Saturday 9: We Need a Little Christmas

This will be my final Saturday 9 post for this year.

I hope you will have a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year.

Thank you Sam for bringing us together around music for this weekly post.

Joining up with Samantha and the others for
Saturday 9

We Need a Little Christmas

Saturday 9: We Need a Little Christmas (2006)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) At the beginning of this recording, Daffy says he hopes all his friends remember his size, style and favorite color. What piece of clothing would you like to add to your wardrobe?

What woman would not love to have this black maxi length wool coat and look this glamorous in it!  Of course, I would never wear it in the south but I can dream, can't I.

2) His friends are late for Daffy's holiday soiree. Think about the last get together you attended. Were you early, late or right on time?

We try to always be either a bit early or right on time.  I can't tolerate late.  But, our last gathering was last night when we had friends over for dinner.  I was right on time!

3) It hasn't a snowed a single flurry where Daffy is. Have you had to shovel yet?

Hardly!  We did have some flurries in late November, but I don't think you would find a single snow shovel in our state of Louisiana.

Disappointingly, we aren't even expecting a white Christmas in Northern Indiana this year.

4) Daffy sings that he's looking forward to fruitcake. How about you? Are you a fruitcake fan?

NO! 

5) Daffy is an American Black Duck. Their usual diet doesn't generally include fruitcake. These ducks more commonly dine on seeds, foliage and bugs. What was your most recent meal?

Last night I had good friends over for a breakfast dinner consisting of

Breakfast Casserole
Pork Steaks
Biscuits with Homemade Fig Preserves
Pecan Pie Muffins
Fresh Fruit

6) The only Christmas card Sam has received so far this year is from her insurance agent. She never sees her agent socially. In fact, she doesn't think she's seen him at all in 2018. Have you received many cards this year? If so, were they from people you feel close to?

We have only received a few so far and this is very unusual for this time of the month.  Folks just aren't sending out cards like they used to.  Neither are we.

My cards are from our daughter, a nephew,  close friends, and a 1st cousin.

7) When do you start holiday shopping: Christmas Eve, Thanksgiving/Black Friday, Halloween?

I don't do a lot of shopping, but if I see something during the year that I think would be appropriate for someone, I get it.  Otherwise, I usually start thinking about it seriously in November.

8) Sam was recently driven crazy by kids running through store aisles wearing elf hats with bells. Do you have any apparel that makes noise?

None other than the rustling sound of my winter rain coat. 

9) This time of year is big for charitable fundraising. Here's your chance to plug a cause or organization that's near and dear to you.

I sponsor a little Rwandan 5 year old girl through a Christian ministry,

Africa New Life Ministries.

We correspond with each other monthly and I look so forward to getting her little letters with her childish colorful drawings and updates on her family and activities.

I was able to buy her a pair of shoes for her birthday and also Christmas gifts through the organization.  They provide education, food and community support for sponsored children and their families.

I learned about this ministry through
Ann Voskamp seen here with her sponsored child.

There are so many needy children in that area that Africa New Life can help, with contributions and sponsorship from folks like us.

MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR

Wednesday Medley - Christmas In The Air

Music is in the air this Christmas season at our house.  We recently discovered the pianist, Beggie Adair and have so enjoyed listening to

"Beggie Adair's Holiday Radio" on Pandora.

She is 80 years old and currently lives in Franklin, TN.  The Beegie Adair Trio is one of the most successful jazz groups in the world.

If you aren't familiar with her, check her out HERE.

Now, it's time to join Terri for

1.  National Ding-a-Ling Day is observed across the United States each year on December 12.  Ding-a-Lings on this day call the people they haven’t heard from in a while.  It may be an old classmate, co-worker or neighbor from years ago.  Or perhaps a call will go out to the child who used to mow the grass during the summer.  How about that couple who carpooled for soccer. There are all sorts of people in our lives who manage to slip out of our lives who would love to hear the ding-a-ling of a call from you or me.  So tell us who you want to call today!

There are many who come to mind that I would like to call today, many of whom are in heaven.  For some reason those who are particularly on my mind right now are men and women who were encouragers to my children during their growing up years.

There were men who spent time with our son, giving him jobs, coaching him on the ball fields/courts; families who took him to all-star games when we had to be out of town; men and women who provided counsel and encouragement at the times most needed.  Many of these are still very important to our son.

