bingo victory.

Next, we Scooter Angels headed to the Lucky Strike - a bowling alley/game room to watch some football. Even though the Packers are having a bad season, Paul loves those guys. When we came out of that joint, there were only four scooters left, so we had to round up two again. The whole day on the scooter, after our ride back to Amy's was less than $5 - and no fossil fuels were used.

That evening we played laser tag - and I enjoyed being slain over and over again, by little kids in game one. We did play a second game that only involved our family. Our children ganged up on dear old mom. All in good fun! I didn't know I could still run and duck. Next we stopped by a fancy bar called Death and Company for drinks. Catchy name - fitting after I just got lasered! After a fancy cocktail, we went next door to a Latin dim sum restaurant called Super Mega Bien - delicious! It was nice to have Amy and Corey to tell us what to order.

The weather turned colder Monday. Paul and I said goodbye to Marty - she was preparing for their family Christmas Eve party. On our way to Amy's we stopped for Duffey Rolls - in honor of my beloved Uncle Bill, Marty's husband who passed a few years ago. He used to always get the delightful concoctions when we visited. That place was rocking - must be part of many family holidays. They were set up for many carryouts.

We headed up the mountain to Cindy's - running into snow near the tunnel. It got dicey past Copper but Paul and Corey did a great job piloting. (We had to take two cars) This was our 11th year to be with Lefebvres for Christmas. It just seems like the right place for us to be. Bolder has been gone six years now - the annual party has gotten smaller and not quite as animated since he passed. The usual family friends come - all their children grew up together. It's nice to be part of this group. My nephew Colby leads the carols along with his pals. During the second set, they break out the grass skirts. Fun to see our children join in. 

We opened presents in the Christmas morning before Colby had to head off to work. He manages El Sabor restaurant in Vail. Everyone in this area understands - they must serve the people who make their region go. I couldn't wait for my favorite gifts to be opened - yodeling pickle Christmas ornaments. (motion activated). All the kids got 'em! They were a hoot!

Paul and the kids skied Beaver Creek on a gorgeous day. Cindo and I tackled a jigsaw puzzle that was an unfortunate selection by me. I didn't realize when I purchased it that it had "Twists". The puzzle doesn't look like the photo. I have a feeling Cindy ditched it when I left. Too tough for old broads.

That night we were treated to another wonderful prime rib meal at Pottorff's. I think it was one of Eric's best yet! The whole fam got involved - son Byron made a delish Brussels Sprouts/Smoked Sweet Potato dish that was baked. Bonnie whipped up salad, potatoes and even dessert. It was all fantastic - I was still full the next day! We're so grateful to be included in this meal and the Sanders fam is there.

Escape Room deliberatinos

Our drive down the mountain was quiet as there was no snow. That night we tackled an Escape Room - this one required some deep thinking so we're glad Corey and Kara brought their intelligence into the family. It was another fun day with our clan. We kinda like 'em! That was the end of the Christmas part of our trip. We couldn't have asked for more. Bring on 2019! 

Grandpuppy Franklin has already shredded this toy...

Colorado Christmas

Seven states in a week - celebrating Christmas and an ISU bowl game win. Jet-lagged with no jet. 100% worth it. Car time gave Paul and me time to discuss our plans for 2018. I'm not big on resolutions but do like to think about how I can be a better person in the coming year.

What a whirlwind of family love and Cyclone family (with family) love. As we sing when Neil Diamond sings Sweet Caroline - "So Good, So Good, So Good". We too off the Thursday before Christmas with Odie - heading south to Kansas City to avoid the icy rain and snow heading this way.

We arrived in Denver late Friday afternoon. My cousin, Amy Brownlee had us all over for a wonderful family meal including our Amy (Corey was picking his fam up at the airport), our niece Jordan and wife Jill, Aunt Marty and cousin Richard Lamm. Plus the hosts the Brownlee family - Tom, Amy and their children Kate and Matt. We had such a great time sharing a meal and chatting into the evening. 

New Address - coming up!

Saturday morning we got to see Amy and Corey's future home, a townhome they purchased in LoHi with a view of downtown. They will start moving in later this week - so exciting! Amy can't wait to begin decorating her first home. Corey's folks Jeff and Shirl were there too - as it was there turn to be with the kids for this holiday.

After the townhouse viewing, Paul and I took off for Vail. The mountain drive didn't disappoint. Vail Pass was closed not long after we drove through, as snow fell and driving conditions deteriorated. Paul was wise to deny my request to stop at the outlet mall along the route.

