New postal rates went into effect Monday, May 14. In the first four hours that we were open, we sold 16,000 two-cent stamps! So much work for so little money, if the truth be told.
And, of course, all the rates went up. So everyone was cranky. All day.
Late in the day, there were about six people in line. And a car at the drive-thru. I took care of one customer, then opened the door at the drive-thru and said "Can I help you?". Drive-thru diva person was yakking on her cell phone. I waited a second or two for her to acknowledge that I was there. Then when I got no response, I went back inside the door and waited on the next person in line. The one who wasn't yakking on her phone and deserved my attention. Drive-thru diva had a fit. Oh well, lady. Cell phones are the absolute bane of our existence. We are not going to hold up everyone in line until you finish your conversation!
Another DTD (drive-thru diva) wanted to exchange her 39 cent stamps for 41 cent stamps. Sorry, ma'am, I can sell you two-cent stamps, but we don't exchange. She wasn't happy. I tried to explain to her that in ten years, those stamps will still be worth 39 cents and all she has to do is add additional postage for a first class letter. There is no expiration date on stamps! She said she was going to go the 'real' post office to exchange them. I'm sure that after she waited 1/2 hour in their line, only to be told the same thing, that she was even more miserable. Serves her right.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Going Postal - The Drive-thru Divas
We have a unique feature - the drive-through post office! It's meant to be a convenience, but as usual, there are people who abuse it.
Mailing a package? Before you come to the drive-thru, it helps if the item you are mailing is already packaged. I've had people drive up with stuff in a plastic bag and they want me to get them a box or an envelope. That's not a problem if they want to use USPS Priority mail because we keep those behind the counter. We also have shipping supplies (envelopes, boxes, tape) that we sell out in the store area.
Some people get testy if I ask them if they are going to use priority mail. Believe me, I'm NOT trying to rip you off. For a small package, there might be $1 difference betweeen priority and parcel post (the cheapest mail service). The priority box is free...... but if you want to use parcel post, you'll have to provide your own box. And if you show up in the drive-thru without a box, you'll have to buy one from us. So you are going to spend $1.29 or $1.99 just to buy the box, and then pay postage to ship it parcel post, instead of using the free priority box and spending an extra $1 on postage. Not to mention, your package gets delivered faster. In most cases, it will be cheaper to mail it priority with the free box.
If you want me to go out into the store and get you an envelope while you tie up the line in the drive-thru, and then wait while you address it and finish your transaction, I'm not going to pick out the 21 cent manila envelope for you. You're going to get the 99 cent bubble envelope. If you want the cheapest, park your car, come into the store and pick out your own envelope. Got that? Okay.
Drive-thru diva of the week was the hot mama in the back seat of the Ford F150 extended cab pickup. Blonde and slow daughter was driving. Mama holds up a little makeup bag/purse and says she wants to mail this to Dallas. I get her a priority envelope and mailing label. She looks at me and says "I am illiterate. Can you please fill out the label for me?"
I grab my clipboard, standing next to her truck, while she is applying mascara...... she then proceeds to spell the name of the person to whom she is mailing the package, AND the name of the street. Why do I feel like a sucker here?
Dumb blonde daughter in the front seat is filling out an envelope to be mailed. I ring up mama's package, take her money, and expect them to drive off. But dumb blonde daugher isn't ready yet. Now there are about four more cars behind them.
Finally blondie's ready and I take the letter she wants to mail. Total transaction time, about 15 minutes.
Ridiculous.
Mailing a package? Before you come to the drive-thru, it helps if the item you are mailing is already packaged. I've had people drive up with stuff in a plastic bag and they want me to get them a box or an envelope. That's not a problem if they want to use USPS Priority mail because we keep those behind the counter. We also have shipping supplies (envelopes, boxes, tape) that we sell out in the store area.