When our daughter needed it most, there were women in our church and circle of friends, who supported her with encouraging words and gifts and unconditional acceptance.  They still do that even after all these years.

I won't call any of these today, but I will let them know in other ways how grateful I am.

2.  Each year on the 12th day of December, people across the United States recognize National Poinsettia Day.  I am including this "National Day" too because my neighbor's poinsettia from last year is blooming beside their house!!  Have you ever tried to plant a poinsettia outside?

I did only once.  Even though we live in the south, we can have freezing temps in the winter months and sometimes even ice and snow.  Therefore, it is foolish to plant a poinsettia outside.  I love them inside though.

My 2018 poinsettia that I am so enjoying while I can.

3.  Do you believe in Bigfoot?  What size shoe do you wear and do you have trouble shoe shopping?

I would love to believe in Bigfoot, but don't.  My shoe size is an 8 1/2 sandal and 9 enclosed shoe.  Although I love pretty shoes, I don't enjoy shopping for them because I am difficult to fit.  My feet are narrow and thin which creates problems.  Also, since having extensive foot surgery a few years ago, I have a very sensitive tip of a toe that demands its space.

See pin in end of toe?

4.  What is one thing you refuse to share?

I refuse to share my bath cloth and towel.  Other than that, there is not much I won't share;  however, I am very particular and selective with whom I share things. 

5.  Are you finding that this Christmas is stressful? More or less than last year?  

No, I am not finding it stressful at all.  I do feel a bit rushed this week trying to fit in everything I need to do while getting ready to be gone for two weeks.  But, I'm not stressed.  It is a matter of setting priorities and just getting it done. 

6.  Tell us something random about your week so far!

See #5

Just one product suggestion for you.

For you diffuser users, you might want to check out this essential oil.  I found it a couple years ago, and use it almost daily during the winter months.  It is similar to Young Living's version of "Thieves."

The Good Samaritan formula has been proven to kill over 99% of bacteria; making it an indispensable formula for a healthy home.

As you know, many radio stations have been encouraged to stop playing "Baby It's Cold Outside" for some crazy reasons, none of which make sense to me.  But, for a little levity and absurdity, I thought I would close my Wednesday Medley for 2018 with an example of how ridiculous our world can get.

A friend posted the following on Facebook this week:

"Since radio decided to pull “Baby it’s Cold Outside” from its playlist because someone was offended, I feel that these other holiday songs must also be removed as they are offensive as well. Do so immediately.

1. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus: Subjecting minors to softcore porn

2. The Christmas Song: Open fire? Pollution. Folks dressed up like Eskimos? Cultural appropriation

3. Holly Jolly Christmas: Kiss her once for me? Unwanted advances

4. White Christmas? Racist

5. Santa Claus is Coming to Town: Sees you when you’re sleeping? Knows when you’re awake? Peeping Tom stalker

6. Most Wonderful Time of the Year: Everyone telling you be of good cheer? Forced to hide depression

7. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: Bullying

8. It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas: Forced gender-specific gifts: dolls for Janice and Jen and boots and pistols (GUNS!) for Barney and Ben

9. Santa Baby: Gold digger, blackmail

10. Frosty the Snowman: Sexist; not a snow woman

11. Do You Hear What I Hear: Blatant disregard for the hearing impaired

12. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas: Make the yuletide GAY? Wow, just wow

13. Jingle Bell Rock: Giddy up jingle horse, pick up your feet: animal abuse

14. Mistletoe and Holly: Overeating, folks stealing a kiss or two? How did this song ever see the light of day?

15. Winter Wonderland: Parson Brown demanding they get married…forced partnership.

16. Grandma Got Ran Over By A Reindeer: Woman attacked & Grandpa gambling."

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EACH OF YOU!

Saturday 9: Christmas Tree...

I'm Gonna Put Some Glue 'Round the Christmas Tree (So Santa Will Stick Around All Year)

Saturday 9: I'm Gonna Put Some Glue 'Round the Christmas Tree l(So Santa Will Stick Around All Year) (1954)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This week's featured songstress, Peggy King, sings that she'd like to extend the Christmas season all year. How about you? Do you wish the season was longer? Shorter? Or do you think things are fine as they are?

I think things are fine as they are.  In fact, commercially it starts too early, but for me and the activities we are involved in, it is good as it is.

2) She specifically mentions toys. Have you purchased/will you purchase any toys as holiday gifts this year?

