Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Christmas Magic Comes Early

It's common this time of year to bemoan the early arrival of Christmas carols, particularly over store PA systems.  And while I will hum along, as I did today and last week at the craft store, I usually like to wait until after Thanksgiving to start the caroling.

But today was different.  Today, my hospice patient had me push a button on an angel someone had given her, eliciting a tinny tune.  But we sang along to "Silent Night" and kept going from there, together singing several of the Christmas classics.  Such peace and joy on her face as she sang along, possibly remembering 90+ years of celebrations and carols. She talked about caroling as a child and receiving apples, oranges, and a few walnuts in her stocking. And I was so happy to help her find those memories.  We laughed at the words we couldn't remember--I totally blanked on "O Little Town of Bethlehem"--but she actually did really well, all things considered, remembering words and having the breath to sing along.  She complimented my singing voice, after "O Holy Night."  We both said Johnny Mathis was one of our favorite Christmas crooners and I vowed to bring a copy of his CD next time.  We even branched off into showtunes at some point, singing a bit from Oklahoma and then Sound of Music, and discussed the dearth of Thanksgiving songs (beyond "We Gather Together" and "Super Turkey," which of course she did not know), but we came around back to Christmas carols before I left 1 1/2 hours later, promising to bring the lyrics with me next time.

So, for next time, after Thanksgiving, here are the words to some of the songs I hope we'll sing:

Angels We Have Heard On High
Angels we have heard on high
Sweetly singing o’er the plains
And the mountains in reply,
Echoing their joyous strains.
Glo-ori-a
In excelsis de-o
Glo-ori-a
In excelsis de-o
Shepherds, why this Jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be
Which inspire your heavenly song?
Glo-ori-a
In excelsis de-o
Glo-ori-a
In excelsis de-o
Come to Bethlehem and see
Him whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee
Christ, the Lord,
The newborn King
Glo-ori-a
In excelsis de-o
Glo-ori-a
In excelsis de-o

Away in a Manger
Away in a manger,
No crib for His bed,
The little Lord Jesus
Laid down His sweet head;
The stars in the heavens
Looked down where He lay,
The little Lord Jesus
Asleep on the hay.
The cattle are lowing,
The poor Baby wakes,
But little Lord Jesus,
No crying He makes.
I love Thee, Lord Jesus;
Look down from the sky
And stay by my cradle
Till morning is nigh.
Be near me, Lord Jesus;
I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever
And love me I pray!
Bless all the dear children
In Thy tender care,
And fit us for Heaven
To live with Thee there.

The Christmas Song
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up like Eskimos.
Everybody knows a turkey
And some mistletoe
Help to make the season bright
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Will find it hard to sleep tonight.
They know that Santa’s on his way
He’s loaded lots of toys
And goodies on his sleigh
And every mother’s child is gonna spy
To see if reindeer
Really know how to fly.
And so I’m offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety-two
Although it’s been said
Many times, many ways
Merry Christmas to you.

Deck the Halls
Deck the halls with boughs of holly
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
’Tis the season to be jolly
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Don we now our gay apparel
Fa-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la.
Troll the ancient Yule-tide carol
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la.
See the blazing Yule before us.
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Strike the harp and join the chorus.
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Follow me in merry measure.
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
While I tell of Yule-tide treasure.
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Fast away the old year passes.
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Hail the new year, lads and lasses
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Sing we joyous, all together.
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Heedless of the wind and weather.
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la

Do You Hear What I Hear?
Said the night wind to the little lamb,
Do you see what I see
Way up in the sky, little lamb,
Do you see what I see
A star, a star, dancing in the night
With a tail as big as a kite
With a tail as big as a kite
Said the little lamb to the
shepherd boy,
Do you hear what I hear
Ringing through the sky,
shepherd boy,
Do you hear what I hear
A song, a song, high above the trees
With a voice as big as the sea
With a voice as big as the sea
Said the shepherd boy to the
mighty king,
Do you know what I know
In your palace warm, mighty king,
Do you know what I know
A Child, a Child shivers in the cold
Let us bring Him silver and gold
Let us bring Him silver and gold
Said the king to the people
everywhere,
Listen to what I say
Pray for peace, people everywhere!
Listen to what I say
The Child, the Child, sleeping in
the night
He will bring us goodness and light
He will bring us goodness and light
“From home to home, and heart
to heart, from one place to
another. The warmth and joy of
Christmas, brings us closer to
each other.”

The First Noel
The first Noel the angels did say
Was to certain poor shepherds
In fields as they lay,
In fields where they lay
Keeping their sheep
On a cold winter’s night
That was so deep.
Noel Noel Noel Noel!
Born is the King of Israel!
They looked up and saw a star
Shining in the East beyond them far,
And to the earth it gave great light,
And so it continued both day and night.
Noel Noel Noel Noel!
Born is the King of Israel!
And by the light of that same star
Three wise men came from country far,
To seek for a King was their intent
And to follow the star
Wherever it went.
Noel Noel Noel Noel!
Born is the King of Israel!

The Friendly Beasts
Jesus our brother kind and good
Was humbly born in a stable rude.
And the friendly beasts around him stood
Jesus our brother, kind and good.
"I," said the donkey, all shaggy and brown,
"I carried his mother up hill and down
I carried his mother to Bethlehem town."
"I," said the donkey, all shaggy and brown.
"I," said the cow, all white and red
"I gave him my manger for his bed
I gave him my hay to pillow his head."
"I," said the cow, all white and red
"I," said the sheep, with curly horn,
"I gave him my wool for a blanket warm
He wore my coat on Christmas morn."
"I," said the sheep, with curly horn.
"I," said the dove, from the rafters high
"I cooed him to sleep so he would not cry
We cooed him to sleep, my love and I
"I," said the dove, from the rafters high.
Thus every beast, by some good spell
In the stable rude was glad to tell
Of the gift he gave Emmanuel
The gift he gave Emmanuel
The gift he gave Emmanuel

Frosty the Snowman
Frosty the snowman was a jolly
happy soul,
With a corncob pipe and a button nose
And two eyes made out of coal.
Frosty the snowman is a fairy tale,
they say,
He was made of snow but the children
Know how he came to life one day.
There must have been some magic
in that old silk hat they found.
For when they placed it on his head
He began to dance around.
O, Frosty the snowman
Was alive as he could be,
And the children say he could laugh
And play just the same as you and me.
Thumpety thump thump,
Thumpety thump thump,
Look at Frosty go.
Thumpety thump thump,
Thumpety thump thump,
Over the hills of snow.
Frosty the snowman knew
The sun was hot that day,
So he said, “Let’s run and
We’ll have some fun
Now before I melt away.”
Down to the village,
With a broomstick in his hand,
Running here and there all
Around the square saying,
Catch me if you can.
He led them down the streets of town
Right to the traffic cop.
And he only paused a moment when
He heard him holler “Stop!”
For Frosty the snow man
Had to hurry on his way,
But he waved goodbye saying,
“Don’t you cry,
I’ll be back again some day.”
Thumpety thump thump,
Thumpety thump thump,
Look at Frosty go.
Thumpety thump thump,
Thumpety thump thump,
Over the hills of snow.

God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen,
Let nothing you dismay;
Remember Christ, our Saviour,
Was born on Christmas day,
To save us all from Satan’s power
When we were gone astray.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.
In Bethlehem, in Jewry,
This blessed Babe was born,
And laid within a manger,
Upon this blessed morn;
That which His Mother Mary,
Did nothing take in scorn.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.
From God our Heavenly Father,
A blessed Angel came;
And unto certain Shepherds
Brought tidings of the same:
How that in Bethlehem was born
The Son of God by Name.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.


Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Hark! the herald angels sing
Glory to the new-born King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!
Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
Join the triumph of the skies;
With the angelic host proclaim
Christ is born in Bethlehem!
Hark! the herald angels sing
Glory to the new-born King!
Christ, by highest heaven adored;
Christ, the everlasting Lord;
Late in time behold him come,
Offspring of the Virgin’s womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
Hail the incarnate Deity,
Pleased as man with man to dwell;
Jesus, our Emmanuel!
Hark! the herald angels sing
Glory to the new-born King!
Mild he lays his glory by,
Born that man no more may die,
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth.
Risen with healing in his wings,
Light and life to all he brings,
Hail, the Sun of Righteousness!
Hail, the heaven-born Prince
of Peace!
Hark! the herald angels sing
Glory to the new-born King!
Hail the Heaven-born Prince of Peace
Hail the Son of Righteousness
Light and life to all He brings
Risen with healing in His wings
Mild He lay His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Hark! the herald angels sing
Glory to the new-born King!

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Have yourself a merry little
Christmas,
Let your heart be light
From now on,
Our troubles will be out of sight
Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Make the Yule-tide gay,
From now on,
Our troubles will be miles away.
Here we are as in olden days,
Happy golden days of yore.
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us once more.
Through the years we all will
be together
If the fates allow
Hang a shining star upon the
highest bough.
And have yourself a merry little
Christmas now.
“Perhaps the best Yuletide
decoration is being
wreathed in smiles.”

The Holly & The Ivy
The holly and the ivy
When they are full grown,
Of all the trees in the wood
The holly bears the crown.
The rising of the sun
The running of the deer,
The playing of the organ
Sweet singing in the choir.
The holly wears a blossom
As white as any flower,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To be our Saviour.
The rising of the sun,
The running of the deer,
The playing of the organ,
Sweet singing in the choir.
The holly bears a berry
As red as any blood,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To do sinners good.
The rising of the sun,
The running of the deer,
The playing of the organ,
Sweet singing in the choir.
The holly bears a prickle
As sharp as any thorn,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
On Christmas Day in the morn.
The rising of the sun,
The running of the deer,
The playing of the organ,
Sweet singing in the choir.
The holly bears a bark
As bitter as any gall,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,
To redeem us all.
The rising of the sun,
The running of the deer,
The playing of the organ,
Sweet singing in the choir.
The holly and the ivy,
When they are full grown,
Of all the trees in the wood,
The holly bears the crown.
The rising of the sun,
The running of the deer,
The playing of the organ,
Sweet singing in the choir.

Holly Jolly Christmas
Have a holly, jolly Christmas;
It’s the best time of the year
don’t know if there’ll be snow,
But have a cup of cheer.
Have a holly, jolly Christmas;
And when you walk down the street
Say Hello to friends you know
And everyone you meet.
Oh, ho, the mistletoe
Hung where you can see;
Somebody waits for you;
Kiss her once for me.
Have a holly jolly Christmas,
And in case you didn’t hear,
Oh by golly, have a holly,

Jolly Christmas this year.

I’ll Be Home For Christmas
I’ll be home for Christmas
You can count on me
Please have snow and mistletoe
And presents under the tree
Christmas Eve will find me
Where the love light gleams
I’ll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams.

I Saw Three Ships
I saw three ships come sailing in
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
I saw three ships come sailing in
On Christmas Day in the morning.
And what was in those ships all three,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day?
And what was in those ships all three,
On Christmas Day in the morning?
The Virgin Mary and Christ were there,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
The Virgin Mary and Christ were there,
On Christmas Day in the morning.
Pray, wither sailed those ships all three,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
Pray, wither sailed those ships all three,
On Christmas Day in the morning?
O they sailed into Bethlehem,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
O they sailed into Bethlehem,
On Christmas Day in the morning.
And all the bells on earth shall ring,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
And all the bells on earth shall ring,
On Christmas Day in the morning.
And all the Angels in Heaven shall sing,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
And all the Angels in Heaven shall sing,
On Christmas Day in the morning.
And all the souls on earth shall sing,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
And all the souls on earth shall sing,
On Christmas Day in the morning.
Then let us all rejoice again,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
Then let us all rejoice again,
On Christmas Day in the morning.

It Came Upon The Midnight Clear
It came upon the midnight clear,
That glorious song of old,
From angels bending near the earth
With news of joy foretold,
“Peace on the earth, good will to men
From heaven’s all gracious King.”
The world in solemn stillness lay,
To hear the angels sing.
Still through the cloven skies they
come,
Love’s banner all unfurled;
And still their heavenly music floats
Over all the weary world.
Above its sad and lowly plains
Old echoes plaintive ring,
And ever over its Babel sounds
The blessed angels sing.

It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas
It’s beginning to look a lot like
Christmas
Ev’rywhere you go
Take a look in the five-and-ten,
Glistening once again
With candy canes and silver
lanes aglow.
It’s beginning to look a lot
like Christmas
Toys in ev’ry store
But the prettiest sight to see
Is the holly that will be
On your own front door.
pair of hopalong boots and a
pistol that shoots
Is the wish of Barney and Ben
Dolls that will talk and will go for
a walk
Is the hope of Janice and Jen
And mom and dad can hardly wait
for school to start again.
It’s beginning to look a lot like
Christmas
Ev’rywhere you go
There’s a tree in the Grand Hotel,
On ein the park as well
The sturdy kind that doesn’t
mind the snow.
It’s beginning to look a lot like
Christmas
Soon the bells will start
And the thing that will make
them ring
Is the carol that you sing
Right within your heart.

It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
It’s the most wonderful time of the year.
With the kids jingle belling,
And everyone telling you,
“Be of good cheer,”
It’s the most wonderful time of the year.
There’ll be parties for hosting,
Marshmallows for toasting and
Caroling out in the snow.
There’ll be scary ghost stories and
Tales of the glories of Christmases
Long, long ago.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year.
There’ll be much mistletoeing
And hearts will be glowing,
When loved ones are near.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

Good King Wenceslas
Good King Wenceslas looked out
On the feast of Stephen
When the snow lay round about
Deep and crisp and even
Brightly shone the moon that night
Though the frost was cruel
When a poor man came in sight
Gath'ring winter fuel
"Hither, page, and stand by me
If thou know'st it, telling
Yonder peasant, who is he?
Where and what his dwelling?"
"Sire, he lives a good league hence
Underneath the mountain
Right against the forest fence
By Saint Agnes' fountain."
"Bring me flesh and bring me wine
Bring me pine logs hither
Thou and I will see him dine
When we bear him thither."
Page and monarch forth they went
Forth they went together
Through the rude wind's wild lament
And the bitter weather
"Sire, the night is darker now
And the wind blows stronger
Fails my heart, I know not how,
I can go no longer."
"Mark my footsteps, my good page
Tread thou in them boldly
Thou shalt find the winter's rage
Freeze thy blood less coldly."
In his master's steps he trod
Where the snow lay dinted
Heat was in the very sod
Which the Saint had printed
Therefore, Christian men, be sure
Wealth or rank possessing
Ye who now will bless the poor
Shall yourselves find blessing

Jingle Bells
Dashing through the snow
On a one-horse open sleigh,
Over the fields we go,
Laughing all the way;
Bells on bob-tail ring,
Making spirits bright,
What fun it is to ride and sing
A sleighing song tonight
Jingle bells, jingle bells,
Jingle all the way!
O what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh
day or two ago,
I thought I’d take a ride,
And soon Miss Fanny Bright
Was seated by my side;
The horse was lean and lank;
Misfortune seemed his lot;
He got into a drifted bank,
And we, we got upsot.
Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,
Jingle all the way!
What fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh.

