Here are the official results of the Football contest:
Final score: Sask 23 Wpg 19
1st place: (your choice)
Luke- Sk 24 Wpg 20
2nd place: (Lynx)
Holly- Sk 24 Wpg 22
3rd place: (3 sisters)
Ed- Sk 27 Wpg 22
And now the winner(s) of the overall score East and West: (Beyond Pelican point):
It is a tie between (believe it or not): Mary Ellen and Bob Barker They were both 2 points off of the final score AND they both hit an exact score of at least one team.
Other notables:
Lorraine, Sonia and Luke all with a score of 24 20 (2 points off final score without hitting an exact score).
Mary Ellen and Bob Barker- I will now post two paintings. Email me your preference and if you both pick the same painting I will flip a coin to decide who gets what.
ATTENTION: All winners please email me the address you would like me to send your paintings.
Yea, Green and White .... way to go Riders. We never doubted our team for a moment but we sure lived through some tense times during today's Grey Cup game.
Thanks, Chris and Ron, for gathering together a family crowd of Rider fans for group support and mutual encouragement.
Congratulations to Luke, Holly, Ed, Mary Ellen and Bob on winning MSA originals for your winning predictions. We know that each of you will treasure your Marty's miniature as much as you will enjoy telling the story of how you came to win it. Well done!
Thanks for the added interest in the outcome of today's game, Marty!
I knew it, deep down inside, that I would somehow win one! I'm delighted I tied with Bob Barker - I can't think of a better person to tie with. Good job, Bob. I can't wait to see our choices! They'll be good, I know that for sure! Congrats to all the winners - now owners of original Marty Antonini art. Are we lucky or what? Marty, Thanks for making the football season so much fun, and thanks for all the prizes.
My son ,Martin, is wearing his Sask. RoughRider jersey to work today, down in Houston. He says they probably won't know anything about the Sask. Roughies or the Grey Cup, but he's going to fill 'em in about some great football!
By the way, Len, you look great on TV. We saw you off & on during the game. I wanted to stand up and yell," That's my little brother!" ( Actually, I did get a little excited and stood up and tried to touch you on the screen). What a maroon.
Waiting eagerly to claim my prize, ME xoxoxoxoxoxo
Hey everyone, It's actually Paul. I woke up up yesterday and founnd out I'd turned green. Even though I am Lions fan once the Green and White took care of them my 2nd favourite team took over it was so much fun watching them win. No onw partied like Rider Pride and I saw that first hand in the airport on the way home last week. TSN says the Riders are Canada's 2nd team and by that they mean if the team you cheer for during the year is gone you go for the Riders. Sure seemed like that. SO, my question is, Is today now a holiday in Regina? LOL Have fun Rider fans!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just wanted to say that it's pretty cool that Luke won 1st place on his birthday. That's 2 big wins on his special day!!!! Now thats some present. Happy Birthday bro.
I watched Grandma and Grandpa's 50th Anniversary video yesterday. What a talented family.
Lindsey was especially cute with her little dance, she must have been about four years old... what a hoot!
I cried while Grandpa was singing to and dancing with Grandma and Family of Song. What a treasue to have.
I was dreading seeing my own performance, but was pleasantly surprised, my guitar playing was solid and although my voice was not polished, I was at least in key (mostly). More importantly, the song is not half bad. I had completely forgotten that tune, but I'm relearning it and will sing it at our house-warming on Saturday with some updated lyrics.
Wow, Marty. Bob won an MSA miniature. How great is that?!!!!!!!!!! He and Mary-Ellen are anxiously waiting to see the 2 paintings. Where will you post them? You sure made the whole football season fun, and your generosity in awarding the prizes is boundless. Thanks so much. Way to go Riders. Hey Len, it was neat seeing you on TV. You looked HAPPY, (like the rest of us). Congratulations to all the MSA winners! Enjoy your prizes. Love, BJ
Thanks for the birthday wishes Lucy. It was definately one of my best birthdays yet. The Riders winning the cup is a pretty good present, but a painting from Marty is way better. Im pretty excited about getting that painting.
I couldn't watch the game on tv, but I followed the play-by-play on the web. It read like a barn-burner.
Did you know that the last time the Riders won (1989) was the year that the Arpanet was opened up to commercial use, allowing companies like Compuserve to offer email to the general public? The "World Wide Web" was still about five years away.
And now I follow the Grey Cup in real-time on a gizmo the size of a magazine with no wires from the sofa in my living room in Texas.
I better leave off lurking in the weeds and come out in the open to say how absolutely delighted I am to be the recipient of an MSA painting - even sight unseen, so far. After all the whinging on my behalf by my agent, you might argue that there is no justice. On the other hand, you might also lament the fact that the old farm adage about the squeeking wheel once again holds true regardless of any of the various concepts of fairness. You might also look on the whole thing as the wise organizer following sound marketing principles of giving the clients what they want - more prizes!, greedy lot that we are!
Regardless of how it came about, I could not be any more pleased to have been a part of the whole thing. It is bordering on the sacrilegious to confess that I don't always stay awake during a game, even during a Roughriders game! The contest added just the right amount of extra zip to ensure wakefulness throughout.
Anyway, thank you, Marty, and to all the rest of you who contributed to the enjoyment of this Grey Cup and to the MSA contest.
Luke is 28?! How did that happen? I know I'm getting older when I start saying to family members "Oh, you've grown so much since I last saw you!" and have to refrain from pinching their cheek...
Well, I would have got first place if Winnipeg would have got another field goal, but the game was tense enough as it was - I'm happy to take 2nd place! I can't wait to find a place for it in our home! (Uncle Marty, you can send it with Dad's)
Yes, Monday was an unofficial provincial holiday here! Jamie's office got the afternoon off of work (but only if they were attending the welcome rally at Taylor Field, otherwise they had to stay and work)! If anyone's in our neighbourhood, drive by and check out our Rider Pride!
Thomas, Jamie and I will be at your party on the 1st!
Oh yeah, and welcome to Saskatchewan, Thomas and Lorraine! You should know that with weather like this, we no longer greet each other with "Hi" or "How are you?". You have one of two choices: "How 'bout those Riders?!" or "Cold enough for you?".
Beautifully done Bob Barker. What an incredibly talented family. I wish I caould write likr that.
Today I had to teach a bunch of actors how not to act, so I didn't find time to finish the second painting. Once I finish, I will post it and give ME and BB instructions on how to get first dibs.Ha ha.
Excellent news, Holly, that you're coming to our house-warming. The RSVPs have been coming in very slowly. Are you bringing the kiddly-coos?
Unbelievably, when we went to bed last night the lake was open water except for a rim of ice forming on the shoreline. When we awoke, the lake was completely frozen. I've never seen that before.
Mar-tay, what do you mean eat my heart out? You don't think I came be my ability by accident do you? When other kids were getting grounded, I was getting 500 word essays as punishment.
I think some of your brothers may have actually studied under old man Barker, high school teacher. I'd love to hear some of those stories!
You're still the bomb in my books. I knew you'd come through for your Pop. You guys amaze me how you create all that stuff without the use of a brush and paints.
Thomas, we are dropping the kids off with Jamie's parents in Vibank, and then heading over. Jamie is looking forward to the country drive. We will be there in the afternoon and head back to Vibank around 4:30 or 5:00 to help the in-laws feed our children.
Thom, It sound like you will be having quite a party on Saturday, Al and I will not be able to attend but we will have a drink Saturday night and Think of you and the Family having a great time!
I don't know how Cold it is out there but it is sure cold out here in Calgary - I miss the hot Summer days and winter has Just started :(
Lucy here, Very soon, Dave and I will be disconnecting the computer, gathering our belongings and leaving Suite 403. The new owners are set to take possession tomorrow at noon.
In going, we have prayed 3 Hail Mary's: one for the Mom and Dad who made 403 a place that we called "home" for so many years;
a second for the hundreds of guests, including ourselves, who felt so warmly welcomed here;
and a third for the new people who may get to feel the peace of this place in the days ahead.
Hi Thom, We have been wondering about your house-warming party. As you know, we were quite literally "up in the air" while your guests were gathering to celebrate with you and Lorraine in your Saskatchewan setting.
