A Bahamas Christmas Recap

Not everyone has the opportunity to spend Christmas week and especially Christmas day wearing a swimsuit on the beach in Nassau, Bahamas.

It was our privilege to do just that this year only because our grandson and the Western Michigan University football team played exceptionally well this year.  Thank you Broncos!

Hoping to not bore you beyond consciousness, I would love to share a bit of our trip with you.  And I acknowledge up front that this is a definite picture overload.  But, it's my blog, right?

Hubby and I drove to Chicago, meeting son and his family for an early morning flight out of O'Hare on Tuesday, December 22.

The girls and I are ready to begin our adventure.

  I wish I could have photoed the spectacular Christmas lighting along our shuttle route to the airport before daylight.  That would be the last we would see.

Most of the flight was cloud covered, and this was my view from the window most of the way,

so I was more than excited to get this view of the island on our approach.

It was so much fun to see this welcoming us in the airport.

Our first introduction to the Bahamas was a little less than spectacular, but quite interesting nonetheless.

Our taxi driver took us right downtown where preparations were being made for the huge annual all-night celebration eagerly anticipated by the islanders on Christmas night.  We saw no reason to explore that area again.

This was our first view of the Atlantis and hotel where we would be living the following four nights.

We stayed in the Atlantis Coral where the team was staying and not in the much more upscale and renowned towers.  However, our balcony gave us spectacular views of where the affluent stay.

Speaking of the affluent.

Would you like to guess what this bridge suite costs the rich and famous?

A mere $25,000 a night.

On Tuesday, Hubby and I chose to spend our day exploring and photographing the whole complex rather than joining our family on the beach.  As mentioned on the Hodgepodge last week, Hubby and I were stopped by a couple young reporters from the Kalamazoo, MI TV station and interviewed about our stay so far.  It was so much fun to do this and then actually see ourselves on TV.

Here are a few of the favorite scenes from that day.

We really enjoyed the two large aquariums.

 Such pretty architecture.

 Interesting light fixtures.

 On the most anticipated Christmas Eve and our reason for being there, we stepped outside the hotel to find a taxi to take us to the stadium, and there was "Sexy Mary" with a courtesy ride.  We fully believe the Lord sent her there at that moment in order for us to meet this interesting Christian lady and have about 30 minutes getting to be with her and hear her testimony.  God is so faithful to do that sort of thing, isn't he.

She knew all the back streets and what she called "giving a tour of the hood" in order to avoid the more heavily traveled streets.  It was so interesting to see this aspect of the island where the real islanders live.

She was happy to come back and get us afterward for which we were most grateful.  It did take us a while to get used to her being on the right side of the vehicle and driving on the left side of the road.

These are pictures of the stadium which was prepped for this the 2nd annual Popeye's Bahamas Bowl.

 This was a group of locals doing the "Na Na".

 Santa was even in attendance.

The game was so exciting as we were tied at 17 at the half, but by the end of the game, WMU had pulled ahead of the Middle Tennessee team and won 45 to 21.

Our big #65 played a great game and it was so exciting to watch him.

 I snapped this look and pointed finger to his dad after the winning touchdown and a particularly good block from our left guard.

 The offensive coach wanted a picture of his offensive line and the quarterback wanted to be part of the group who helped him look good.

 They were proud of being part of the school's first team to win a bowl game trophy.

 Grandson and one of his biggest supporters and fellow team member. Needless to say, this bunch is #65's biggest supporters.

As you can tell there was excitement on the field afterward as families greeted their worn-out boys and as they themselves reveled in their victory.

So you will know just how much this meant to the boys and their families, two years ago WMU was the worst college football team in the nation.  In two years, the program has been turned around and for the first time in school history, they played the #1 and #3 college teams (Ohio State and Michigan) early this season, defeated a top 25 team, and played in two consecutive bowl games, winning the second.  So, these young men and their families had good reason to celebrate.

Grandson was given special permission to stay over with us for a day after the game.  We started our Christmas morning by reading the Christmas story and just having a time of sharing in our pjs.  This was such a precious time with our kids.

  I do not necessarily recommend spending Christmas in the Bahamas because it is just not very "Christmasy," but we did enjoy this huge, beautiful tree in the hotel atrium.

Friday was spent together doing all the water rides and playing on the beach.  It was a great day and time for the family to enjoy being together. 

