Subj: snow globe
Date: Sat Dec 30 17:42:15 EST 2000
Sitting safe and snug in the big chair in the living room feels like being in the beautiful snow globe that Clara gives Heidi, the one with the cabin that looks like The Grandfather's house. It has been snowing since before dawn, big beautiful flakes in the morning and smaller "means business" flakes in the afternoon. It is now just past dusk and it is still snowing.
There is something about snow that can bring out a sense of community, at least in these parts. Elsa fires up the oven and makes "Blizzard Brownies" for the Staubs, Millmans and Gallaghers, all neighbors with children. She has been making the rich, dark fudgy brownies for as long as I can remember - the neighbors know that they can count on having her trudge through the snow to deliver a full batch to each house. Concerned for the wild life, she turned the three big green trash bins on their sides out on the back porch and pointed them toward the house, away from the snow, and loaded them up with bird seed and sunflower seeds.
John slept until almost 3:00 p.m. This has been the first day in weeks that he could get a long slumber - it is a blessing that it is such a sleepy-time day.
As for myself, I slept until 10:00 a.m. this morning and then, throughout the day, I kept falling asleep in the big chair in the living room. I headed up for an early nap and slept until 5:00 p.m. As I said, the snow made it a great day for hibernating.
We do not live in a community in the sense that Bryn Athyn is a community, but we do live in one, all the same. One of our neighbors dug out from his path to beyond our driveway, another shoveled the entire length of our path, and a third shoveled our driveway. That is community with a capital C.
Many wonderful sights have been seen from our big living room window over the past week. Last Saturday, I was sitting in the living room when the sound of sirens came closer and closer and closer until it sounded like they were going up Mallard, which is the next street over. They sounded familiar and strange, at the same time. I realized it was because they kept going and going and going, even though Mallard is not a long stretch of road. Even stranger was the fact that the neighborhood children came streaming out of their houses onto the road.
It turned out that Santa was making his annual visit to the neighborhood, which apparently he does every year - thanks to the Feasterville Fire Department - on the Saturday before Christmas, but we have never been at home on that Saturday before. It was quite a sight - the fire trucks stopped smack dab in front of Squirrel Haven and Santa, who was riding on the top, got down to talk to all the excited children and hand out candy canes. The children looked so happy and their parents looked like little kids themselves. It is a moment those children will never forget. It is a memory this Gramster will never forget.
Last Sunday, the blessed sight was seeing Whitney and Chad and Peter, then later Shannon, then still later Reynolds, walking through the front door.
On Christmas Day, it was fun to watch the comings and goings to the various houses, as families headed out or headed in for holiday celebrations.
Today, it was the snow and watching the children - bundled from top to toe - having snow ball fights and hauling sleds around and one of the older children even was heading up and down the street on a snow mobile.
I am grateful that it was a Saturday, so Elsa did not have to go to work, that is it not New Year's Eve, and it is not New Year's Day, so I can just sit back and savor the experience of a soft hush of a day in utter peace and quiet.
Take care, stay safe, and God bless - Jessie's Adopted Grandma
Thursday, December 30, 2010
ODE TO JOY 12/29/00
Subj: Ode to Joy
Date: Fri Dec 29 07:49:13 EST 2000
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra closed its season last night with a rousing presentation of Beethoven's 9th Symphony, the Choral Symphony, which includes the Ode to Joy. My goodness, what a lot of memories it sparked.
It reminded me of a summer many, many moons ago when Wynne Pitcairn, Mim, myself and Elsa went to the shore for a week - Ventnor, or Brigantine or Ocean City. We had a house right on the beach.
Unfortunately, Wynne got sick almost as soon as we arrived. In true generous Wynne style, she did not want the rest of us to miss out on a good time, so she had Mim drive her back to her Horigan grandparents' Bryn Athyn home where she could get TLC and then Mim could come back to the shore for the rest of the stay.
We missed them when they left, so I decided that we should take the jitney (a small bus) up to Atlantic City, stroll the boardwalk and see a movie. We saw HELP!, which starred the Beatles.