David and I arrived safely in Kelowna late Saturday afternoon. Paul was there to pick us up and take us to his place here in Westbank. This morning, he is on winter roads to Vancouver while we are preparing ourselves for the next leg of our journey, on the 8th. Scotland, here we come!
BC's December weather is milder than Saskatchewan's. Today the temperature is supposed to rise above 0 and rain is in the forecast. Lots of love, Lucy
What is going on!!!! I spent endless hours with my mind in turmoil studying the law of probabilities to come up with my prediction on who would win the Grey Cup and by what score, and then spent days and weeks in fretful anticipation and worry that somebody would win my Marty miniature, only to find out all I had to do was whine..... It's a good thing the Riders won the cup.
Wow. I'm surprised I was allowed to rant like that with no response. Not even a "get over it" from BJ. I expected a few remarks from those who didn't get a painting. Maybe even a "suck it up, cupcake." Best of the Season everybody.
I suddenly got busy last week so I will be posting your stuff soon.
Hey Luke
Don't forget. You get your choice of whatever subject matter you would like in your painting. I'll get your phone number from Mike when he calls me Thursday.
The worst thing is, Sonia, that Dad actually did win a miniature! He's just ranting because he had to win it through careful calculation, and not wistful whining. So I'm sure you *really* feel sorry for him now!
Hi Ed, You might want to change your perfectly correct spelling of "whine" for "whinge", both of which have essentially the same meaning, but the Collins Co-Build Dictionary, specifically designed for new immigrants, suggests that "whingeing" implies also that "If someone whinges about something, they complian about it in a way that annoys you;" Now, I'm not in any respect annoyed, but the alternate spelling just seems to have a more whigney kind of feel to it - whine is more wimpy, or should that be whimpey in keeping with the whingey spirit?
My "whinge" this morning is that this blog does not allow me to come in under my own name (for the second time)and I am forced to whinge behind Betty Jo's name - how much more embarrassing can that be!
Hey Uncle Marty, call me when you have a sec 389-8312. Let me know when you are going to be home on the weekend and we will come by and drop the tv off.
Lucy here, I figured we should make a last blog entry from Canada before we fly off to Scotland on Saturday. Our next posting will be made from our home in St. Andrews.
Paul is taking David and me to Vancouver tomorrow morning. We'll overnight there in preparation for our ZOOM flight the next day.
We don't have to remind any of you to stay in touch. You will be just the blog away from us anytime we choose to drop in. For us, that's a daily happening. Whether we blurk or blog, we'll be by soon.
Just have a second as our internet is mostly miss and very little hit! Aloha from Maui...we've finally seen the sun again today after record rainfall, wind and no power for a day and a half(20 year record - I seem to have that effect when I visit coastal regions). Anyway, we boogey boarded today so the rain is a distant memory! An early mele kalike maka to all....Cheers
Uncle Marty - we love our lynx! Right now he is sitting on the mantle amidst our Christmas garland - he seems right at home there considering the wintery setting of the painting. Thanks!
I dare say we need a contest on this blog to liven it up a bit... How about favourite memory/ies of Grandma and/or Grandpa? Here is one of my favourite memories of Grandma. We always host an Easter party for my mom's family and Grandma came over to join us as well. She, my grandma Matlock, and my cousins' Grandma Rose all sat around dying Easter eggs. They were having so much fun that there were barely any eggs left for the little ones to decorate! They went through 3 dozen eggs chatting like teenagers the entire time: "I can't do anything with my hair, can you?" "Oh no, I can't do a thing with my hair either!" "I'm so fat!" "You think YOU'RE fat? Then what am I?" They were being so silly and it was so fun to hear Grandma giggling and talking like a young girl. She was always like a child at heart!
As for Grandpa, my best memory of him wasn't during his life at all. Grandma told me that Grandpa thought women were their most beautiful when they were pregnant. When I was pregnant with Lui I was terribly sick for my entire pregnancy and fairly uncomfortable, since he was pretty big, but by the shape of my belly seemed to be lying totally horizontal with his feet out the front (picture a giant football protruding from my stomach)! I was sick, uncomfortable, and not feeling my most beautiful, and at times I didn't think I could survive 'til the end (like I had a choice!) but what got me through and kept me from being miserable was asking Grandpa to intercede for me throughout my pregnancy. And since we had no boy's name for the baby (Jamie was sure it was a girl) we ended up calling him Lui, which suited and suits him perfectly. I always felt very close to Grandpa throughout my pregnancies. Now I have Grandma to call upon in times of need, which I did during the funeral when I had a clingy 2-year-old and a poopy 1-year-old (with no extra diaper in sight...) to contend with. Although I wasn't able to participate in the funeral mass as fully as I would have liked, I have never felt more united to Grandma as I did in that crying room that day!
It's actually Paul, My mother was dfisapointed she could get to a computer for this as I dragged them out of the house pretty early yesterday to get to the flight, they are probably somwhere over Winnipeg now heading to Scotland. Anyway, HAppy Belated B-days to Deanie, you don't look a day over 40 and to my father David, you don't a day over 70, opps I mean 60. Hope your days were enjoyable. Love Paul
I think my Grandma memory would have to be the day our mother came in to the room and said to us kids: "I don't want to alarm you, but Grandma had an accident." Then Grandma walked in with a gigantic gag safety pin through her head. We laughed until the carpet needed cleaning.
My Grandpa memory is of the day we went out to fly one of his home-made garbage bag kites. The string ended up getting knotted into a wad the size of my head. Grandpa sat in the kitchen all afternoon, patiently teasing that knot apart, never getting the least bit frustrated.
My favourite memory involves actually both of them at the same time...
Cory and I were at their apartment (before it turned condo). I think we were coming up from the pool. We all got in the elevator and grandpa was pressing the "open" button to keep the door open for grandma as she got in. But the door kept closing on her, and she was telling him to hold the 'open' button. He kept saying "I am".
I looked over and he was pressing the "close" button.... I just kinda pointed that out to him and he smiled and pressed the 'open' button, grandma got in. And away we went!!! Cory and I never said a word....
Thomas here, posting from the lobby of a hotel on Albert St.
I remember Grandma showing up for Christmas with reindeer horns and a red nose. She also wound up with rosy cheeks from drinking perhaps a tad too much eggnog. She couldn't stop laughing. Grandpa was less than impressed, but we kids thought it was hilarious.
My favorite memory of Grandma was a day this last summer.
When I was little, Grandma always gave me her "healing hands". Whenever I was sick or sad, she would place her hand on my forehead and say a prayer and emit her energy into my body. I would instantly feel better and tell Grandma that she healed me. This summer, I went up to the suite to see her and she was having a very bad day. She told me she was sick and very sad, so I put my hands on her warm head and for the first time gave her "my healing hands"….. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the role reversal and when she opened them and looked up at me, she said that I had healed her. That sure made me smile.
Holly asked for grandma/grandpa memories. This sort of falls in that category, although coming from me it is actually a 'Mom' memory: When Dad had a heart attack in Toronto, Mom showed a strong, independent,take-charge quality that I had not seen in her before. She got around the city on her own, went to church, the restaurant and the hotel, and dealt positively with the hospital staff.I have always loved Mom, but I think I 'liked' that courageous woman more at that time than at any other. Love, BJ
Lucy here, Do you have time to blurk but not to blog?
Here's your chance to make a quick entry in the lead-up to Christmas; and you might just sign off "whistling a happy tune".
All you have to do is post the name of a Christmas Song or Carol. The only catch is that you must stay "connected". Your song title must start with the last letter of the one most recently named.
Can we keep the chain of carols going until Christmas Eve?
I also have a "Mom" memory to share. Whenever Mom and Dad came to Port Alice I invited Mom to come to an art class with my Grade 5 students.
One particular day, Mom paired herself with a boy who could never sit still long enough to complete anything. Together, he and Mom created a colourful bead-and-twine lizard that he proudly attached to the zipper on his school bag.
Long after Mom returned to Regina, that child with attention deficit disorder wanted to know when Mom was coming back to teach another class.
