CHRISTMAS - SECONDA PARTE

Dreams are the strangest things, don't you think?

For some reason when I woke this morning I realized I had been dreaming about an international Zoom call between a friend of mine and her son in some foreign land.

But before she could even say "Hello", he joyfully blasted music out through the ether to her.

But the r-e-a-l-l-y strange part of this dream was that the music was "Papa Loves Mambo"!

That's a song I haven't heard or thought of in years and I had to Google it to find the most popular version of it was recorded by Perry Como in 1954!

Now try to explain that because I sure can't.

And if I started the earworm for you just understand that I've had it going through my head for hours.

So, you're welcome.

And now let's continue our countdown to Christmas.

CHRISTMAS - PARTE UNO

 Okay, you've got me.

I know, I know, it's the Christmas season.

There are a lot of other holidays being celebrated now too, y'know.

But Christmas tops them all, it seems, so let us begin.

And while you're enjoying the following, think of Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Bodhi Day, and Zarathosht Diso.

If you're not acquainted with these the Almighty, All-Knowing Google is a good reference point.

Okay, I said "let us begin" and let's.

Happy Holidays, everyone!

TOO GOOD TO SAVE

 My Christmas elves have been busy and one of them sent this to me a few minutes ago.

I laughed (groaned) and instantly knew I couldn't hang onto it until Friday.

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS

 It's that time of year once again.

Christmas Season, when people for some unexplained reason put colored lights and inflatable (or not) decorations in front of their places of residence.

For example, here is a photo taken last night in snowy Minot, North Dakota.

That's the home of my cousin, Cherie, who always decorates to the max.

It's a tradition that goes back decades, to when her late father used to clamber around on the roof well into his 80's putting lighted reindeer and Santas and sleighs up there.

Fortunately my cousin, who is only a few months younger than I am, hasn't continued that tradition.

When I spoke to her last night I told her it looked like Las Vegas.

She said "thank you"!

And I have no idea what those blue blotches are supposed to represent.

I could only think "snowflakes" and Elvis Presley's song "Blue Christmas".

Oh well, it gives her joy and she has a nephew to do the decorating for her.

Down here in Arizona many people do the same, lighting up the neighborhood with elaborate displays.

On the other hand, here's the extent of my outside decorating.

Give me some credit.

At least I didn't put out a lighted "Bah, Humbug" sign.

GOODIES

I made Snickerdoodles yesterday.

A traditional holiday cinnamon cookie.

The only problem was that the recipe only makes a dozen and a half and they're going fast with just the two of us spoiling ourselves.

I've been thinking I may have to make another batch today!

THE FRIDAY FUNNIES

Lost anything?

Good news: today is Lost and Found Day!

Well, it's also the second day of Hanukkah.

And it's Jim Morrison's birthday, even though he's not around to celebrate it.

But one who will be celebrating a birthday today is Onika Tanya Maraj, who was born in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, on this day in 1982.

Oh, she changed her name awhile back.

It's Nicki Minaj now.

Lessee, oh yeah, I almost forgot: here in America it's National Lard Day.

But more important, it's National Brownie Day - eat up!

And of most absolutely outstanding importance: it's Friday!

But, sorry to say, it's a Friday for Word Humor.

Meaning, no cartoons.

So suck it up, fellow comedy lovers.

No, no, wait, don't do that, I'm not through yet!

Okay, I'll give you one cartoon.

Now I hope you're satisfied.

Maybe we can all get on with our day.

So here's my wish.

I wish you all will apply yourselves to the task at hand: having an exemplary weekend.

And always remember to keep laughing!

Here, kitty-kitty . . .

( . . oh so you've brought a friend, have you . . )

LEAF ME ALONE!

 I know you're probably getting bored with this but visiting the leaf-covered parking lot again when taking Judy to PT, I had an idea.

I picked up one of the leaves and brought it home with us to display how huge these Sycamore leaves are, using the aforementioned SWMBO as a model.

As you can see, it completely covers her face.

And, as you can see, she's standing on her own using only one hand to steady herself.

I think she's making great progress in recovering from her knee replacement surgery.

After doing 20 step-ups at her physical therapy session today, she's not so sure.

So let's leaf her alone, shall we?