Friday, December 30, 2011

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Tomorrow is Christmas and New Year’s Eve rolled into one day of celebrating at our home and we will celebrate for sure.  And since I plan to be busy off line, even if it is just sitting back in my recliner and enjoying my family, I have updated the web site for 2012.  Starting on the homepage, almost every main link has been updated.  The Family pages of course will be updated a little later.   
I am happy to tell all that I am declaring 2012 as My Year to Give!  Each month I will post a free pattern which everyone can use to make charity quilts.  During that month I personally will try to make at least ONE quilt using that pattern for one of the charities that I have on my personal charity list.  At the end of the month/beginning of the next month, I will report on my progress.  I am welcoming anyone who would like to join me, even giving you a logo to post on your site if you feel like it.   

There will not be a new BOM in January so everyone can try the January project. 
Because all the fall retreats filled up we’ve added a fourth retreat for fall 2012.  It’s a mini-retreat and details can be found at  http://www.delawarequilts.com/Retreat/  It is filling up fast too!

So whatever holiday you are celebrating tomorrow, have a wonderful time.  The best of everything to you all for 2012!

2012 UFO list

I made myself sit down and carefully go over my master list and make sure all of the quilts were listed properly.  Mistake… I found more UFOs, LOL! 

However I am pleased with my 2011 progress.  I may have slipped in the UFO numbers but I accomplished a lot. 

Finished in 2011                                                             
Lighthouse wall hanging 3                                         Finished April 19, 2011
Lighthouse wall hanging 4                                         Finished April 30, 2011
Hearts baby quilt                                                       Finished April 14, 2011
Fantasy Flowers OW BOM project                            Finished Jan 27, 2011
Snowmen quilt in purples                                          Finished Jan 12, 2011
Tea Garden Bullseye                                                 Finished March 13, 2011
Crooked Baby Stars, Aunt Graces                             Finished April 9, 2011
Any Size You Want mystery                                       Finished April 10, 2011
November Stars Red & White                                     Finished March 6, 2011
2011 BOM blocks or sampler                                      Finished March 31, 2011
                                                                                              
Started AND finished in 2011                                       
Green Green                                                                  Finished May 26, 2011
Fall Retreats sample                                                      Finished October 12, 2011
Fall Retreats sample                                                      Finished October 13, 2011
Christmas project  ;^)                                                         

Donated in 2011                                                             
Orphan Sampler (made from orphan blocks)              donated to Wilford Hall
Barb's Broken Dishes (ditto above)                             donated to Wilford Hall
Orphan MishMash (ditto above)                                  donated to Wilford Hall
Barb's Pinwheels (ditto above)                                    donated to Wilford Hall
Next Generation nine-patch                                        donated to Linus
Swirley Eye Spy, made from Marge's scraps             donated to Linus
Green Pinwheels                                                        donated to Linus


As for my 2012 UFO list, well if you really want to see it you can here.  51 UFOs and one WIP.  And if you look carefully, that last one under started and finished doesn’t have a finished date on it yet… it will be finished this year!  I guarantee it!!!

PS and yes I posted this when it says I did, 1:14 AM, dang prednisone!

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Working on the secret project?

No I wish I was.  Seems I got an unwanted present for Christmas, bronchitis.  It’s knocked me off my sewing chair, computer chair and flat on my back since Tuesday.  I’m up now, but barely.  The meds the doc gave me yesterday are working some, but far from the miracle she promised me.  I just called the office to see if there is something else I can do… the cough is killing me. 

And apparently some people are mixing up two secret projects, sorry.  One is a Christmas gift, which was to be started at the November retreat but wasn’t, then was to be quilted by me, but wasn’t, but thanks for a kind-hearted friend it got done except the hand work.  That is half done and will be done before it leaves this house on Sunday come heck or high water. 

And that other secret project… I will be posting the web page on New Year’s Eve, if I am up.

Monday, December 26, 2011

I can't say Merry Christmas

Why? Because we haven’t had Christmas yet! My boys men are with their other families this weekend so our Christmas won’t be until the 31st. Yep we’re celebrating Christmas and New Years on the same weekend. Should be a great holiday!