My, how I enjoyed that movie. I remember the scene where the four of them entered what looked like the doors to four separate row houses, only to find they were in a large common room. It was a delightful movie. At one part, Ringo is threatened by the a man-eating Bengal tiger. A Scotland Yard inspector tells him that all will be well, that it was the famous man-eating Bengal tiger that had escaped from the famous London Zoo and that it had a fondness for the Ode to Joy. The inspector starts singing it, then Ringo joins in, then the rest of the Beatles, then the rest of the Scotland Yard contingent, then the group gets larger and larger until there is a shot of an entire stadium singing the Ode to Joy.
It also reminds me of the television broadcasts of the Olympics. I do not know if it still is, but the Ode to Joy was part and parcel of the telecasts at one time. It always set my spirits soaring.
Whenever I hear the Ode to Joy, I think of fun and exhilaration. I think Beethoven would be pleased.
Have a warm, snug day. We are expecting a major snowstorm tonight. Brrrrr.
Take care - KRL
Date: Fri Dec 29 07:49:13 EST 2000
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra closed its season last night with a rousing presentation of Beethoven's 9th Symphony, the Choral Symphony, which includes the Ode to Joy. My goodness, what a lot of memories it sparked.
It reminded me of a summer many, many moons ago when Wynne Pitcairn, Mim, myself and Elsa went to the shore for a week - Ventnor, or Brigantine or Ocean City. We had a house right on the beach.
Unfortunately, Wynne got sick almost as soon as we arrived. In true generous Wynne style, she did not want the rest of us to miss out on a good time, so she had Mim drive her back to her Horigan grandparents' Bryn Athyn home where she could get TLC and then Mim could come back to the shore for the rest of the stay.
We missed them when they left, so I decided that we should take the jitney (a small bus) up to Atlantic City, stroll the boardwalk and see a movie. We saw HELP!, which starred the Beatles.
My, how I enjoyed that movie. I remember the scene where the four of them entered what looked like the doors to four separate row houses, only to find they were in a large common room. It was a delightful movie. At one part, Ringo is threatened by the a man-eating Bengal tiger. A Scotland Yard inspector tells him that all will be well, that it was the famous man-eating Bengal tiger that had escaped from the famous London Zoo and that it had a fondness for the Ode to Joy. The inspector starts singing it, then Ringo joins in, then the rest of the Beatles, then the rest of the Scotland Yard contingent, then the group gets larger and larger until there is a shot of an entire stadium singing the Ode to Joy.
It also reminds me of the television broadcasts of the Olympics. I do not know if it still is, but the Ode to Joy was part and parcel of the telecasts at one time. It always set my spirits soaring.
Whenever I hear the Ode to Joy, I think of fun and exhilaration. I think Beethoven would be pleased.
Have a warm, snug day. We are expecting a major snowstorm tonight. Brrrrr.
Take care - KRL
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
ANCIENT RATTLESNAKE 12/28/00
Subj: ancient rattlesnake
Date: Thu Dec 28 08:05:56 EST 2000
That was John's description to Elsa of how I sound when I shake "Clappy" (my noise maker) to let them know I need to get up in the night. It makes me feel good to know that in spite of being pulled out of the studio or out of bed to help me get up to use "Lamb," they see humor instead of bother in the situation.
Last night was rough. If my shoulder had permitted the movement, it would have been a toss and turn night. When Elsa came down at the same time the sun was beginning to come up, she noticed my top covers were tossed off. I normally sleep with a cotton flannel sheet, a wonderful "North Star" blanket, a 2nd blanket and with my dear old red robe keeping my feet snug. Sounds like a lot, but my room is over the garage and can get a bit nippy at night. Last night, I experienced something I have not felt for forty or more years - hot flashes! Pardon the imagery, but I felt like throwing off all my covers, tossing off my nightgown and running around naked. It was strange and interesting, but it did not make for a good night's sleep.
As soon as Elsa finishes tapping this out and heads to work, I will be back to bed for what I hope will be a long and peaceful sleep.
Love and peace to you all from this restless and unrested -
*Ancient Rattlesnake*
Date: Thu Dec 28 08:05:56 EST 2000
That was John's description to Elsa of how I sound when I shake "Clappy" (my noise maker) to let them know I need to get up in the night. It makes me feel good to know that in spite of being pulled out of the studio or out of bed to help me get up to use "Lamb," they see humor instead of bother in the situation.
