Basking In The Holiday Glow

 

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2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: Sorry, no post on this day.
2018: A Beautiful Merry Christmas
2017: The Best Gift Ever
2016: Bring Me Some Snow!
2015: Have A Very...
2014: The Christmas Table 
2013: Wishes To The Whole World 
2012: Merry Christmas! 
2011: Who Says Money Doesn’t Grow On Trees? It’s Christmas!!
2010: Christmas Time Is Here
2009: Commanding Attention Once Again
2008: A Meal Of Delicious Cheesy Goodness And A Day Of Good Delicious Cheeriness
2007: The Merry. The Moments. The Memories.
2006: I Love Your Bawwwlls!!
2005: Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

Three And A Half Christmases

 

This year I had a burst of energy.  I put up four trees.  Well, really three and a half.  You've seen two of them already in former posts but I'm going to gather them all together for this one.  The main tree, in my primary living room is the one above. It stands about seven and a half feet tall and has more ornaments than any tree in the house.  

I love this tree.  I love looking at it all hours of the day.  If it wouldn't make me a weirdo, I'd keep the thing up all year.  Right now I'm the only one up in the house, all the other lights are off, and this tree is shining and shimmering and sparkling and I LOVE it.

The second tree is in our second living room.  It's a skinny tree, about six feet tall.  This one houses all my childhood ornaments (that made it this far) and many of the ornaments my mother had on some of her trees over the years.  It feels very retro.  If it had colored lights, it'd really be like when I was a kid.  This tree holds memories.

The third tree was gifted to me by my friend Kim.  It's about two feet tall and sits on a small table in my bedroom.  I like it.  It's simple.  And at night, it's like a pretty little nightlight.  The tiny stained glass house next to it was made by my step-father, Frank.  That's there all year round and another little memory.

The last tree is the one in my kitchen.  This came about when we somehow wound up with an extra tree (maybe one of my mother's?) and the red theme was inspired by the picture of Murtagh, who is a very prominent character in the kitchen.  He's the first thing you see when you walk in.  

So we have a very merry, very Christmasy household this year.  I have another skinny tree (still in the box) which I couldn't figure out where to display, but I'm sure it'll be making an appearance next year.  

Ed and I will be hitting the sales after the holiday is over so I'm sure I'll find a good deal on something.  I can't wait!

Buona vigilia di Natale!

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2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: Sorry, no post on this day.
2018: Wait Right Here...Someone Will Be With You In A Minute
2017: We Joined Together: One Fiery Italian Babe And One Laid-Back Dude From Texas
2016: My Christmas Presents Are Safe
2015: O Christmas Plant, O Christmas Plant
2014: In The Shadow Of Friends
2013: Christmas Eve Big Ass Surf And Turf
2012: This Sled Is Being Pulled By Rudolph The Bucking Red-Nosed Reindeer 
2011: Call Me For A Good Time – I’m ALWAYS Happy
2010: Blue Plates And Books For Christmas Eve
2009: Holiday Theft Is On The Rise…Right In Your Own Neighborhood!!
2008: The Team Finally Takes A Rest
2007: The Night Before Christmas And All Through The House
2006: The Only Visible Flames Came From The Candles On The Altar
2005: Tonight’s The Night, People

Nana In Wonderland

 

This is my mother's house (currently our house) in 2005.  My nephews were little - 2, 5, and 7 years old.  You can see the two older ones playing in the yard in the background.  

My mother went all-out with her decorating for the holidays, especially Christmas.  And she bought three of everything so each boy would have the same thing - three snowman ornaments, three Santa hats, three Christmas-themed cereal bowls, three angel figurines.  You get it.

I haven't quite adorned the porch outside like this but it's very inspiring for next year.  I think the greenery helps.  I'm going to have to get planting!

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2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: Sorry, no post on this day.
2018: An Enchanting Labyrinth
2017: Hot Monkey Sex
2016: Early Warning
2015: Palm Trees And Ocean
2014: Good Morning, Newport
2013: One Very Happy Sloth
2012: Overnight In Ohio
2011: If It Ain’t Sweet, It Ain’t Southern Made
2010: Portland Bound
2009: Dear Blog Santa 
2008: The Trees Help Guide The Way
2007: Just In Time For The Holidays
2006: Eddie Leans On A Barrio Door Friday
2005: Glowing Reminders

Hey! That's A Pretty Tree. Where'd That Come From?

 

This is my newest ornament.  I purchased it because Ed calls me "Goldfish" - due to my short-term memory problem.