Thom, We didn't see Tiger but we did watch Ronnie O'Sullivan score a perfect 147 in the tie-breaker of the UK Snooker Championship. And that was to go into the final which he won 10 frames to 2. Those guys at the top are impressive in any sport.
I just realized that there aren't many songs starting with 'e'. (Unless, of course, you're German.) so I'll do the next one. Elf's Lament (by the Barenaked Ladies. Love, BJ
Trust Luce to come up with something to get the blog juices flowing again.
Kbub, I was thinking the same thing. That Sam Woods is as cute as her dad is at golf. The scary thing is, he's just coming to the age when most pro golfers reach their peak. Yikes.
Luce, unfortunately we don't get much in the way of snooker here, but I have been watching the World Nine-Ball championships. Those guys blow my mind. Especially Tony "Tornado" Drago. The guy can clear a nine-ball rack in less than a minute. He holds the record for the fastest TV century in snooker at 3 minutes, 33 seconds.
Lucy here, I see that I mistook kbub for b@bigdog earlier today. Sorry about that. Anyway, Kenneth and Thom, after both of you mentioned Sam Alexis Woods, I tracked her down in the sports news. You're right, she's already a beauty at five and a half months of age.
WHITE CHRISTMAS! I love it! I understand Ottawa ,right now, has enough snow for all of us to have a White Christmas, even our Texans, if Ottawa could share it. Man!
Thom, Ronnie O'Sullivan scored a 147 maximum break in 5 min and 20 sec at the World Championships in 1997. He holds the record for the five fastest maximums on records and has had 8 of them in competition. He calls himself the Tiger Woods of snooker. Google him for exciting snooker action.
Mike, Both of your favorite choices have already appeared in our carol chain. Still, we all know that a bit of repetition makes Christmas songs familiar and fun. You're in the mix now; just keep looking for new titles.
Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow! I can't believe I am saying that after the mounds of snow we have had in the last 2 days!! Most of the snow drifts are taller than I am, many roads are impassable and we are getting more tomorrow. (Just a little bit). Love, BJ
I don't know about the rest of you but I am keeping a list of the Christmas songs as they are posted. And I see most of you are writing them in capitals, also a good idea. So just in case you didn't catch my last song, here it is in capitals: LET IT SNOW! LET IT SNOW! LET IT SNOW! Actually, please DON'T let it snow any more. (so far there have been 18 songs posted). BJ
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE FAMILY -Robert Earl Keen (lyrics below)
Mom got drunk and Dad got drunk at our Christmas party We were drinking champagne punch and homemade eggnog Little sister brought her new boyfriend He was a Mexican We didn't know what to think of him until he sang Felis Navidad, Felis Navidad
Brother Ken brought his kids with him The three from his first wife Lynn And the two identical twins from his second wife Mary Nell Of course he brought his new wife Kay Who talks all about AA Chain smoking while the stereo plays Noel, Noel The First Noel
Carve the Turkey Turn the ball game on Mix margaritas when the eggnog's gone Send somebody to the Quickpak Store We need some ice and an extension chord A can of bean dip and some Diet Rites A box of tampons, Marlboro Lights Haleluja everybody say Cheese Merry Christmas from the family
Fred and Rita drove from Harlingen I can't remember how I'm kin to them But when they tried to plug their motor home in They blew our Christmas lights Cousin David knew just what went wrong So we all waited out on our front lawn He threw a breaker and the lights came on And we sang Silent Night, Oh Silent Night, Oh Holy Night
Carve the turkey turn the ball game on Make Bloody Mary's Cause We All Want One! Send somebody to the Stop 'N Go We need some celery and a can of fake snow A bag of lemons and some Diet Sprites A box of tampons, some Salem Lights Haleluja, everybody say cheese Merry Christmas from the Family
I just read Kbub's Next Project blog. It's not nearly as long-winded and self-indulgent as he would have you believe, but it is full of obscure classical music terminology and composers that noone has ever heard of.
You'll also be happy to know that I have re-acquired my www.thombarker.com domain and registered www.twicetheusual.com.
Both are currently redirected to Ken's Twice the Usual blog (which is now complete with all of my songwriting journal entries). I will, however, soon be putting up pages for your perusal.
Lucy again, In my search for Christmas song titles, I am not missing the digs, diversions and delights of blog entries as I go along.
BJ...I'm sure Kenneth's short joke didn't go over your head like the Ottawa snow drifts have. How do you make a return on such a "low blow"?
Kenneth...I liked the dyslexic carol. Stick around, we may need a few more of your clever word and letter reversals to keep us going.
Thom..."Merry Christmas from the Family" is a bit too much realism for this idealistic aunt of yours. I did more grimacing than grinning as I read the words. The good news is that I won't get an ear worm 'cause I don't know the tune. BTW... thanks for the heads up on your journal entries on Ken's blog.
Sonia, that one will work if you add Yo! to the beginning of it as in, YO!, GRANDMA GOT RUN OVER BY A REINDEER. I'd have to check and see if Sylvester Stallone ever released one!
lUCY, My standard reply to short jokes is "You'll be sorry when I'm six feet tall! Kenneth, I liked your dyslexic carol. DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE? is the next in the series. BJ
Lucy again, BJ ... right away, I picked up on your idea and began keeping a running list of song titles as they were added to our carol chain.
Already, we are close to naming some 40 carols and songs. While repetitions are likely, my google searches suggest that they are not at all necessary. I had no idea that there are so many Christmas compositions.
Oh and we have used two repeats so even though that was entry no 41 we only have used 39 different songs. that is unless you count Mike's 'Santa Clause is coming to town' as different than Mary Ellen's 'Santa Claus is coming to town'.
NO SAD THOUGHT HIS SOUL AFFRIGHT. Yes, this is a Christmas song. And no, I didn't get it from Google. I have a library of Christmas music and many Christmas CDs. I am using them as my Google. This carol was written by R. Vaughan Williams. BJ
That's not true though. We have a whole week to wait for the magic of Christmas morning. We're never going to find enough carols to sing at the rate we're going!
Good night, all!
LOL, Lucy
PS: Lou, you are right on the carol count ... omitting all repeats though we used them to keep the chain going.
A song parody written by John A. Barry. Sung to the tune of Help me Rhonda.
Well, since the talks broke down There's no one to polish the sled. And tonight is the night That sugarplums dance in each little head. Now Santa can't give that bike (give that bike) Because there's an elfin labor strike. So he needs elves, does Santa, Elves to fetch and make the work start. "Strike, strike, strike, strike, strike strike, strike!" Etc. BJ
Get with the program.] okay, so I just sent the two paintings to bigdog. Call it...heads or tails...Bob Barker or Mary Ellen. Whoever sees this message first. Thw winner of the coin toss wins their choice of "Beyond Pelican Point" or Baby Great Horned owl" Bye..
Lucy here, I see I have to bring you guys back into line. Christmas is Christmas in any language so anything goes in that department. (Like Thom says: "Je ne vois pas pourquoi pas".)
However, you must start your carol title with the last letter of the one that went before. According to that rule, Sonia, your "Do they know it's Christmas Time?" does not fit here. Save it for later though. We are bound to get 'round to another "D".
OK, Marty, I didn't locate either the Horned Owl or Pelican Point on Thom's blog. Has anyone won the coin toss yet? Let me know if you get no response from BB or ME. I'm standing by for third place.
Right.....we are really confused now. The next entry must start with a "D" but Sonia's DO THEY KNOW IT'S CHRISTMAS TIME? has been responded to by Thom ....in German!
Let's move forward from MARY AND THE HOLY CHILD in our confusion. The Spirit of Christmas is afoot!
I'm sorry but, as you know, B.B. and M.E.B. tied on the final score of the Grey cup so they are the only eligible culprits for the last two paintings. By the way, the winner, Luke Antonini, has chosen a white tiger for his grand prize and I just happen to have a few photos of white tigers that I photographed in Vegas about 20 years ago. They were behind glass at the Mirage. Beautiful specimen. Maybe I'll paint one sleeping in Luke's swimming pool.