Last night was rough. If my shoulder had permitted the movement, it would have been a toss and turn night. When Elsa came down at the same time the sun was beginning to come up, she noticed my top covers were tossed off. I normally sleep with a cotton flannel sheet, a wonderful "North Star" blanket, a 2nd blanket and with my dear old red robe keeping my feet snug. Sounds like a lot, but my room is over the garage and can get a bit nippy at night. Last night, I experienced something I have not felt for forty or more years - hot flashes! Pardon the imagery, but I felt like throwing off all my covers, tossing off my nightgown and running around naked. It was strange and interesting, but it did not make for a good night's sleep.
As soon as Elsa finishes tapping this out and heads to work, I will be back to bed for what I hope will be a long and peaceful sleep.
Love and peace to you all from this restless and unrested -
*Ancient Rattlesnake*
STAR of WONDER 12/27/00
Subj: star of wonder
Date: Wed Dec 27 08:03:18 EST 2000
As long as there is a hint of ice out yonder, I will stay safe and snug in Squirrel Haven. That means that I have not seen all the familiar sights of Christmas. The only decorated houses I have seen this season are the ones within view from the big chair in the living room - Staubs, across the street, with it’s bright colored lights and the electric Santa standing by the chimney; Millman’s brilliantly outlined home; and I can see, reflected in Betty and George’s windows across the street from us, the fabulously decked out Gallagher and Kuchar homes, both dripping with those electric "icicles" which are so popular.
Elsa and John have described the sights outside of my viewing range. The great big tree that John and Jill King outlined with white lights. The houses on Byberry and on Terwood Roads that are apparently done by people in the same family (same last name on the greetings), both of which are top notch examples of excess. Peter told me about the house on Moreland Road that is what they call "over the top" with decorations.
The places that I remember best include a house over on Fitzwatertown Road that Pete would drive us to see every year. I think this was around the late 1960s and early 1970s. There would be cars parked so people could get out for a good look. Before that, we would take the children to see the lights in Greenridge Farms, which is off of Buck Road before you get to County Line. Once, Pete took us to see the lights of Manayunk and Conshohocken - they were really something to behold.
The light I miss seeing more than any other is the star atop the cathedral. Our family’s favorite Christmas Eve Children’s Service was the 4:00 p.m. service - when we went in, it was still light out, and when we came out, it was dark and we would look up at the top of the cathedral tower and there it would be, the star. It was a moment that was always fresh and new.
The star itself is a light bulb atop a long thin pole of some sort. One year - I think it was in the ‘80s - Ariel Gunther was heading up to check it or something. Now, Ariel was no spring chicken at this point. When he got to the top, he collapsed. He said he was just winded, but the people who were with him were justifiably alarmed. They called the rescue squad. Now, imagine trying to get someone who is all the way up on the top of a cathedral tower back down. They literally had to call in the Navy. Soon, there were rescue helicopters buzzing the cathedral, but they realized that air lifting Gunnie wouldn’t work. What they finally did was to have Navy personnel "rappel" him down the side of the tower. I can only imagine how mortified Gunnie was, especially as he kept telling everyone he was fine, that he had been winded and that was all. You can imagine the local news had a field day.
We found out just how famous the incident was a couple weeks later when Mim, Elsa and yours truly were doing some Christmas shopping in Wilmington, DE. Mim asked the lady at a shop if she accepted checks. Yes, she did. Mim wrote out her check, only to have the woman ask her for her driver’s license and a credit card for verification. Well, Mim did not have a credit card. As she explained to the woman, if she had a credit card, she would have put the purchase on that. The woman would not budge. Then her eyes lit on the address on the check. "Are you from the town where that man was stuck up on the top of a church?" she asked. "Do you know the man they had to get down?" Mim acknowledged she was from Bryn Athyn and that, yes, she had known Mr. Gunther for all of her life. "Well, SURE we’ll take your check!" Is that amazing or what?
