CHRISTMAS 2010

On Christmas Eve, my nephew arrived
and soon after fell fast asleep.
We ate dinner and let him sleep.

My sleepy nephew was woke
to eat dinner and open gifts

Oscar was ready for Christmas

Something nice and warm

Our son put on a few things
he got, right away

Hubby got a very funny hat

My nephew took a big bite out of his
Chocolate Santa
with one front permanent tooth, so cute.
Then they were on their way.

Christmas Day, we exchanged our gifts
and since we were
having no company,
we spent Christmas Day relaxing.

It is hard to believe that Christmas is over
once again
hope you all had a wonderful Christmas 2010

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2010

MERRY CHRISTMAS
FROM OUR HOUSE TO YOURS

RUDOLPH THE RED NOSED REINDEER

** True Story of Rudolph**

A man named Robert L. May, depressed and brokenhearted, stared out his drafty apartment window into the chilling December night.

His 4-year-old daughter Barbara sat on his lap quietly sobbing.

Bobs wife, Evelyn, was dying of cancer. Little Barbara couldn't understand why her mommy could never come home. Barbara looked up into her dad's eyes and asked, "Why isn't Mommy just like everybody else's Mommy?" Bob's jaw tightened and his eyes welled with tears.

Her question brought waves of grief, but also of anger. It had been the story of Bob's life. Life always had to be different for Bob.

Small when he was a kid, Bob was often bullied by other boys.

He was too little at the time to compete in sports. He was often called names he'd rather not remember. From childhood, Bob was different and never seemed to fit in. Bob did complete college, married his loving wife and was grateful to get his job as a copywriter at Montgomery Ward during the Great Depression. Then he was blessed with his little girl. But it was all short-lived. Evelyn's bout with cancer stripped them of all their savings and now Bob and his daughter were forced to live in a two-room apartment in the Chicago slums. Evelyn died just days before Christmas in 1938.

Bob struggled to give hope to his child, for whom he couldn't even afford to buy a Christmas gift. But if he couldn't buy a gift, he was determined a make one - a storybook!

Bob had created an animal character in his own mind and told the animal's story to little Barbara to give her comfort and hope.

Again and again, Bob told the story, embellishing it more with each telling.

Who was the character? What was the story all about?

The story Bob May created was his own autobiography in fable form. The character he created was a misfit outcast like he was.

The name of the character? A little reindeer named Rudolph, with a big shiny nose. Bob finished the book just in time to give it to his little girl on Christmas Day.But the story doesn't end there.

The general manager of Montgomery Ward caught wind of the little storybook and offered Bob May a nominal fee to purchase the rights to print the book. Wards went on to print, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and distribute it to children visiting Santa Claus in their stores.

By 1946, Wards had printed and distributed more than six million copies of Rudolph.

That same year, a major publisher wanted to purchase the rights from Wards to print an updated version of the book.

In an unprecedented gesture of kindness, the CEO of Wards returned all rights back to Bob May.

The book became a best seller.

Many toy and marketing deals followed and Bob May, now remarried with a growing family, became wealthy from the story he created to comfort his grieving daughter.

But the story doesn't end there either.

Bob's brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, made a song adaptation to Rudolph. Though the song was turned down by such popular vocalists as Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore, it was recorded by the singing cowboy, Gene Autry.

"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" was released in 1949 and became a phenomenal success, selling more records than any other Christmas song, with the exception of "White Christmas."

The gift of love that Bob May created for his daughter so long ago kept on returning back to bless him again and again.
And Bob May learned the lesson, just like his dear friend Rudolph, that being different isn't so bad.
In fact, being different can be a blessing.

* MERRY CHRISTMAS 2010*

TURKEY SOUP

We have been enjoying our left over turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy until that is gone in the next day or two. Last night we made a large pot of turkey soup. With the weather gloomy, cold and rainy, it is a wonderful comfort food. I hope you are all enjoying this week of Christmas, staying warm where it is cold and cool where it is warm and looking forward to the festivities.

