Holiday Gifts You Don't Have To Dust

"Everyone wants a Christmas tree. If you had a Christmas tree, Santa would bring you stuff! Like hair curlers and slut shoes."

~Janet Evanovich

Visions Of Sugar Plums

It's the last full day of autumn, and I bet you thought I would be dwelling on it, right? Nah. Donald Trump received his Electoral College win yesterday, so there are bigger things to grieve than the passing of autumn 2016. Needless to say, I am, and probably will be, grieving a lot of things in the coming months, which is why I am just going to let the bitterness of winter absorb the painful feelings, and the sleepless nights. By spring I will be all brand new again, and ready to deal with a steady heart and mind... at least that is the plan.

 I guess we will see.

 But for now, today, we are just five days away from Christmas, and I am enjoying that! The tree is decorated with pretty decorations, every day Mr. UPS brings a gift to wrap, and I have started baking for the holidays! Apple Cinnamon cookies, Chocolate Chip cookies, and Mincemeat Pies! I am probably going to fix a bread pudding or two before the new year as well! Baking cookies for Alan is one of my favorite things to do. He is an amazing husband who loves me... I will never understand exactly why... because he could have done a lot better! Anyway, he does, and for that I am thankful to God and Santa, hell  I am even thankful to the Easter Bunny, just in case he deserved some credit, every single day! 

I was thinking about how happy my husband makes me, when we were at the Tilden Park Carousel about a week ago. The place is all decked out for the holiday, and all the ornaments on the trees reminded me of a Christmas past with my love! I had a great time doing photos, and enjoying the ride back to my lovely Berkeley. It is so gorgeous there, and it was a very clear night so I had a wonderful view of the bay and the city! San Francisco at Christmas time is a treat for the eyes and the soul! Some of the ornaments on the trees at the carousel, reminded me of times he and I have spent in San Francisco during the holidays, so I snapped a few pictures to share...

It's a beautiful holiday season. Our celebrations are small and intimate, but we are thankful for who we are, and our little furry babies! We love each other, and we try treat others the way we want to be treated. More than once this year I have found myself becoming someone I don't care much for, so to a certain degree I will be spending a good part of 2017 learning my way through this new world we are entering. There is no map. There are no classes, so I may not do well, but I will try to do the best I can.

Fair Enough?

If I could ask Santa Claus for one thing this year, it would be for him to help me understand how Donald Trump could possibly be our president? But that's not a simple question is it? Maybe there are some things neither Santa, nor God can bring you. Finding your own piece of mind on our own. I suppose. So, I guess that means I don't really want or need anything for Christmas, but if I do find clarity in a pretty box with a shiny bow, at least it's a gift I won't have to dust!

 Leaf Of The Day

December 20th, 2016

Don't Forget To Come Back Tomorrow 

To See My Last Autumn Photo Of 2016!

Mood: Grateful

~Me :) 

Tra La La La La La La La La

Q. What do vegetarians wish for Christmas?

A. Peas on Earth goodwill toward men!


Is that the face of a bad kitty? Yep, that is indeed the face of a bad kitty! LOL. No, actually, that is the face of a kitty who is hopelessly in love with a stuffed Christmas bear. As with all children, the Christmas tree has been an almost unstoppable temptation for my little boys. The lights, the bears, the ornaments, it's all so inviting, that I ask you, what's a kitten to do? Well, he investigates! LOL. Their mommy could have avoided the trouble by not putting up a tree, but why do that? It came as a wonderful lesson in boundaries, that I am proud to say has taught Hendrix the word NO! He now knows the word, and Dylan, who you see in the picture, responds best to hearing his name, said in a very disappointed tone. They are great kittens, and for the most part, the Christmas season has been smooth sailing, especially with the new big Santa sack we bought at Costco to hold the gifts until Christmas morning.



Santa came in the wee hours of the morning on Christmas morning, and he was a generous soul this year. I got a new bracelet, and some music, a SIMS2 expansion pack (Apartment Life), a new warm luxurious bathrobe in powder blue. A new apron, which has an original hand drawn design on it, by a local designer! It's FABULOUS! A new set of cookie sheets and a turkey roaster, and a new cookbook from The Cheeseboard Collective, here in Berkeley. I LOVE that place. Imagine, if you will, 600 kinds of cheese all in one room! LOL Don't even get me started about the bread! Oh my, there is just nothing like one of the Asiago rolls warmed slightly, and served with a big bowl of tomato soup, and a Cranberry Vinaigrette salad.

Alan got some new music from Santa as well. The Best of Bob Dylan and the best of Jimi Hendrix. There is going to be a lot of music playing in our house this year. Hendrix is crazy for Three Dog Night, and Steppenwolf. Whenever I put their music on, he just cuddles right into me, and cuddles. Dylan is more of a Harry Connick Jr. fan me thinks. I listen to his music often, and when I do, it is usually Dylan's turn to snuggle in. Alan also got a new brown sweater, and a pair of slippers, from Hendrix. Hendrix likes to bite his daddy's feet, so Santa, and Hendrix, thought that new brown slippers would be the perfect solution. :) Cozy.

It's been a great Christmas this year. There was a moment or two of sadness as we remembered those who couldn't be with us. Alan's brother Darryl, our friend and landlord P. and of course, Elvis. I will miss all of them forever. It has been such a difficult year, losing all three, but they were here in spirit. Darryl is a constant presence in our hearts, as we think about all the fun we had once upon a time. And I couldn't help but think of "P" as I cooked our Christmas dinner. He got me a new stove just a couple years ago, 3 days before Christmas. Thanks again "P." And I already told you about all the little happy surprises concerning my Elvis this Christmas. He was THE WORLDS BEST KITTY. Now he is HEAVEN'S best kitty. Be sure to ask for him when you get there. He will be the one in the tuxedo. Meow. :)

-Carly
"Bad Kitty"
Berkeley, California
December 24th, 2008
Late Evening