Our time at Cindy's was great as usual. It was our tenth Christmas in Colorado - we've been going since Amy moved there after graduating from college. We take our jobs as Kitchenettes at the annual Lefebvre Christmas Eve Party very seriously. We bake the wiener wraps, and sing Christmas Carols. Each year at the party, Bolder Lefebvre's memory and absence are so apparent. He used to do such a good Lawrence Welk show impersonation, MCing the party. In his honor, the next generation does a good job of leading the singing. Boldie taught them well! Somewhere he is proud.

On Christmas Day, we were joined by Colby's girlfriend Gretchen. The five enjoyed a wonderful morning of gift sharing. Beaver Creek and Vail depend on snow for their livelihoods. They were glad to get several inches of the white stuff while we were there. Even so, the valley needs lots more to get all the workers fully employed - running lifts and working at sites on the mountain. Paul usually skis, but opted not to this year. Gretchen and Colby went out for a few hours. Cindy and I worked on our annual jigsaw puzzle while watching Christmas movies. Perfect. Peace on Earth and family. 

That night we shared a delicious meal with our friends the Pottorffs, the Sanders and their children. It's been such fun to watch the young people grow up over the last ten years. Fine people. Our friend Frank was there. He's battling oral cancer - and as a wine rep, can't even drink wine. We were glad he could join us! Thinking of him as he continues his fight.

Our drive home through eastern Colorado and Nebraska was long, cold and fairly uneventful. One and a half days of work - and we were off again! 

  

Giving is the best feeling

Sure, I remember going with Mom to purchase birthday gifts for my friends' parties. Piggy banks, porcelain cats and horses, toys - we bought it all. Sometimes we forgot to get a gift and at the last minute, Dad would produce a little robe/nighty combo from his lingerie sample bag. No, my father wasn't a cross-dresser. He was a lingerie salesman. Robyn recalls receiving such a nighty. I wonder if we gave her a pack of cigarettes to go with it? haha

But the first actual gift I remember buying all by myself was a Christmas gift for my mother. I must have been around 12 years old - at the age when I realized I could do this. She had mentioned that she needed a new wallet and I wanted to get it for her - without help!

In my hometown, there weren't many options for wallets. I decided to go to Rex Pharmacy, right on Chestnut Street, to see what they had. The place had it all! Laundry soap, Playboy magazine (Laurie Reinertson and I had checked those out to see what the big deal was), perfume, electronics, jewelry and wallets. Plus medicine.

A sales clerk very carefully showed me the selection of wallets. I knew what Mom's present wallet looked like. I wanted to get one shaped like that. I had my eye on one that was made of real "kid" goat skin. It was something like $15 - a lot of money back then. But I was a miser and had been saving up. I purchased the wallet and had the clerk gift wrap it. (I'd not yet met Mr. Paul Goldsmith, gift wrapper, supreme).

I was so excited for her to open the gift - so proud of myself and my purchase. Pleased that I would finally be able to show Mom how much I care for her and how much I appreciated all she did for us.

I don't really remember her reaction when she opened the gift. I wasn't adept enough at reading others' reactions to know whether or not I'd chosen wisely or not back then. So maybe I blocked it out because she didn't. Or maybe I just got carried away with my own gifts in the moment. But I do know that Mom used that wallet for years to come, and that made me happy.

Giving - the gift that keeps on giving!

Christmas Anticipation

When I was a kid we always had an Advent Calendar during the Christmas season. Oh how I loved opening up those little paper doors.

Each one meant we were a little closer to that special day - presents! We distracted ourselves in the meantime helping Mom decorate Christmas cookies (and eating a few along the way). She'd pack the cookies into Lorraine Lingerie boxes and load them into the large upright freezer in the laundry room. Later, Mom would find empty spots on the wax paper where cookies should be.

Recently Ted Simpson posted a picture of cookies his mother, Sue used to make. I recognized them because our moms were in clubs together and would do an annual Christmas cookie exchange. I always looked forward to eating fudge.

We had an ancient gingerbread house that Mom would decorate with each year. We would use the little figurines like Rudolf and elves. We'd have fun playing with them and re-arranging the "angel hair" which was really fiberglass. I'd stare at the presents already under the tree with my name on them endlessly. What could be in there? Shake, shake.

If we were lucky there was snow on the ground and we'd drag out the Flexible Flyer sleds and the aluminum toboggan. My mother was a saint to put up with the in the house out of the house, boots on, boots off action. Mittens and hats went on the big industrial sink in the basement when they were sodden with snow. Back then we had rubber boots that we wore our shoes in. They weren't that warm.

