We don't have a tree; we don't have a wreath.
We've nothing to put the presents beneath.
Life's been hectic and I've been stressed
I think I've even been a little depressed.
But little by little, the chores get done,
The gifts get wrapped and the carols get sung.
My spirits are rising as I complete my labors.
Best of all, my Capitals beat the Sabres!
Brought to you by Sunday Stealing, but I saw it here first, via Holidailies. Yay Holidailies! And thank you, Lola, for originating the meme. I don't know Lola, but I'll bet whatever she wants, she gets.*
1. What is your favorite holiday show/animated show?
It's a tie between A Christmas Story (You'll shoot your eye out!) and Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas (Fifty dollars! Lotta money!)
2. What holiday character do you think you're most like?
Ralphie's mom.
3. What holiday character does your spouse think you're most like?
Ralphie's teacher. (I admit that I am shaped more like Ralphie's teacher but Joe says it's because I appreciate a joke, like order, inspire my charges, and sometimes say "Oh, my God!".)
4. Favorite Christmas/holiday song?
A three-way tie: Adeste Fideles (that's O Come, All Ye Faithful in Latin), Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella, and the Hallelujah Chorus from The Messiah.
5. Most hated Christmas/holiday song?
The Little Drummer Boy. Pa-rum-pum-pum-poop.
6. If you have an all holiday music radio station when do you start listening to it?
We don't actually have an all holiday radio station, but the classical music station (WETA) starts playing classical holiday music after Thanksgiving.
7. If you have an all holiday music radio station do you love it or hate it?
I love it, because the arrangements are beautiful. I love the old-fashioned carols.
8. Have you ever wrapped yourself as a Christmas present?
Oh God no! I'd go broke paying for the paper!
9. Who is Rudolf The Red Nosed Reindeer's father?
Well, that's a mystery, but given the red nose, I'd bet he was an Irish reindeer. Ba-da-BING!
10. Do you drive your neighborhood or one near you at night to look at other people's holiday decorations?
Yes. I can't miss at least one yearly viewing of The Bishop's House.
11. When you see a heavily decorated house do you think, 'oh that's lovely'? Or do you think, 'oh criminy, that looks like Christmas threw up all over their lawn'?
Something in between. It depends on the house!
12. Are you counting the days to Christmas with excited anticipation or dread?
Relief, I guess.
13. When was the last time you had your photo taken with Santa? Did you sit on his lap?
I think it was probably 1978. I was doing a clown gig at a local mall (the first and last time I ever did a clown gig at a local mall) and I made friends with the Santa. Here's the evidence!
14. Do you make a Christmas list for your spouse or significant other or do you rely on them to pick your gift(s) without a clue from you?
A little bit of both. We update our Amazon wish lists, circle things in catalogs, and drop hints, but we also manage a few surprises.
15. When do you put up your tree?
Usually before now! We haven't even gotten our tree yet. We may not -- it depends on how energetic I feel. Also, the tree stand is still buried under a foot of snow.
16. Real or fake?
Real, if possible.
17. When do you take your tree down?
New Year's Day.
18. Do you shop the day after Christmas sales? What do you shop for?
Oh HELL no!
19. Is your work/office having a holiday party this year? Will you attend?
My group had a holiday breakfast. The company, by overwhelming vote of the employees, donates the money they would have spent on a party to charity.
20. Do you have your New Year's Eve Plans set yet?
Nope. We will probably chill out at home with a bottle of champagne, and that's just fine with me.
*Two pats on the head to the first person who can name the musical associated with the song, Whatever Lola Wants.
Joe sizes up the task.
He starts out with the broom, sweeping the light powdery snow.
He works his way around the back -- it's all in the grip, y'know.
Now to make a clean sweep of the roof rack.
Finally, after moving the truck, clearing out the parking space, and moving the truck back in, the diggening is done.
And so is Joe, apparently.
So here I am, about to do an entry about the The Great Diggening of 2009. I was going to include an apology for not having a new Church Street photo because of Snowpocalypse -- I figured I'd get one tomorrow and just have a Monday Church Street.
Then I checked my email.
Lo and behold, there was a note from the lovely and very talented Cyndy, who writes the Photocynthesis blog (which you should totally follow). She sent me the following wonderful shot of St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral! She told me that I didn't have to tell where I got the photo, but to that I say Oh Hell No! Credit she shall have!
Isn't it gorgeous? I love the golden onion domes. It's quite a contrast to the simple, wooden-domed Ukrainian Catholic Church, isnt it?
So thank you, Cyndy, for this early present. And tomorrow, the Diggening!