Some people get testy if I ask them if they are going to use priority mail. Believe me, I'm NOT trying to rip you off. For a small package, there might be $1 difference betweeen priority and parcel post (the cheapest mail service). The priority box is free...... but if you want to use parcel post, you'll have to provide your own box. And if you show up in the drive-thru without a box, you'll have to buy one from us. So you are going to spend $1.29 or $1.99 just to buy the box, and then pay postage to ship it parcel post, instead of using the free priority box and spending an extra $1 on postage. Not to mention, your package gets delivered faster. In most cases, it will be cheaper to mail it priority with the free box.
If you want me to go out into the store and get you an envelope while you tie up the line in the drive-thru, and then wait while you address it and finish your transaction, I'm not going to pick out the 21 cent manila envelope for you. You're going to get the 99 cent bubble envelope. If you want the cheapest, park your car, come into the store and pick out your own envelope. Got that? Okay.
Drive-thru diva of the week was the hot mama in the back seat of the Ford F150 extended cab pickup. Blonde and slow daughter was driving. Mama holds up a little makeup bag/purse and says she wants to mail this to Dallas. I get her a priority envelope and mailing label. She looks at me and says "I am illiterate. Can you please fill out the label for me?"
I grab my clipboard, standing next to her truck, while she is applying mascara...... she then proceeds to spell the name of the person to whom she is mailing the package, AND the name of the street. Why do I feel like a sucker here?
Dumb blonde daughter in the front seat is filling out an envelope to be mailed. I ring up mama's package, take her money, and expect them to drive off. But dumb blonde daugher isn't ready yet. Now there are about four more cars behind them.
Finally blondie's ready and I take the letter she wants to mail. Total transaction time, about 15 minutes.
Ridiculous.
Going Postal
I work in a US Postal Service "Contract Unit". What is a contract unit? It is an 'official' US Postal Service site, but operated under a private contract with non-federal employees. The USPS has basically outsourced an operation in an area that needs a post office, but without the capital investment of building one or hiring federal employees. Very cost effective, don't ya think? The CPU (Control Postal Unit) isn't our only business, but it definitely takes up most of our time!
We provide all postal services except we do not sell postal money orders, have PO boxes, issue passport applications or issue the 'sooper sekrit secure' registered mail. And, unlike private mail services, we do not charge more for your postage. You pay nothing extra for mailing a letter or package. And we smile and provide great customer service. Oh, and we also have a drive through window! What could be better?
I really do love the work. Almost all of our customers are great. And we have a decent amount of 'regular' customers, too.
I would just like to say one thing. Your mail is handled with extreme care at our facility. We go above and beyond the call of duty. What happens after it is picked up and shipped to the postal distribution center? I cannot vouch for that!
A couple of things that drive me nuts - people who bring in something and ask "Will this be there tomorrow? (or the next day)"
Not unless you send it Express mail, which is our most expensive option. "But it's only ten miles away!!" Well, if it's only ten miles away, maybe you should deliver it yourself, okay? Distance doesn't matter really, because it still gets put into the mailstream with thousands of other pieces of mail and is sorted for delivery. Yeah, it might get there tomorrow. Or it might not get there until next week. Sorrrrry.
Another thing that makes me crazy is that some people have not learned how to address an envelope/box. Return address? Upper left hand corner, please. Recipient address? Large and center (vertically and horizontally) on the package/envelope. Remember to leave room for the postage, please!! And if the to/from addresses are directly on top of each other, don't be surprised if your package comes back to you as the recipient instead of the sender!
And it's not our fault that the price of postage is going up! We're sorry!
There are a few nits, but lots of fun things about working in our CPU. More stories about that later!
We provide all postal services except we do not sell postal money orders, have PO boxes, issue passport applications or issue the 'sooper sekrit secure' registered mail. And, unlike private mail services, we do not charge more for your postage. You pay nothing extra for mailing a letter or package. And we smile and provide great customer service. Oh, and we also have a drive through window! What could be better?
I really do love the work. Almost all of our customers are great. And we have a decent amount of 'regular' customers, too.
I would just like to say one thing. Your mail is handled with extreme care at our facility. We go above and beyond the call of duty. What happens after it is picked up and shipped to the postal distribution center? I cannot vouch for that!
