Pushing on a Rope
Christmas
Blow Santa one last kiss
Catherine and I took deep breaths, swallowed hard and made a commando raid on the mall today, getting in and out before all the crazy people took over. Somehow we managed it with some of our sanity intact. Even though he’s been holding office hours since before Thanksgiving, Santa remains a big attraction. The line … Continue reading
Sounds of the season
Oh, it’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of year, but this Christmas season is getting away from me. Big time. I’m clinging to the simple things wherever I can find them. Last night, I was treated to this wonderful rendition of Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus by the combined choruses at Catherine’s high school (can … Continue reading
A word from the Peanuts gallery
I fret a lot about aging. There’s a lot of white hair. And wrinkles. And drooping. And that’s just above the neck. I have to do that thing where I perch my glasses on the tip of my nose to see better (no, it doesn’t also help me hear better). I spend a lot of … Continue reading
Hey Santa: I’m still wishin’ and hopin’ you’ll deliver
Dear Santa: I can only presume that my letter of last year did not reach you. I’m not sure whether to blame the U.S. Postal Service or some Internet bug, but I was sorely disappointed to reach all the way down to the toe of my stocking — down where I once would find a … Continue reading
Help! It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Anyone else look at the calendar this past week and realize just how close Christmas is? I haven’t stopped hyperventilating since I noticed. Not that it should be a surprise. Christmas comes every year after all. And it’s not like there weren’t clues: Even before everyone had their power and cable restored following Superstorm Sandy, … 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
Merry Christmas!
Wishing you all peace, joy and a little spontaneous laughter, today and every day. Merry Christmas!
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
Yes, Catherine, there is a Santa Claus
One of the great things about being a parent is a chance to reconnect with your own childhood –something Basil and I do with gusto at this time of year. Playing Santa is perhaps a parent’s biggest pleasure — even when the kid would rather play with the box than the present in it, as … 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 