I guess I should have mentioned that Bob B. or M.E. must call the coin toss on this blog, since this is/was a blog contest. The coin hasa been tossed and there is one other person on this blog who knows the outcome so this contest is way fair eh...
WOW, lots has been happening since I've been gone. I see I get first choice of Marty's pictures. However, I just checked and they are not up yet.As for the coin toss, I would have picked "heads" if I had been fast enough, so it has worked out anyway. I'll make my choice as soon as I see the paintings, and I'll post it on the blog. Thanks Marty!!!! Bob, I know we'll both be happy whatever I choose. How lucky are we?
Hey, Kenneth I believe you about the seraphic throngs, but it is the first of the 65 carols already posted that I don't know. Way to go. SUSSEX CAROL BJ
Thanks Thom - the pictures are up & beautiful. Marty, you are awesome. Now I have to make a choice. How am I going to do that? This is very hard. Excuse me while I think out loud. I already have a Marty Antonini ocean painting, but it's different than this one. On the other hand, I don't have an owl painting at all. On the other hand, Bob Barker loves birds. On the other hand, he doesn't have an ocean painting. On the other hand, that ocean is mesmerizing. On the other hand, that owl is spectacular. On the other hand...........wait a minute - I've got to go back and look at them both again. HELP!
I'm back and after further deliberation and angst, I have made my choice. Come on home, little Owl!! Marty, thank you very much for this painting and for all the others that you created for our Grey Cup contest. I don't imagine there are many game contests, where the prizes are of this caliber. I'm delighted with mine and can't wait to hang it up. Bob, I know you'll be very happy with Beyond Pelican Point. I think it may be the one you would have picked as your first choice.
Yee-Haw, I'm one happy camper and Christmas has come early.
YULE FEASTING SONG. Wow, Marty! Am I ever glad I didn't have to make the choice. They are both awesome. Please send Bob's to: BJ Barker 21 Firwood Crescent Ottawa ON K2B 6K2 Thomas, Thanks for getting the pictures up. I keep going back to look at them. And Marty, thanks again, not only for the unbelievable prizes, but for making the contest so much fun! Love, BJ
Well, that was fun. Like I said guys, I am getting ready for Stampede, so I always do a number of ,(what I call), thumbnail sketches. I paint little pieces so I can see if they will work as big ones for the show. I ussually stick them in my basement, but lately they've been selling really well so I thought I would give some for prizes. I'll do the same thing next year so maybe we will get more contestants. By the way, I will be painting a bigger baby owl for Stampede and I have already painted the ocean scene 2 feet by 3 feet. It's on our bedroom wall.
Congratulations to all once again and I hope y'all had as much fun as I did.
People with late December birthdays must not be overlooked in the Christmas rush. We hope you have time for celebrations, cake and gifts.
I'm sure you've heard that you are soon to be sharing the beauty of Mary Ellen's newest MSA original. That little owl has already won her heart. (If you whinge a bit, she might even gift the painting to you).
Anyway, Bob, do have a happy, relaxing day on your December 20th birthday. Cheers to you!
What's with the bells, Thom? Here in St. Andrews we have a town clock that chimes every quarter hour and loudly rings the top of the hour count, 24/7. On a clear night we can hear the bells along the east sands. Your mysterious bells sound like more of a nuisance than ours.
The east coast of Scotland is under a heavy fog tonight - a haar (pronounced hahhh) as it is called here. We won't be seeing any stars however brightly they are shining elsewhere.
I have decided to close off the carol chain early; it's getting too hard to keep track of previous choices. Who would have guessed we would come up with so many titles in so short a time? We're just fifteen away from 100 now and I'm making that our goal. That's a nice round number.
Sorry Lucy, Sleep, my Savior had been posted earlier. So I will discount this second one and add THE SNOW LAY ON THE GROUND which brings the count to 80 by my list.I'm willing to consider it 85 and go for the last fifteen. BJ
I just dropped off ME's painting and she is right. It works in her house. We tried to count all the MSA paintings she has but it got late and I had to go. You know the story about how she won them all. When I do this again for next year's Grey Cup we might have to give her a handicap.
That's just about the colour I am, too, with all this talk of forbidden cake, A-1 Christmas pudding and multiple MSA paintings hanging in one lucky location.
Okay, I realize I've tried that one several times, but I think this finally makes it legitimate at #92.
I got an early Christmas present from my lovely bride (I can still call her that, right?) Ice-fishing gear. I've been out once and I didn't catch anything... how did people ever make a living at this???? It was great to be out on the lake though. We have a bald eagle who must live very nearby. He hangs out on the tall tree next to our house and when I abandoned my fishing holes he appeared to take them over. Good source of fresh water, I guess.
We also have foxes and copious deer, a morning doesn't seem to go by without a sighting.
Inspired by that (and Marty (and the potential to make some cash (woo hoo, how long has it been since we've had nested parentheses))), I started working on some realistic paintings.
Yikes, it's been a long time since I painted anything besides non-representational abstracts. I need some brushes though, guess I'll have to go into Regina this weekend.
Speaking of which, what a pleasure to have restaurants that aren't Boston Pizza within 45 minutes of home. My new favourite place is Viet Thai on Albert Street (close to downtown). Authentic Pho and Noodle Bowls. I'm in Heaven (is that a Christmas song?) I also tried out the Mongolie Grill, not as good as Austin or Ottawa, but I'm not complaining (and my heart beats so that I can hardly speak (I love you Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire)).
BTW, today is mine and Lorraine's six month anniversary and since we were married on the longest day of the year that must mean this is the winter solstice. Hooray for longer days!
I had a really romantic morning planned, but now she has to work. :-(
Maybe I'll go fishing.
Sorry for the ramble...
Sleepless in Saskathewan
(And I seem to find the happiness I seek, When we're out together dancing cheek to cheek.)
Did you know that for many years Grandpa gave Grandma an anniversary card on the 17th of every month? The last one I recall seeing was their 241st. I don't know why the number stuck with me. I guess it's the romantic in me.
Your painting is on it's way. You'll probably get it after Christmas sometime. They told me maybe 372 business days. It's a bit bigger than a 'miniature' only because oceans are hard to paint small.
I addressed it to BJ as I was instructed to do. Hmmmmmm
Thomas, I hope you've had the spring rolls at Viet Thai - they are really good! We also love India House and Bushwakkers if you are trying out restaurants in the city. And Pasta Prima for fresh pasta. Those 4 restaurants are our favourites.
Lucy, Where are you? I am used to getting up each day and seeing your comment. Now that the contest is over, I hope we don't all blog down again. Edward, Where are you? Have you fallen off your own blog? Time to get back up on the horse and start blogging again. All those lost and out of touch, where are you? Come back, come back. Let us know what is happening in your little corner of the blog. We are buried under mountains of snow, and rain is forecast for tomorrow! Can you imagine what a mess that will make. It is already difficult getting down narrowed streets, some unploughed even. Tomorrow it will be impossible. But at least the days will no longer be getting shorter, and in 10 days they will start getting longer by a minute a day. Bob's miniature is on its way and we are anxiously waiting its arrival. I have assured Marty that I will make sure it gets to the right person. Love, BJ
Lucy here, Let's see ... where have I been? Christmas shopping ... Luncheon concerts ... Evening performances ... The annual pantomime at the Byre ... Light-seeing in Dundee ... Dropping in on neighbours ... and, always, blurking in between.
It's nice to know I have been missed, BJ. I'm still here; I'm just not so obvious!
447 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 400 of 447 Newer› Newest»Hi Guys
I'm not quite finished the final game painting, but I will tell you it is called- "Beyond Pelican Point" and it's a good'n.
Love, Marty
OOOPs...sorry Luke .... that's 28 on the 25... it's still a good score!
Happy Birthday!
Lucy
Oh boy, Marty ...
If that painting has a kite in it, I'm goin' after the winner..... What else might be "beyond Pelican Point?
LOL, Lucy
WOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! YEAH RIDERS!!!!!