A couple of things that drive me nuts - people who bring in something and ask "Will this be there tomorrow? (or the next day)"
Not unless you send it Express mail, which is our most expensive option. "But it's only ten miles away!!" Well, if it's only ten miles away, maybe you should deliver it yourself, okay? Distance doesn't matter really, because it still gets put into the mailstream with thousands of other pieces of mail and is sorted for delivery. Yeah, it might get there tomorrow. Or it might not get there until next week. Sorrrrry.
Another thing that makes me crazy is that some people have not learned how to address an envelope/box. Return address? Upper left hand corner, please. Recipient address? Large and center (vertically and horizontally) on the package/envelope. Remember to leave room for the postage, please!! And if the to/from addresses are directly on top of each other, don't be surprised if your package comes back to you as the recipient instead of the sender!
And it's not our fault that the price of postage is going up! We're sorry!
There are a few nits, but lots of fun things about working in our CPU. More stories about that later!
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
A Change is Gonna Come
When I was diagnosed with MS in 2001, it hit me pretty hard. I look the same. I feel the same. And yet, I'm not. I have aged. I think I have aged about 20 years in the six years since D(iagnosis)Day. And I know that physically, there are changes. But how many of those changes are psychologically wrought? Do I really have less energy? Or am I just using it as an excuse?
The fact of the matter is, I have gotten soft and fat. Is it too late to save myself? Can I get something of my old body back? In my 30s, I looked great. Yes, that is a very conceited statement. But I did look great! Better than my 20s even... well, almost as good as my 20s. I want to look like that again. Is it too late?
It's time to stop feeling sorry for myself and get to work. Yes, there are physical changes, but they are no excuse. The longer I wait, the worse it will get. And getting FIT will be better for me in the long run. I need to be strong again. Not emotionally strong (that I have always been), but physically strong. Not taking care of my body is only going to allow the monster to strike sooner. I have to hold it off. No more excuses. Time to get moving.
Wish me luck.
The fact of the matter is, I have gotten soft and fat. Is it too late to save myself? Can I get something of my old body back? In my 30s, I looked great. Yes, that is a very conceited statement. But I did look great! Better than my 20s even... well, almost as good as my 20s. I want to look like that again. Is it too late?
It's time to stop feeling sorry for myself and get to work. Yes, there are physical changes, but they are no excuse. The longer I wait, the worse it will get. And getting FIT will be better for me in the long run. I need to be strong again. Not emotionally strong (that I have always been), but physically strong. Not taking care of my body is only going to allow the monster to strike sooner. I have to hold it off. No more excuses. Time to get moving.
Wish me luck.
Monday, April 23, 2007
ARRGGGGH!!!!
What has happened to me? I used to love writing. I could write sentences and paragraphs without missing a beat. It used to flow from me so naturally. Why do I find it so difficult to put words to paper (or hard drive, as the case may be)?
There is so much I want to write about..... but every time I sit down and start typing, I delete it all before posting. I want to write about:
Why can't I put these things into words anymore? My muse has deserted me!
There is so much I want to write about..... but every time I sit down and start typing, I delete it all before posting. I want to write about:
- working tax night in the post office (contract unit)and how it wasn't as stressful as I feared. It was actually quite festive and fun! I was surprised, however, that people were actually still looking for tax forms at 7:00 that night! (procrastinate much?)
- how it sucks to have this ticking time bomb in my brain called MS and how paranoid I am about every little change to my body.
- flashbacks........ those little things that pop into my head about events years ago. Sometimes they are caused by music or scents, sometimes they just show up without reason.
- how depressed I get about the fact that my youngest son is only two years away from graduating high school, and I am not far away from an 'empty nest', except that I will still be taking care of my aging mother.
- Why do I prefer digging in the dirt and gardening instead of cleaning my house? I hate to vacuum, although I still do it. But I'd rather be outside working in the yard.....
- how the internet has grown into something that I'm not sure I like anymore... it's so full of drama and negativity. Am I looking in the wrong places?
Why can't I put these things into words anymore? My muse has deserted me!
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
The Worst that Could Happen
Doing some Sirius listening to 60s pop in the car. Until I sprung for Sirius for my husband, I would never have dreamed of paying for radio.