We did actually purchase a couple toys for our grand dogs.  We even added a great grand dog this past year.  My, how times have changed.

3) Search for "glue" on The Home Depot's website and you'll get more than 3,000 results. There's heavy-duty adhesives, all-purpose glue, clear epoxy, wood glue, and more. Do you currently have glue in your home? If yes, how many kinds? 

Super glue is the only kind I have inside.  There may be others on Hubby's work shelves.

4) What's the last thing you used glue for?

I glued a handle back on a bowl that had belonged to my mother that I carelessly broken.

5) This week's featured artist, Peggy King, was a TV staple in the 1950s. With her perpetually upbeat persona, she was known as "Pretty, Perky Peggy King." Do you consider yourself upbeat, aka "perky?"
 

No, I don't think I have ever been seen as "perky."  I am fairly upbeat but not excessively so.  My demeanor is more sedate. 

6) Ms. King got her start singing radio jingles for Hunt's tomato sauce. Prepared tomato sauce, properly stored, can safely be kept in the refrigerator for days. Do you have any leftovers in your refrigerator right now?

Only a couple things, sweet potatoes and a bowl of rice.  We do not mind eating leftovers so there is always something in the frig from previous meals.

7) Her biggest movie role was in Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy (1955). Do you watch scary movies and shows all year around? Only at Halloween? Or not at all?

Not at all.

8) In 1954, the year this record was released, President Eisenhower dedicated the Marine Corps. Iwo Jima Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery, just outside of Washington DC. If you were to play tourist in our nation's capital, what site would you be certain to visit?

There are so many.  The Lincoln Memorial, Arlington and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier are my favorites.  The Capital and White House are always top stops.  A night time boat ride down the Potomac would also be on the list.

9) Random question: Which of these common household items would you miss most if it suddenly went on the fritz -- your bedside lamp or your hair dryer? 

The hair dryer.  I could always find another source of light,but not a way to dry and fluff this short hair.  

Wednesday Medley - Fun Things

I normally don't wait until the morning of to put together a blog post, but as my day before was crammed full of pre-Christmas activities, I am just now getting around to sitting in front of the computer.

Better late than never to join in with Terri from 

Your Friend From Florida

and the gals who post on

So, let's get with it.

1.     On December 5, 1901, Walt Disney was born.  Have you been to Disneyland or Disney World?  Can you share a favorite Disney memory?

I have not been so have no memories to share.  Our son did take his teenage daughters a few years back and they had a great time, but one time was enough.

2.     The first roller coaster attraction at Walt Disney World was Space Mountain.  Do you/did you like roller coasters?

No, I cannot say I have ever enjoyed a roller coaster.  I have ridden a few, but they weren't pleasant experiences.

3.     The very first fairy tale that Walt Disney made a cartoon about was Little Red Riding Hood.  Did you enjoy fairy tales when you were a youngster or did they scare you?  Did you have a favorite?

No, I cannot say I have ever enjoyed a roller coaster.  I have ridden a few, but they weren't pleasant experiences.

Fairy tales were never scary to me.  We were told and read these tales from as early as I can remember.  My dad would tell them as if they were actually happening and we loved it.  he had the richest bass voice and was a great story teller.  Our Mother was also very animated as she read and I have precious memories of snuggling with my grandmother as she read to us.  Books and reading were out night time activity in our home and there was absolutely nothing scary about anything.  I do not recall having one favorite; we loved them all.

4.     In Lady & the Tramp, Tramp’s real name was Butch!  Do you have nicknames for your fur-babies and/or for your children?

No fur babies in this house.  As for nicknames, our Daughter's name is Christina and we call her Christy, Savannah is often Vannah, Mary-Elizabeth is shortened to Mary-Beth or M-E, and Ava Grace is AG on occasion.  But the sweetest nicknames are the ones given to Dick by the grandchildren.  Our oldest granddaughter tried combining Granddad and Daddy and came up with Daddea.  This has been continued with our daughter's 4 children.

However, when our son's first child, our only grandson and 2nd grandchild, came along that was a bit much for him so he shortened it to Da.  Then Savannah, the dramatic one preferred DaDa.  Mary-Elizabeth, the fun-loving one from day one added DaDaDa.  Needless to say, Dick answers to most anything that begins with a D.