These days the countdown to Christmas is not nearly as exciting. There's no Advent Calendar - just my Google Calendar. The big excitement is getting to see my family - cousins and aunt in Denver and Amy, Jud and Kara at sister Cindy's in Vail. Nephew Colby will be there too along with our pals Bonnie and Eric and the rest of the gang who attend the Christmas Eve bash at Cindo's. Hugs from each of them are better than any present I ever received. I did love my GI Joe jeep though...

Christmas Day

Christmas Morning we had a smaller group without Jud and Amy. Paul took her to work early at Beaver Creek at 7:15 a.m. That was strange - neither of our kids was with us on Christmas morning. Jordan, Colby and Liv had to stand in as our token children. Cindy hides pickle ornaments on the tree. Jordan spotted the big one and Liv spied the tiny one so they got to open the first gifts.

We stored Amy's gifts for later when she got back from work - the ones from and for her. Colby always does a nice job of purchasing a gift for his momma. He stepped in after Bolder passed away.

Cindy checks out her Golden Bear bracelet

Jigsaw therapy

My sissy game me this. :>)

Betso had my name for Christmas this year (the sisters alternate - though every year we are confused as to who has whom). Usually that means I get a basket! So I was surprised to see a long skinny wrapped box. Longaberger sells knives now - who knew?!? I haven't looked at their catalog for a while. I got a swell paring knife. Pablo got me a Golden Bear (Vail's signature jewelry) necklace that I had admired in their catalog. He actually listened to me! Colby received a fly fishing pole and some lure type stuff to tie flies. I got Paul a new camouflage down jacket he had admired - it's light as a feather. (Probably because down is feathers...).

When Amy got back from her day of working at Beano's, we did it all again without Colbs and Liv. We talked to Jud on the phone too - he was having a good time in Columbus with the Whiteds. He enjoyed seeing the Ohio State University stadium and Kara's mom Renee had cooked some great pie and cake.

Appies - such good cheese

Look at that beef...and the prime rib too. haha

Bonnie always makes beautiful desserts

That night we went to the Pottorff's house for prime rib and lots of other good food. The new food I tried this year was Brussels sprouts. I haven't eaten that particular food since childhood when Pat Bullock made me eat the vile things. I chewed them, spit them into my napkin and fed them to Jud the dog. And vowed then never again to eat them. And never to make my own children eat crap!



Telling jokes

My crown slipped on my tiny head - check out the fab ring found in my popper

But wait a minute...EPott - Eric, made these with cream and bacon. They were delightful! I liked the cranberry salad Shalloy made too. It was all good - including the cookie dessert. Bonnie got out "poppers" at the end, and we all ended up with crowns - found inside along with other cool stuff like jokes, games and jewelry. Some people looked like Jughead in the crowns. Of course with my pinhead, mine slipped down to my nose.

Behind Eric - the "kid's table"
 

When it was time to leave...we had to do final goodbye hugs. I hate that. But we'll see Colby and Cindy in April. And Amy (and Jordan) in May if not before then. I hope to even get out to Grand Junction to see my sis Susi's new house then...before it's not new anymore!

The next day we did the "quick" trip back - 12 hours, very few stops. We dropped Amy off at her place on our way through Denver. We were home a little after 6 p.m. Odie was glad to be home. So were Paul and I. Family rocks! And friends do too. Feeling blessed.

Christmas from the rearview mirror - Day 1

It's always nice to get the Christmas urgent-ness over with, isn't it? It just kinda hangs over me every year - when they start playing those commercials - around Halloween. Or is it Independence Day? haha.

This year I did actually get in the mood, feel the spirit...well - at least I didn't dread it as much. I think it's because Amy, Jud and Kara helped us kick off the season by coming here at Thanksgiving. We celebrated Pretend Christmas then since J & K would be with Kara's folks this week.

Celebrating Christmas on Wednesday is a bit awkward - but it is Christ's birthday. It's not like we can switch it to a Monday like Memorial Day, right? Paul, Odie and I decided to drive straight through to Amy's house on Saturday. I kept forgetting it was Saturday - and wondered if Amy would be at work. Duh! We let Garmin guide us to her new place - and we ended up behind the place next door that serves crazy old people. (Hey, we could live there someday!) Eventually though - we found her lovely little stable house behind the mansion.

Amy's place is the roof at the back

Her roomie Megan was home and they showed us the new place - which had recently been remodeled by the gay guys that own it and the mansion out front. There is an apartment above and another apartment in the basement of the mansion too. I bet the rent from those places pays for the mansion! At least the heat....