Joy to the World
Joy to the world! the Lord is come;
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
and heaven and nature sing,
and heaven and nature sing,
and heaven, and heaven and
nature sing.
Joy to the earth! the Savior reigns;
Let men their songs employ;
while fields and floods,
rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
No more let sins and sorrows grow,
nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessing flow
far as the curse is found,
far as the curse is found,
far as, far as the curse is found.
He rules the world with truth
and grace,
and makes the nations prove
the glories of His righteousness,
and wonders of His love,
and wonders of His love,
and wonders, wonders of His love.
“For somehow, not only at
Christmas, but all the long year
through, the joy that you
give to others is the joy
that comes back to you.”

Let It Snow!
Oh, the weather outside is frightful,
But the fire is so delightful,
And since we’ve no place to go,
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.
It doesn’t show signs of stopping,
And I brought some corn for popping;
The lights are turned way down low,
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.
When we finally say good night,
How I’ll hate going out in the storm;
But if you really hold me tight,
All the way home I’ll be warm.
The fire is slowly dying,
And, my dear, we’re still good-bye-ing,
But as long as you love me so.
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

Little Drummer Boy
Come they told me
Pa rum pum pum pum
A new born King to see,
Pa rum pum pum pum
Our finest gifts we bring
Pa rum pum pum pum
To lay before the King
Pa rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum
So to honor Him
Pa rum pum pum pum,
When we come.
Little Baby
Pa rum pum pum pum
I am a poor boy too,
Pa rum pum pum pum
I have no gift to bring
Pa rum pum pum pum
That’s fit to give our King
Pa rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum
Shall I play for you!
Pa rum pum pum
On my drum.
Mary nodded
Pa rum pum pum pum
The ox and lamb kept time
Pa rum pum pum pum
I played my drum for Him
Pa rum pum pum
I played my best for Him
Pa rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum
Then He smiled at me
Pa rum pum pum pum
Me and my drum.

O Come, All Ye Faithful
come, all ye faithful,
Joyful and triumphant,
O come ye,
O come ye to Bethlehem;
Come and behold Him
Born the King of angels;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ, the Lord.
Sing, choirs of angels,
Sing in exultation,
Sing, all ye citizens
Of heaven above;
Glory to God,
Glory in the highest;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ, the Lord.
Yea, Lord, we greet Thee,
Born this happy morning,
Jesus, to Thee be
All glory given;
Son of the Father,
Now in flesh appearing;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ, the Lord.

O Holy Night
holy night,
The stars are brightly shining;
It is the night of
Our dear Savior’s birth!
Long lay the world
In sin and error pining,
Till He appeared
And the soul felt its worth.
thrill of hope,
The weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks
A new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees,
O hear the angel voices!
O night divine,
O night when Christ was born!
O night divine, O night,
O night divine!

O Little Town Of Bethlehem
little town of Bethlehem,
How still we see thee lie.
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by;
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light;
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight.
For Christ is born of Mary,
And, gathered all above
While mortals sleep, the angels keep
Their watch of wondering love.
O morning stars, together
Proclaim the holy birth.
And praises sing to God the King.
And peace to men on earth.

Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
You know Dasher and Dancer
And Prancer and Vixen,
Comet and Cupid
And Donner and Blitzen.
But do you recall
The most famous reindeer of all?
Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer
(reindeer)
Had a very shiny nose
(like a light bulb)
And if you ever saw it
(saw it)
You would even say it glows
(like a flash light)
All of the other reindeer
(reindeer)
Used to laugh and call him names
They never let poor Rudolph
(Rudolph)
Play in any reindeer games
(like Monopoly)
Then one foggy Christmas Eve
Santa came to say
(Ho Ho Ho)
Rudolph with your nose so bright
Won’t you guide my sleigh tonight?
Then all the reindeer loved him
(loved him)
And they shouted out with glee
(yippee)
“Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer
(reindeer)
You’ll go down in history!”
(like Columbus)

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
You better watch out
You better not cry
Better not pout
I’m telling you why
Santa Claus is coming to town
He’s making a list,
And checking it twice;
Gonna find out Who’s naughty and nice.
Santa Claus is coming to town
He sees you when you’re sleeping
He knows when you’re awake
He knows if you’ve been bad or good
So be good for goodness sake!
O! You better watch out!
You better not cry.
Better not pout, I’m telling you why.
Santa Claus is coming to town.
Santa Claus is coming to town.

Silent Night
Silent night, holy night!
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight!
Glories stream from heaven afar;
Heavenly hosts sing Al-le-lu-ia!
Christ the Saviour is born!
Christ the Saviour is born!
Silent night, holy night!
Wondrous star, lend thy light!
With the angels let us sing
Alleluia to our King!
Christ the Saviour is here,
Jesus the Saviour is here!
Silent night, Holy night!
Son of God, love’s pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus Lord at thy birth;
Jesus Lord at thy birth.

Silver Bells
City sidewalks, busy sidewalks
Dressed in holiday style.
In the air there’s
A feeling of Christmas.
Children laughing, people passing,
Meeting smile after smile,
And on every street corner you’ll hear:
Silver bells, silver bells,
It’s Christmas time in the city.
Ring-a-ling, hear them ring,
Soon it will be Christmas day.
City street lights,
Even stop lights,
Blink a bright red and green,
As the shoppers rush home
With their treasures.
Hear the snow crunch,
See the kids bunch,
This is Santa’s big scene,
And above all this bustle you’ll hear:
Silver bells, silver bells,
It’s Christmas time in the city.
Ring-a-ling, hear them ring,
Soon it will be Christmas day.
“Christmas is the day that holds
all time together.”

Sleigh Ride
Just hear those sleigh bells jingling,
Ring ting tingling too
Come on, it’s lovely weather
For a sleigh ride together with you,
Outside the snow is falling
And friends are calling “Yoo hoo,”
Come on, it’s lovely weather
For a sleigh ride together with you.
Giddy up, giddy up, giddy up,
Let’s go, Let’s look at the show,
We’re riding in a wonderland of snow.
Giddy up, giddy up, giddy up,
It’s grand, Just holding your hand,
We’re gliding along with a song
Of a wintry fairy land.
Our cheeks are nice and rosy
And comfy cozy are we
We’re snuggled up together
Like two birds of a feather would be
Let’s take that road before us
And sing a chorus or two
Come on, it’s lovely weather
For a sleigh ride together with you.
There’s a birthday party
At the home of Farmer Gray
It’ll be the perfect ending of a
perfect day
We’ll be singing the songs
We love to sing without a single stop,
At the fireplace while we watch
The chestnuts pop. Pop! pop! pop!
There’s a happy feeling
Nothing in the world can buy,
When they pass around the chocolate
And the pumpkin pie
It’ll nearly be like a picture print
By Currier and Ives
These wonderful things are the things
We remember all through our lives!
Just hear those sleigh bells jingling,
Ring ting tingling too
Come on, it’s lovely weather
For a sleigh ride together with you,
Outside the snow is falling
And friends are calling “Yoo hoo,”
Come on, it’s lovely weather
For a sleigh ride together with you.