BUSY DAY TODAY

Turkeys went on sale during the week, so I picked one up and today hubby and I made a stuffed BBQ'd turkey dinner with all the trimmings. It was so good. Now we have left overs and soup to make in the next day or two. We also made two dozen Oatmeal cookies. It is a busy time of the year yet very festive. Hope you all had a great weekend.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ERIK

Happy Birthday to my wonderful son, Erik. It is hard to believe that 26 years ago you came into my life and changed it forever. Enjoy your day. Love and hugs, Mom

WHAT A WONDERFUL CONCERT - Tuesday 12/7/2010

Tonight, our local JC Jazz Band that my son is in performed at the downtown plaza in Sacramento. Wish I had a photo to put up, but they did not come out too good. The memory of a wonderful night remains with me. A variety of Christmas songs and Jazz music filled the air and was enjoyed by many.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

I bought this little living tree
to enjoy
and plant after Christmas
to have for years to come.
I hope you enjoy it as well.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL

It is an absolutely beautiful day to celebrate Thanksgiving.
I hope all have had a wonderful day and safe travel
for those traveling.

A WONDERFUL SURPRISE

My good friend Carol, surprised me with
this beautifully crocheted jacket that she
made and gave to me, this past weekend.
I love it.
She is so talented as she also made for me
the beautiful silver heart shaped necklace
with a paw print that I am wearing,
in memory of my 18 year old cat
that passed away last year.
She can be located at her silver website
which also links you to her Blogs
silver-byfire.com
Thank you so much Carol, for the surprise and
the wonderful Friendship we have.

IT'S RAINING, IT'S POURING AND IT'S COLD

What a change from the warm weather. Will take some getting used to. Gutters cleaned, (check) shrubs all trimmed back (check), warm meals to eat (check), Winter clothes out (check) and sitting here freezing, definitely. Hoping the weather lady has Thanksgiving correct with no rain and a little warmer.

NOTHING LIKE A BEAUTIFUL SUNSET - 11/13/2010

Walked out of the last store on our grocery list today
and
this was the view
beyond the field as we turned to drive away.
Pulled over and stopped the car.
Got out
and took several photos.
How I love a beautiful sunset
after a sunny day and beautiful Fall day.

TODAY IS SAXOPHONE DAY - 11/6/2010

IT IS SAXOPHONE DAY
SUCH GREAT MEMORIES OF HIGH SCHOOL
AND MY SON PLAYING TENOR SAXOPHONE
IN MARCHING AND JAZZ BAND
HE CONTINUES TO PLAY IN A JAZZ BAND TODAY

When : Always November 6th

Saxophone Day is today. The Saxophone is a classical woodwind instrument. It is an essential instrument in jazz bands, symphonic bands, marching bands and more. It's only fitting that this great instrument has a day of recognition all to its own.

The Saxophone was invented around 1840. It was created by Adolphe Sax, a Belgian musical instrument maker. The sax is made of brass.

Adophe Sax invented 8 types of saxophones: Sopranino, Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone, Bass, Contrabass, and Subcontrabass. The first Saxophone ever created was the Bass Saxophone. A 9th type of Saxophone, the Soprillo Saxophone, was invented in 2004. It is the smallest Saxophone.

Some famous Saxophone Players (Alphabetical order):

• John Coltrane
• Stan Getz
• Coleman Randolph Hawkins "Hawk"
• James Moody
• Charlie "The Bird" Parker
• Lester Prez Young

Happy Saxophone Day!!!

INFO FROM:

http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/November/saxophoneday.htm

SUNRISE - 11/4/2010

I HAVE BEEN DETERMINED TO CATCH
A
BEAUTIFUL SUNRISE THIS SEASON
TODAY I MISSED THE BEST PART
BY ABOUT 10 MINUTES
BUT HERE IS WHAT I WAS ABLE TO GET
BEFORE THE TIME CHANGES
AND I HAVE TO WAIT TILL NEXT YEAR

HALLOWEEN - OCTOBER 31, 2010

IN ALL OF THE EXCITEMENT
OF THE SF GIANTS GAMES
I FORGOT TO POST
OUR HALLOWEEN PHOTOS
HOPE YOU ALL HAD A FUN HALLOWEEN

OUR SF GIANTS ARE THE WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS - MONDAY NOVEMBER 1, 2010

GAME 5
SF GIANTS WIN THE WORLD SERIES
NOVEMBER 1, 2010
GIANTS 3 - RANGERS 1
PLAYED IN TEXAS

GAME 4
2010 WORLD SERIES
GIANTS 4 - RANGERS 0
OCTOBER 31, 2010
ONE MORE GAME TO WIN
AND OUR GIANTS
TAKE THE WORLD SERIES

WAYNE AND JOE AT GAME 3 OF THE 2010 WORLD SERIES IN ARLINGTON TEXAS

Wayne Bascom (left) and Joe Bascom of San Angelo, Texas, show their support for the San Francisco Giants before Game 3 of the World Series at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday.