Now to finish that secret project, I haven’t even started the hand work yet. And I haven't wrapped a single thing!

Disney 2011 cont.

The next day we headed to the Animal Kingdom with one goal, to see the Festival of the Lion King again.  We were lucky and got into the first show of the day and had stage seating right up front. 

While walking around park I couldn’t help but notice all the beautiful plants and flowers, including this unusual plant… 




And some really strange looking bugs too!




We had lunch at Flame Tree Barbeque and I had one of the best turkey sandwiches I’ve ever had away from home.  And we had a nice view from our seats while we ate.

We then changed parks to get in some good Epcot time.  Unfortunately the crowds were there too, and all the popular rides and attractions had huge lines.  So we did what wasn’t popular and had a good time anyway.  We visited Spaceship Earth, Figment, Captain EO and then went into The Seas.  I could spend hours in there just watching the fish. 

Then we did something different, we rode the monorail around to different resorts to see the Christmas decorations.  I liked the decorations at Grand Floridian best, and the smell from that giant gingerbread house was just yummy. 

We then headed back to our resort for dinner at Shutters.  Dinner was very good, but the room was so cold even my hot tea got cold before I was half way through the first cup. 

The next morning we were back at Epcot again.  First we fast-passed Soarin’ and then went looking for short lines.  We found one at Ellen's Energy Adventure so we took the ride.  After that it was lunch time so we checked into the Coral Reef Restaurant  and were lucky enough to get seats right up front near the aquariums… or I guess I should say tanks. 

When we were finished eating we went into The Seas again, visiting Turtle Talk which is another audience interactive show.. I love watching the little kids. 

Then we headed into World Showcase, riding through Mexico then meandering through Norway, China, Germany, Italy.  Then we stopped for a bit to listen to some of the Candlelight Processional before passing by US, Japan, Morocco, France, UK and finally Canada. 

After a snack of some yummy fried shrimp we found a good spot to watch Illuminations.  Always a must for us when at Disney, this one was even better with the added segment for the holidays, and what a fabulous finale of fireworks!

Early the next morning we headed home, but extended our fun by having lunch in downtown Norfolk. 

Way too soon this vacation was over and it was back to reality for us.  To me the best part of this whole trip was watching John truly relax, something he can never do at home.  We had no schedule, except for food reservations, and went where we wanted to go when we wanted too.  We slept in several mornings and stayed up way past our bedtime most nights.  And for the first time in two years I had my sweetheart all to myself for seven glorious days.  And that is what made this vacation the best one ever!

Catching up

Where to begin?  I guess I should report on my mother-in-law Arden… she is still in a nursing home and not making much if any progress at all.  She wants to go home but is still unable to take care of herself at all, can not walk and can barely do anything.  Prayers still appreciated there.

And as I said in my last post, ten whole days ago, John said we needed to get away and get away we did.  We left Friday morning for our Disney vacation slightly postponed.  Our drive the first day was nice, not too much traffic and no wet stuff at all.  We didn’t rush to get on the road the next morning, we were taking a relaxing vacation, and I tried to stick to that schedule the whole trip. 

We stopped at our favorite BBQ place for lunch and then hit the road again, arriving in time for dinner before checking into our room.  We were supposed to be in Jamaica at the Caribbean Resort, but there wasn’t room for us there, so we were moved to Aruba.  It would have been fun to be in Jamaica because Mike and Kelly were headed there on their honeymoon, the real Jamaica that is.
The next morning we were off to the park, our first one was Hollywood Studios.  We started off with breakfast, John had to have his coffee and well we both needed to eat something, we had late lunch or early dinner reservations.  The Starring Rolls CafĂ© had just what we needed, and even available seating which was nice.  After that we waited in line for Toy Story Mania, long line but worth the wait.  I actually managed to beat John’s score and had a fun time doing it! 