Up On The Housetop
Up on the housetop
Reindeer pause,
Out jumps good old Santa Claus.
Down thru’ the chimney
With lots of toys,
All for the little ones,
Christmas joys.
Ho, ho, ho!
Who wouldn’t go!
Ho, ho, ho!
Who wouldn’t go!
Up on the housetop,
Click, click, click,
Down thru’ the chimney
With good Saint Nick.
First comes the stocking
Of little Nell,
Oh, dear Santa
Fill it well;
Give her a dolly
That laughs and cries
One that will open
And shut her eyes.
Ho, ho, ho!
Who wouldn’t go!
Ho, ho, ho!
Who wouldn’t go!
Up on the housetop,
Click, click, click,
Down thru’ the chimney
With good Saint Nick.
Next comes the stocking
Of little Will,
Oh just see
What a glorious fill
Here is a hammer
And lots of tacks,
Also a ball
And a whip that cracks.
Ho, ho, ho!
Who wouldn’t go!
Ho, ho, ho!
Who wouldn’t go!
Up on the housetop,
Click, click, click,
Down thru’ the chimney
With good Saint Nick.
“It was always said of him, that he
knew how to keep Christmas
well, if any man alive
possessed the knowledge.
May that be truly said of us, and all
of us! And so, as Tiny Tim observed,
God Bless Us, Every One!”

We Three Kings Of Orient Are
We three kings of orient are,
Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain,
Moor and mountain,
Following yonder star.
star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright.
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light.
Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain,
Gold I bring to crown Him again
King for ever, ceasing never
Over us all to reign.
star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright.
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light.
Frankincense to offer have I,
Incense owns a Deity nigh
Prayer and praising, all men raising,
Worship Him, God most high.
star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright.
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light.

We Wish You A Merry Christmas
We wish you a Merry Christmas
We wish you a Merry Christmas
We wish you a Merry Christmas
And a happy New Year.
Good tidings we bring
To you and your kin;
Good tidings for Christmas
And a happy New Year!
We want some figgy pudding
We want some figgy pudding
We want some figgy pudding
Please bring it right here!
Good tidings we bring
To you and your kin;
Good tidings for Christmas
And a happy New Year!
We won't go until we get some
We won't go until we get some
We won't go until we get some
So bring it out here!
Good tidings we bring
To you and your kin;
Good tidings for Christmas
And a happy New Year!

What Child Is This?
What Child is this, who laid to rest,
On Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing.
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
Why lies He in such mean estate
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear: for sinners here,
The silent Word is pleading.
This, this is Christ the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing.
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
Nails, spear, shall pierce Him through,
The Cross be borne, for me, for you:
Hail, hail, the Word made flesh,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!
This, this is Christ the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing.
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

White Christmas
I’m dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the treetops glisten
And children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow.
I’m dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white.

Winter Wonderland
Sleigh bells ring, are you listening,
In the lane, snow is glistening
A beautiful sight,
We’re happy tonight,
Walking in a winter wonderland.
Gone away is the bluebird,
Here to stay is a new bird
He sings a love song,
As we go along,
Walking in a winter wonderland.
In the meadow we can build a snowman,
Then pretend that he is Parson Brown
He’ll say: Are you married?
We’ll say: No man,
But you can do the job
When you’re in town.
Later on, we’ll conspire,
As we dream by the fire
To face unafraid,
The plans that we’ve made,
Walking in a winter wonderland.
In the meadow we can build a snowman,
And pretend that he’s a circus clown
We’ll have lots of fun with mister snowman,
Until the other kids knock him down.
When it snows, ain’t it thrilling,
Though your nose gets a chilling
We’ll frolic and play, the Eskimo way,
Walking in a winter wonderland.
Walking in a winter wonderland,
Walking in a winter wonderland.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Month of Gratitude: Bits and Pieces

While I am trying to be more aware of my gratitude for various things, I haven't been posting daily.

I might also extend this practice beyond November.

But for today I am particularly grateful for 
  • Self-cleaning ovens--no work but lots of satisfaction!  Just in time to get messy again on Thanksgiving.
  • Mugs of Earl Grey tea, especially on blustery fall days, while I read Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey.
  • A fully-stocked sewing box and bits of leftover fleece that Sis and Bud are making into sachets for their first lesson in sewing.
  • My giant soup pot filled with chicken-tortellini soup tonight (with some tomatoes--Sis can handle them in the soup as long as she doesn't have to eat them.  Sound familiar?  They both still avoid carrots!)
  • The (until Friday) readily-available camera that was my smartphone--you (and I) have missed out on pictures of fleece pillows and blankets and sachets and many other things in the last 4 days.  So, I am grateful for all of the moments I captured with my smartphone camera.

Cemetery Style

I suppose it's not every family that takes an impromptu field trip through a cemetery, but it's what we did on the way home from church on Sunday.  As I've mentioned, Mama and the kids play Ingress, the app game using local landmarks.  And there was a nearby cemetery with several "portals" as part of the game.

It gave us a chance to talk about a few things, since death had come up a few times last week and since we don't visit cemeteries often (and rarely pay too much attention when we drive by, unless it's a really old one):

  • respect for the dead (as we debated whether playing a game in a cemetery was respectful.  We decided because we were just driving through peacefully that it was ok.); 
  • the history of cemeteries (at least the modern Western history, namely as parks, a la Bethnal Green in London and Green-wood in NYC, both of which I've visited);
  • the function of cemeteries and especially gravemarkers (history, memorial, status, kinship, style);  
  • burial customs (different cultural traditions, like the need to bury those who are Jewish quickly, those who are Muslim without coffins, and Mama's Chinese ancestors as far up a mountain as possible) and cemetery visitations (on religious holidays, Dios de los Muertos, significant personal anniversaries, or not much at all--Gommie buys Easter lilies and poinsettias in memory of her mother, but not for her mother's grave.  I like that.)  
  • the styles and traditions of headstones (how many Eastern Europeans have begun to put likeness on gravemarkers; how since Schindler's List the placement of rocks on headstones has grown in popularity regardless of faith); 
  • and even the business of cemeteries (the job of monument makers; the rules on headstones and floral offerings at some strict faith-based cemeteries; the cost of a plot; the maintenance of the space--even the amount of chemicals used to maintain that weedless forever-green look.) 
We also discussed how Mama and I don't really want to be buried in cemeteries, instead being cremated (ashes sprinkled somewhere or not, up to our descendants.)

And all Bud could do was look out for Weeping Angels!!

It's Cookie Time!

No, not quite cookie-baking or swapping time.

It's Cookie-Time Bag donation time.

Yes, my Brownie troop is collecting self-contained bags of cookie-baking materials to donate to the local food pantries to sweeten the holidays of the people they serve.  It's similar to our Birthday-in-a-Bag donations in celebration of Juliette Gordon Low's birthday.

Here are the details, in case you'd like to try it with your service organization (but note that I'm not soliciting or collecting bags from people online):



We’re collecting
COOKIE-TIME BAGS
for local food pantries

What is a Cookie-Time Bag?  A Cookie-Time Bag is a self-contained bag with everything someone needs to make and decorate cookies during the holidays.

Who needs a Cookie-Time Bag?  Everyone likes to bake cookies, especially during the holidays!  However, sometimes circumstances occur that prevent this from happening.  A Cookie-Time Bag can sweeten the holidays.

Where will the Cookie-Time Bags go?  Each Cookie-Time Bag collected will be delivered to local food pantries, by December 13, to be distributed to the families they serve.
                                                                 
What goes in a Cookie Time Bag?


·         Dry mix for cut-out cookies, such as sugar cookie or gingerbread cookie mix  (no chocolate chip or peanut butter, refrigerated,  or frozen dough please)
·         Can or tubes of frosting
·         Sprinkles or other decorations
·         Cookie cutters (for example:  snowflake, snowman, gingerbread people, stars)
·         Disposable aluminum sheet for baking
·         Decorative bag to hold all the items
·         Optional:  napkins and plates for cookie party; cookie tin for storage



Be sure to include a note!  Suggested Text:
Happy Holidays from Girl Scout Troop #
Girl Scouts love cookies and we want to share them with you.  Inside you will find everything you need to make your own cookies for the holidays.  We wish you a happy new year!