There is lots of exposed brick and travertine tile

The bedrooms have big doors - Megan let us stay in her room

Stairway down to the left of Pablo
 

We were starving and decided to go to Larimer Square for a meal at barbecue place with great brisket. Then we shopped a little and went to a downstairs "Speakeasy". It's an anonymous brown door - a place called "The Green Russell. It was fascinating - all dark and full of nooks and crannies. We sat at the bar and watched the bartenders create genius drinks. Some have specially shaped ice chunks - 1 per drink!

They make all their own bitters and fresh additives. Look how straight Amy's teeth are getting with her Invisalign!

A little later we went to the Denver Botanical Center where the whole place was lit up like a walk through an eye-popping wonderland. Amy got the 3-D glasses - that made some of the lights look like Gingerbread Men. Or made one feel like they were on an LSD trip. If one had ever taken LSD...(which I haven't). It was lightly snowing and we stopped in the cafeteria and purchased hot chocolates all around. Megan met us with her friend Joe. We saw a lady wipe out on the slick sidewalk and I took very careful steps so I wasn't next.

The temperature was perfect - just a slight chill, though my Popsicle feet started to get cold.

Of course I had to look at the trash/recycling receptacles...

I like the signage on the recycling containers!

 Megan took our photo at the end of the walk. Then we headed back to Amy's place. Odie awaited - she was happy to see us. We take her small kennel and she likes to get in it even if we leave the door open.

Just call me Rudolf - red nose!

We watched the end of Love Actually when we got back - one of my favorite Christmas movies. Then it was early to bed. Tired kiddos from Ioway!




Grinchlets heart is melting

Let me state that I detest being cold. When I was young, I didn't really think there was an alternative. Even in the winter I'd walk to school in a skirt (before we could even wear pants to school), arriving with chapped bright red legs. In college I'd bundle up and trudge to class - sometimes with long johns under my jeans.

Sometime in between then and now, my blood thinned or something. Cold makes me uncomfortable. So I'd prefer a warm December - you know the type. Golfers are still teeing it up and folks continue to play all sorts of outdoors activities. This year isn't like that. Unseasonably cold, they've called it. There is already snow on the ground. For some reason it's helping me get that Christmas spirit! It's hard to get the Christmas Spirit in Florida. I've tried.

Earlier this week Pablo and I attended a musical - "White Christmas". We got some culture! Last night was sports night - the big intrastate rivalry game Iowa State vs. Iowa. We have season tickets to ISU Men's basketball games. We ate at Ruby Tuesday on our way to Ames. It's a chain, but I like the sides they offer - green beans and mashed potatoes are good. We passed on drinks - we wanted to be stone sober for the game to come.

We arrived about an hour before game time and the students we in the building already - some having camped out the night before. Those were thawing from single digit temps. Some students had to be turned away! It was a full house with few Hawkeye fans to be seen - a few were seated in our section #217.  The game seemed to be all Hawkeye for the first 38 minutes or so - though the good guys hung in there. Then miraculously the men in cardinal and gold pulled the game out. Woohoo! Sweet Caroline played as we made our way out the door. Both teams should have good seasons ahead.

This morning as I read the paper online and later did up the breakfast dishes, I listened to a Christmas CD. The music sounded good! We had a mission - several shopping stops. A return (channeling my daughter who returns about half of what she purchases), a quick stop at Dillards found some great Columbia tops. Then off to Chocolate Storybook - a great local candy company. And miracle - the Grand Avenue bridge is finally open (only 3 months late). Then we were on to Gateway Market to pick up some special Christmas purchases.

We went to the real grocery store (HyVee) on our way home. (Gateway Market is just too pricey and gourmet for most purchases). Christmas music played on the store's sound system. We cruised through the produce aisle picking up the usual stuff. When we got to the cereal aisle I don't know what came over me. I picked out some oatmeal - Paul had cruised ahead with the cart. "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" played overhead as Paul looked back to see where I was. There was nobody in between us - we had beaten the crowd to the store. I couldn't help myself - I did a little jig to the tune, raising the oatmeal overhead. I heard giggles behind me. Paul said, "She isn't normally like this." I turned to see a mom with her son in the cart, smiling at me. I smiled back. I was feeling the Christmas Spirit. Eeegads! What's happening to me?