We did the Studio Backlot Tour and didn’t get wet and then decided to see Lights, Motors, Action!  It wasn’t as loud as I thought it would be and kind of fun to watch.  Then we went to see how long the line was for Muppet*Vision 3-D, too long, so we checked in at Mama Melrose's, our favorite place to eat in Hollywood.  We had about a 20 minute wait and then were seated in the exact same spot we had two years ago, and had the same waiter too!  Lunch was delicious and filled me up for the rest of the day.

After we ate we got in line for the Muppets then meandered over to Fantasmic!  We had special seating as a part of our dinner package and got seats right smack in the center, something we’d never managed to do before.The show was great as always.


When it was over we headed to see the The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights  WOW is all I can say, I think it gets better every year. 

Now let me say one thing here… if you don’t like crowds you should avoid Disney World the week before and after Christmas.  I don’t and will admit to having more than one panic attack despite the magical pink pills the Doctor gave me.  At one point on the way out of the park after seeing the lights I thought I was going to be crushed by the crowds… John made sure I wasn’t. 

The next morning when we finally got up we headed to the Magic Kingdom.  After a yummy breakfast snack we got in line for Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin.  John was looking for revenge for me beating him the day before.  I let him win, and concentrated on taking photos.. not each in a spinning car… however that’s my fault, I kept it spinning to keep his score low, LOL!  After that ride we headed to see Laugh Floor.  If you haven’t seen this, I think it’s a must.  Characters from Monsters, Inc. do an interactive comedy show which includes members of the audience and can be quite a good laugh. 

Next was Pirates of the Caribbean but the line was too long for my comfort so we skipped it and went instead to the Enchanted Tiki Room.  Yes it’s old, but it’s still enjoyable to us. 





Then we found good seats to view Mickey's Once Upon A Christmastime Parade and then just kind of wandered around looking for short lines.We found one at the Laugh Floor, so went in to see it again.Yes, it is that funny to us, but it depends on the audience.
 







We had dinner reservations at Chef Mickey's in the Contemporary Resort so we hopped on the Monorail and checked in for dinner.  We had a short wait, less than ten minutes and were soon enjoying the buffet.  (Yes, Chef Mickey’s is expensive, but not if you are on the dining plan and the food has always been good there) 

 I even got a special birthday cup cake during the “celebration” and got kisses from Mickey himself as well as Minnie, Donald and Pluto. 

 After dinner we headed back to the Magic Kingdom to see the Electrical Parade and when it was over we headed back to our rooms… too tired to wait for the Nighttime Spectacular fireworks.  However, we got to see the air fireworks from Epcot at our resort when we got back there. 
More to come, next post!

Friday, December 16, 2011

TGIF

Thank Goodness It's Friday and that is all I'm going to say.  Vacation here we come!!

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

What a difference a day makes!

Arden is no longer in the hospital, she is now at a nursing home in our area. Still a long road to recovery, but better every day.

And John said he needed to get away, something I never thought I would hear him admit… so we’re going to make it happen. I’ve made new Disney reservations and we’ll try again. Cross your fingers for us!

I did get six blocks done today for February’s project, maybe I can finish it this week year, LOL! I just need to keep on sewing and forget about everything else, like the holidays, vacation, etc.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

OK OK so I haven’t posted…

I forgot that’s all, really.  Thanks for asking now let me answer some questions that have come via email and Facebook. 

First Arden is out of ICU but still in the hospital.  She has no strength at all, and needs to get that back so she start taking care of herself.  She is on soft foods, a big step forward.  Keep the prayers coming please, she has a long road to recovery.

Second, Jamie asked if Mufasa is still living with us, since I hadn’t mentioned him lately.  Oh yes, he is still here.  He made one very important step forward, access to the sewing room.  He actually finds it boring in there, especially when I won’t let him up on the sewing machine table… imagine that.  When I go up he runs up ahead of me, makes the rounds then comes back downstairs where things are apparently more exciting.  He made a step backwards when he decided to chew on my two brand new Christmas cactuses. 

