Christmas Memories 2009

Make a Smilebox slideshow

THIS PLAYBACK TAKES A LONG TIME TO LOAD...MAYBE READ BLOG FIRST!!

Dean and I headed for New York City this year for Christmas. Dean had missed two big trips this year, because of his back, so I thought this would be a great Christmas present for both of us. Though we missed all of our wonderful family and friends, I know they forgave us, and we talked to all of them through Facebook, phone on Christmas, and now this blog.

We booked our room at the Doubletree at Times Square. The room had a terrific view, and the hotel is convenient to everything. Our first day was spent walking, riding in a carriage at Central Park, "shopping" at FAO Schwartz and Saks 5th Ave, watching the skaters at Rockefeller Center and Central Park, and topping the day off with the show, Jersey Boys. Of course, the music was great, and the actor for Frankie Valli had a great voice...loved the show.."Walk Like a Man......"

Day two brought a bus tour, one of those double decker, "Hop on and off", that saved us a few years back, when we went with Adam and Lori and the kids, during the transportation strike. We hopped off at the South Street Seaport, and had a wonderful lunch...then continued on the Brooklyn Loop and back to Downtown. We ended the day at the show, Wicked. A wonderful new story of Oz...the sets were amazing and the singing was fantastic..."Defying gravity.."

Day 3 was Christmas Eve, and after a morning of walking around Times Square and Toys R Us, we went to see the remake of White Christmas. WOW!!! It was just what you would expect from my favorite Christmas production and then some. The singers and dancers and costumes were just fantastic..David Ogden Steiers (Major Winchester from M.A.S.H.) played the General, and he was also wonderful.."We'll follow the old man..."   We walked to the Presbyterian Church on 5th Ave and enjoyed their Christmas Eve service of lessons and hymns. As you would expect in NYC, talented singers and musicians gravitate to the choirs of the local churches...we were not disappointed...great sopranos, tenors, and the organist was incredible. As we walked back to Times Square, we stopped off at the Stage Deli...the very BEST pastrami sandwich ever!!

Then, Christmas day...we grabbed a taxi to Madison Square Garden for a Knicks game. They played and lost to the Miami Heat. The crowd was typical New York and so much fun! Dean talked to all the family at Mom's house during halftime..and I got a voice mail and text from Adam and the kiddos...not our typical Christmas morning, but still loads of fun! Dean had left my "present" to open in Monticello...I told him not to fear, "Tiffany's" is just a walk away!! :)

Christmas dinner was a special meal at the Doubletree, and we ended the day at the Radio City Music Hall's Christmas Spectacular. The Rockettes were indeed the stars, and our friend, Kelly King, is still a member of this prestigious group.

Our final day in NYC was filled with rain..so we taxied to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. We, and about a million others!! We got the audio tour "stuff" and had a great time. We viewed the old masters, the American exhibit, the beautiful Christmas tree, the armor.....and so on and so on. We spent 5 hours and probably saw a 5th of the exhibits...what a wonderful place!

Before our final show, we dined at Ellen's Stardust Diner, and were completely entertained by the waiters and waitresses, who are aspiring Broadway performers. It is so much fun to watch them, sing, dance and deliver food..all at the same time. Our waiter had just returned from a 3 month tour...back to Ellen's to be "rediscovered". Our final show was Mama Mia...a terrific show with, again, some great songs, thanks to ABBA!! " I have a dream....."

The next day...back to La Guardia and our trip home...what a fantastic Christmas trip. Something about NYC.... Dean and I both agree, it was and will be a favorite trip of all times!!

Christmas Memories (Really Old Ones)

Today, the ladies and gentlemen of First Methodist Church were making and wrapping up fruit baskets for the more "experienced" members of our church, for Christmas. As you might expect, fun was had by all, and over 40 baskets were made and delivered this morning. What I did not expect was some of the memories of Christmas that came flooding back today....