But now I wonder if I could live without it! Take a trip through the decades - 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s.......... It is endless. I'm working on the 60s right now.
Just heard one of my favorite songs from way back, Johnny Maestro and the Brooklyn Bridge, The Worst that Could Happen.
Yeah, but she's not marrying you because
So what are you whining about?
Oh, boo frickin' hoo for you.
The year was 1969. Young people realized they didn't have to follow the conservative path that their parents took. And many didn't.
It is a seriously good song though. I love these type of pop songs. Country fills that void for me today because I guess I'm too old to appreciate the pop of today.
And the song:
But now I wonder if I could live without it! Take a trip through the decades - 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s.......... It is endless. I'm working on the 60s right now.
Just heard one of my favorite songs from way back, Johnny Maestro and the Brooklyn Bridge, The Worst that Could Happen.
.
Girl, I heard you're getting married,
Heard you're getting married.
This time you're really sure
Yeah, but she's not marrying you because
Girl, I'll never get married
I'll never get married
You know that's not my scene.
So what are you whining about?
But if he loves you more than me
Maybe it's the best thing
Maybe it's the best thing for you
But it's the worst that could happen
To me
Oh, boo frickin' hoo for you.
The year was 1969. Young people realized they didn't have to follow the conservative path that their parents took. And many didn't.
It is a seriously good song though. I love these type of pop songs. Country fills that void for me today because I guess I'm too old to appreciate the pop of today.
And the song:
Saturday, April 07, 2007
April Showers
Chris was in a dodgeball tournament on Thursday night at school. Competitive dodgeball. Sounds like fun! They named their team the "Angry Pirates". They had shirts made for their team. Nicknames and numbers on the back. Well, they all had numbers, except my kid.
You have to understand my son to see the humor in it. I think it's great! He doesn't let it get him down!
Ice and sleet on April 7th? This is amazing. It is 31 degrees outside and raining and very slick. What the heck? This is Texas - not Minnesota.
When I was a little girl growing up in Pennsylvania, I can remember more than a few Easters that were too cold for that cute spring outfit that mom bought for me. I can even remember snow on Easter. But this is Texas, and Easter is usually very warm.
We bought a new car today. Braved the cold and rain. Brought it home and parked it in the garage. Not very nice to take the new car for a drive. Hopefully it won't be so bad tomorrow.
The boys were disappointed though - no Hemi. But still a gorgeous car.
Greg is in Houston this weekend instead of being at home. He's at a friend's house. They have tickets to go see Wicked. If I were 19, I'd rather spend the weekend with friends, too. We're going to have Easter dinner next weekend because he's coming home then. Hopefully the weather will be better!
I have such pain in my hands today. I am sure that I have arthritis in my thumbs. The damp, cold weather must be aggravating it. Thumbs are very painful today. Usually, they are only sore. Lots of sharp stabbing pain today.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Too much of everything!
So my mother has decided NOT to renew her Sam's Club membership in May.
A frickin' Men!
Have I mentioned the amount of stuff that I have thrown out in the last month? Have I mentioned that my pantry has ten containers of yellow mustard, about 30 cans of soup, several containers of salad dressing that are on the verge of expiration? And the biggest damn box of saltines that I have ever seen!
I don't know why she has this compulsive need to over buy. It drives me CRAZEE!!!!!
*sigh* My kids are almost grown and instead of an 'empty nest', I am looking forward to dealing with the adult/child for the rest of her life.
I'm not going to rant anymore. Really I'm not.
Oh, who am I kidding? Of course I am going to rant. But not to her. She still scares me. I'm 47 years old and I'm afraid to be honest with my mother. That just sucks!
A frickin' Men!
Have I mentioned the amount of stuff that I have thrown out in the last month? Have I mentioned that my pantry has ten containers of yellow mustard, about 30 cans of soup, several containers of salad dressing that are on the verge of expiration? And the biggest damn box of saltines that I have ever seen!
I don't know why she has this compulsive need to over buy. It drives me CRAZEE!!!!!
