Pushing on a Rope
Christmas tree
Flashback Friday — Christmas past and present
Flashback 18 years today to Catherine’s very first Christmas. Naturally, we were much more excited about it than she was. While she napped, I ran to the gas station down the street, picked up a small tree and had Basil haul it into our little rented condo. Then at warp speed we strung the lights, … Continue reading
Flashback Friday — Tree-rific
It’s strange this year to begin the holiday stuff without Catherine to help — or at least supervise the effort. After returning her to Hofstra last Sunday, Basil and I set to work getting the outdoor decorations arranged. It’s clear that the oversized candy canes and family of deer are on borrowed time, 15 years of … Continue reading
Flashback Friday — Decking the Halls
Flashback to December 1971 and helping out with the tree-trimming. I got thinking about this yesterday, while sneaking peeks over my laptop, of Basil setting up the holiday display outside. Hunter, the toddler next door, was beside himself with delight over the process. He raced around the yard, touching and looking and “talking” to the … Continue reading
Remembering Christmases past
There she is, in all her glory: This year’s Christmas tree is dressed at last. As crazy as it is to get everything done this time of year, decorating the tree is great fun and a welcome walk down memory lane. I don’t do the tinsel and garland my mother used to arrange so … Continue reading
Mr. Vanech’s Christmas Tree
Longtime readers of this blog may remember The Great Christmas Tree Disaster of 2011. (You can read about it here.) Determined to keep the tree upright and the ornaments intact this year, today we returned the tree to its narrow corner next to the decorative moulding and trussed it up like a Thanksgiving turkey. Here’s … Continue reading
Life’s a beach
New year, new opportunities to find a better balance. I’m determined to do it this year — continue to work hard, play hard and not lose my mind in the process. Stop laughing. It’s possible, I’m convinced of it. Jan. 1 found us taking down the Christmas tree. It was no easy task. Many of … Continue reading
Pieces on Earth
Add a new catch phrase to Christmas at the Vaneches: TIMMMMMMBER! It was already a crazy day — the end to yet another teeth-clenching, chaotic week that had me way behind the eight ball as the Big Day neared. For the first time I can remember, I am not ready for Christmas. Earlier today, I … Continue reading
Going out on a limb for Christmas
Trimming the tree is therapeutic this year. It’s taking a long time — our crazy schedule means decorating piecemeal, and there’s a hidden blessing in that: There’s more time for reflection than in years past when the tree was dressed in the time it took “It’s a Wonderful Life” and a couple of Bing Crosby CDs to finish … Continue reading
Pushing on a Rope 