Here are Andy and Mim, with Scooter the cat in front of our traditional Christmas tree...Yes, an evergreen, still in can, (to return to the nursery for selling), with ornaments all near the front and middle, because of the numerous times Scooter climbed and knocked it over before Christmas. The Halls never chopped down a tree for Christmas, we just carefully used and returned them to the nursery stock...see??? we were "green" even way back then!!

I know my sisters and I were so embarrassed, as we took our "nursery" plants to our school  teachers....we never got to buy our teachers presents, we just had to take them poinsettias, or those little miniature trees that we decorated, or some other such plant. Of course, we did find out as adults, teachers really like that stuff...even better than the candles and perfumes!!

Speaking of those little trees...that was one of my favorite "chores" during Christmas...See? on the  bench next to Mama? Those are some of our beautiful trees!! I just know they made special gifts for some teacher or mailman, or milkman, or friend!

Some other special times were given to us by Dick Livingston, Daddy's best friend from childhood. He owned Russell's department store in Eustis, and gave us Hall girls a real paying job during the Christmas season. We made about 20 cents an hour wrapping presents purchased in the store. During the beginning of the week, it was a real cinch...somebody buys a blouse, you go back in the back, find the blouse box, pack with tissue, choose a wrapping paper, pick white or red or green ribbon, curl the ends of the ribbon and return to customer. No problems....BUT by Christmas Eve....big problems arose. Boxes became scarce, tape was running thin, only white ribbon may have been left, to go with only one kind of paper!!

I think Margaret and I made have pulled off the best wrapping job in history. Can you guess what someone bought? An overcoat...kind of like a thick trench coat today...we went back to find the box...HA! Not only did that box not exist, the largest box we could find was a square shaped "underwear" box. Somehow, we folded and folded and folded, 'til we got that big coat in that little box...one of us held down the box as the other wrapped the paper and taped and taped and taped. We were so proud, when we handed the customer that beautifully wrapped box, and assured her that yes, indeed..it was her overcoat!!

Christmas hold many delightful memories from those simpler days....Nanny Tom's sugar cookies, our beautiful nursery Christmas trees, Mama's and Daddy's sacrifices for that new bike, singing Christmas carols with the church youth, decorating miniature trees at the nursery, and wrapping presents at Russell's department store...just to name a few.

Bethlehem In Monticello

Make a Smilebox greeting

Here is a small part of Bethlehem in Monticello, a labor of love for our community, presented by members of several congregations in our little town. Though we were rained out on our first night, over 500 people came on Saturday to walk the streets of Bethlehem, follow Mary and Joseph through the town, interact with the townspeople, here the "rest of the story", watch the shepherds in the fields, hear angel tidings, and follow the wisemen to the stable.

This has become a very important tradition for our community....a wonderful way to prepare for the Season!

After visiting Bethlehem, people are treated to cookies, hot chocolate, apple cider, and wonderful entertainment and fellowship. Here are just a few faces in the crowd...

Merry Christmas to all!!

Thanksgiving 2009

Grandpa and David

When Mim and husband Ted, said they would be joining us for Thanksgiving, and that nephew, David and wife Dianna would like to come, as well, we were so excited!! Not only was Daddy, who has been recovering from a broken rib, going to get to see some of his Grandkids, we were going to enlist more helpers for our newest Thanksgiving tradition.

2009 brought the 4th year of our church's Community Thanksgiving Dinner. This began as Dean's brainchild, and was adopted by the church missions team and, of course, a large percentage of our church. Many people work, donate money, and, oh yes, homemade pies for the occasion.

Dean and his cook crew began Tuesday, cooking turkeys. On Thursday, 40 folks, from our church, our community, and even neighboring communities came to finish cooking, delivering take-outs to shut ins, serving those who join us, fellowshipping, and finally joining in on the eating, and of course, cleaning up.

Last year, the total folks served were around 200. So Dean planned for around 240 this year. We realized, after niece Karen and I made several trips to Winn Dixie, that the number was going to be greater. When the turkey feathers had settled, the numbers this year, grew to over 300. Again, we are not sure which group of people are more blessed...which groups are more thankful.... or which group  gives more to the other...the Servers or the Servees. God's Love is so great.