*sigh* My kids are almost grown and instead of an 'empty nest', I am looking forward to dealing with the adult/child for the rest of her life.
I'm not going to rant anymore. Really I'm not.
Oh, who am I kidding? Of course I am going to rant. But not to her. She still scares me. I'm 47 years old and I'm afraid to be honest with my mother. That just sucks!
Monday, February 26, 2007
Have I mentioned?
That I love
Pinot Grigio?
My Ipod?
My bose dock?
All three together, plus my jacuzzi and some cucumber-melon bubblebath?
Amaaaazingly relaxing.
So what playlist did I indulge in while taking my bath? Well, lots of Pat Green plus some Sugarland, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban and a little Rascal Flatts for good measure.
I'll save the Aerosmith/Zeppelin/Pink Floyd for another day.
Pinot Grigio?
My Ipod?
My bose dock?
All three together, plus my jacuzzi and some cucumber-melon bubblebath?
Amaaaazingly relaxing.
So what playlist did I indulge in while taking my bath? Well, lots of Pat Green plus some Sugarland, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban and a little Rascal Flatts for good measure.
I'll save the Aerosmith/Zeppelin/Pink Floyd for another day.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Random Thoughts
It's a beautiful, breezy, sunny day here in central Texas. I just came back from a long walk with the dogs. It's been awhile since I did that. I need to do it more often. Plug in the iPod, harness up the critters, and get out.
My love affair with the internet is in a bad place right now. I wonder how something that used to bring me such joy has turned so ugly. There is ugliness all over the web. Nowadays, it seems that I use my computer for paying bills, emailing my son at college, and playing solitaire. Sad, isn't it? There has been so much innovation in the last ten years, and I'm not exactly sure it has been for the better.
When did people become so cranky? We have the power to communicate which is unprecedented in history, and there is so much ugliness out there. I guess I need to purge my bookmarks. It just brings me down.
More later......
My love affair with the internet is in a bad place right now. I wonder how something that used to bring me such joy has turned so ugly. There is ugliness all over the web. Nowadays, it seems that I use my computer for paying bills, emailing my son at college, and playing solitaire. Sad, isn't it? There has been so much innovation in the last ten years, and I'm not exactly sure it has been for the better.
When did people become so cranky? We have the power to communicate which is unprecedented in history, and there is so much ugliness out there. I guess I need to purge my bookmarks. It just brings me down.
More later......
Thursday, January 18, 2007
ICE!
'Twas a cold day in hell, errrr I mean Texas, this week. Austin is not used to ice. Having come from the northeast, I was happy to have saved one of my ice scrapers. I probably could have sold it at a nice profit this week.
Today was noisy as the temp got up to 34 and the trees started shedding their coating of ice. The live oaks do not shed their leaves in the winter, so they were very heavy and droopy. Luckily none of mine lost any limbs. But today was a constant cacophony of ice dropping from limbs. Oh, and sheets of ice sliding off my roof. That was a little disconcerting at first. Hope there's no damage up there!
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Cowboys are out
As much as I HATE the Cowboys (and believe me, I really really loathe the Dallas Cowboys), I have to feel sorry for Tony Romo tonight. Seriously, I can only imagine how awful he must feel. Why couldn't it have been that knucklehead TO who screwed up and lost the game for them instead? That would make it extra sweet. Instead, I sit here thinking about how awful Romo must feel tonight.
But, I guess that's why they get paid the big bucks.....
On the other hand........ the COWBOYS LOST! yesssssssssss.....
But, I guess that's why they get paid the big bucks.....
On the other hand........ the COWBOYS LOST! yesssssssssss.....
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
A very pleasant surprise
Back in 1976, I was a high school senior. When my boyfriend (now my husband) wanted to go see "Rocky", I was a bit hesitant. Boxing was not my idea of entertainment.
But, I was Philly girl. Well, close enough to a Philly girl since I was raised just outside the city limits. And everyone was talking about 'our' movie. You see, "Rocky" belonged to Philly. More than any other Hollywood-ized ideal of what Philadelphia was, "Rocky" was ours. So, after hearing all the buzz, I knew I had to see it.