It reminded me of when I was at Strawbridge’s in Jenkintown and a salesgirl would not accept my passport as verification for a check, only a driver's license (I have never had one) or another credit card (I don't use credit cards). That was that. Or it was until Phyllis Pitcairn, also shopping at Strawbridge's, happened to spot me just after I had been turned down flat; the two of us greeted each other happily and did some catching us. After we parted and I headed for the escalator, the salesgirl caught up with me. "Well, Mrs. Lockhart, if you know Mrs. Pitcairn, of course we will accept your check." I never have and never will understand how that passed for sound business practice.
When you go past a brightly decorated house or look up at the "star" atop the cathedral, take an extra look for me.
Holiday hugs and love - the Gramster
Date: Wed Dec 27 08:03:18 EST 2000
As long as there is a hint of ice out yonder, I will stay safe and snug in Squirrel Haven. That means that I have not seen all the familiar sights of Christmas. The only decorated houses I have seen this season are the ones within view from the big chair in the living room - Staubs, across the street, with it’s bright colored lights and the electric Santa standing by the chimney; Millman’s brilliantly outlined home; and I can see, reflected in Betty and George’s windows across the street from us, the fabulously decked out Gallagher and Kuchar homes, both dripping with those electric "icicles" which are so popular.
Elsa and John have described the sights outside of my viewing range. The great big tree that John and Jill King outlined with white lights. The houses on Byberry and on Terwood Roads that are apparently done by people in the same family (same last name on the greetings), both of which are top notch examples of excess. Peter told me about the house on Moreland Road that is what they call "over the top" with decorations.
The places that I remember best include a house over on Fitzwatertown Road that Pete would drive us to see every year. I think this was around the late 1960s and early 1970s. There would be cars parked so people could get out for a good look. Before that, we would take the children to see the lights in Greenridge Farms, which is off of Buck Road before you get to County Line. Once, Pete took us to see the lights of Manayunk and Conshohocken - they were really something to behold.
The light I miss seeing more than any other is the star atop the cathedral. Our family’s favorite Christmas Eve Children’s Service was the 4:00 p.m. service - when we went in, it was still light out, and when we came out, it was dark and we would look up at the top of the cathedral tower and there it would be, the star. It was a moment that was always fresh and new.
The star itself is a light bulb atop a long thin pole of some sort. One year - I think it was in the ‘80s - Ariel Gunther was heading up to check it or something. Now, Ariel was no spring chicken at this point. When he got to the top, he collapsed. He said he was just winded, but the people who were with him were justifiably alarmed. They called the rescue squad. Now, imagine trying to get someone who is all the way up on the top of a cathedral tower back down. They literally had to call in the Navy. Soon, there were rescue helicopters buzzing the cathedral, but they realized that air lifting Gunnie wouldn’t work. What they finally did was to have Navy personnel "rappel" him down the side of the tower. I can only imagine how mortified Gunnie was, especially as he kept telling everyone he was fine, that he had been winded and that was all. You can imagine the local news had a field day.
We found out just how famous the incident was a couple weeks later when Mim, Elsa and yours truly were doing some Christmas shopping in Wilmington, DE. Mim asked the lady at a shop if she accepted checks. Yes, she did. Mim wrote out her check, only to have the woman ask her for her driver’s license and a credit card for verification. Well, Mim did not have a credit card. As she explained to the woman, if she had a credit card, she would have put the purchase on that. The woman would not budge. Then her eyes lit on the address on the check. "Are you from the town where that man was stuck up on the top of a church?" she asked. "Do you know the man they had to get down?" Mim acknowledged she was from Bryn Athyn and that, yes, she had known Mr. Gunther for all of her life. "Well, SURE we’ll take your check!" Is that amazing or what?
It reminded me of when I was at Strawbridge’s in Jenkintown and a salesgirl would not accept my passport as verification for a check, only a driver's license (I have never had one) or another credit card (I don't use credit cards). That was that. Or it was until Phyllis Pitcairn, also shopping at Strawbridge's, happened to spot me just after I had been turned down flat; the two of us greeted each other happily and did some catching us. After we parted and I headed for the escalator, the salesgirl caught up with me. "Well, Mrs. Lockhart, if you know Mrs. Pitcairn, of course we will accept your check." I never have and never will understand how that passed for sound business practice.
When you go past a brightly decorated house or look up at the "star" atop the cathedral, take an extra look for me.