Contact details:  If you would like to participate, e-mail your troop number, contact person and number of bags.  Bags must either be brought to the Adult Volunteer Meeting  or delivered to ____ by December 11.  Thank you!


Monday, November 18, 2013

CogAAAAAAAAAhhhhhhT!

This week, third graders in our town are taking the Cognitive Abilities Test or CogAT, which is the major determining factor in placement in the advanced classes.

I'm not primarily worried about those advanced classes--Sis and Bud will end up where they need to be (though, I would be stressed if one qualified and not the other, if only for the sibling rivalry.  Ugh.)--but I am a bit stressed about the instructions to parents to make sure the kids get a good night's sleep and eat a well-balanced breakfast.

Talk about two things I don't have any control over.  I put them to bed on-time pretty much every night around 8:30.  Tonight, they were asleep before 8:45; last night, after 9:30.  I offer them a relatively balanced breakfast most mornings:  sometimes they eat, sometimes they don't.

In fact, today, Bud won't up and became grumpy and wouldn't eat breakfast.  And all I could think was "thank heavens it's only practice test day."

Which just isn't right.  Especially because I REALLY don't want them to stress about it.  Or worry about advanced placement.

If I'm like this about the CogAT, how will I be about the SATs???

Fleeced

I'm covered in little bits of fleece fuzz.  In fact, it's been quite a fuzzy day over here.  First, I cut a yard of rainbow-striped fleece into three scarves, fringing the bottom in 1"-strips; one for me, two for the local community Coat Closet.  Then, one of the parent volunteers of our Brownie troop came over to help cut down to size the fleece we're using to make blankets for hospice patients at Thursday's meeting.  Then, while Sis was at gymnastics, Bud and I made a fleece pillowcase for a large 25 x 25" fluffy feather pillow.  And it is this light pastel rainbow micro-fleece which shed all over me, Bud, and the living room, including Albus the cat who kept trying to help.  I've cut all of the extra scraps into more scarves for the coat closet.  And the non-scarf-sized remnants were braided into "chew toys" which the cats actually chased around the house!  Who knew fleece could be such fun?!

-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Fleece No-Sew Pillowcase

pillowform, size of your choice
fleece, color(s) of your choice

Measure the size of your pillow.  Add 8" to each dimension.  For example:  our pillow was 25 x 25"  so I cut 2 pieces of fleece 33 x 33".

Place fleece wrong sides together (i.e. right sides facing outwards.) Using a piece of cardboard cut 4 x 4", cut a 4 x 4" square out of each corner.  Then cut fringe 4" long and 1" wide along each side.

Tie three sides of the fleece together using the knot of your choice.  Insert the pillowform and tie the fourth side.


Weekend Update

We had a relaxing but full weekend:
  • Kung fu.  Ice skating.  Sis is doing forward and backward swizzles; her legs get so tired.
  • Shopping at the Asian grocery for kitchen staples.
  • Attended Russian Orthodox church food fest--with pierohi, halushki, pagach, kielbasa, sauerkraut--and gingerbread-house decorating.  Saw many friends and met Shelley's wonderful family--yay!
  • Watched two Doctor Who episodes.
  • Played Monopoly with Sis. 
  • Church--gave four prayer shawls to pastoral care minister--and had a nice chat with a local high school teacher.  Liked the minister's sermon about how we look for the kind of religious home where we had our spiritual coming of age, even if that's not the best for us or our church (she also mentioned that we wear the style of clothes from the happiest time of our lives--I like black, from my NYC days; Mama likes college-like jeans and flannel.) Which means I'm looking for a strong pastoral-care minister in a small congregation where everyone knows everyone else.  Even if that's not what we have now--no wonder I don't feel quite at home yet.  
  • Realized my upper back pain REALLY was a crochet injury, probably just repetitive stress.
  • Skipped family after-church lunch to donate money to the Philippines.  Sis reminded us as we started craving fried chicken.
  • Taught Sis single crochet stitch.  She's making progress.
  • Played the game Life.  Sis had 6 kids!  Bud didn't want any.  :)  Mama and I reminisced about the spinner and the little cars with the pegs.  Sis won, with $4 million.  Winner has to clean up the game.
  • Baked bread in new bread machine, breaking it in before Thanksgiving.
and 

LOST MY PHONE!!!

Yes, on Friday night, between 6-7 pm, I misplaced my smarphone.  I looked up a phone number for Mama and put it on the kitchen table.  Neither of us remembers it after that.  At bedtime, I knew I'd left it downstairs, but when I looked for it in the morning, I never found it.  We've turned the house upside down, looking in all likely and most unlikely places--washing machine, bookcases, freezer, pockets, purse, car, bedcovers.  Because I only thought I'd left it downstairs, I didn't panic and search for it; by the time I couldn't find it, the battery was dead (it woudn't have rung anyway--I always leave it on silent.)  And now it's been two and a half days.  I even had friends here this morning and they couldn't find it either.  We'll keep looking . . . but it's galling to think I might have to replace it, especially since I know it's in the house.  

So if you email/FB post/text me and I don't reply in a timely manner, I'm unplugged most of the day.

And am going through withdrawl.

Friday, November 15, 2013

Sing a Song

I've noticed something recently.  I sing a lot, making up lyrics to songs to fit the moment (this morning it was "Of all the Cats I've Loved Before" and something else to the tune of "Feelings") or singing snippets of lyrics that come to me ("Crazy" comes to mind a lot, but I also taught the kids my favorite elementary music class song "Don Gato" this morning and referred to "Super Turkey" at dinner), in addition to singing along to the radio or iPod.  Sometimes, they aren't even songs I really know.  But I've heard them all of my life.  Because Gommie does it, too.  In fact, many of the bits I sing are the ones she sang, like "Oh, I ain't got a barrel of money . . ." or "Roll out the barrel" or "First you say you do, and then you don't . . . " or "Sidewalks of New York" or "You are my sunshine" or so many others that don't come to mind right now because it's not really a conscious habit.  I'm singing before I know it.  Yesterday afternoon, I was singing along to the carols at the craft store before I even realized they'd started the Christmas music!  I wonder if Sis and Bud will do the same thing?

-=-=-=-=-
"Don Gato"

Oh Senor Don Gato was a cat
On a high red roof Don Gato sat
He went there to read a letter,
Meow, meow, meow
Where the reading light was better,
Meow, meow, meow
'Twas a love note for Don Gato

I adore you wrote the lady cat
Who was fluffy, white and nice and fat
There was not a sweeter kitty,
Meow, meow, meow
In the country or the city,
Meow, meow, meow
And she said she'd wed Don Gato

Oh, Don Gato jumped so happily
He fell off the roof and broke his knee
Broke his ribs and all his whiskers,
Meow, meow, meow
And his little solar plexus,
Meow, meow, meow
Ay Caramba cried Don Gato

Then the doctors all came on the run
Just to see if something could be done
And they held a consultation,
Meow, meow, meow
About how to save their patient,
Meow, meow, meow
How to save Senor Don Gato

But in spite of everything they tried
Poor Senor Don Gato up and died
And it wasn't very merry,
Meow, meow, meow
Going to the cemetery,
Meow, meow, meow
For the ending of Don Gato

When the funeral passed the market square
Such a smell of fish was in the air
Though his burial was slated,
Meow, meow, meow
He became reanimated,
Meow, meow, meow
He came back to life, Don Gato

Thoughts and Prayers

My thoughts and prayers are with my friend whose husband was being enrolled in hospice earlier this week. He died last night.  We are sorry for her loss and the difficult journey they have been on.