  Merry Christmas in the sand.

 

 And then this silly family on their last night.

I hope you have enjoyed taking this little trip with us.  We made memories that we will treasure for a very long time.

Begin the Beguine

It is so good to be back with the Wednesday Hodgepodge.

Thank you Joyce for these interesting questions to begin our new year.

1. Are you ready for new? Is 2016 likely to be very different than 2015? Do you want it to be?

Yes, I am ready for new.  New what, I'm not sure, but I am ready to begin a new year with all the anticipation that a new beginning brings.  It will be different in that we will do less traveling this year and our focus will no longer be on celebrating a specific event; however, I hope we don't lose that excitement of now being married 51 years.  I hope we can spend 2016 celebrating what God is doing not only in our lives but in the lives of our family and friends.  Yes, I look forward to new beginnings and the continuation of good things from 2015.

2. January 6th is National Technology Day. Currently, what is your single biggest struggle or frustration when it comes to technology?

Two of my grand girls have mastered Snapchat and I had hoped for lessons, but time ran out for that.

3. It's that time again...time for Lake Superior University to present a list of words (or phrases) they'd like to see banished (for over-use, mis-use, and general uselessness) in 2016. You can read more about the decision making process here, but this year's top vote getters are-  
So (at the start of every single sentence), conversation (as in hotly debated topics where we're invited to 'join the conversation'), problematic, stakeholder, price point, secret sauce, break the Internet, walk it back, presser, manspreading (common in larger cities where some men take up the entire bus or train seat by sitting wide), vape, giving me life (refers to anything that may excite a person or make them laugh), and physicality
 
Which of these words/phrases would you most like to see banished from everyday speech and why? Is there a word not on the list you'd like to add?

Most of these are not mis-used in my world, some are not even used, and some I'm not familiar with  such as "vape".  Using the word "so" to begin a sentence is aggravating to me and probably something I do occasionally use.  The one word I would like to see banished is inserting "like" within a sentence fifteen times.  Now, that is like useless to me.

4. Share one of your current health related goals.

While visiting our son and his family, I had a Cervical MRI which showed a pretty bad, messed up neck.  Arthritis and stenosis are not a good combination.  While there, I had an epidural injection.  So, one of my health related goals is to continue doing the PT and massage therapy on my neck, along with other exercises and hopefully, keep my neck from getting too much worse.

5. Let's talk fifty shades of gray. As in the color. Gray is currently a popular color in home decor, paint, wardrobes, hair, wedding party attire, and more. Are you a fan? Do you have the color in some variation in your home or wardrobe?  Gray hair, the old gray mare, gray matter, gray area...which gray idiom can you most relate to right now?

I am not a big fan of gray.  I find it rather cold when used in a large amount in home decor.  I much prefer the warmer tones.  I am doing all I can on a monthly basis to keep the gray out of my hair, and have only one gray suit.  I do like it so wear more becoming colors near my face when wearing it.  I do love the color used in weddings.  In fact, my granddaughter used a pewter for her wedding last May and it was so elegant, as seen on Cassidy below.

"The old gray mare" is certainly not what she used to be.  It is so frustrating to realize I can no longer do some of the things I did just a year ago.  This doesn't keep me from trying, but I will never be able to do certain things again.  But, that's alright!

6. Certain foods are considered 'lucky' if eaten on New Year's Eve or New Year's Day. Cooked greens to bring economic fortune, black-eyed peas or lentils also symbolize money, pork which symbolizes progress, fish for good luck, and if you're in Spain 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight. Did you eat any lucky foods on the first day of the year? Is that a tradition in your home? Of the foods listed, which most appeals to you?

We do not eat any of the traditional New Year's foods you listed to bring in the new year.  Because we are Louisianans, we usually have a gumbo for New Year's Eve and it is always better the second day.

Black-eyed peas is one of my favorites any time of the year.

7. What's the single biggest time waster in your life and what, if anything, will you do about it this year?

I don't consider it a waste of time, but I probably spend more time reading than I probably should.  I can really get caught up in a good book and easily lose track of time.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

As you may or may not know, we spent Christmas week in the Bahamas with our son and his family to watch our grandson play in the Popeye's Bahamas Bowl.  And we WON!