5.     I can’t let this day go by without respecting George H.W. Bush, as he lays in state in the Rotunda of our Capital today.  He was our 41^st President and only the second father to have a son follow him as President of the United States.  President Bush loved his colorful socks.  I bought Joe a pair of George H.W. Bush socks for Christmas one year.  I know Myra has a pair… any other bloggers checking in today who have a pair of the Presidential socks in a drawer at home?  How do you feel about colorful socks?

We are much too practical in our house to go with colorful socks, I'm afraid.  And they just aren't Dick's style.  Our son however, does appreciate a conservative nice colored dress sock.

These are the socks (and tie) President Bush will be buried in.

6.     Please tell us something random about your week!

We will be driving to Dallas tomorrow to be with our youngest granddaughter, Ava Grace while her parents are on a short get-away.  We always enjoy our time with this precious 12 year old.  She is such a joy and delight to be with.  Of course, we will also get to see her delightful older sisters and our only grandson-in-love.  It will be our Christmas visit with them as we will be leaving for Indiana on the 16th.

I mentioned last week that we would be having friends over for dinner on Thursday night.  We has such a good time, so I thought I would show you the place setting I used and a few vignettes.

We had eight in all so I used two tables and separated the men and women.  That way we can all talk about what interests us in particular.  And based on some of their over-heard conversations, we ladies were grateful to have our own table.

This was the lady's table.  I had a little ornament as a keepsake for each person.

The men's table was larger and just a bit different.  And, let me just add that the gumbo was delicious as was the bread pudding Carolyn brought.

My Thanksgiving/Christmas cactus is a mix of white and red and added a pretty spot of color on the back porch.

And, this sleepy-eyed Santa hopes you have a great rest of your week.

My Friend the Author

Have you ever met someone and knew immediately you would like them?

We had that experience fairly recently when a new couple joined our church.

After church one Sunday, we met them at our favorite after-church place to eat and learned it was also their favorite.

We realized, though they are a bit younger than us, that we have much in common.  On top of that, we realized we enjoyed each other's company.  So, when we are all in town at the same time, we continue to enjoy meeting for Sunday lunch.

Jim and Rita Rabalais (pronounced Rab-uh-lay for you none Cajuns) are a delightful couple whose love and respect for each other is immediately obvious.  It is clear they are each other's best friend.  They have three grown sons, two daughters-in-law and another soon-to-be.

Jim works for Libbey Glass and travels all over the country and abroad in his job.

Rita is a retired school teacher after having a 33 year career in the Caddo Parish school system.  She now substitutes at the Shreveport First Baptist Church School when she isn't traveling with Jim.  Or, when she isn't making dolls or writing books.

It is this latter activity that I want to share with you.

Rita's first book is about an experience from her mother's childhood.  Her mother, Pearl is the central character and it is based on a story that was shared with Rita as a child.  Years later when Rita told her mother that she would write a book about that experience, her mom sent her the notes she would need.

Seventy Times Seven is a sweet story about forgiveness and friendship.  It takes place in 1934 during the Great Depression, but the lesson it teaches and illustrates is timeless.  Unfortunately, Pearl did not live to see her story written and published, but Rita is glad she was able to keep her promise to her mom.

Even though it is written about a little girl, the story is also appropriate for boys as well.  Learning the importance of forgiveness between friends has no age or gender limits.

Pearl's story continues to live on.



Not to spoil the story, but Pearl's grandmother really did make rag dolls and that is what inspired Rita to learn the skill and she delights in sharing her dolls with little girls just like her great, great grandmother did.

This past Sunday, Rita couldn't wait to tell us that her second book has been published and that she had had her first book signing the day before.

Piano's Song is a beautiful large book.  It is about a player piano and its many homes.  The story is told from the piano's vantage point and shares the desire we all have to be loved and needed in an ever-changing world.

The art work is beautifully done by a young lady who also lives in Louisiana.  The colors are vibrant and the story equally rich in its meaning.

Rita learned to play the piano on an old player piano, and this book is written in honor of her piano teacher who has been giving piano lessons in Central Louisiana for more than 75 years. Mrs. Maxwell has also been the pianist in her little country church for 75 years.  She recently broke her wrist and is terribly upset that she won't be able to play the Christmas music this year.

Rita also gives the history of the Player Piano in the back of her book for those children who may not have ever seen one.

Either or both of these books and the rag dolls would make wonderful Christmas presents for those little or big ones on your list.  If interested, you can leave a comment on this post, or contact Rita directly at

ryr629@aol.com

318-347-1588