The added treat for our family, is the opportunity we made to go to Barnaby's on Wednesday night to gain sustenance and pepperoni for the following day's work. The special time also gave Daddy reasons to smile, as the cousins shared memories of nursery work days, painting houses, "eggings", and of course, Daddy's wonderful grandfatherly stories...  :)

We missed Bill and Johanna (in Peru), Adam and Lori and the kiddos (visiting friends), and hope that Thanksgiving was a wonderful time for all our family and friends.

The Big 60 Final Chapter

Well, on November 9th, the big day arrived.  It started with e-cards coming in from Adam, Adie Price, Karen and Greg, David, and even one from Peru...Bill and Johanna. Then, Dean whisked me off to a wonderful lunch at Carmelita's. I still find that some of the best Mexican faire anywhere.

We then headed over to Tampa and the Hard Rock Casino and Hotel. My sister Mim and her hubby Ted joined us that evening, and they were going to stay through the 11th, Mim's birthday. Dean and I were surprised that evening with a fruit and cheese tray and a bottle of champagne. Thanks again Larry, we enjoyed it all!

Dean had to leave the next morning, but I got to stay another day. Margaret and Daddy got there, and the Hall girls got to celebrate their birthdays with their "good friend" Bill Hall. The celebration was certainly enhanced by Glenda, the good witch of the North. For those who know The Wizard of Oz slot machine..she visited me and rewarded me with $700+.

Unfortunately, we had a bit of a mishap Tuesday night. Daddy took a fall in the room. We found out when we got back to Monticello, the next day, that he has a broken rib. I guess we will have to "tone down" next year's celebration. Please keep our Daddy in your prayers.

So, the Big 60 came and went. I loved spending time and celebrating with  my family and friends.  To think...in high school, I didn't even think that "1984" would ever get here!!

Part 2 The Big 60

While Bobby Bowden celebrated his 80th birthday, I celebrated  Part 2 of the big 60, the day before my birthday. After church, Dean and I and his Mom headed for Largo, where Ruthie was competing in another gymnastics meet.

Ruthie had quite an audience for this meet. Her mom, two grandmothers, her Grandpa Dean, her Great-Grandmother "TuTu", and her 4th grade teacher Mrs. Rasmussen. She put on quite a show! The first pictures are a few shots of  their warm-ups...This is what I meant by getting tired just watching warm-ups!

You see how it hurts just to watch?


Ruthie began her rotation at the beam. This one gives her and a bunch of others their greatest challenge. Imagine, spinning, doing handstands, and other such activities on a narrow piece of wood above the gym floor!! Ruthie's determination and skill gave her the highest score so far...9.175.

                           AWESOME!!

Ruthie entertained us royally on the beam, on the floor, on the vault, and on the bars. 3 of her scores were 9.1+, and the vault was 8.8. She finished fifth Overall, in her group! Thanks, Miss Ruthie, for helping me celebrate Part 2! Enjoy some parting shots....

                                         

                       

             Be very careful when you put your hand on top of your head during a gymnastics meet...That can be some sticky stuff!!

How To Celebrate The Big 60 Part 1

OK, 60, by anyone's standards is getting right on up there in the age brackets. You begin looking in the mirror and seeing your mother staring back at you!! So how do you actually celebrate this birthday?? Well, part 1 happened today...just two days before my birthday.

We made my birthday trip from Monticello to St. Petersburg for the big football games.. Yes, Rusty and Flip played their final football game of the season. We missed our two biggest cheerleaders, Ruthie and Ellie, but we added their great grandmother, AKA TuTu, as a very qualified cheerleader!! After all, she raised three boys and attended baseball, soccer, and swimming meets...then had four boy grandkids, attending the same. She commented that this was fun, because "We didn't have football back in our day!"

We will start with Flip's game. Here he is with Matthew Stofer, discussing the strategies of the game..Hey, let's run fast and score more than the other team!! I think we get medals for this one!