We plan to leave next Saturday for Denver. I'm looking so forward to seeing my family there. A dinner with Aunt Marty and Uncle Bill, Aunt Jean and Uncle Bruce, the Brownlee family and Richard. Monday we'll go to my sister Cindy's in Edwards. My niece Jordan will be there and Cindy's son Colby. And the pretend family - the Pottorffs. Of course Amy will be with us. We'll miss Jud and Kara, who will be with Kara's folks in Ohio.

I heard Mele Kalikimaka at the mall this week - reminding me of the famous Christmas Eve party we've been able to take part in the past four years. I look forward to being a "Kitchenette" again this year. No matter what your year has been like - I hope you are able to muster some Christmas spirit. I know it can be hard - amid stress, the losses one suffers, the commercialization of the holiday. There is still a lot of good you know. Try to find it.

It's all about the Tree

This doesn't look like an Earl May tree. Cute kids though!

When I was a child, Mom always got our Christmas trees from Earl May. They would deliver the beautiful tree to our home at 202 Crombie in Atlantic and put it in the garage. Then later, when Dad came home from a long week selling Lorraine lingerie to stores across Iowa, he'd bring the tree in and put it in the stand. Sometimes he'd have to saw off a couple branches first. That was the extent of Dad's "yard work". There was were usually snarly words involved when the tree came into the house...and then back out again...pine boughs flew. Needles dropped.

Fireplace at right, woven rug and beautiful Christmas tree. TV was temporarily moved. Loved my Juddy dog. I wonder if Mom has her wiglet on here...?

A few years Mom decided to put the tree in the Family Room - that was our former Screened in Porch. My folks decided to finish the porch as another room in 1965 or 1966. They revamped that whole end of the house -  to move the kitchen to the front of the house, from the back. Oak plank flooring was installed in the front hall, kitchen and the new family room. Mom bought a big woven rug featuring earth tones for the Family Room.

For a political science major - Mom had a knack for decorating. A metal fireplace, finished in antiqued blue was installed on one wall of the room. I loved to put my feet on there when a nice fire was popping. Mom always put pine cones and greenery along the mantle with candles. We'd stick our fingers in there when she wasn't looking - coating them with wax. Mom was a great holiday decorator. I'm not quite sure what happened to me...

A console television graced the corner of the room - before remote control, the kids were the channel changers. The options were ABC (7), CBS (6), and NBC (3). Mom wouldn't let us watch Brady Bunch - no matter what station it was on, because she didn't feel it portrayed realistic life. Yeah, like Archie Bunker did...


Someone doesn't look thrilled about the red jumper...

Most of the time the tree took its place in the formal living room. That way it was more out of the way. The living room was the fancy room. Mom decorated that room with furniture from her parents' home. Grandma Morehead liked silk and baubles. Mom would put the gingerbread house here with little figures and puffy stuff to simulate snow. It seemed magical to me. Our stockings were hung on the same Ethan Allen pieces I have today. Mom knitted them for us and then for each grandchild. I'm not sure she got one done for Baby David. I think someone finished one up for him.

So I have a family history of great fresh Christmas trees. In college, my roomies and I always got our own little tree to decorate in our apartment at 230 Campus Avenue. When Paul and I got married, we started putting up our own trees, but it wasn't until we moved to Creston that we started going to Christmas Tree farms to select and cut our own trees. First we went to Corning. Later, a state forester Paul knows had a farm near Afton.

A perfect tree, and cute lil kids. I'm glad Amy learned how to do her hair...

It was fun to take the kids and Moki the Wonder Dog out to select the perfect tree. We would walk around the hillside until I zoned in on just the right one. The family that owned the tree farm always had hot cider warming in the garage - it was so homey. Much nicer than buying one at the store! Alas, when the cherubs got older, they no longer wanted to go along to get the tree. I broke down and bought a fake tree. Less mess. I don't miss cleaning up the pine needles months after Christmas.

Now we spend our Christmas holiday with our fam, the Lefebvres in Vail. They get their tree from the mountainside! Now that our beloved Boldie is gone, Cindy and Bolder's son Colby is in charge of getting the tree. Cindy hides a pickle on it. The person that finds the pickle wins a present!

Kids look for the pickle

Christmas trees have a lot of symbolism. I don't know what the official story is. For me the symbolism is in the ornaments. There are some from my childhood, others from Amy and Jud's childhoods. There is a very special one from Iowa Methodist for Patrick. We have Packers and Cyclones bulbs. Sally's Mom Anna Day used to give me a cute ornament every year. They're very special to me. There are others of deer and recycling. I like that most of the ornaments tell a story - just like most of the things on my walls. They make me smile.

Okay - now I'm ready to put my tree up this weekend - to remember, and to smile.