January 1st, 2010 § 1
In response to today’s Holidailies writing prompt, “Your favorite thing that you wrote in 2009 and why”, I offer a link to Her Wish is My Command.
It ‘s the story of a very special moment with my granddaughter. Why is it my favorite? If you read it you will completely understand.
Happy New Year, once again!
December 31st, 2009 § 0
As a child I lived in West Berlin for almost 4 years, from 1952-1955. It was a very interesting and informative experience for me being in a different country and learning a new language and learning about different cultures and customs, among other things. Christmas was a really big deal in Germany. Lots of fancy decorations and such. We loved to go downtown to the big department store, the KaDeWe to see the really fascinating, high quality animated window displays. The toys in Germany were fabulous, having been beautifully crafted in the old world tradition. My brothers got fabulous train sets one year and I got a pretend store, completely stocked with perfect miniature products. Wish my parents had saved that for me. Anyhow… One New Years Day a chimney sweep came to our front door, and we were told by our German housekeeper that it was good luck to see a sweep on New Years Day and that we should shake hands with him for luck in the coming year, which we did. Whether or not we had good luck, I can no longer recall, but I’d never seen a chimney sweep before so it was a pretty interesting and memorable event, regardless.
Here is a photo of that very sweep from 1953. I hope he brings all of us some good luck. I know I could sure use some this year. 
Happy New Year!
December 5th, 2008 § 0
Hit and run today. Busy day, so intros and catch up and such will have to wait. Instead, I’ll introduce my trusty Christmas cactus.
For anyone who needs tips on Christmas cactus care, I guess neglect must be the answer. Other than remembering to water my plants every once in a while when they beg, I pretty much ignore them. Yet, this Christmas cactus started blooming prolifically during the holidays a couple of years ago. And it’s already started again this year.
It makes me happy when I see the blooms begin to appear. They last only about a month. It’s kind of like having my own little living advent calender.
January 1st, 2008 § 0
Happy New Year
November 5th, 2006 § 0
Precursers of the modern emoticon. 
Too tired to post.