He got that from Finding Nemo, the movie where the main character Dory has short-term memory loss.  He said that's what I'm like, swimming around the bowl passing the same clump of greenery and acting like it's the first time I saw it - "Hey!  Where'd that come from?"

Although Dory is not a goldfish, she's a Blue Tang, the sentiment is the same.

Oh, look!  It's almost Christmas.

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2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: Sorry, no post on this day.
2018: First Night, One Star
2017: Co Co Ni No
2016: Ladies Of Leisure
2015: Represent Cuba
2014: Where To Go For Pig And Eggs
2013: My Memory Goes Way Way Back
2012: Remember One, Remember All
2011: History Still Standing
2010: Stay Home: TV And Hot Chocolate Is The Only Way To Make It Through
2009: A Rainy Rainbow 
2008: Be Wary Of Women Wearing Skull Panties
2007: Holiday Sparkle
2006: Arizona Sunset
2005: Before And After The Chops

Handmade Memories

This is an ornament my Aunt Ronni made in 1989.  

Aunt Ronni was one of the most creative people in our family.  She made everyone a special ornament each year.  Everyone was excited to get one of her pieces.  I have saved most of mine.  There were tiny angels, clear blown-glass balls decorated with ribbons and encrusted with gems, and hand-crocheted delicate crosses.  Always beautiful, always so special.

I have a box of all my childhood ornaments that one day will grace the third tree in my house.  Maybe next year.  I'm sure several of Aunt Ronni's creations will be among the memories.

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2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: Sorry, no post on this day.
2018: Inviting
2017: George In Situ
2016: Purgatory
2015: Happy Little Machinery
2014: Yo, Brooklyn!
2013: ALL Weather Is Tarping Weather Now
2012: 132" Of Christmas
2011: Breakdown = Extra Nap Time
2010: Dr. Lettera Said The Very Same Thing, She Just Wasn’t Qualified To Write The Prescription
2009: The First Snow I’ve Seen This Season
2008: Not That There’s Any Reason To Park Here
2007: A Game You Wouldn’t Want To Play If You Were Say, IN The Witness Protection Program
2006: Companionship Is Just A Phone Call Away. Beauty Is Another Story.
2005: Who Stole My Cheese?

Golden Good Luck Charm

My friend Marlaina says I have a golden horseshoe up my ass because I always seem to have good luck.  In all areas.  

Well, now, an actual golden horseshoe (made by Cody Foster & Co.) has made its way to my tree.  It's beautiful and fits perfectly with all my other golden ornaments.

I read this online when I was looking for more gold Christmas ornaments:

“Gold has long been revered for its association with affluence, magnificence, splendor, and prosperity.  But the allure of gold extends beyond material wealth.  The color gold embodies courage, magic, passion, and compassion. This holiday season, infuse your tree with the enchanting essence of gold Christmas ornaments, celebrating a kaleidoscope of meaning and beauty.”

I hope my horseshoe brings me lots of luck (and magic!) in 2025!

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2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: Sorry, no post on this day.
2018: Ordinary Food Done Extraordinarily Well
2017: Glimpse From The BQE
2016: Looking Out Over The Valley Of The Sun
2015: Eastern Shore
2014: Sunday Elixirs
2013: Getting Robbed On The Way OUT Of New York
2012: Not Everyone Learns In The Same Manner
2011: Just Another Day In New York
2010: Practicing For The Retirement Home
2009: United Parcel Servant
2008: Whizzing Through Dallas
2007: Eddie With The Luscious Kisser Friday
2006: ’Tis The Season To Be Tweety
2005: Cat Fiiiiiight!!!

Now We're Cookin'

 

My second tree is in the corner of my kitchen.  This tree evolved when we ordered a tree by mistake from Amazon.  It was smallish, so I put it in this little nook in the kitchen and brought a little Christmas to that side of the house.  I'm attached to it now so although I bitch every time I have to decorate the trees, once it's done I'm delighted!

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2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: Sorry, no post on this day.
2018: Eat Local
2017: Rock Solid Christmas Decorations
2016: Illuminated Mystery
2015: Getting In The Holiday Mood
2014: A Door To Another World
2013: Beaver Exploitation In Texas
2012: Perfected And Built By Italians 
2011: So THIS Is What We Look Like!
2010: Just Because
2009: Plastic Is A Sure Thing
2008: The All Purpose Swab
2007: Jump The Weeds
2006: Forty Dollars A Gallon
2005: Off With Their Heads!

Happy Little Trees

 

My cute little trees were purchased last year after Christmas for next to nothing.  This year, they'll grace one of my tabletops, all next to each other, keeping each other happy.