Holiday hugs and love - the Gramster
Sunday, December 26, 2010
MORE CHRISTMAS HEART 12/26/00
Subj: more Christmas heart
Date: Tue Dec 26 22:05:06 EST 2000
A memory popped up last night, so vivid it felt as if it happened the other day, not over 50 years ago.
When Mike was around 5 years old, my mother took him Christmas shopping. Mike had the grand sum of $3.00 to spend on presents for his family. He spotted a rhinestone broach that struck him as just the ticket for his Mom. It cost $3.00. His Gran tried her best to talk him out of it - he would have spent all he had on one gift - but Mike would not budge.
As Mother told it to me later, he stood his ground and looked her straight in the eye and declared, "If I want to spend all my money on my mother, that is what I am going to do." He did, too.
Of all our children, Mike has the most down-to-earth concept of money. When he was 17, he informed us that we were not to buy him any more clothing, that it would be his responsibility. He joined the Navy while he was as senior and sent directly into full service straight out of high school. He's supported himself ever since.
Mike was not always so. Before he was 15, money burned a hole in his pocket. As soon as it came in, it went out. What turned him around was wanting to go out to California to visit the Ripleys for the summer and work on the ranch. To get there, he had to earn the money for the trip out and back.
That did it.
Mike watched every dollar, quarter, dime, nickel and penny.
Today, Mike is a thrifty Scot, getting good value for money spent. He likes to save, to spend wisely, to splurge judiciously. Noble traits.
Love to all - Mike's Mom
Date: Tue Dec 26 22:05:06 EST 2000
A memory popped up last night, so vivid it felt as if it happened the other day, not over 50 years ago.
When Mike was around 5 years old, my mother took him Christmas shopping. Mike had the grand sum of $3.00 to spend on presents for his family. He spotted a rhinestone broach that struck him as just the ticket for his Mom. It cost $3.00. His Gran tried her best to talk him out of it - he would have spent all he had on one gift - but Mike would not budge.
As Mother told it to me later, he stood his ground and looked her straight in the eye and declared, "If I want to spend all my money on my mother, that is what I am going to do." He did, too.
Of all our children, Mike has the most down-to-earth concept of money. When he was 17, he informed us that we were not to buy him any more clothing, that it would be his responsibility. He joined the Navy while he was as senior and sent directly into full service straight out of high school. He's supported himself ever since.
Mike was not always so. Before he was 15, money burned a hole in his pocket. As soon as it came in, it went out. What turned him around was wanting to go out to California to visit the Ripleys for the summer and work on the ranch. To get there, he had to earn the money for the trip out and back.
That did it.
Mike watched every dollar, quarter, dime, nickel and penny.
Today, Mike is a thrifty Scot, getting good value for money spent. He likes to save, to spend wisely, to splurge judiciously. Noble traits.
Love to all - Mike's Mom
Thursday, December 23, 2010
CHRISTMAS ROSES 12/23/00
Subj: Christmas roses
Date: Sat Dec 23 00:22:49 EST 2000
At lunchtime, I knew pretty much what I wanted to write about tonight - snow and bone-chilling temperatures, children slip-sliding outside on the sidewalk, and me snug and cozy in the big chair in the living room. I was going to write about Lockhart trips down to Wanamaker's on Market Street, meeting people at "the Eagle," the magnificent light-fountain-organ shows that left us all slack jawed year after year after year. I was going to write about cold walks home from Bethayres station, a chilly house and hot cocoa.
Then the afternoon - and a delivery van - rolled around and everything changed.
Karen, thank you for the beautiful flowers. Have you ever experienced a sense of magic when a florist's van pulls up in the driveway? There is something about florists that is disarmingly enchanting. The arrangement is stunning, with white spider mums (they remind me of the best sort of fireworks), red and white carnations, holly and holly berries, and beautiful, fragrant red roses.
The sight and rich scent of the red roses took me back 27 years, to the day of Pete's memorial service in March. (I know I have told this story before, but one of the privilege's of advanced years is having license to retell classic tales.)
All through the day, I had been missing Mike and Kerry, especially after Willard's simple and profoundly moving service. Returning from the church to what felt like a profoundly empty house, I walked into our dining room and caught the scent of something wonderful.