I remember the first time. (I'm not sure, but probably saw it half a dozen times in the theater). It just blew me away. And, of course, there were several instances of running up the art museum steps just because we could!
"Rocky II" was great, but it wasn't the same. "Rocky" was the perfect underdog. Once he was "top" dog, it just wasn't the same. The gritty Philadelphia-ness of the movie was replaced with slick Hollywood ideas.
When I heard that there was going to be yet another "Rocky" sequel this year, I cringed. As a parent, and your child is putting himself on the line for a goal, you pray that all goes well and that they succeed. Or at least manage to walk away with some pride. That was how I felt about this latest "Rocky" movie. I approached it with the dread of a parent, because "Rocky" is Philadelphia's son. And we don't want to see him fail or make a fool of himself.
So over this Christmas vacation, my husband, my two teenage sons, and myself headed to the Alamo Drafthouse to see Rocky Balboa. (by the way, the Alamo Drafthouse is by far the coolest place to see a movie. Order dinner, beer, drinks.... while you watch a movie. It's one of the great things about living in Austin!)
We got there about an hour before the movie started, ordered our dinner while scenes from all the previous Rocky movies played on the screen. I was wearing a Philadelphia Flyers sweatshirt because it is a Philly movie after all! Watching the scenes from the prior Rocky movies was great fun and brought back lots of memories. But how was Stallone going to pull this off? "Rocky" must be, what, 60 now? Or pretty damn close. Was this going to be a huge mistake and ruin the legacy of Philly's favorite underdog? Was I going to be hugely disappointed?
I must say...... all my fears were unfounded. Stallone did an incredible job. He took it back to the streets of Philly. It was as though he remembered how it all started. This movie was probably very expensive, yet it had the feel of the low-budget original. Gritty, and honest.... and I LOVED it. He brought back the old "Rocky". And the streets of Philadelphia. And he respected the character, the story, and the history. He done good! "Rocky" has come full circle. And I am still proud of him.
But, I was Philly girl. Well, close enough to a Philly girl since I was raised just outside the city limits. And everyone was talking about 'our' movie. You see, "Rocky" belonged to Philly. More than any other Hollywood-ized ideal of what Philadelphia was, "Rocky" was ours. So, after hearing all the buzz, I knew I had to see it.
I remember the first time. (I'm not sure, but probably saw it half a dozen times in the theater). It just blew me away. And, of course, there were several instances of running up the art museum steps just because we could!
"Rocky II" was great, but it wasn't the same. "Rocky" was the perfect underdog. Once he was "top" dog, it just wasn't the same. The gritty Philadelphia-ness of the movie was replaced with slick Hollywood ideas.
When I heard that there was going to be yet another "Rocky" sequel this year, I cringed. As a parent, and your child is putting himself on the line for a goal, you pray that all goes well and that they succeed. Or at least manage to walk away with some pride. That was how I felt about this latest "Rocky" movie. I approached it with the dread of a parent, because "Rocky" is Philadelphia's son. And we don't want to see him fail or make a fool of himself.
So over this Christmas vacation, my husband, my two teenage sons, and myself headed to the Alamo Drafthouse to see Rocky Balboa. (by the way, the Alamo Drafthouse is by far the coolest place to see a movie. Order dinner, beer, drinks.... while you watch a movie. It's one of the great things about living in Austin!)
We got there about an hour before the movie started, ordered our dinner while scenes from all the previous Rocky movies played on the screen. I was wearing a Philadelphia Flyers sweatshirt because it is a Philly movie after all! Watching the scenes from the prior Rocky movies was great fun and brought back lots of memories. But how was Stallone going to pull this off? "Rocky" must be, what, 60 now? Or pretty damn close. Was this going to be a huge mistake and ruin the legacy of Philly's favorite underdog? Was I going to be hugely disappointed?