Goodreads Guilt

I set a goal at the beginning of the year through my Goodreads account to read 52 books this year, or one a week.  When I finish one, I enter it into my "read" list.  And for most of the year, it told me I was a certain percentage ahead of schedule.

Until now.  The last time I logged in, I was 5 books behind.

And my A-student guilt kicked in.  I finished off Being Well, a relatively short book on mindfulness and illness, and brought it down to only 4 behind.  Which still bothers me.  I've been considering reading shorter books, instead of the long and academic tomes I've been sampling for weeks now, including At Night's Close and The Greater Journey.  I could blow through The Five Regrets of the Dying or one of my Doctor Who novels, but I'm not really interested in those right now.

And so I have to remember that the point isn't the number (or the grade) but the experience--the pleasure, the learning.  I should read what I want to and not feel guilty about the computer's algorithm (though the goal was mine.)  I've really liked entering the books I've read and the encouragement the list-keeping gives me; I've read more books this year than I've read in a decade.  But I also really like 100%.

Funny how old student habits die hard.

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Good Night, Day

Good night, trees....




Happy Hospice Month!

Today was our annual hospice volunteer luncheon, where the organization's staff cook for the volunteers.  The food is always so good!  And I am grateful for the appreciation--today, they even blessed our hands in a communal water ritual that we passed from one to another, saying kind things

And I got two more great recipes--Pea Pesto Salad and Layered Caramel Apple Dip--maybe even for Thanksgiving.

-=-=-=-=-=-

Pea Pesto Salad
1 bag frozen peas, defrosted
1 bag baby spinach, washed and sorted
pine nuts, toasted
Parmesan cheese, shaved
prepared pesto

Layer spinach, peas, pinenuts, and Parmesan cheese in a bowl.  Top with pesto.  Toss before serving.

-=-=-=-=-=-

Layered Caramel Apple Dip
whipped cream cheese
caramel (topping or dip)
granola (like Aurora brand)
Granny Smith apples, sliced

Spread cream cheese at the bottom of a pie plate, then spread on caramel topping.  Sprinkle on thick layer of granola.  Used sliced apples for dipping.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

The Kitchen Clock is Ticking

Still tweaking my Thanksgiving menu, since it's only two weeks from tomorrow.  But after much consideration (and "Anticipation") and a survey, I don't think I'll actually be changing much.  Check out how everyone finished this sentence, "Thanksgiving won't be Thanksgiving without any _____":

Sis:  turkey and gravy and rolls and pumpkin pie
Bud:  cranberry sauce
Mama: horseradish cranberry sauce
Me:  dressing
Ma:  sweet potato casserole
Gong:  green bean casserole and pecan pie
[Ooops, we forgot to ask Goo.  Will check.]

Which pretty much leaves our traditional menu intact.  I can fiddle with the appetizers, but, otherwise, we're all pretty happy with one dish . . .adding up to all of them!!  And since my aim is to at least partly please everyone . . . .

Still, I'm considering a few changes, mainly altering the sweet potato casserole (Ma likes the sweet potato part and won't really care about whether it's marshallow or corn flake topping) and the green bean casserole (using a homemade cream sauce instead of cream of mushroom soup.)  Mama laughed that I should have a practice weekend, which actually entails making all the dishes that don't make the final cut, like cranberry-upside-down cake, New England Harvest bread or steamed bread (from KAF's latest  Baking Sheet), creamed spinach, chocolatey-nutty Derby Pie, any number of jeweled rice pilafs with nuts and dried fruits, various whole roasted pumpkin dishes (or my big beautiful Hubbard), and other dishes of kale, butternut squash, Brussel sprouts, green beans, or corn.

Hmmm, I wonder if Sis still wants regular mashed potatoes.

I surveyed my FB friends for vegan appetizer ideas, to suit my vegetarianism and Ma and Gong's dairy-free-ness.  Pretty much everyone said either olives or hummus.  Which just doesn't say Thanksgiving to me (and I hadn't added that neither Mama nor Goo really eat olives.  It's always something.)  So I'm thinking of a variety of pecans--candied, glazed, or spiced, all from Saveur--plus a baked brie (one of the only cheeses Ma likes, along with mozzarella.)  Mama and I also discussed home-popped popcorn with choose-your-own toppings.  Or even just some extra cornbread to nibble on. And I think Ma and Gong are going to bring a green salad and strawberry shortcake and maybe even cheesecake; who knows what Goo will think up--last year it was delicious and difficult scallion pancakes!

So, as usual, we are more than set.

-=-=-=-=-
Sweet Potato Casserole with Crunchy Topping
Potatoes
1 lb sweet potatoes or 29 oz. can, drained
3/4 cup milk
3 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
6 tablespoons butter, melted
Topping
6 tablespoons butter, softened
½ cup chopped pecans
½ cup packed dark brown sugar
¾  cup crushed corn flakes


Beat together potatoes and next 5 ingredients.  Place in an ungreased 1 ½ quart baking dish.  Bake for 45 minutes or until edges leaves sides of pan.  Mix together all topping ingredients in a bowl until combined. Spread over baked dish.  Cook under broiler for 1 minute or until topping browns.

Gommie Hungry

Somewhat Homemade Green Bean Casserole
2 pounds green beans, trimmed, cut in half, and steamed (8 to 10 minutes or until tender),
6 tablespoons butter
8 ounces mushrooms, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 tablespoons whole wheat flour
½ teaspoon salt
Pepper, to taste
2 ½ cups milk
1 tablespoon soy sauce
French's fried onions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large sauté pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the mushrooms and garlic and cook while stirring for 2 to 3 minutes.  Sprinkle in the flour and stir vigorously for 1 to 2 minutes, being careful not to let the flour burn. Stir in the salt and pepper.  Carefully whisk in the milk and soy sauce while scraping the brown bits off the bottom of the pan. Bring to a light boil. Whisk and cook until the sauce thickens to the consistency of a really thick soup, about 3 to 4 minutes.  Mix the sauce with the green beans and some fried onions in a casserole dish and toss to combine. Bake in the oven until bubbly, about 15 minutes. Remove from oven and top with French's fried onions and bake until brown.

adapted from 100 Days of Real Food (they make their own onions)

A Trio of Pecans from Saveur's article "Southern Belle" by Wendell Brock
Glazed Pecans
¾ cup sugar
¼ cup sour cream
2 cups pecan halves, lightly toasted
¾ tsp. vanilla extract

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside. Whisk sugar and sour cream in a 4-qt. saucepan until smooth; bring to a boil. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture is bubbling and thick, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in pecan halves and vanilla extract until well coated. Spread on prepared baking sheet; let cool completely. Break into bite-size pieces before serving.


Spiced Pecans
  • 2 tbsp. packed dark brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp. smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp. cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp. kosher salt
  • ½ tsp. ground coriander
  • ¼ tsp. granulated garlic
  • ¼ tsp. ground cumin
  • ⅛ tsp. ground allspice
  • 2 cups pecan halves
  • ½ beaten egg white
Heat oven to 300°. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside. Mix dark brown sugar, paprika, cayenne, salt, coriander, garlic, cumin, and allspice in a bowl. Mix pecan halves and egg white in a bowl until combined. Toss nuts with spice mixture to coat completely. Spread on prepared baking sheet; bake until browned and crisp, 25–30 minutes. Let cool before serving.

Candied Pecans
  • 2 cups pecan halves
  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • ½ tsp. flake sea salt
Heat oven to 325°. Spread pecan halves on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake until lightly toasted and fragrant, about 10 minutes; set aside. Boil brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil in a 12" skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until mixture is foamy and slightly thickened, 2–3 minutes. Add pecans and cook, stirring constantly, until well coated, about 3 minutes. Spread on prepared baking sheet and sprinkle with sea salt; let cool completely. Break into bite-size pieces before serving.

