Time to Get Ready





While all this banter has been a great deal of fun and most entertaining, it is now time to get serious about the fast approaching BIG DAY. I thought I might tell you about how Unkie and I are preparing.

First, make yourself a big glass or mug of Ovaltine before you start. Here in East Aurora we start every day with this delightful, piquant beverage. Remember their slogan, “ For Health, Strength and Energy drink Ovaltine each day.” Hint #1. Add a jigger of schnapps- make it go down easier.

When I think about Christmas decorations the word “flocking” immediately jumps into my head. I try to do a bit of flocking in each and every room of our house. Flocking in the kitchen, flocking in the living room, flocking in the den, flocking in the bedroom and don’t forget to do a little flocking in the bathroom. Nothing makes spirits brighter than flocking! Please enjoy this Freshly Flocked Penquin!.

Next, I grab my trusty glue gun and set about making a few ornaments. After sorting thru my supplies, which include various scraps of tin foil, some packing peanuts and of course those ever handy toothpicks, I decide to make Q-Tip stars. Why, once you spray them gold and add some glitter they make a delightful addition to your Christmas tree. Hint #2- (for our Jewish relatives) -These delightful ornaments can easily be made 6 pointers. Spray them blue and add silver glitter-Voila! Hint #3. If you break one of your glass ornaments-heaven forbid- try picking up the shards with a dampened cotton ball. No cotton balls? Try dampening a tampon but save the string for a different project. (Applause to Jenna for her excellent use of duct tape. I once made a whole wallet out of duct tape but I could never get my money out of it.)

What is Christmas without fruitcake??? There is nothing like a huge piece of glazed citron to bring tears to your eyes. I started my fruitcakes in July but I seem to be having trouble getting them rum-soaked. The rum keeps disappearing. Unkie keeps getting sent to the liquor store to buy more, although sometimes I have to drive because he is staggering and a bit incoherent. In 2 days the rum is gone again. Alcohol evaporates so quickly. Hint #4. If your having trouble getting the rum into the fruitcakes before it evaporates, just drink the rum-nobody like fruitcake any how! www.fruitcakesociety.org

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree! I know Unckie has accused me of being too particular when it comes to picking out our tree but to me it is the most important job of all. Why, here is a picture of the tree we brought home last year! It was a beauty. All the other people in the trailer park thought ours was the best tree they had ever seen. I was so proud.

Finally, don’t forget to take pictures of those wonderful holiday moments. Unkie snapped this one of Jff opening the gift I had made for him. Just look at that smile. Isn’t he precious? The doctor said to give it another year and most of the fake fur I inhaled while sewing that outfit will probably be dissipated. But it was so worth it for the look on Jeff’s face when he opened that package!


I must go now. I think my Christmas pudding is burning-Hint #5-for the best puddings keep your mincemeat moist! - and Unkie is hiding under the kitchen cupboard again- Love to all-


PS Just found this picture from last Christmas. In case any of you thought I was “pounding” the wine. I admit Uncle George was surprised when I refused a second drink but I do know my limits!