Here are some of the action shots for the game...Flip pulled two flags and ran for a long gain. He had a great day, and enjoyed the cool weather. Though his team came up a few points short, they played with "determination" and did pick up some medals for their outstanding play!

Next, we move to the Rustmeister's game.

This weekend, the results were reversed. Where Flip picked up a couple of quarters from Grandpa, Rusty almost broke the bank. With blazing speed and dogged determination, Rusty rushed the quarterback, chased down the running backs, and showed excellent speed on the offense. His team won the game, and Rusty walked away with 7 quarters!!!! I know, and so does Adam, that there WERE sparks coming off those shoes , at one point!!

Yes, this was a great start to my birthday celebration. I even chased the two of them down for a big hug!

Dean's mom and I left the game to meet up with good buddies and newly retired, Elaine, Janet, and Charlotte, to wander around the Dunedin Art Festival. It was a beautiful afternoon, filled with great talk, great art, and great Kettle Korn. I do believe Mom enjoyed that the most!!

Turning 60 is a lot more painful than 30, but surrounded by loving friends and family, makes the journey easier. So, thank you my dear friends and loving family for making 60, Part 1 a little easier.

Fall on Lake Burton

Dean's mom has a birthday today, the 24th of October..she will be a beautiful 89. It has been 10 years since she could celebrate her birthday on Lake Burton. As soon as we arrived, all of us breathed in the crisp fall air and settled back to watch the leaves begin turning bright yellow, deep crimson and orange.

Baxter, who had been a howling "basket case" in the motel, settled right down and enjoyed his stay at the lake, and his ride on "Evie's Porch".

 Isn't my coat just precious?? Thanks MOM!!

Yes, we had to bundle up for our boat ride, but it was worth the effort. As usual Evie's Boat Tour was a huge success, as we checked out the latest construction projects, and gave thumbs up or thumbs down to the newest creative endeavors. We don't quite understand the lighthouse or turret or observation tower on the newest house...but someone with a bunch of money must have liked the idea.

We still like coming back to the Jerger place. Just hope that the generations to follow will appreciate having this beautiful place to come. Though Lake Burton is 95% Georgia Power Leased property, Dean's Mom and Dad purchased their 3 lots from long time resident Knox Bynum. With their foresight, and Dad's love of a challenge, our family will never have to worry about leases...Up Yonder will belong to the family as long as we wish to have it. After 40+ years, it still looks great and is such a peaceful place to come.

Ruthie's Gymnastics...The Beginning Chapters

Wow! were we ever impressed on Sunday. Ruthie was participating in only her second competitive gymnastics meet. For those of you who know, she is a Level 4 in experience, and so much higher in perseverance, dedication, and drive.

Her team is  "beautifully" outfitted in TuTu's (Ruthie's great grandmother, Evelyn, from whom she received her first name.) favorite color...PURPLE!!

They began their rotation at the bars, where Ruthie twisted and flipped and muscled her way into the number one position. It was a great start to the meet.

Then, they moved to the beam..I still have no comprehension of the courage it takes to spin, hop, and do handstands on that teeny little board, high above the ground. But, Ruthie did it and with style and grace.

Thirdly, the girls approached the floor exercises. Everyone does the same routine, to the same  music. So, by the time Ruthie got there, we kinda knew what to look out for. Though she fell short of the perfect 10, which I was awarding on every event, the judges rewarded her with the highest score of her age group. 9.375. I think if they would just review the tape, they would see it was really a 10! Again, Ruthie took top honor for that rotation.

Finally, she made her way to the vault, and again did a magnificent job on that apparatus, as well!

Then, Adam and Lori led us off to the rewards room, where all the "hardware" was presented to the highest scoring level 4's according to ages. Ruthie walked away with the two first places (Bars and Floor) plus a 7th in the vault. This propelled Ruthie into the #1 Overall gymnast in her age group! She got medals and a plaque, and she helped her team finish in 3rd place!

I don't know how, but she was able to muster up a smile and didn't seem the least bit winded by this unbelievable day of competition. I personally was exhausted, and had to rest my back after WATCHING the warm ups!

Way to go Miss Ruthie!!