Here are the official results of the Football contest:
Final score: Sask 23 Wpg 19
1st place: (your choice)
Luke- Sk 24 Wpg 20
2nd place: (Lynx)
Holly- Sk 24 Wpg 22
3rd place: (3 sisters)
Ed- Sk 27 Wpg 22
And now the winner(s) of the overall score East and West:
(Beyond Pelican point):
It is a tie between (believe it or not):
Mary Ellen and
Bob Barker
They were both 2 points off of the final score AND they both hit an exact score of at least one team.
Other notables:
Lorraine, Sonia and Luke all with a score of 24 20 (2 points off final score without hitting an exact score).
Mary Ellen and Bob Barker- I will now post two paintings. Email me your preference and if you both pick the same painting I will flip a coin to decide who gets what.
ATTENTION: All winners please email me the address you would like me to send your paintings.
martyant@telus.net
Love,
Marty
That's what I'm talking about! Bit of a nail-biter, but we'll take it.
Anyone going to Taylor Field tomorrow? See you there!
Yea, Green and White .... way to go Riders. We never doubted our team for a moment but we sure lived through some tense times during today's Grey Cup game.
Thanks, Chris and Ron, for gathering together a family crowd of Rider fans for group support and mutual encouragement.
Congratulations to Luke, Holly, Ed, Mary Ellen and Bob on winning MSA originals for your winning predictions. We know that each of you will treasure your Marty's miniature as much as you will enjoy telling the story of how you came to win it. Well done!
Thanks for the added interest in the outcome of today's game, Marty!
Lucy, celebrating Saskatchewan
Hey Marty,
I WON AN MSA MINIATURE!! YEE-HAW!
I knew it, deep down inside, that I would somehow win one!
I'm delighted I tied with Bob Barker - I can't think of a better person to tie with. Good job, Bob. I can't wait to see our choices! They'll be good, I know that for sure!
Congrats to all the winners - now owners of original Marty Antonini art. Are we lucky or what?
Marty, Thanks for making the football season so much fun, and thanks for all the prizes.
My son ,Martin, is wearing his Sask. RoughRider jersey to work today, down in Houston. He says they probably won't know anything about the Sask. Roughies or the Grey Cup, but he's going to fill 'em in about some great football!
By the way, Len, you look great on TV. We saw you off & on during the game. I wanted to stand up and yell," That's my little brother!"
( Actually, I did get a little excited and stood up and tried to touch you on the screen). What a maroon.
Waiting eagerly to claim my prize,
ME xoxoxoxoxoxo
Hey everyone,
It's actually Paul. I woke up up yesterday and founnd out I'd turned green. Even though I am Lions fan once the Green and White took care of them my 2nd favourite team took over it was so much fun watching them win. No onw partied like Rider Pride and I saw that first hand in the airport on the way home last week. TSN says the Riders are Canada's 2nd team and by that they mean if the team you cheer for during the year is gone you go for the Riders. Sure seemed like that. SO, my question is, Is today now a holiday in Regina? LOL Have fun Rider fans!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just wanted to say that it's pretty cool that Luke won 1st place on his birthday. That's 2 big wins on his special day!!!! Now thats some present. Happy Birthday bro.
Love Linz
I watched Grandma and Grandpa's 50th Anniversary video yesterday. What a talented family.
Lindsey was especially cute with her little dance, she must have been about four years old... what a hoot!
I cried while Grandpa was singing to and dancing with Grandma and Family of Song. What a treasue to have.
I was dreading seeing my own performance, but was pleasantly surprised, my guitar playing was solid and although my voice was not polished, I was at least in key (mostly). More importantly, the song is not half bad. I had completely forgotten that tune, but I'm relearning it and will sing it at our house-warming on Saturday with some updated lyrics.
I'm also learning Family of Song. Great tune!
Wow, Marty. Bob won an MSA miniature. How great is that?!!!!!!!!!! He and Mary-Ellen are anxiously waiting to see the 2 paintings. Where will you post them? You sure made the whole football season fun, and your generosity in awarding the prizes is boundless. Thanks so much.
Way to go Riders. Hey Len, it was neat seeing you on TV. You looked HAPPY, (like the rest of us).
Congratulations to all the MSA winners! Enjoy your prizes.
Love, BJ
Thanks for the birthday wishes Lucy. It was definately one of my best birthdays yet.
The Riders winning the cup is a pretty good present, but a painting from Marty is way better. Im pretty excited about getting that painting.
Hey BJ
I will be posting both paintings on Thomas' barking at the bugle
once I have finished the second one- Probably some time tomorrow.
You know...it wouldn't have mattered if there had been 2,000,000 contestants- Mary Ellen would have won something. She's just scary!!!
Love,
Martyxoxoxoxoxoxxoo
With a little help from Marty, I have learned Family of Song. What a great tune.
Way-to-go Riders!
I couldn't watch the game on tv, but I followed the play-by-play on the web. It read like a barn-burner.
Did you know that the last time the Riders won (1989) was the year that the Arpanet was opened up to commercial use, allowing companies like Compuserve to offer email to the general public? The "World Wide Web" was still about five years away.
And now I follow the Grey Cup in real-time on a gizmo the size of a magazine with no wires from the sofa in my living room in Texas.
I better leave off lurking in the weeds and come out in the open to say how absolutely delighted I am to be the recipient of an MSA painting - even sight unseen, so far. After all the whinging on my behalf by my agent, you might argue that there is no justice. On the other hand, you might also lament the fact that the old farm adage about the squeeking wheel once again holds true regardless of any of the various concepts of fairness. You might also look on the whole thing as the wise organizer following sound marketing principles of giving the clients what they want - more prizes!, greedy lot that we are!
Regardless of how it came about, I could not be any more pleased to have been a part of the whole thing. It is bordering on the sacrilegious to confess that I don't always stay awake during a game, even during a Roughriders game! The contest added just the right amount of extra zip to ensure wakefulness throughout.
Anyway, thank you, Marty, and to all the rest of you who contributed to the enjoyment of this Grey Cup and to the MSA contest.
Luke is 28?! How did that happen? I know I'm getting older when I start saying to family members "Oh, you've grown so much since I last saw you!" and have to refrain from pinching their cheek...
Well, I would have got first place if Winnipeg would have got another field goal, but the game was tense enough as it was - I'm happy to take 2nd place! I can't wait to find a place for it in our home! (Uncle Marty, you can send it with Dad's)
Yes, Monday was an unofficial provincial holiday here! Jamie's office got the afternoon off of work (but only if they were attending the welcome rally at Taylor Field, otherwise they had to stay and work)! If anyone's in our neighbourhood, drive by and check out our Rider Pride!
Thomas, Jamie and I will be at your party on the 1st!
Oh yeah, and welcome to Saskatchewan, Thomas and Lorraine! You should know that with weather like this, we no longer greet each other with "Hi" or "How are you?". You have one of two choices: "How 'bout those Riders?!" or "Cold enough for you?".
WoW!!!!!!
Thomas eat your heart out!
Beautifully done Bob Barker. What an incredibly talented family. I wish I caould write likr that.
Today I had to teach a bunch of actors how not to act, so I didn't find time to finish the second painting. Once I finish, I will post it and give ME and BB instructions on how to get first dibs.Ha ha.
Love,
MSA
Excellent news, Holly, that you're coming to our house-warming. The RSVPs have been coming in very slowly. Are you bringing the kiddly-coos?
Unbelievably, when we went to bed last night the lake was open water except for a rim of ice forming on the shoreline. When we awoke, the lake was completely frozen. I've never seen that before.
Mar-tay, what do you mean eat my heart out? You don't think I came be my ability by accident do you? When other kids were getting grounded, I was getting 500 word essays as punishment.
I think some of your brothers may have actually studied under old man Barker, high school teacher. I'd love to hear some of those stories!
Hey T
You're still the bomb in my books.
I knew you'd come through for your Pop. You guys amaze me how you create all that stuff without the use of a brush and paints.
Write On!
Marty
Thomas, we are dropping the kids off with Jamie's parents in Vibank, and then heading over. Jamie is looking forward to the country drive. We will be there in the afternoon and head back to Vibank around 4:30 or 5:00 to help the in-laws feed our children.
Thom,
It sound like you will be having quite a party on Saturday, Al and I will not be able to attend but we will have a drink Saturday night and Think of you and the Family having a great time!