Hubby and I and some other team family members were interviewed by Kalamazoo newsmen and featured on their news cast.  Click the link below.  How fun was that!
Bronco players, parents in Bahamas getting ready for big game

It was a wonderful time with family in this beautiful place.  I will show more pictures in another post, but this is our bunch after the game with our Big Boy left guard, #65 who played a great game.

Way to go Broncos!

A Christmas Hodgepodgie Hodgepodge

This is our Christmas Hodgepodge post.

Next week, I will be celebrating in the Bahamas with our son and his family as we eagerly anticipate our grandson and theWestern Michigan Broncos playing in the Popeye's Bahamas Bowl on Christmas Eve.

There will be few family traditions for us this year, but we do look forward to sharing

this beautiful story of our Lord's birth together on a beach somewhere.

Traditions are only what we make them, and memories are also what we make them and this year will be full of memory making events.

So join the other bloggers and Joyce 

for

Wednesday Hodgepodge 

1. What's your biggest 'first world' problem?

 

 It has got to be the alarm going off at 4:45 on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.  Woe is me!

2.  Each year Time Magazine names a 'Person of the Year', someone who has 'for better or worse...done the most to influence the events of the year.' It was recently announced they've named Angela Merkel Person of the Year for 2015. You can read more about this year's selection here. Your thoughts? If you were in charge, who would you declare Person of the Year? 

No doubt Chancellor Merkel has done some great things for her countrymen, but allowing millions and millions of unvetted immigrants into her country as hopeful workers to boost the German economy is a very risky thing to do.  Her plan is not to create a multicultural society but to make it mandatory to speak German, etc.  I find this rather far-fetched with this particular group of immigrants.  To me, this is not basis enough for this honor, therefore, she would not be my first choice.  That being said, I frankly do not know of anyone I would declare as Person of the Year.

3. Do you have a nativity set in your home? If so share it's history and how you display the pieces.

I do have a simple nativity that I am using as a centerpiece on my table that I have had for several years, but has no significant history.  I often use it on the foyer table, but am doing less decorating this year, so made it very simple.

4.  Do you make an extra effort to give back in some way during the holiday season? How do you encourage those who need encouragement this time of year?

I am embarrassed to say that I do not do enough giving back or encouraging this time of year.

5. Who is your favorite person to shop for? Why?

It would be my daughter and daughter-in-law because they are fairly easy to please and are grateful for whatever I give them.

6. What's the last delicious thing you ate?

Hubby brought me a slice of Italian Cream cake from an office party today.  It was delicious!

7. The best way to spread Christmas cheer is________________.

Through music and sharing the joy of Christmas with family and friends.

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

I happen to think we have one of the most beautiful churches around and thought I would share with you some of the tasteful decorations and Christmas symbols in our sanctuary.

 An overall view of the sanctuary from the balcony.

Poinsettia tree

Advent wreath and candles

Nativity on a side table

Large nativity in the foyer

Stained glass window depicting the Christ Child

For unto us a child is born

unto us a son is given.

And His name shall be called

Wonderful Counselor, 

The Mighty God,

The Everlasting Father,

The Prince of Peace.

Merry Christmas to you and your family and may you (re)discover the joy that a life in Christ brings.

Two Weeks Countdown!

We are on the count down to Christmas 2015 but thanks to Joyce, we can divert our hustle and bustle into a fun time with the

Hodgepodge

1.  Many families have a story they love to tell every year around a holiday. Does your family have one? Are you the star of that story, or does another family member take center stage? Share your story if you want.

We really don't have a particular story.

2. Are you afraid to speak your own opinion?

Unfortunately not!  However, I do try to temper voicing my opinion in order to not hurt someone or cause greater confusion.  I am not always successful, I fear.

3. Pantone has announced the color of the year for 2016, and for the first time have chosen two shades-rose quartz and serenity. Hmmm...did you know serenity was a color? You can read the thought behind their selection here, but essentially it's blending the warmth of rose quartz with the tranquility of a very soft shade of blue. So what do you think? Are these colors I'd find in your home or wardrobe? Will you add something in these shades to either place in the new year?

I didn't know serenity was a color either, but I do think it is an appropriate name for this shade of blue.  No, you won't find either of these colors in my home and other than one kinda sorta rose quartz tee-shirt, there is nothing in my closet.  I am not likely to add these in the near future because first, it just won't fit in my house, and second, I don't wear pastels, especially blue and pink shades.  See some more comments in my Random Thoughts below.

