Holiday Porch Tour 2016

Every year I tell myself that I am not going to go all out with the Christmas decorations, and, every year, I fail miserably at keeping that vow. This year was no exception. I did shake things up a bit on the porch, however, partly because I wanted to keep things fresh and partly because I am lazy. The biggest change was the omission of the Christmas tree that I usually center in the largest section of the porch; the tree was Hugh and my original indoor tree twenty-some-odd years ago and it is really starting to show its; age, so, instead of using it, I piled packages on the table and called it good.

Another change to the porch was the addition of the kids' old True Value Radio Flyer wagon; it has been quietly rusting away in the back yard for years now and I decided that it was worth salvaging. I imagine I will use it on the porch for other seasons as well.

This year I also decided to change out the deco-mesh garland that usually frames the door and window with a mixed pine garland, which I ended up liking quite a bit (tomorrow, you'll see the deco mesh garland repurposed on the staircase in the house); it pairs nicely with the fresh greenery that I always use on the table, and, this year, on the old steamer trunk that I picked up at a barn sale earlier in the year.

Another purchase I made this year was an old milk delivery box; it was a perfect receptacle for more faux greenery and bunches of holly. I especially love this piece because it reminds me of growing up in Mayberry, where we had a milkman and a similar delivery box (why, yes, I am old; thank you for noticing).

And, speaking of old things, I used this old milk can to hold even more seasonal greenery (it was on sale at JoAnn's and I had a coupon! Look at me being all thrifty and shit!). I am thisclose to admitting that I have a slight antique hoarding issue, but, don't schedule an appointment with a therapist just yet; I'm not ready to admit that I need help.

My vintage blow-mold Santa was a gift from my sister, Barbie, on my birthday two years ago; it is dated 1968, which happens to be the year I was born, making it 48, now. So, again, old shit: LOVE IT.

I've been told that the porch during the daytime looks like a winter wonderland (I think it's the ribbon candy-striping that I did on the columns this year).

But, the porch at night is my favorite. The lights are so warm and welcoming, and, if I had portable heaters out there, I would probably host winter porch nights.

Hmmm... heaters....wonder when they go on sale....

And, I digress.

So, that is it for the porch decorations this year. Tune in tomorrow when we tour the inside of the house, where, in the words of the Man-Cub, "Christmas threw up all over the place". Sounds inviting, no?

Let There Be Lights!

After our plans to visit the annual light display at the botanic gardens was foiled by the weather last week, we kicked around the idea of driving to Neighboring City to look at lights with Queen B.

We planned the outing for last night (Tuesday) because Hugh was still in Delaware at a wrestling tournament and we thought it would be best to wait until he got home so that he could join us.
Hugh was scheduled to be home on Monday but was stranded in Chicago when his connecting flight failed to appear, so he spent Monday night with his sister and brother-in-law, which, while unplanned, was a nice little holiday bonus. By the time he finally made it home on Tuesday, I wasn't sure that he would be up for the drive, but he powered through, and, while we were missing the Man-Cub (late basketball practice), the drive was pleasant and the lights did not disappoint!

One of the houses that we stopped at was decorated with about ten million blue lights. Every tree, bush, stump, and tumbleweed on the property (which was quite large) was draped in lights, every pathway was lined in lights, and at least one hundred lighted deer were positioned across the lawns. It was amazing.

Another house featured a light show set to music that we could tune into on the radio. The show was really well done but my favorite part was when the story of Jesus' birth was told as the lights glowed over a full-size manger that was set up on the lawn. It made me a little teary, not gonna lie; all too often, the true message of Christmas gets lost in the shopping and the wrapping; last night, it was front and center and I appreciated that.

Also, I really, really want a life-size nativity on my front lawn, someday.

#lifegoals!

Some Recent Basketball News

It occurred to me that I have not kept up with news of the boys' season since their win in the Valley. I'm sad to say that, while they broke the losing streak with their win there, they have not been able to put another W on the books. They are finding their way, however, and they continue to improve with every game.

And, as always, the most important thing is that they are having fun and bonding together as a team.

It's Beginning to Smell a Lot Like Christmas

Mom and I have been in the kitchen for 49 of the past 48 hours. How is that possible? Clearly we have bent the space/time continuum with our mad baking skilz. Or, we've only been baking for half that amount of time and it just feels like longer; I am totally willing to consider that possibility.

On the bright side, we have successfully completed drop sugar cookies, cut sugar cookies (baked and decorated!), ginger molasses cookies, oatmeal raisin cookies, chocolate chip cookies, M&M cookies, banana bread, pumpkin bread, mint chocolate fudge, chocolate dipped pretzels, chocolate chip cookie dough truffles, coconut macaroons, and we managed to squeeze in a few meals in between.

Anyone care to doubt that it felt like 49 hours now?

Tomorrow, we plan to finish off the baking and candy-making, including pizelles, spritz cookies, Rocky Road, cream cheese mints, and Russian tea cookies.

For all my complaining, I am really enjoying being with Mom in the kitchen. We work well together and the work really is more manageable when divided by two. Plus, when I whine pitifully enough, she lets me take a break and she rubs my feet.

Best. Mom. Ever.

Mele Kalikimaka

Yesterday, we got the official news that the Man-Cub has been accepted to Hawaii Pacific University.

It has been the Cub's plan to defer enrollment for at least a year while he completes his required general courses in state, which will make his college funds stretch a bit further, but, the catch was: he had to get accepted in order to defer.

I'm not going to lie, we've all been holding our breaths waiting for the decision.

We had already been planning to eat out last night after viewing the botanic gardens (which didn't happen; weather delay!), so we made it a celebratory dinner in the Cub's honor.

Hugh is in Delaware, officiating at a college wrestling tournament, so he missed the party, but, Kaley was with us, so we were still a party of five. And, actually, girls are fun to have at a party; they squealed when the Cub announced the news.

Well, the Cub squealed too, just in a deeper tone of voice.

Don't tell him I said so.

Congratulations, Cubby! Looks like we are headed for the islands!

Let the Wild Rumpus Begin

I am officially on vacation!

Well, on vacation from Day Job, anyway; I still have to clock in at the hardware store. I don't ever really get an actual vacation vacation, but, I take what I can get.

The Man-Cub is also on vacation, as is Queen B. Actually, Queen B is on vacation from school, but, she does have a job, so, much like me, she's on semi-vacation. Whatever, she's home for the day and we are all planning an outing in Hooterville, so, clearly, we are making the best of what we've got.

Glass half full and all that bullshit.

Anyhoodle, today has thus far consisted of present wrapping (me), cookie baking (my Mom), napping (Queen B and the Man-Cub) and chasing our tails and sniffing out new places to pee in the yard (the dogs, I mean, obviously).

This afternoon and evening's shenanigans will include shopping, pedicures, dining out, visiting the light display at the local botanical gardens, a trip through the Starbuck's drive-thru for cocoa, and Christmas light viewing from the car.

Do we know how to party or what?

Try not to be jealous.

Winner, Winner, Christmas Dinner

I won the office decorating contest at work. I don't know what it says about a workplace when dark humor trumps holiday classics like Santa coming down the chimney or stockings hung on a mantel, but, I'm not complaining; I'm a $25 gift certificate richer.


Nice work, sad make-believe melted snowman. Nice work.