I don't know how Cold it is out there but it is sure cold out here in Calgary - I miss the hot Summer days and winter has Just started :(
Have a Great Party!
Lucy here,
Very soon, Dave and I will be disconnecting the computer, gathering our belongings and leaving Suite 403. The new owners are set to take possession tomorrow at noon.
In going, we have prayed 3 Hail Mary's:
one for the Mom and Dad who made 403 a place that we called "home" for so many years;
a second for the hundreds of guests, including ourselves, who felt so warmly welcomed here;
and a third for the new people who may get to feel the peace of this place in the days ahead.
Lots of love in leaving,
Louise and David
Hey Thomas, thanks for the party - we enjoyed it and loved your new place (especially the location) though I hear we missed some mean chili! :(
Hi Thom,
We have been wondering about your house-warming party. As you know, we were quite literally "up in the air" while your guests were gathering to celebrate with you and Lorraine in your Saskatchewan setting.
David and I arrived safely in Kelowna late Saturday afternoon. Paul was there to pick us up and take us to his place here in Westbank. This morning, he is on winter roads to Vancouver while we are preparing ourselves for the next leg of our journey, on the 8th. Scotland, here we come!
BC's December weather is milder than Saskatchewan's. Today the temperature is supposed to rise above 0 and rain is in the forecast.
Lots of love, Lucy
Happy Belated Birthdays to Alexander on November 30th and to Christine Louise on December 2nd!
You might be an Antonini if you are away from the family blog site for three days and miss two birthdays.
While we were "on the move", Alexander had his 12th birthday celebration and Christine, her 15th.
Belated congratulations! We wish each of you another year of fitness, fun and friendship!
Cheers and lots of love,
Louise and David
What is going on!!!! I spent endless hours with my mind in turmoil studying the law of probabilities to come up with my prediction on who would win the Grey Cup and by what score, and then spent days and weeks in fretful anticipation and worry that somebody would win my Marty miniature, only to find out all I had to do was whine..... It's a good thing the Riders won the cup.
Wow. I'm surprised I was allowed to rant like that with no response. Not even a "get over it" from BJ. I expected a few remarks from those who didn't get a painting. Maybe even a "suck it up, cupcake." Best of the Season everybody.
Get over it Ed.
Suck it up buttercup. (rhymes better than cupcake)
I didn't get one either.
I could try to paint you one??
Happy Holidays!!!
Sonia
Hey Eddie
Did you get your stuff from me yet?
Hey Bob Barker and Mary Ellen
I suddenly got busy last week so I will be posting your stuff soon.
Hey Luke
Don't forget. You get your choice of whatever subject matter you would like in your painting. I'll get your phone number from Mike when he calls me Thursday.
Okay...back to the drawing board...
Love,
Marty
The worst thing is, Sonia, that Dad actually did win a miniature! He's just ranting because he had to win it through careful calculation, and not wistful whining. So I'm sure you *really* feel sorry for him now!
What????? Ed, you still won? Well, congratulations.... i mean that with heartfelt emotions.
i am not known for my sarcasm either.
Back to my painting.
Sonia
Hi Ed, You might want to change your perfectly correct spelling of "whine" for "whinge", both of which have essentially the same meaning, but the Collins Co-Build Dictionary, specifically designed for new immigrants, suggests that "whingeing" implies also that "If someone whinges about something, they complian about it in a way that annoys you;" Now, I'm not in any respect annoyed, but the alternate spelling just seems to have a more whigney kind of feel to it - whine is more wimpy, or should that be whimpey in keeping with the whingey spirit?
My "whinge" this morning is that this blog does not allow me to come in under my own name (for the second time)and I am forced to whinge behind Betty Jo's name - how much more embarrassing can that be!
Bob
Hey Uncle Marty, call me when you have a sec 389-8312. Let me know when you are going to be home on the weekend and we will come by and drop the tv off.
Linz
Lucy here,
I figured we should make a last blog entry from Canada before we fly off to Scotland on Saturday. Our next posting will be made from our home in St. Andrews.
Paul is taking David and me to Vancouver tomorrow morning. We'll overnight there in preparation for our ZOOM flight the next day.
We don't have to remind any of you to stay in touch. You will be just the blog away from us anytime we choose to drop in. For us, that's a daily happening. Whether we blurk or blog, we'll be by soon.
Lots of love, Louise and David
Have a safe flight Luce.
Hope to see you some day in Scotland when we come to visit.
Love,
Marty & Karen & Keaghan
Just have a second as our internet is mostly miss and very little hit! Aloha from Maui...we've finally seen the sun again today after record rainfall, wind and no power for a day and a half(20 year record - I seem to have that effect when I visit coastal regions). Anyway, we boogey boarded today so the rain is a distant memory! An early mele kalike maka to all....Cheers
Uncle Marty - we love our lynx! Right now he is sitting on the mantle amidst our Christmas garland - he seems right at home there considering the wintery setting of the painting. Thanks!
I dare say we need a contest on this blog to liven it up a bit... How about favourite memory/ies of Grandma and/or Grandpa? Here is one of my favourite memories of Grandma. We always host an Easter party for my mom's family and Grandma came over to join us as well. She, my grandma Matlock, and my cousins' Grandma Rose all sat around dying Easter eggs. They were having so much fun that there were barely any eggs left for the little ones to decorate! They went through 3 dozen eggs chatting like teenagers the entire time: "I can't do anything with my hair, can you?" "Oh no, I can't do a thing with my hair either!" "I'm so fat!" "You think YOU'RE fat? Then what am I?" They were being so silly and it was so fun to hear Grandma giggling and talking like a young girl. She was always like a child at heart!
As for Grandpa, my best memory of him wasn't during his life at all. Grandma told me that Grandpa thought women were their most beautiful when they were pregnant. When I was pregnant with Lui I was terribly sick for my entire pregnancy and fairly uncomfortable, since he was pretty big, but by the shape of my belly seemed to be lying totally horizontal with his feet out the front (picture a giant football protruding from my stomach)! I was sick, uncomfortable, and not feeling my most beautiful, and at times I didn't think I could survive 'til the end (like I had a choice!) but what got me through and kept me from being miserable was asking Grandpa to intercede for me throughout my pregnancy. And since we had no boy's name for the baby (Jamie was sure it was a girl) we ended up calling him Lui, which suited and suits him perfectly. I always felt very close to Grandpa throughout my pregnancies. Now I have Grandma to call upon in times of need, which I did during the funeral when I had a clingy 2-year-old and a poopy 1-year-old (with no extra diaper in sight...) to contend with. Although I wasn't able to participate in the funeral mass as fully as I would have liked, I have never felt more united to Grandma as I did in that crying room that day!
It's actually Paul,
My mother was dfisapointed she could get to a computer for this as I dragged them out of the house pretty early yesterday to get to the flight, they are probably somwhere over Winnipeg now heading to Scotland. Anyway, HAppy Belated B-days to Deanie, you don't look a day over 40 and to my father David, you don't a day over 70, opps I mean 60. Hope your days were enjoyable.
Love Paul
Hey Holly.
So many memories to choose from...
I think my Grandma memory would have to be the day our mother came in to the room and said to us kids: "I don't want to alarm you, but Grandma had an accident." Then Grandma walked in with a gigantic gag safety pin through her head. We laughed until the carpet needed cleaning.
My Grandpa memory is of the day we went out to fly one of his home-made garbage bag kites. The string ended up getting knotted into a wad the size of my head. Grandpa sat in the kitchen all afternoon, patiently teasing that knot apart, never getting the least bit frustrated.
Happy, giggling Grandma. Patient, dedicated Grandpa.
My favourite memory involves actually both of them at the same time...
Cory and I were at their apartment (before it turned condo). I think we were coming up from the pool. We all got in the elevator and grandpa was pressing the "open" button to keep the door open for grandma as she got in. But the door kept closing on her, and she was telling him to hold the 'open' button. He kept saying "I am".
I looked over and he was pressing the "close" button.... I just kinda pointed that out to him and he smiled and pressed the 'open' button, grandma got in. And away we went!!! Cory and I never said a word....