4. If you could be in a Christmas carol, which one would you choose? Why?

"Oh Little Town of Bethlehem."  I can't imagine any more wonderful place than to have been in that little village on that special night.  To have witnessed the chaos of so many people seeking a place to rest. To have been in that stable cave and witness the painful yet joy-full birth of our Savior. Then to be transported to the hillside with the frightened shepherds as the multiplied angels announced the holy birth and sang praises to God the King, and peace on earth to men who knew little of what that would mean.  Yes, Bethlehem is where I would like to have been.

We still have our Bethlehem today where we are too busy to see the needs around us; frightened by the unknown; blinded by the chaos and pain, often of our own making, to experience the Prince of Peace.  Let our prayer this year be to....

"Hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell; O come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Immanuel!"

5. December 9th is National Pastry Day. Will you celebrate? When did you last purchase something from a bakery? What's your favorite treat that falls under the heading of pastry? Do you make it yourself or buy from the professionals?

I don't bake so no, won't be participating in that observance.  The last thing I purchased from a bakery was a cake to share with our Prayer Group on my birthday - a Red Velvet.  My all-time favorite is the Mardi Gras Ball made by a local restuarant called Rollin In The Dough.  Small but so yummy!

6. When it comes to holiday decorating I have not done very much this year and don't plan to.

7. When did you last laugh so much it hurt? Explain.

On Thanksgiving evening, my daughter and two granddaughters played games for several hours.  One of them was Apples to Apples and playing this with a nine year old was hilarious.  Don't know when I've had so much fun.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Why did Pantone choose these shades?   For their soothing qualities!

"Think of a trip to the beach under a calm Serenity blue sky that seems to go on forever.  It seems weightless and airy imbuing you with a sense of care free feelings. Rose is a color that is almost always associated with a gentle, tactile touch. At the same time its warmth draws you in, so it is seen as compassionate and caring. There is also a healthy glow that is attached to the color. Together, they are perceived as soothing."

So, now you know!

Top Ten Colors for 2016

 So, how can you incorporate these two colors into your wardrobe this winter and upcoming spring?

 Wear each separately or combine.  Mix them with one of the stronger colors for 2016.

Or, you may choose to use these soft, soothing colors in your home to create a relaxing ambiance.

Pinterest

 And, if that doesn't work for you, you want to just color your hair.

How I Wear My Brooch

On this Monday morning, I am joining my friends Adrienne and Jill at

How I Wear My...

for this month's "How I Wear My Brooch".

Their blog will be posted on the 9th if you care to see how others wear their brooches.  See it HERE.
 

Do you still wear brooches?  I do not wear pins very often anymore.  However, I thought it might be fun to participate in the post this month.

Just a word about my little pin.  It is a Mother-of-Pearl pin that I bought while visiting in Israel in 1972.  It is very delicate and I love the intricate design.

I selected this sweet vintage brooch to wear with this dress because the dress itself is quite busy and I didn't need anything to compete with the pattern.

Because I wear glasses and consider them as an accessory, I try not to over do the jewelry around my face.  With the cowl collar of this dress, I felt a simple brooch and earrings would be enough.    I also considered the large belt buckle as an accessory; therefore kept it all simple.

There’s a common misconception that a brooch is an accessory worn by someone 70+: ME, the Queen of England, Madeline Albright, aged Park Avenue Socialites, you get the picture. However, it seems pretty pins are making their way back into the current accessories market.
Wearing a brooch is a timeless way to add some sparkle to your fall outfits.

Getty/GoRunway, Art by Bobby Doherty

Pin one on in the glamorous style of Elizabeth Taylor, use it as a utilitarian way to close a shawl, or turn it into an embellishment.

Here are some suggestions:

1. Mix old with new. Wear a vintage brooch with a structured, graphic print dress, such as mine above, or neon clutch for a look that’s polished with added modern flair.

2. Placement is key. A brooch always works when worn, left or right, over the bust, (I was always taught to wear it on the left) but it can also be a surprising embellishment at the center of a buttoned up collar.

3. Blazers and brooches are friends. A fresh way to put some punch into your go-to, tailored blazer, jacket or denim shirt is to add a playful brooch to the lapel.