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2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: Sorry, no post on this day.
2018: A Walk In The Park
2017: The Military Capital Of The American Revolution
2016: A Perfect Companion
2015: A Tony In The Making
2014: Collecting America
2013: Approaching Flag
2012: He Didn't Even Need Duct Tape 
2011: The Epitome Of Desolation
2010: Eddie Lobster On The Brain, Listening Skills Disengaged Friday
2009: Privacy Issues
2008: It’s Crazy That I’m Crazy For Keanu
2007: Gifts That Keep On Giving
2006: Classic Las Vegas
2005: Off With Their Heads!

The Month Of Merry

I finished my tree today! Yay! I was feeling very sluggish, and fluffing the tree and unboxing all the ornaments wore me out. I'm still a little under the weather, but I wanted to start the month with at least one of my trees completed. 

Mission accomplished!

Next, I will work on the tree in my kitchen.  Photos to follow!

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2023: Sorry, no post on this day.
2022: Sorry, no post on this day.
2021: Sorry, no post on this day.
2020: Sorry, no post on this day.
2019: Sorry, no post on this day.
2018: Traditional Klompen
2017: Kicking It Up For Christmas
2016: Testing Ed's Giant Brain
2015: Practically A Cardinal Red Sin
2014: Drink And A Movie?
2013: Leaving The Blue Skies Behind
2012: One Special Request
2011: Body Language
2010: Move Along, Not Much To Read Here
2009: My Favorite Geek Scores Two Bargains In One Day
2008: Your Beating Heart
2007: All I Want For Christmas Are My Two Front Teeth
2006: Eddie Opens An Eye In Vegas Friday
2005: You’re Giving Me Agida

Christmas All Day And All Night

 My Christmas Tree,  in day and night mode.

I've done this same color scheme for several years now - white lights, gold ribbon and balls, some glass ornaments, and red snowflakes.  Next year I think I might have to change it up.  Or, add a second tree to the house with another theme. 

I keep the tree lights on all the time - I love the twinkliness of them!

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2020: Contained
2019: Sorry, no post on this day.
2018: The Most Exclusive Rooftop
2017: Cell Block 8
2016: The Price Of American Made
2015: Sunset In The Brick City
2014: The King Of Light
2013: The End Of WiFi???
2012: Through A Canopy Of Oaks
2011: Clap Your Hands
2010: Wishing For A Blizzard But Will Settle For Flakes
2009: A Hideous Thief Exposed 
2008: Southwest Sunset
2007: Subtlety Is SO Not His Middle Name
2006: Bridging Chicago
2005: Oxymoronic Holiday

New Jersey Wonderland

 I know it's after Christmas, but since I was kinda busy getting married and entertaining, I totally forgot to post these pictures from this delightful surprise we came across in New Jersey.

We were driving from Bordentown to Princeton in New Jersey when I saw a side street with TONS of Christmas lights.

"Ed, Ed, Ed!  Wait....stop...lights!" I stammered. 

"What? Where?" Ed said.

"Turn around!  Go around the block!  Turn here!"  I started barking instructions and pointing.  I LOVE Christmas lights and I was certain this was a giant display.

Boy, was I right!  This place was AMAZING.  One of the best single house displays I've ever seen.  We realized when we turned down the block that this was something big, not just a guy who put up a lot of lights.  We easily got a parking spot on the street a few houses down and as we got closer, we saw people streaming in and heard Christmas music playing. 

I was in awe.  Every inch of his house and yard was covered in lights and Christmas-themed decor.  Animated figures, lights chasing lights, toy soldiers, candy canes, everything you can imagine.  He's got close to 2,000 pieces!

Bob Martel has been decorating his house on this block for over 29 years.  We met him and his family sitting in the driveway on our way out.  It was cold on this night and they were sitting around a fire pit.  He was with his wife, son, and another young girl.  The son lived around the corner in the same neighborhood and directed us to go see his house next, as he also got his dad's decorating bug (although his house wasn't as incredible).

Mr. Martel said it takes him two months to set up the lights and the yard.  He's even spilled into a willing neighbor's yard.  WeirdNJ.com did a piece on the house titled Martel's Christmas Wonderland.  

If you happen to be in the area, it's definitely worth a drive-by.  You can find it here:

Martel's Christmas House
21 Phillips Ave,
Hamilton Township, NJ 08610


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2017: A Resting View
2016: Harmoniously Incorporated
2015: Buy Sandwiches
2014: A Room With A View
2013: Is The Coast Clear Yet?
2012: Why So Angry, Birds?
2011: One Hand In The Air For The Empire State
2010: Hitching A Ride From The Frying Pan Into The Fire
2009: Don’t Look At Me Like That. No, Really. Don’t. You’re Making Me Melt.
2008: A Mid-Winter Pick Me Up
2007: I Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You
2006: How To Get Rid Of Your Girlfriend
2005: Sorry, no post on this day. The blog didn’t start until May 2005! 