Third, one of the retreaters asked me how my Disney Birthday was… well actually it wasn’t.  We cancelled our trip due to Arden’s hospital stay.  However I had breakfast on Sunday with some characters anyway, four of John’s sisters.  Actually, three of us have December birthday’s which is why we went out to breakfast. 

And I had dinner with another real character, John…. He took me out for prime rib and lobster at our local Outback, it was very yummy. 

Yes, I am sewing.  I finished the top secret can’t say what it is project, except for the handwork on the binding.  I made a sample of my January project, and started a second one, and just because I wanted to see what it would look like I made one block for my February project.  I’m using some so called ugly tie dyed fabrics which are making great blocks… I can’t wait to get back to them.

And today I made two more ten minute table runners and a camera strap for myself. 

Saturday, December 10, 2011

I've been sewing

Yes, despite everything going on around me I’ve been sewing.  (No change since the other day sadly)  At first it was just some mindless sewing aka string blocks but when things starting looking better at the hospital I worked on some projects.  Yesterday I picked up a quilt and did some more work on it, can’t say or show what because it’s a secret… but it’s coming along nicely.  (THANKS Jackie!)

I also started on my 2012 projects… yes I said projects. I have a new and hopefully exciting idea for 2012 and I wanted to get a head start on it, so I made my first sample.  I’m going to try to make another one today… well today and the next few days as it takes me about four days total from cutting to finishing the binding.  And if you read between the lines, yes I am quilting them myself…

While I can’t say exactly what is it I am making, I will say that I am using so called ugly fat quarters which were donated at the fall retreats this year.  I separated them, made a pile of graphic patterns and another pile of floral patterns, and am making quilts with them.  The first quilt certainly shows that not one of those fat quarters was ugly when used properly!  I can’t wait for the retreaters to see this quilt!

Thursday, December 08, 2011

Changes

Thanks to everyone who have sent well wishes and prayers.  I can happily report that Arden has finally made a turn for the better.  On Tuesday they reduced her sedation level and yesterday they took her off the ventilator.  Last night they wanted her to sleep with a C-Pap mask, but she fought it so went without.  Regardless she made it through the night safely. 

Today they cleaned her up and got her out of bed for the first time since she went in to the hospital for a knee cleaning on the 22nd.  She is still in ICU and may go straight to rehab from there, but only time will tell.

We cancelled our trip to Disney for my birthday, there was no way even Disney could distract us from what was going on here at home, so we’ll save that trip for another time.  I’ve been doing some mindless sewing to distract me from the hospital and have made some progress.  I finished that project that I can’t talk about, and I’ve made one of my charity quilts for January.  Well the top is done, maybe I will quilt it today, since my head is a little straighter and I can concentrate on what I am doing…. I put a whole row of the secret project together bass aackwards.

I will try to get back to a more normal self now… but still have my heart with Arden and family 100%.

Saturday, December 03, 2011

Update

A few ladies have asked me to make an update, so I will.  Arden is still in ICU and off and on the ventilator, more on than off though.  She was awake when John and Pop went to see her last night (Friday) and seemed happy to see them.  Still not the good news I want to report, but hopeful.

And yes, thanks to Ginny I remembered it was the beginning of the month and I updated the BOMs page.  This month’s block is Game Cocks, and it’s prettier than the name.  http://delawarequilts.com/BOMs/GameCocks/index.html

I will try to do better in updating.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

What's happening

Well… first, I am OK.  Nothing wrong with me, I am healed, recovered and everything is almost back to normal.  I see the rheumatologist next week and will know how my “counts” are doing, but I guess that means first I have to visit the vampires again soon.

Arden, John’s step-Mom, is still in the hospital, in ICU.  She went in for simple outpatient knee cleaning a week ago.  They found she had pneumonia after the surgery while in recovery, no signs before.  She has been on a breathing machine, and every time she even slightly wakes up she pulls all the tubes and needles out and they have to re-sedate her and start over. 

That made for a not very joyful Thanksgiving, we missed her at the table and in the festivities.  However we did the best we could to keep things normal for Pop.  Both boys men were home with their ladies and Eric joined us for dinner too.  After dinner and some football they all went to the movies, and after the movies started their shopping. 

