The War of Penguins & Snowmen....

Tuesday, December 16, 2008.....


How darn cute are these fellas....








My sister and I were thumbing through the Williams-Sonoma Christmas catalog and she was commenting how yummy the snowmen looked and how cute the penguins were. Although, I agree 100%, that wasn't what I thought when I first looked at them. Instead, I imagined the penguins on a conveyor belt and literally falling off the table onto the floor. This vision cracked me up (yes, I understand I have too much time on my hands -- or I need to get out more) and then declared it would be great if the snowmen and penguins were lined up facing one another for combat --- the Snowball Combat of 2008!

Well, today they arrived! She sent them to me. They are the cutest things in the world! The penguins are half the size of the snowmen and unless they peck the bottoms of the snowmen, I'd say they'd lose in combat....

Thanks sis!

A Cartoon to Put Anyone in the Christmas Spirit.....

Tuesday, December 16, 2008.....

Can anyone guess?

One of the cartoons that will stop me in my tracks for every year is "A Charlie Brown Christmas". It's a classic and I plan on watching it tonight by the fire with a yummy hot cocoa.

Happy Holidays.....

Top Ten Favorite Christmas Movies....

Wednesday, December 3, 2008....

Tis the season for days and days of Christmas movies on the Family Channel and Lifetime, but I've identified my Top Ten in no random order.

Before people take a second glance, they will not see Christmas Story that TBS runs for its Christmas Day Marathon. I know, it's the favorite of many people, but not for me. I was overdosed as a kid by my friend who endlessly quoted lines from the move during the month of December (thanks Dave).

So here there are in no particular order:

1. It's a Wonderful Life - love Jimmy Stewart.

2. Scrooge - 1951? version, but don't quote me on that.

3. Bachelor Mother - Ginger Rogers and David Niven.

4. Holiday Affair - Robert Mitchum & Janet Leigh

5. Christmas in Connecticut - Barbara Stanwyck

6. Home Alone.

7. Love Actually.

8. Scrooged - Bill Murray

9. Miracle on 34th Street - Original Version

10. White Christmas - Bing Crosby


I know I've missed some and am always open for suggestions.

It should also be noted I love, love, love Christmas cartoons! However, there are so many that they deserve their own entry.

My Official Start of the Christmas Season....

Saturday, November 29, 2008.......

Today marks the official start of the holiday season for me. Today, I'm going into NYC for dinner and to see Harry Connick Jr in concert to promote his new Christmas CD and have only two words -- Woo Hoo!

Typically, I trek into NYC for a play and a great dinner with my sister and a friend several times a year, but limited funds curtailed these outings for me. My sister, huge fan of HCJr, purchased tickets for us to go.

I've seen Harry Connick play many times over the years, but have to admit, I always associate him with Christmas music. To me, he rivals Bing Crosby (White Christmas album) that played constantly in my parent's home as a child.

I've haven't heard his new CD yet, but can't imagine one bad song. Great music coupled with 4th row seats, this will be a very fun concert.

Dinner, selected by all of us, is at Tom Colicchio's restaurant, Craft. We're all Top Chef fans and curious to sample the food and experience created by Tom.


j

Holiday Drama....

Monday, November 17, 2008.....

It's not even Thanksgiving and the drama has started. Actually, it started a few months ago, but my sister has now included the whole family into it.

Several months ago, my sister decided she didn't want to host Christmas. She's done it for years and it has been a tradition since she was married and her ex did the cooking. I host Thanksgiving, love to cook and entertain, offered to host, but never has she taken up the offer.

This year, I think she decided to be true to herself and admit that she doesn't want to host and made that declaration in an email several months earlier. Actually, her email stated that we go to brunch and buy my father's meal and then return to her home for dessert and presents.

Personally, I like traditions and wanted to celebrate in my home. So, I sent the email stating I was going to host a brunch in September. This is when the drama, or dictating, started. My sister and I had not spoken for several months (a whole different story) and go to dinner to bury the hatchet. During the course of the night, it was brought up how I needed to assign people items to do or bring to the brunch. I believe I responded that I really didn't and her response was stronger and bolder that I needed to.

My other sister emailed and asked what to bring and I said dessert. I don't make desserts and entrust others with making something I couldn't be bothered doing. The rest of the meal is going to be a breeze. I have all this great pottery, Christmas plates (another story) and Christmas linens. I'm good to go. I'm excited about hosting and never really stress (unless 5 people try to come in my kitchen --- it's too dang small).

The other day, I called my sister and she mentioned how I missed a couple on the evite, but I really hadn't as I asked people to forward to others who I may missed. It was at this point that she brought up dessert at her house again. Personally, I just don't have it in me to deal whatever reason she needs to have dessert at her house, but think it STUPID. Seriously, you want to pack up 12 people to travel from one house to drive 2 miles to have more food there. The same people will be there. It isn't a new crowd.

I'm baffled as to why? I really don't know why. She has now sent an email to my sisters and her friend to get their buy-in. Luckily, my sisters can't follow the logic either.

Why, if you give up the holiday, can't you let the other sibling just host? Why would a person feel the need to orchestrate an event they wanted nothing to do with?

j