Sonia
Hey Sonia et all
If you only realized how precious your stories are.
I could actually "see" Dad holding the close button and Mom trying to get in the door.
Thank You,
Love,
Uncle Marty
Hahaha,
Thomas here, posting from the lobby of a hotel on Albert St.
I remember Grandma showing up for Christmas with reindeer horns and a red nose. She also wound up with rosy cheeks from drinking perhaps a tad too much eggnog. She couldn't stop laughing. Grandpa was less than impressed, but we kids thought it was hilarious.
My favorite memory of Grandma was a day this last summer.
When I was little, Grandma always gave me her "healing hands". Whenever I was sick or sad, she would place her hand on my forehead and say a prayer and emit her energy into my body. I would instantly feel better and tell Grandma that she healed me. This summer, I went up to the suite to see her and she was having a very bad day. She told me she was sick and very sad, so I put my hands on her warm head and for the first time gave her "my healing hands"….. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the role reversal and when she opened them and looked up at me, she said that I had healed her. That sure made me smile.
Linz
Happy Birthday, Alan
We have greeted you by phone, mail, e-greeting and now by blog.
You're 29 today! Cheers!
Love, Mom and Dad
Holly asked for grandma/grandpa memories. This sort of falls in that category, although coming from me it is actually a 'Mom' memory:
When Dad had a heart attack in Toronto, Mom showed a strong, independent,take-charge quality that I had not seen in her before. She got around the city on her own, went to church, the restaurant and the hotel, and dealt positively with the hospital staff.I have always loved Mom, but I think I 'liked' that courageous woman more at that time than at any other.
Love, BJ
It appears that the blog is on life support despite Holly's efforts to start a new thread.
I guess we need to start planning the next reunion or something.
Lucy here,
Do you have time to blurk but not to blog?
Here's your chance to make a quick entry in the lead-up to Christmas; and you might just sign off "whistling a happy tune".
All you have to do is post the name of a Christmas Song or Carol. The only catch is that you must stay "connected". Your song title must start with the last letter of the one most recently named.
Can we keep the chain of carols going until Christmas Eve?
I'll get us started:
ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH
I also have a "Mom" memory to share. Whenever Mom and Dad came to Port Alice I invited Mom to come to an art class with my Grade 5 students.
One particular day, Mom paired herself with a boy who could never sit still long enough to complete anything. Together, he and Mom created a colourful bead-and-twine lizard that he proudly attached to the zipper on his school bag.
Long after Mom returned to Regina, that child with attention deficit disorder wanted to know when Mom was coming back to teach another class.
LOL, Lucy
HARK THE HERALD ANGELS SING
GOD REST YE, MERRY GENTLEMEN!
We could also talk about Tiger feasting on the best in the world with a 54-hole lead. Did you guys watch that back nine today? Sick.
And is little Sam a cute baby or what?
the Nutcracker Suite. Not actially a carol, but most certainly Christmas music.
Love, BJ
'ERE COMES SANTA CLAUS!
Ho, ho, ho, Lucy
Thom,
We didn't see Tiger but we did watch Ronnie O'Sullivan score a perfect 147 in the tie-breaker of the UK Snooker Championship. And that was to go into the final which he won 10 frames to 2. Those guys at the top are impressive in any sport.
Luce
Silent Night. Too easy.
Love BJ
OK, BJ
Easy is good as we merrily sing along:
THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
lUCY
SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN
And, he's coming pretty soon, I might add!!
LOL,
ME xoxoxoxoxoxo
"Nuttin' for Christmas"
That is actually what it is called.
Marty
Lucy here,
I'm glad you knew that one, Marty. It seems that not many Christmas song titles begin with the letter N.
SILVER BELLS
Sleigh Ride. BJ
I just realized that there aren't many songs starting with 'e'. (Unless, of course, you're German.) so I'll do the next one. Elf's Lament (by the Barenaked Ladies.
Love, BJ
Tenessee Christmas - Amy Grant
Trust Luce to come up with something to get the blog juices flowing again.
Kbub, I was thinking the same thing. That Sam Woods is as cute as her dad is at golf. The scary thing is, he's just coming to the age when most pro golfers reach their peak. Yikes.
Luce, unfortunately we don't get much in the way of snooker here, but I have been watching the World Nine-Ball championships. Those guys blow my mind. Especially Tony "Tornado" Drago. The guy can clear a nine-ball rack in less than a minute. He holds the record for the fastest TV century in snooker at 3 minutes, 33 seconds.
That is: she's as cute as her dad is GOOD at golf. Forgot to proof-read.
Lucy here,
I see that I mistook kbub for b@bigdog earlier today. Sorry about that. Anyway, Kenneth and Thom, after both of you mentioned Sam Alexis Woods, I tracked her down in the sports news. You're right, she's already a beauty at five and a half months of age.
SO THIS IS CHRISTMAS
See Amidst the Winter Snow,
BJ
WHITE CHRISTMAS!
I love it! I understand Ottawa ,right now, has enough snow for all of us to have a White Christmas, even our Texans, if Ottawa could share it. Man!
LOL,
ME xoxoxoxo
SIX WHITE BOOMERS!
.....believe it or not, the Port Alice School Choir once sang this one.
LOL, Lucy
luce - so this is christmas (John Lennon) my favorite christmas song.
how about - santa clause is coming to town.
mike
Thom,
Ronnie O'Sullivan scored a 147 maximum break in 5 min and 20 sec at the World Championships in 1997. He holds the record for the five fastest maximums on records and has had 8 of them in competition. He calls himself the Tiger Woods of snooker. Google him for exciting snooker action.
Luce
Mike,
Both of your favorite choices have already appeared in our carol chain. Still, we all know that a bit of repetition makes Christmas songs familiar and fun. You're in the mix now; just keep looking for new titles.
NOWELL, SING NOWELL!
Lucy
Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow! I can't believe I am saying that after the mounds of snow we have had in the last 2 days!! Most of the snow drifts are taller than I am, many roads are impassable and we are getting more tomorrow. (Just a little bit).
Love, BJ
I don't know about the rest of you but I am keeping a list of the Christmas songs as they are posted. And I see most of you are writing them in capitals, also a good idea. So just in case you didn't catch my last song, here it is in capitals:
LET IT SNOW! LET IT SNOW! LET IT SNOW! Actually, please DON'T let it snow any more. (so far there have been 18 songs posted).
BJ
WHEN JOSEPH WENT TO BETHLEHEM
which allows me to also add my personal fave:
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE FAMILY -Robert Earl Keen (lyrics below)
Mom got drunk and Dad got drunk at our Christmas party
We were drinking champagne punch and homemade eggnog
Little sister brought her new boyfriend
He was a Mexican
We didn't know what to think of him until he sang
Felis Navidad, Felis Navidad
Brother Ken brought his kids with him
The three from his first wife Lynn
And the two identical twins from his second wife Mary Nell
Of course he brought his new wife Kay
Who talks all about AA
Chain smoking while the stereo plays Noel, Noel
The First Noel
Carve the Turkey
Turn the ball game on
Mix margaritas when the eggnog's gone
Send somebody to the Quickpak Store
We need some ice and an extension chord
A can of bean dip and some Diet Rites
A box of tampons, Marlboro Lights
Haleluja everybody say Cheese
Merry Christmas from the family
Fred and Rita drove from Harlingen
I can't remember how I'm kin to them
But when they tried to plug their motor home in
They blew our Christmas lights
Cousin David knew just what went wrong
So we all waited out on our front lawn
He threw a breaker and the lights came on
And we sang Silent Night, Oh Silent Night, Oh Holy Night
Carve the turkey turn the ball game on
Make Bloody Mary's
Cause We All Want One!
Send somebody to the Stop 'N Go
We need some celery and a can of fake snow
A bag of lemons and some Diet Sprites
A box of tampons, some Salem Lights
Haleluja, everybody say cheese
Merry Christmas from the Family
@BJ: Most of the snow drifts are taller than I am
Uh, well... yeah.
Hey Bigdog. Nice work bringing the carol chain to a screeching halt. There are no carols beginning with 'Y'.
