Thursday, December 28, 2006

Christmas was...






...very low-key, very loving. Just the way we like it.

Christmas Eve service at our church is one of the highlights of the year. We keep it to one hour, have some songs presented and do a candlelight communion. It's always special, even if so only for the things that go laughably wrong, and this was no exception. We couldn't get the audio working for the short film I'd bought to begin the program. With about five minutes before start time, I pulled out a Handel's Messiah CD from the sound room and noticed the time for "And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed": 3:07. The film, entitled "The Prophecy" was exactly 3:07. The music was most appropriate as well as a perfect fit. No one else but Irish and the sound guy knew till later. That was close!

Afterwards, we went home and had cocoa (made with Splenda) and popcorn (fresh popped, not the dreadful nuked stuff.) We'd already watched all our seasonal movies, even our classic favorite "Ernest Saves Christmas", so we settled on the A&E version of "Emma". (Once again I am reminded that Kate Beckinsale is ever so much better in the part than that washed-out Gwyneth girl.) It is blessed to have a husband who appreciates films that contain not one exploding vehicle.

We slept in a bit late next morning, unlike when the kids were growing up. After the usual rituals and long distance family calls, a few friends came for our our hospitality tradition, a late Christmas morning breakfast. After the cleanup, I delivered poinsettias to a family who were sick and couldn't make the night before; then we went to our pastor's house for a nice turkey dinner, lots of laughs, old Moody Blues concert recordings, and good conversation. The same group of us went to see "A Night at the Museum" that night because it sounded lighthearted and entertaining, which it was. (Irish & I had hoped to catch "The Nativity Story" but the cretin Salinas theater owners had already jettisoned it in favor of something more festive, which they apparently consider to be "Black Christmas".)

Late night home, fell into bed tired and happy. We didn't change the world on Christmas, but we had a lovely time with people we love. And it wasn't all about the presents.

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

I've seen him!!!

Stop the world.

I have seen my unborn grandson's face!

In less than three months, our daughter will give birth to her first child, a gorgeous little boy. Through the incredible technology of 4-D ultrasound fetal imaging, we were "introduced" to our newest Little Prince this past Saturday.

Things sure have changed since I first became a mother! Back then, a blurry b&w interpreted by a technician was the best one could hope for. Now there are 3-D and 4-D (real time), full color images with lullaby music playing in the background and a comfy couch for the waiting family and friends.

Wow. Just wow.

Little Prince, you are loved. You are anticipated and will be welcomed with many loving arms.

And Grandma will see to it that you're spoiled rotten. (Remember all those promises I made during your wild adolescent years, my darling daughter? Muuuuuuuuhahahahahahah.)

Saturday, December 02, 2006

Kidgig & First Friday

We had a blast at the library kid singalong. Ended up doing two sets instead of four, but the folks still paid us the same amount. It got quite cold outside after 4 pm, although the first hour before that I was afraid I'd overdressed with my thick sweater and Uggs. Was I ever glad to have them later! We got a good crowd for both sets--it's always nice to play for more than 5 people. The kids seemed to enjoy the songs, and the grownups were singing along too. Can't get better than that! Library Lady Lauren said next year they'll start and end earlier because of the weather. Apparently we were on TV again too. (When will I learn not to leave home without makeup?) I think this might have been the first of many child-oriented performances for us. It's definitely something we'd both like to pursue.

Last night's First Friday was the best since we started last year. We played at the Halltree antique store in Oldtown, and had a quite a few bustling shoppers stop to listen and applaud. Some even gave tips too--always a plus! The store owners loved having us there. Afterwards we went outside and saw all the folks around Main St. going from one venue to another. It's great to see Oldtown Salinas come to some vestige of life, especially compared to what it was a few years ago. The Christmas lights were on and there was a general sense of joviality in the air--people laughing and lingering, children smiling in their fancy Folklorico getups, musicians comparing notes as to their respective gigs. First Friday is one of the most positive things to happen to this city in many years.