Holiday Vibe

Another shot from our visit to New York City.  I tried to convince Ed to do this to all the trees in our yard, but after wrapping one cactus, we ran out of lights. 

We'll have to save it for next year.  I want my yard to look like Tavern on the Green in Central Park!



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2016: Four Eyes At Your Service
2015: Good Morning, Arizona
2014: Boom! Last Load Of The Year
2013: Do You Really Need To Ice Skate At The Mall??
2012: Christmas Score! 
2011: Iowa Beef Dresses Up For The Holidays
2010: Weather, Wyoming And Wings
2009: The End Is Not Just Near, It’s Here!!
2008: Keeping The Mountain On The Right Side Of The Fence
2007: Divine Intervention Comes A Little To Late
2006: General Delivery
2005: Frumpy To Nicole

Desert Decorations

Ed putting Christmas lights on the saguaros, and our friend MacGyver photographing the process from below.  A safe distance from the spines that cover every inch of it.  



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2016: Ranch Sky
2015: NSFW Takes On New Meaning
2014: Mirrors, Glass, And Anxiety
2013: Skip The Stockyards, Head To The Roadhouse
2012: One Week To A Delightfully Dazzling Christmas
2011: My, What A Long Truck You Have
2010: A Place For The Snow To Rest
2009: They’re Always Touching Their Hammers
2008: Raindrops On Roses And Whiskers On Kittens
2007: Love Hate Relationship
2006: Full Service
2005: Struffo-What??

Golden Glow

Last month I was putting together this plastic tree, looking at it's bare form in my living room wondering if it was ever going to look Christmasy. 

Now it's got lights and shimmery golden ornaments and even though I didn't have a lot of time to pull this together, it looks like a tree during the holidays should look.  Next year I'm considering going a little crazy.

After I hit the post-Christmas sales, of course.  



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2016: Swirls Of Life Emerge From Hell's Kitchen
2015: Taking My Faux Fur And Heading To Arizona

2014: The Place For Pajama Pants, Motor Oil, And Christmas Lights
2013: Christmas Cheer Comes With Antlers
2012: Think About It
2011: She Strikes Again

2010: The Frozen Tundra
2009: Your Tax Dollars Hard At Work
2008: What’s Next, Reporting Your Maid In The Middle Of Her Dusting The Living Room Tsochkes?
2007: Fashion Forwards
2006: Swimming Po
2005: Just Call Me Rosa

Rock Solid Christmas Decorations

This fantastic snowman is the creation of a longtime family friend.  He's insanely creative and has been self-employed for years, making one-of-a-kind pieces for anyone lucky enough to hire him.

When he and his oldest son discovered their giant inflatable snowman from last year was dead, they came up with this idea.  It's perfect for Tucson!

And, he'll never melt.  


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2016: Illuminated Mystery
2015: Getting In The Holiday Mood
2014: A Door To Another World
2013: Beaver Exploitation In Texas
2012: Perfected And Built By Italians
2011: So THIS Is What We Look Like!
2010: Just Because
2009: Plastic Is A Sure Thing
2008: The All Purpose Swab
2007: Jump The Weeds
2006: Forty Dollars A Gallon
2005: Off With Their Heads!

The Season Has Begun

My mother decided she didn't want a "big" tree this year, so she gave me the artificial tree she bought just last Christmas.  It's pre-lit and came with brand new ornaments!  I started to fuss with it over the weekend, spreading out the plastic branches in a way I thought looked more "real".  I haven't decided where I'm putting it yet.

I haven't had a real tree since I was a kid, and honestly, don't think I'd want one.  I don't want to vacuum pine needles every day and have to remember to water the thing.  I've already killed two houseplants. 

I'll do my best to make the house look somewhat festive, and maybe I'll buy a pine-scented air freshener to stick under the tree.



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2016: Half Flesh, Half Steel
2015: Delving Deep Into The Nefarious Actions Of A Truck Driver
2014: Delivering In The District
2013: Loving What's On The Inside
2012: When You Walk Like That, Talk Like That, Look Like That...
2011: Like And Loathing In Las Vegas
2010: Get Fresh With Me…Please!
2009: In The Blink Of An Eye
2008: Duck, Duck, Drake
2007: The Lady And Sons
2006: The Department Of Mindless Vegetables
2005: Ooo Rah Johnny Cash!