Behind the dining room door, on top of the china cabinet, stood a large classic green urn filled with the most beautiful red roses I have ever seen. The petals looked like the finest velvet and the scent was truly heavenly.
There was a card from Michael and Kerry (Scott and Karen not yet even a gleam in their parents' eyes), something along the lines of "Thinking of you at this special time."
Knowing they were with us in mind and heart deeply moved me and lifted my spirits. Because of those roses and that brief note, I had the comfort of feeling like they were close by me.
Well, when Mike and Kerry called later on that same day to hear about the service, I thanked them for the roses and said how much it meant to me to have them waiting for us on our return home. I must have mentioned at least three times the perfect timing before I noticed an absolute silence on the other end. Finally, one of them said, "What roses?"
It turned out that they had sent the roses at Christmas - a month before Pete collapsed and he was diagnosed with cancer, three months before he died. They had wondered why we never mentioned receiving them at Christmas.
That whole thing will forever give me pause and make the hair on the back of my head, right where it meets the neck, rise. What wondrous hand was at work? The timing, the card, the rightness of the arrangement. Makes me wonder.
I will think of that amazing time and of Karen, who is always in my heart and too long not in my arms, whenever I look at the beautiful arrangement from her that arrived this afternoon.
Elsa set it on the island, where it reigns supreme, flanked by our three Beyer's Choice carolers - the grey-haired lady in red velvet with a muff on one side, the younger couple keeping close together standing on the other. I took one last look as I headed up the wooden hill. It is a blessing to feel such happiness and love. Karen, your "little pressie" was a big hit.
It is way past my bedtime. Am off to bed with thoughts of loved ones far, far away, especially a much loved, much missed granddaughter.
Love – Nan Lockhart
Date: Sat Dec 23 00:22:49 EST 2000
At lunchtime, I knew pretty much what I wanted to write about tonight - snow and bone-chilling temperatures, children slip-sliding outside on the sidewalk, and me snug and cozy in the big chair in the living room. I was going to write about Lockhart trips down to Wanamaker's on Market Street, meeting people at "the Eagle," the magnificent light-fountain-organ shows that left us all slack jawed year after year after year. I was going to write about cold walks home from Bethayres station, a chilly house and hot cocoa.
Then the afternoon - and a delivery van - rolled around and everything changed.
Karen, thank you for the beautiful flowers. Have you ever experienced a sense of magic when a florist's van pulls up in the driveway? There is something about florists that is disarmingly enchanting. The arrangement is stunning, with white spider mums (they remind me of the best sort of fireworks), red and white carnations, holly and holly berries, and beautiful, fragrant red roses.
The sight and rich scent of the red roses took me back 27 years, to the day of Pete's memorial service in March. (I know I have told this story before, but one of the privilege's of advanced years is having license to retell classic tales.)
All through the day, I had been missing Mike and Kerry, especially after Willard's simple and profoundly moving service. Returning from the church to what felt like a profoundly empty house, I walked into our dining room and caught the scent of something wonderful.
Behind the dining room door, on top of the china cabinet, stood a large classic green urn filled with the most beautiful red roses I have ever seen. The petals looked like the finest velvet and the scent was truly heavenly.
There was a card from Michael and Kerry (Scott and Karen not yet even a gleam in their parents' eyes), something along the lines of "Thinking of you at this special time."
Knowing they were with us in mind and heart deeply moved me and lifted my spirits. Because of those roses and that brief note, I had the comfort of feeling like they were close by me.
Well, when Mike and Kerry called later on that same day to hear about the service, I thanked them for the roses and said how much it meant to me to have them waiting for us on our return home. I must have mentioned at least three times the perfect timing before I noticed an absolute silence on the other end. Finally, one of them said, "What roses?"
It turned out that they had sent the roses at Christmas - a month before Pete collapsed and he was diagnosed with cancer, three months before he died. They had wondered why we never mentioned receiving them at Christmas.
That whole thing will forever give me pause and make the hair on the back of my head, right where it meets the neck, rise. What wondrous hand was at work? The timing, the card, the rightness of the arrangement. Makes me wonder.