Everyday



As if one needed a reminder during the fall of decaying leaves, short days, and overcast weather, I have been with death and dying these last few days.

On Monday, the young woman up the street died overnight. 

On Tuesday, I comforted a friend as she heard from the facility where her husband lives and decided that it was time to enroll him in hospice, eschewing all measures beyond palliative ones.

And today, I tied knots in a fleece blanket with my own hospice patient.  For two hours!!!  And we chatted the whole time.

Thursday is the wake for the young woman; Friday, the funeral.  I plan to go to at least one if not also the other.

That's everyday this week.

And I've realized a few things for myself.  The dying of strangers is easier to witness and companion for me; the death and dying of friends, or even just acquaintances, is more emotionally fraught.  The expected dying of a person, for me, is easier than the sudden.  The old easier than the young.  And, of course, death and dying are as close and nearby as life and living and I'm becoming more and more comfortable and accepting of that.

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Fall Snowfall

Snow.  Not flurries, but real snow.
We all cuddled in the warm bed, watching the snow dance with the red leaves.
Sweatshirts, coats, knit hats, not cold enough for mittens.  Hot macaroni and cheese in a thermos for later.
Traditionali call to Texas to wake Gommie and Pop with the news.
Photos of snow on leaves, not enough on pumpkins yet.  Maybe.
But definitely not enough for snow ice cream or snowballs.
Kids off, now a cup of tea with peanut butter toast.
Still snowing.

Monday, November 11, 2013

Today

Mama stayed home with a nasty cold.

I pondered Veterans' Day, always a challenge, as I deplore the military-industrial complex and blood-for-oil and Western imperialism/colonialism/revenge, as well as the creation of an underclass of very young, often minority, soldiers serving the needs of the upperclass 1%.  I don't buy that the majority of battles fought today are to protect our freedom (or not the freedom of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, but the freedom, for instance, of unlimited oil and its petroleum by-products so fundamental to our capitalist first-world society or freedom to make money for the war contractors or even freedom to exact some kind of large-scale revenge for September 11.)  I believe the jingoistic patriotism that is the dominant cultural comment on the wars and soldiers, especially today, belies (and might even be primarily made to distract us from) the ugly truths.  And so I am cynical.  Though, I do realize our freedoms have been protected by veterans now and in the past.  My grandfather fought in the European theater of WWII; my current hospice patient is a female veteran (possibly like the WWII code-breaker women on the BBC's "Bletchley Circle.")  I just don't think all wars are the same and I worry that all of our "I support the troops" blinds us to these problems.   Though, I can't blame our current soldiers and veterans for where their leaders send them, or why; even in such situations, so many soldiers show bravery, strength, and compassion  and offer up (along with their families) great and sometimes ultimate sacrifices that aren't tainted by the causes of the war or motivations of politicians.  For this we should raise them up as heroes and thank them.  See, conflicted.  Maybe friend Karen was right and I should look into Veterans for Peace.

Mama Teacher, my friend, was home recovering from yesterday's migraine but could come over for coffee and a chat.

We saw emergency vehicles up the street in the morning.  Tonight, I learned that the 22ish year-old young woman in that house had died overnight, probably of the heart condition she's had since birth.  It is devastatingly sad.  I cried tonight and hugged the kids tighter, especially when I thought of Christmas and her new baby niece.  She always waved at us from the steps of her house and talked to me when I shopped where she worked; she was friendly and lively.  I know she will be missed.  I hurt, almost physically, for her parents and older sister.

I ran errands to the craft store, finding yarn for teacher gifts and fleece for my hospice patient's project.  Lots of shoppers today.  Got yummy Chipotle lunch.  Couldn't find a bread machine I liked.

I received email that the Filippino pen pal of the youth in our church was not on the island with the most devastation but still hasn't been heard from.  Our thoughts and prayers are with her, her family, and her nation.

I learned that my in-laws like my sweet potato casserole and green bean casseroles.  I'm not sure we'll be changing any of our traditional Thanksgiving dishes!  Though, I've been looking for vegan appetizers to please us all.  Not easy.

I finished my binge of the new "Battlestar Galactica," with Edward James Olmos and Mary McDonnell.  I loved all four seasons and the ending--the original BG, science fiction, war, torture, the military, alliances, politics, spies, zealots, religion, fanactism, angels, spirituality, cults, death, afterlife, cancer, technology, AI, love, sex, romance, parenting, truth, memory, hope, peace.  Wow.  I could watch it all again.  The character Kara Thrace was a space-aged Xena.  And the love story of Adama and Roslin was one of the best.

I crocheted 5+ more rows on my new prayer shawl, in LB Thick and Chunky "Colonial" blue.

Mama and I have started to watch "Orange is the New Black."  And we like it.

Sis came home exhausted and missed gymnastics; I watched her all night for fever.  None yet and she got a second wind.

The kids made pandas on their Rainbow Looms; we listened to "Zoom Gully Gully" on the computer.

I skipped my Girl Scout meeting.

Bud just solved a completely random Rubik's Cube in 3 minutes and 34 seconds.

Now they are both reading books in the Percy Jackson series before bedtime.

Snow is in the forecast tomorrow morning, no accumulation.

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Month of Gratitude: Health and Wellness

Generally grateful for our good health, even with a cold working its way through the family (everyone but me has it) and my chronic back thing.

Also grateful for our general safety . . . this time last year, my in-laws (and the Tri-State) were recovering from Hurricane Sandy (which totaled two cars and the entire contents of their basement, including all holiday stuff and family mementos) and now hundreds of thousands of people are experiencing such severe devastation in the Philippines.

Good Deeds

I'm proud of the kids on three accounts today.

First, they donated 11.4 lbs of candy to a local group collecting for soldiers on the USS Truman.  11.4 lbs! That's about a quarter of Sis's body weight.  It was their Halloween haul, plus our leftover candy for giving out (of which there was a lot), some leftover full-sized bars we bought from the Boy Scouts (I know, I supported them this year, just a bit, in recognition of their partial acceptance of LGBT), and then leftover candy from who-knows-what-else (probably Gommie!).  And now it's out of the house for a good cause.

Secondly, we talked about the typhoon in the Philippines this evening and voted to send some of our savings jar money as a donation.  This basically entails giving up our week's restaurant meal--and we all agreed.  We looked at the various charities and chose the Red Cross, mainly because they liked that the Red Cross had helped Ma and Gong after Hurricane Sandy.

Lastly, and connected to the above, they remembered that our church's CYRE (children and youth religious education) supports a UU girl in the Philippines, sending her money for school fees and other needs.  And they wondered if she were okay.  She lives on Negros Island, which is west of Leyte Island and Tacloban, one of the hardest hit regions.  We will keep her and her country in our thoughts and prayers.

Friday, November 8, 2013

Month of Gratitude: A "New" Friend

Today I am very grateful for my friendship with Karen, of Sew and Sow Life.  We have only known each other online, though through a mutual friend, but have been reading each other's blog and FB updates for years now.

And today we met in person, for lunch--you can guess where!  Yes, Bloodroot was the perfect place.

I'm still smiling with the warmth and connection of the almost-three hour lunch (yes, we both can talk!  I think I did more than my fair share.)  I really really enjoyed meeting her in person and look forward to more connections in person and, in between, online.

And so, Karen, thank you so much for being the wonderful you I've come to know.  Thank you also for the lovely sachet, a delightful, homemade piece of your "little bit of earth."  The picture below doesn't do it justice, but I thought you'd like it better than something staged.