I must say...... all my fears were unfounded. Stallone did an incredible job. He took it back to the streets of Philly. It was as though he remembered how it all started. This movie was probably very expensive, yet it had the feel of the low-budget original. Gritty, and honest.... and I LOVED it. He brought back the old "Rocky". And the streets of Philadelphia. And he respected the character, the story, and the history. He done good! "Rocky" has come full circle. And I am still proud of him.
Sunday, December 24, 2006
I almost didn't see it
I take my dogs on many walks through the park trail near my home. One morning, something caught my eye. Was that a little blue door in the tree?
How very clever.... how incredibly random.... how bizarre! Yes, it's a door. And a little welcome mat made from a small stone. And a sign that says "Peace in the Universe". What a sweet little thing to find. So whimsical. I wonder what sort of mythical creature resides behind the blue door.
And then one of my dogs decides to investigate that which has drawn my attention.
Unfortunately, he wasn't quite as charmed. It was just another tree to him and he lifted his leg and peed on it. (No, I didn't take a picture of that!)
December 23rd
Christmas Countdown #23
It's not easy being green! In the early 80s, we were a young, married couple living in the Catskill Mountains. And we were all about skiing! Naturally, we collected lots of skiing ornaments for our tree. Kermit is one of the coolest.
It's not easy being green! In the early 80s, we were a young, married couple living in the Catskill Mountains. And we were all about skiing! Naturally, we collected lots of skiing ornaments for our tree. Kermit is one of the coolest.
December 22nd
Christmas Countdown #22
Here is another New Orleans ornament. A very pretty ceramic Mardi Gras mask. I actually received this one from my mom years before I visited New Orleans. She had gone on a business trip and brought it home. My mom has always fed my Christmas ornament addiction.
Here is another New Orleans ornament. A very pretty ceramic Mardi Gras mask. I actually received this one from my mom years before I visited New Orleans. She had gone on a business trip and brought it home. My mom has always fed my Christmas ornament addiction.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
December 21st
Christmas Countdown #21
We picked up this ornament in Las Vegas. It's actually a fired clay bag... tiny little bag. It has a handpainted quail (or some other kind of bird?) on it. Very cute. And Vegas was FUN!
We picked up this ornament in Las Vegas. It's actually a fired clay bag... tiny little bag. It has a handpainted quail (or some other kind of bird?) on it. Very cute. And Vegas was FUN!
Sunday, December 17, 2006
December 20th
Greg was nuts about the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles back in the early 90s. I don't remember where I got this, but it is definitely one of my favorites..... Rafael on skis!
December 19th
Christmas Countdown #19
One of the first Texas ornaments that I bought when we moved here in 1996. It's homemade, with sparkles, and it's pure kitsch.
Love this silly chili pepper. Gotta have some tackiness on the tree or else it would be boring!
One of the first Texas ornaments that I bought when we moved here in 1996. It's homemade, with sparkles, and it's pure kitsch.
Love this silly chili pepper. Gotta have some tackiness on the tree or else it would be boring!
December 18th
Christmas Countdown #18
This is the first ornament I ever gave to my husband. It was 1979 and we were dating. He loved hockey. So, of course, I had to buy Snoopy and Woodstock playing hockey. It is a really cool ornament...
Our very first date was September 26, 1977, and we went to see the Philadelphia Flyers play the New York Rangers at the Spectrum. I should have realized then that hockey would always be a big part of my life. Both my sons have played hockey, (Chris still does), and Jim still plays and coaches... To be honest, I am just a little bit tired of hockey. I know I'm going to miss being a 'hockey mom' when it's all over, but I think I'm going to enjoy it for awhile once it's over.
This is the first ornament I ever gave to my husband. It was 1979 and we were dating. He loved hockey. So, of course, I had to buy Snoopy and Woodstock playing hockey. It is a really cool ornament...
Our very first date was September 26, 1977, and we went to see the Philadelphia Flyers play the New York Rangers at the Spectrum. I should have realized then that hockey would always be a big part of my life. Both my sons have played hockey, (Chris still does), and Jim still plays and coaches... To be honest, I am just a little bit tired of hockey. I know I'm going to miss being a 'hockey mom' when it's all over, but I think I'm going to enjoy it for awhile once it's over.
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