I will think of that amazing time and of Karen, who is always in my heart and too long not in my arms, whenever I look at the beautiful arrangement from her that arrived this afternoon.
Elsa set it on the island, where it reigns supreme, flanked by our three Beyer's Choice carolers - the grey-haired lady in red velvet with a muff on one side, the younger couple keeping close together standing on the other. I took one last look as I headed up the wooden hill. It is a blessing to feel such happiness and love. Karen, your "little pressie" was a big hit.
It is way past my bedtime. Am off to bed with thoughts of loved ones far, far away, especially a much loved, much missed granddaughter.
Love – Nan Lockhart
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
ORNAMENTS and MEMORIES 12/21/00
Subj: ornaments and memories
Date: Thu Dec 21 21:52:24 EST 2000
The most precious ornaments in our house are the ones that we made after Peter was born. The yellow stroller crafted to celebrate his arrival. The little red wagon made when Peter was a toddler – which was stepped on two years ago, yet John managed to make "all better" with a little glue and some skillful application of his airbrush.
Over the years, others have gained a special place in my heart and on our trees...
The ornaments from Tiffany that Mim presented as "favors" at an elegant Christmas Eve dinner that she planned ~ with great secrecy ~ every detail of, from the "Tiffany blue" boxes at each place (the iconic name emblazoned on each, each wrapped with the equally iconic white satin ribbon) -to- the perfectly cooked crown pork roast and even (inspired by Alicia) a "Yule Log" dessert -to- her adamant request that all of us ~ Pete, Elsa and I ~ dress for a "black tie" event, Pete resplendent in his suit, each of us women in beautiful evening gowns. Mim managed to keep everything utterly secret until we walked into the living room at Woodland Road, with a small elegantly set table in the middle of the room, a blazing fire roaring in the fireplace, chilled champagne waiting to be popped. The setting was only the living room at our Woodland Road house, but no supper club or 5-star restaurant could have been more stylish.
The paper angels that Ian made in school have brought special grace to the tree and topped it until just a few years ago, when an angel bear - perfect for Squirrel Haven - took over the tree-topping duties; the paper Santa and cardboard clown that he made.
The clay ornaments that Whitney and Reynolds made many moons ago that have long since crumbled, but which I lovingly remember each year as we put up the other treasures.
The really really old Murphy ornaments, and so many more that I cannot remember at this moment - our tree is decked out with love and memories and happiness.
Have a holly-jolly-getting-ready-for Christmas. KRL
Date: Thu Dec 21 21:52:24 EST 2000
The most precious ornaments in our house are the ones that we made after Peter was born. The yellow stroller crafted to celebrate his arrival. The little red wagon made when Peter was a toddler – which was stepped on two years ago, yet John managed to make "all better" with a little glue and some skillful application of his airbrush.
Over the years, others have gained a special place in my heart and on our trees...
The ornaments from Tiffany that Mim presented as "favors" at an elegant Christmas Eve dinner that she planned ~ with great secrecy ~ every detail of, from the "Tiffany blue" boxes at each place (the iconic name emblazoned on each, each wrapped with the equally iconic white satin ribbon) -to- the perfectly cooked crown pork roast and even (inspired by Alicia) a "Yule Log" dessert -to- her adamant request that all of us ~ Pete, Elsa and I ~ dress for a "black tie" event, Pete resplendent in his suit, each of us women in beautiful evening gowns. Mim managed to keep everything utterly secret until we walked into the living room at Woodland Road, with a small elegantly set table in the middle of the room, a blazing fire roaring in the fireplace, chilled champagne waiting to be popped. The setting was only the living room at our Woodland Road house, but no supper club or 5-star restaurant could have been more stylish.
The paper angels that Ian made in school have brought special grace to the tree and topped it until just a few years ago, when an angel bear - perfect for Squirrel Haven - took over the tree-topping duties; the paper Santa and cardboard clown that he made.
The clay ornaments that Whitney and Reynolds made many moons ago that have long since crumbled, but which I lovingly remember each year as we put up the other treasures.
The really really old Murphy ornaments, and so many more that I cannot remember at this moment - our tree is decked out with love and memories and happiness.
Have a holly-jolly-getting-ready-for Christmas. KRL
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