Until we meet again . . . hopefully sooner rather than later.

Albus loves the woodsy scent (and the string! No worries, I got it away in time.)  

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Month of Gratitude: Rain, Rain, Come Today

I am very grateful for the rain, even if it's measured in 1/100ths of an inch.   My part of Connecticut is in a state of drought.  Apparently, NYC and Westchester County have been declared in a state of drought, too.  So even a little bit of rain helps.  Besides, I like the way the fall leaves glow when its overcast.  And I like drinking mugs of tea and hibernating just a bit.

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

New Hospice Patient

I met my new hospice patient today, a woman in my own community.  I'll be visiting her once a week. We'll fill out a memory book on her childhood, marriage, children, and other memories; she seems absolutely fascinating.  And we're going to make fleece blankets for other people, at her request.  Someone had given her one and now she wants to make them for others.  I'll probably have to do most of the cutting and tying, but I'm glad to help her accomplish this.  We're also going to compile some of her favorite recipes, mostly Polish, which she made after her mother's recipes.  It will make a great Christmas present for her daughter. And I'm honored to help.

Election Day

"Mom, what's an abortion?" she asked.

How do I always step in it?

We were leaving the polls where I had just voted a straight party ticket and then bought them baked goods from the fundraising table out front.  They asked me why I voted Democrat.  And I said I won't vote Republican.  I know that in local politics the big social issues of LGBT rights, abortion rights, national healthcare, welfare, food stamps, unemployment benefits, the social safety net, maternal leave, fully-funded schools, separation of church and state, all in all the ability of government to be a positive force in people's lives when they need it, etc., rarely come up.  But I believe that, even though local politicians decide on trash pick-up, zoning, pensions, etc and not the other issues, they still opt to side with the Republicans and accept and agree to the national political platform--they choose to be Republicans, when they could be Democrats or even Independents.  And so I won't vote for them because they align themselves with beliefs I can't believe in.  Period.

And so I mentioned abortion.  And had to explain myself.  I'm not sure they really got it and hope they aren't picturing the Massacre of the Innocents.  I focused more on women's rights to control their own bodies.  And the irony of the Republican desire for small government except when it came to women's bodies and whom you could love.

Sure, they're probably a little young for that speech, but it's the one I believe.  What better time to give it than on election day?

Especially because, with one exception, every single Democrat, everyone I voted for, in our town lost.  (But I was glad to see NYC's and VA's results.)

Gratitude Month: Lots to be Thankful for Today

Today, I am grateful for:
  • my evening ramble with the kids down to "Goose Poop" park, where they played on the playground while I watched the ducks on the pond;
  • Sis's courage and curiosity in taking on the new challenge of ice skating; 
  • the right to vote, which came in my grandmother's lifetime.  She was 20 when she got the vote, but, because I was young when she died, I never thought to ask her about it.
And so many more.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Congratulations!

I'm doubly excited by the news this evening that Illinois has approved same-sex marriage because we lived there in those first golden years of our relationship and knew so many couples who can now be legally wed.

We've been pretty nostalgic for Chicago recently, especially after our date night Saturday which included a delicious Ethiopian meal and then a concert by those "troubadours of peace," Libana, a women's a capella group that focuses on music by women from around the world.  I have long known their CDs and songs because Artemis Singers, the lesbian chorus I sang with in Chicago, was often inspired by their arrangements.  It was a great evening of voices, percussion, other instruments (hammered dulcimer and guitar and clarinet), and dance, with selections from Albania, Sephardic Morocco, the Amazigh (the preferred term for the Berber people of North Africa), Gujarat in India, Malaysia, indigenous people in the Andes (I couldn't help but giggle because it sounded just like Peruvian street musicians in NYC!), new songs by women composers including the Peace Prayer Mandala, and others, including a chant-a-long.  It was a wonderful armchair journey, which took me not only to those places, but back to Chicago and practices with the chorus as well as (albeit very different) musical performances at Mountain Moving Coffeehouse.  Lovely memories, a lovely night.

Happy Birthday!!

To my little sister, Aunt Banana!!  I remember waiting at our neighbor's house after school to learn you had been born.  Have a good one!

Monday, November 4, 2013

Thanksgiving Reconsidered

I've been giving Thanksgiving a lot of thought recently, mainly how I want to celebrate and for what reasons.  I value the family tradition and the idea of gratitude, but I'm not really commemorating the meeting of Wamponoags and English settlers in 1621.  Perhaps it's more like the medieval European "harvest homes" to celebrate and give thanks for the harvest.  I mean, I am Irish/Scottish/English/Welsh, plus German and French, all of whom would have celebrated and given thanks at the harvest.  So maybe instead of doing the usual modern Thanksgiving with turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie or even trying to attempt a resemblance to an authentic meal with furmenty, nasaump, or sobaheg, etc, maybe I should look back to those medieval harvest feasts.  But I'm not sure I want to eat rosee (a chicken with rosewater dish) or cod with jance sauce or the like (though, the custard, "snow," and confits sound good.)  Maybe I'll just focus on our local, seasonal produce . . . which brings me back to our usual modern Thanksgiving!  So maybe this year, I will try new ways to celebrate sweet potatoes, cranberries, kale, brussel sprouts, corn and the like, with recipes that maintain more of the integrity of the produce with less processed additions.

Month of Gratitude

Last year, I posted several times about that for which I was grateful.  I'm doing the same thing this month but need to catch up first.

Nov. 1--rain, fall leaves, and sunset, such beauty this day
Nov. 2--NY-style bagels, from a new local bagelry with great cream cheeses
Nov. 3--family musical trio, as Mama, Sis, and Bud practiced their instruments
Nov. 4--sunshine (it was nice to wake up to light)

Saturday, November 2, 2013

Friday, November 1, 2013

Today's Tour

The last historic house tour of the season, the one with Sis and Bud's classes, went wonderfully well.  The rain had stopped before the tour, but they all ate inside--I had brought special deli sandwiches, chips, and cookies for them.  They ate with their friends while I got everything squared away.  When the tour started, Sis joined Bud's class, carrying my phone around to take pictures.

Here's a view of the tour from her vantage point:


We did all the usual third grade historic house tour things:  I dressed volunteers up in colonial garb; they strung dried apples, played with paper dolls, practiced chores like churning butter, and examined recent artifacts uncovered during the construction (namely a broken late 19th-century white ceramic vase/pot.)  We talked about the history of the family, the structure and evolution of the house, clothes, trades, food, seasonal activities, and children of long ago.

And, because the rain held off, we even got to go out to the herb garden that our Brownie troop created.

Sis and Bud didn't answer many of my questions; Sis had said she wanted to give other kids a chance (same with using other volunteers for dress-up).  But even though they were just two more faces in the group, they were my familiar little faces.  And I so really enjoyed today, having waited for it for a long time now.  It'll be two more years before they come back.  I hope I'm still volunteering then, because I'd really like to take them on another tour.

UPDATE:  The kids told me over dinner that both of their docents at the other house (they go to two) asked how they knew so much!!

Rainy Day Friday

I sent the kids off without lunch, without snack, without water bottles, for today is their tour at "my" historic house.  They won't need snack and I'm bringing lunch to share.  But we'll have to eat it inside because it is wet and windy here.  Sure, the first rainy day we've had in weeks and it falls today, when an outside picnic together on the grounds of the historic house would have been so nice.  Of course, it's also the morning after Halloween, so the kids are going to be sleepy and distracted, I'm sure.  But I'm still so excited that it's Sis and Bud's tour day.  I've been looking forward to this for ages.  And then I'll celebrate both the kids' tour and the end of the tour season.