Note: photo from SF Gate home of The San Francisco Chronicle

GAME 3
2010 WORLD SERIES
RANGERS 4 - GIANTS 2
OCTOBER 30, 2010
YOU CANNOT WIN THEM ALL
NOW TO WIN GAME 4
TOMORROW
IN TEXAS

MY PINEAPPLE SAGE

My Pineapple Sage is in bloom already.
We have had hummingbirds coming by
to get some nectar from the flowers.
It was early to see this as
I bought this plant last year and
decided to cut it back late in the season.
Getting the hang of this particular plant
and enjoying it so much as Pineapple
is a favorite of mine.
Rub the leaves between your fingers
and you smell fresh Pineapple.

OSCAR ENJOYING OUR EARLY AFTERNOON SUN

Oscar was meowing to go out back.
I could not resist and enjoyed watching him roll in the sun
this afternoon,
and took in a few rays myself.
Surprising how the birds come out when he does.
Tonight it is raining and Fall weather is setting in more and more.

GAME 2
2010 WORLD SERIES
GIANTS 9 - RANGERS 0
OCTOBER 28, 2010
NOW TO WIN GAME 3
SATURDAY
IN TEXAS

GAME 1
2010 WORLD SERIES
IN SAN FRANCISCO
GIANTS 11 - RANGERS 7
OCTOBER 27, 2010
NOW TO WIN GAME 2
TOMORROW NIGHT

THEY DID IT,
THE SF GIANTS ARE PLAYING IN
THE WORLD SERIES
FIRST GAME IN SF
WEDNESDAY
10/27/2010
SF GIANTS VS THE TEXAS RANGERS
GO GIANTS!!

It did not happen for the Giants tonight
off to Philadelphia to play Saturday.
GO GIANTS!!

THREE GAMES DOWN, ONE TO GO
THEN
OFF TO THE WORLD SERIES!!
GO GIANTS!!

Nice sunny day today,
perfect for those at the ballpark
and
THE SF GIANTS WON GAME TWO, YES!!
Two more games to win to go to the World Series.
GO GIANTS!!

RAINY DAY

Strange how it went from the high 90's on Friday
to rain today
then up to the 80's on Wednesday.

FROM CINDERELLA

"A DREAM IS A WISH YOUR HEART MAKES WHEN YOU'RE FAST ASLEEP. IN DREAMS YOU WILL LOSE YOUR HEARTACHES. WHATEVER YOU WISH FOR, YOU KEEP. HAVE FAITH IN YOUR DREAMS, AND SOMEDAY, YOUR RAINBOW WILL COME SMILING THROUGH. NO MATTER HOW YOUR HEART IS GRIEVING, IF YOU KEEP ON BELIEVING, THE DREAM THAT YOU WISH WILL COME TRUE." - CINDERELLA

A SURPRISE VISIT

A family friend happened to be in town tonight,
so he called and stopped by for a short visit with us,
before heading home.
It was so good to see him.

JAZZ BAND PERFORMANCE

I wish I could have gotten a better photo of the Jazz Band
our son is back in.
I do not like to take flash photography
before they are done performing.
The new Band Director had all stand and take a bow.
My timing was off a bit, so I got the after
the bow shot.
It had been a 2 year gap in playing his sax with the band.
It was a terrific performance
with a terrific Band Director
with a great sense of humor and got the audience involved clapping at the times he said.
I am looking forward to seeing the next performances and their Christmas performance.
It feels like home to me. I hope our son pursues his music once again.

OUR ANT INVASION

I think I spoke too soon. No ants in three years, now three years worth of ants.
I went to cut up my potatoes on a plate on our counter last night
and there was one ant on my plate, YUK!!
My husband went to the garage later to our recycle area outside our laundry door
and WOW, the invasion of the ants.
TERRO to the rescue.
The little thing you see to the left on my photo is a thin square of cardboard
that comes with the TERRO liquid.
To attach it, my husband bent it and tacked it in place.
Then drops of TERRO on it and more of the stuff this morning.
What a mess.
They are crawling up the wall and across where the wall meets the ceiling,
hanging a left and continue to the garage door then down the wall and disappear
With TERRO, they should be gone in a few days.
I am so glad for the cooler weather, as they will be gone a lot faster.

OSCAR WHEN HE GETS HUNGRY

Oscar is quite a character. I was busy with a few things, and
he decided he was hungry at 10:30am. He gets on the kitchen counter,
hits things onto the floor to get my attention,
then tries to eat his food that is almost ready
to be put down on his mat to eat.
Maybe it is the fact that I always add a few crunchy treats
and spoil him.