Mike and Kelly went back to Maryland late Friday night and Jon and Steph stayed until Sunday afternoon.  Yesterday was court with John’s mother, the judge dismissed all of her objections to the accounting. 

And until there is something joyous to talk about, I think I’m going to take a break.  Prayers appreciated if you are so inclined. 

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Sharing a favorite recipe

Since I'll be making this today, one less thing to cook tomorrow, I'm sharing this family favorite recipe with you. 

Sweet Potato with Coconut
Serves 10 – 12 (Can be halved easily)
4 cups mashed sweet potatoes
1 cup white sugar
1 stick butter or margarine
½ cup milk (or orange juice)
1 tablespoon vanilla
1 cup coconut
2 eggs slightly beaten

Topping:
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup nuts (I use pecans)
¼ cup flour
Mix thoroughly, (I blend in food processor.)
1 stick margarine or butter

Heat sweet potatoes, sugar, one stick butter and ½ cup of milk in saucepan.  Add eggs, vanilla and coconut.  Mix thoroughly.  Pour into 13 X 9 inch baking dish. 

Top with topping.  Slice stick of butter over topping, and bake at 350Âş until brown, about 15 - 20 minutes.
Enjoy, I know my family certainly will.



Tuesday, November 22, 2011

AOK for me at least

Just returned from my Doctor’s appoint and have been given the all clear, everything is OK and no further butchering surgery is required.  I see the rheumatologist early in December and am hoping she will say the same.  I’m tired of seeing so many Doctors and want to get my normal life back. 

On the other hand John’s Dad is not well, just returning home from a short visit at the hospital and now Arden is in with pneumonia.  Say a prayer they both recover and soon.  Their life is one Doctor’s appointment after another and that is a horrible life to life.

And I can happily report I got that Christmas project all cut out yesterday and about a dozen blocks finished.  More after Thanksgiving

Monday, November 21, 2011

Today I plan to sew!

Well that was my plan when I got up this morning, but so many things have interfered.  First I was checking email and noticed some of the keys on my keyboard aren’t working right.  I cleaned it off and then noticed my hinge row was off completely, so I called Dell.  The nice guy did some updates but that didn’t help, so they’ve ordered me a new keyboard and say it will be here by Wednesday.  I am not worried, because so far most of the keys are working, and I still have my traveling lap top as a backup.  But just incase, I am backing this one up today. 

Then there was laundry to do, three loads.  Between loads I did a little more cleaning up around here, and now I am ready to go sew.  Wonder how many ten minute table runners I can get done before the dryer buzzes again?
 
Updated August 30, 2012
The original link was removed by the shop that had shared it so I have updated it with a link to the original PDF on Delaware Quilts.  Please see the page Ten Minute Table Runner for more information and lots more links

Sunday, November 20, 2011

To the rescue!

This morning a hero came into our house and within ten minutes had our electrical problem solved.   Yes, ten minutes.  John worked on that problem off and on for two months… and it was fixed in ten minutes.  We tried to give our hero a check for his troubles, since we would have had to pay to get fixed if he hadn’t helped us, but he wouldn’t take it.  He refused to take it, even when I threatened to send it to his wife.  He said that’s what family is for, helping each other. 

Hearing that from a family member was strange for me… very strange.  That on top of the recent “reunion” at the retreat has given me a new look on family, that part of the family anyway.  I’ve not had a warm “family” feeling in years and finally the family glow is returning. 

Well.... not completely, but at least we know that not all the family hates us anymore. 

And yes, I am mailing the check and I sure hope she cashes it, or else I will have to try something drastic. 

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Yes I took a few days off.

Whoops sorry, meant to mention that in my last post.   I am OK, still recovering but doing better, I think.. I hope…  I see the butcher surgeon on Tuesday and am hoping he will be happy with his work and not have to repeat the procedure. 

I’ve been catching up on housework, straightening up so we can be ready for a house full of company next week.  All the kids are coming home for dinner. 