4. Use it in a surprising way.   Clip a beautiful brooch to a strand of necklaces or pearls, group several bangles, or wear on a scarf, or in your hair.  Wear one to call attention to the back of a simple dress. 

I bet you didn't know brooches could be so versatile.

Now, how do you like to wear your brooches?

A Friday Favorite Link Hop

For this Friday Favorite Post, I thought I would give you a variety of links I found interesting this week.

Whether you love, hate, have or have not put a foot in New Orleans, you have to admit that there are not many more interesting or intriguing places.

From the comfort of your chair, why not take this walking tour of some of the highlights of the

New Orleans Garden District.

Walking Tour of Garden District

If you love everything Chanel, you might enjoy this collection of short films.

Inside Chanel

Here are a couple links for spicing up a fall outfit with things you probably already have in your closet or jewelry box.

Add a Scarf?

How To Build a Beauty Bundle

Now, the big announcement of the
Pantone Color of the Year 2016
HERE 
What do you think?  Will you wear it? 

And to end with something simply beautiful.

Mary Did You Know

It's Gonna Be a Bahama Christmas

I trust your Thanksgiving was as memorable and enjoyable as ours was.  Now, on to things of Christmas.

Join other bloggers HERE for our Wednesday gathering.

1. Did you watch The Charlie Brown Christmas special Monday night? Who's your favorite Peanuts character and why?

No, I didn't watch.  I much prefer football to cartoons.  My favorite character has to be Charlie Brown himself.

"Most psychiatrists agree that sitting in a pumpkin patch is excellent therapy for a troubled mind."~Linus  

Would you agree?
 
Sure, why not.  What more does a troubled mind have to do but sit and wait for something better.

2. Describe a sound from your childhood. What does this sound bring to mind? 

Music.  My dad loved pretty music and he often played records for us.  He also loved to sing and taught us to sing and play the piano from shaped notes hymnals.

3. You've won a trip to a winter wonderland...would that excite you? Which one of the following would you most want to experience (or which one would you dislike the least)-see the Aurora Borealis in Norway, stay in Sweden's Ice Hotel, go dogsledding in Lapland Finland, take a winter wildlife safari in Yellowstone or celebrate Winter Carnival in Quebec? 

Yes, I love winter and would enjoy all of these trips, but I think I will select the Winter Carnival in Quebec.

4. Who or what keeps you humble?
 

Myself!  If I ever think too highly of myself, I will invariably do something that brings me down a notch.  Without fail!

5. What part of preparing for Christmas do you like the most? Explain. 

I guess its the excitement of knowing we will be with family.  I really don't enjoy the decorating because we aren't here to enjoy it and dread getting back home and having to undo what we haven't enjoyed.  Make sense?

6. Gingerbread-yay or nay? Is making a gingerbread house part of your family holiday tradition?

I love gingerbread, but do not do the house thing.

7. What's one thing you want to start, do, or complete before the calendar rolls into a new year?

I would like to do one more painting before we head north.  I also NEED to replant my flower beds in the front yard, but the weather or time has not permitted that so far.

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 

I actually have two random thoughts.

1.  We loved being with our daughter and her family and in laws in Dallas for Thanksgiving.  It was a time of visiting, good food, loving on each other and playing games.  Yes, it was a great day of Thanksgiving. 

These two cousin cuties enjoyed being together and working on an art project.

 On Friday morning, our grandson's team played the MAC West Champion, Toledo University.  This was a huge game for them and guess what!  They won, knocking Toledo out of the title and opportunity to play for the MAC championship.

During half-time, the camera spanned and caught our family in the rainy stands.  We were ecstatic to see them on TV.  And we were thrilled every time the camera showed #65.

 2.  WE ARE GOING TO THE BAHAMAS FOR THE BAHAMA BOWL!

Grandson's football team, Western Michigan University has accepted an invitation to play against Middle Tennessee in this much coveted bowl game on December 24.  How could we not go for that?

The Bahamas slogan is “It’s Better in the Bahamas,” and bowl week in Nassau is just that with a mix of sun, sand and football in one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the world.

The Popeyes Bahamas Bowl will be played at Noon ET, and will be televised on ESPN and broadcast on the Popeyes Bahamas Bowl Radio Network.

Geaux Broncos!

 

There will be lots to blog about when I get back!