I’ve washed all my purchased fabrics, not that much this last retreat, but some, and put everything away where it belongs.  I even did some straightening up in the sewing room.  I hope to get up there to do some sewing soon, I have a quilt to make in the next 30 days.  Wish me luck!

Boy do I have a lot to be thankful for

I got an email this morning, the subject was “Deposit of $30.5 Million‏”.  What a pity there was an attachment that was to be opened to get all the details and that attachment set off virus alarms on my lap top.  Do you think I should email them back and tell them? 

So today I am thankful that I am not that gullible and that I have a good virus blocker. 

And I am thankful that our gas fireplace has decided it can work another winter. 

And I am thankful that an electrician is coming by to fix the kitchen for us.  I’ve only had half a kitchen for two months and will certainly need every outlet on the counters next Thursday.  And I am thankful we have $ in the bank to pay the electrician too!

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Warning to ALL politicians

Don’t call me. 

That you think you can is another annoying thing you politicians get away with that us common people can’t.  There is only one thing worse than a political phone call, and that is one from "Rachael at card services with an important message" about my credit card. 

So take this warning… if I get a phone call from you it is a guarantee that I will not vote for you. 

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Retreat report

A couple of people have asked me to make a report on the November Retreat and I’ve even had a few phone calls asking about it… so here’s my report.

First, my problems.  I had a flare up of polymyalgia and another annoying problem which just made things more complicated…. I wasn’t allowed to drive.  So my dear husband drove me up to my son’s in Newark, and my dear son picked up my friend Anne from the airport and brought her to his home, and then she drove me to Lancaster for the retreat.  I had a great nurse Cindy on duty the whole retreat and Anne did a pretty darn good job of taking care of me too.  They, along with all the retreaters and the hotel staff made darn sure I was doing OK, and I did!

The retreat was a very special one, the 15th November retreat.  There were three of us who are still original retreaters, Candy, Mariann and myself, all still retreating after all these years.  There were also two retreaters who have attended 14 retreats, one ten, one eight and a total of 153 retreats for the whole bunch of us.  There were seven ladies who were attending their very first retreat, but you could hardly tell…. They fit right in like they’d been retreating for years.

I’m sad to say we didn’t do much project wise; my early bedtime sort of spoiled that.  However some of the ladies made pinwheels, and I finished one pinwheel quilt which I turned over to Candy for the shops charity.  There was a lot of other quilting done and even a few projects were finished.  And of course shopping, everyone contributed greatly to the local economy. 
There were three sisters in attendance, Candy, Cindy and Dawn and six other sisters were sort of there too, Deby, Pat, Cheri, Geri, Tesa and Cheryle.  It was funny for me to keep running into family at the retreat, and I’m glad they got to see I do have another life other than Relay. 

We had a celebration dinner, raised over $300 for Relay For Life, had a fun Pollyanna and then it was all over.  Everyone’s signed up to come back again next year, along with the missing few and a few others, we’ll have a full house next year, but I bet it will be another year of fun!
 

Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition

A friend sent me this email, and I thought it was a great idea, so I’m sharing it with you all.  I for one will be giving all made in the USA gifts for Christmas this year.  Not saying what, because I know my family reads this!
As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor.
 
This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Oh.... Yes there is! It is time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?
 
Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?
 
Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.
 
Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates. How about giving either your local animal shelter a nice donation to help feed and care for the homeless animals that are being taken care of.
 
Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down the Benjamins on a Chinese-made flat-screen TV? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.
 
There are a gazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint.
 
Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.
 
How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?
 
Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.
 
My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.
 
OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.
 
Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip.
 
And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre.
Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.
 
Honestly people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community.If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.
 
 
You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US (We the People), encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we could not imagine.
THIS is the new American Christmas tradition!!
 
Please pass this around we can make a difference, can't we?
 
And I have to add, anyone want a new fish tank?  Support the growing Terra Reef company by installing a beautiful tank in your family room. Then instead of sitting around the boob tube you can sit and watch your fish and corals.