How about:
YOJ TO THE WORLD (A DYSLEXIC CAROL)
YOU'RE ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS. by Standard
Love, BJ
Good job, BJ.
How about: SWEDISH RHAPSODY
Darn, that's another Y, isn't it?
I just read Kbub's Next Project blog. It's not nearly as long-winded and self-indulgent as he would have you believe, but it is full of obscure classical music terminology and composers that noone has ever heard of.
You'll also be happy to know that I have re-acquired my www.thombarker.com domain and registered www.twicetheusual.com.
Both are currently redirected to Ken's Twice the Usual blog (which is now complete with all of my songwriting journal entries). I will, however, soon be putting up pages for your perusal.
Thomas, is Swedish Rhapsody a Christmas song?
YOU GREEN AND GLITTERING TREE sung by chamber choirs. There's that 'e' ending again.
BJ
EVERY YEAR THE CHRIST CHILD
It's definitely getting harder to keep the music playing. To keep the chain going, we might be wise to watch title endings as well as beginnings.
LOL, Lucy
Lucy again,
In my search for Christmas song titles, I am not missing the digs, diversions and delights of blog entries as I go along.
BJ...I'm sure Kenneth's short joke didn't go over your head like the Ottawa snow drifts have. How do you make a return on such a "low blow"?
Kenneth...I liked the dyslexic carol. Stick around, we may need a few more of your clever word and letter reversals to keep us going.
Thom..."Merry Christmas from the Family" is a bit too much realism for this idealistic aunt of yours. I did more grimacing than grinning as I read the words. The good news is that I won't get an ear worm 'cause I don't know the tune. BTW... thanks for the heads up on your journal entries on Ken's blog.
DECK THE HALLS
or have we had that one already?
I better go back and make a list so I can keep track of what songs have been used!!
LOL,
ME xoxooxxo
SANTA BABY
sung only the way Eartha Kitt can sing it!
LOL,
ME xoxo
How about GRANDMA GOT RUN OVER BY A REINDEER
cory and loved this song, we used to sing it to Grandma Holt!!
my kids like the movie too....
Sonia, that one will work if you add Yo! to the beginning of it as in,
YO!, GRANDMA GOT RUN OVER BY A REINDEER.
I'd have to check and see if Sylvester Stallone ever released one!
Good eye, Lui!
Next:
RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER, preferably sung by Gene Autry
Love,
ME xoxoxo
REVE DU NOEL
LET IT SNOW (In Ottawa !!)
Hey Lucy. NO REPEATS @^%#*$*(%&*%&*
Winter Wonderland
lUCY,
My standard reply to short jokes is "You'll be sorry when I'm six feet tall!
Kenneth, I liked your dyslexic carol.
DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE? is the next in the series.
BJ
EARLY ON ONE CHRISTMAS MORNING. This is to make up for the 'e' ending in my last posting.
BJ
Hey, Paul, the next time you use my blogger account, please identify yourself! Sorry about that Lui!
The rule stands....no repeats!
GENTLE MARY LAID HER CHILD
The real Lucy
DING DONG, MERRILY ON HIGH.
BJ
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
ME xoxo
SLEEP, MY SAVIOUR, SLEEP
....which is what I will soon be doing, too.
Lucy
Lucy again,
BJ ... right away, I picked up on your idea and began keeping a running list of song titles as they were added to our carol chain.
Already, we are close to naming some 40 carols and songs. While repetitions are likely, my google searches suggest that they are not at all necessary. I had no idea that there are so many Christmas compositions.
Pine Cones and Holly Berries
SLEEP WELL LITTLE CHILDREN
Oh and we have used two repeats so even though that was entry no 41 we only have used 39 different songs. that is unless you count Mike's 'Santa Clause is coming to town' as different than Mary Ellen's 'Santa Claus is coming to town'.
NO SAD THOUGHT HIS SOUL AFFRIGHT.
Yes, this is a Christmas song. And no, I didn't get it from Google. I have a library of Christmas music and many Christmas CDs. I am using them as my Google. This carol was written by R. Vaughan Williams.
BJ
'TIS CHRISTMAS NOW
That's not true though. We have a whole week to wait for the magic of Christmas morning. We're never going to find enough carols to sing at the rate we're going!
Good night, all!
LOL, Lucy
PS: Lou, you are right on the carol count ... omitting all repeats though we used them to keep the chain going.
WHAT CHILD IS THIS.
SANTA BABY by Madonna
YE SHEPHERDS. Handel/Watts
Lucy, I think we should eliminate some letters. e.g. 'y' 'e' and maybe 'n'.
BJ
Whoah, it's like the old blog, a real blurry today.
YE OLDE TOY TRAINS - my second fave, by Roger Whittaker
D'oh, I guess I was late. Too bad, too, because I doubt there are many out there ending in O.
E, N and Y really are lacking in song titles. What would you do, go to the next last?
SUZY SNOWFLAKE, btw
hahahahahahahahahahaha
sorry, couldn't resist... K is no cup of tea, either
of course, we could always go to other languages...
ELVES NEEDS SANTA
A song parody written by John A. Barry. Sung to the tune of Help me Rhonda.
Well, since the talks broke down
There's no one to polish the sled.
And tonight is the night
That sugarplums dance in each little head.
Now Santa can't give that bike (give that bike)
Because there's an elfin labor strike.
So he needs elves, does Santa,
Elves to fetch and make the work start.
"Strike, strike, strike, strike, strike strike, strike!"
Etc.
BJ
ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS ARE MY TWO FRONT TEETH
This could be Grace-Anne's theme song this Christmas - except I think she's missing 4 front teeth!
LOL,
ME xoxoxoxoxo
Happy Holidays, Bing Crosby.
Snuck one in late!!!
Lucy here,
Let's stick to the pattern until we're stumped. Variations would make things too easy for such a creative bunch of people!
STILL, STILL, STILL
LO, HOW A ROSE E'ER BLOOMING.
BJ
GOLD TOY TRAINS?
Just kidding.
How about:
GLORIA IN EXCELSIS DIO
and there's my 'O', but I'll leave it for someone else
O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM
Have we had that one yet?
Nope, I think it's a new one.
Right, Holly, that's the first chance we've had to list a carol starting with the letter O - it's a great choice from beginning to end!
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU
LOL, Lucy
UP ON THE HOUSETOP
PETIT PAPA NOËL.
Is that legal?
DO THEY KNOW ITS CHRISTMAS TIME?
Barenaked Ladies.
Je ne vois pas pourquoi pas.
LITTLE DRUMMER BOY
d'oh! beaten again
EIN KIND GEBOREN ZU BETHLEHEM
A child born to Bethlehem... I love the Internet
Hey Sonia
Get with the program.]
okay, so I just sent the two paintings to bigdog. Call it...heads or tails...Bob Barker or Mary Ellen. Whoever sees this message first. Thw winner of the coin toss wins their choice of
"Beyond Pelican Point" or Baby Great Horned owl"
Bye..
Lucy here,
I see I have to bring you guys back into line. Christmas is Christmas in any language so anything goes in that department. (Like Thom says: "Je ne vois pas pourquoi pas".)
However, you must start your carol title with the last letter of the one that went before. According to that rule, Sonia, your "Do they know it's Christmas Time?" does not fit here. Save it for later though. We are bound to get 'round to another "D".
Try this one:
MARY AND THE HOLY CHILD
Lucy
OK, Marty,
I didn't locate either the Horned Owl or Pelican Point on Thom's blog. Has anyone won the coin toss yet? Let me know if you get no response from BB or ME. I'm standing by for third place.
Lucy
Right.....we are really confused now. The next entry must start with a "D" but Sonia's DO THEY KNOW IT'S CHRISTMAS TIME? has been responded to by Thom ....in German!
Let's move forward from MARY AND THE HOLY CHILD in our confusion. The Spirit of Christmas is afoot!
Lucy
Hey Luce
I'm sorry but, as you know, B.B. and M.E.B. tied on the final score of the Grey cup so they are the only eligible culprits for the last two paintings.
By the way, the winner, Luke Antonini, has chosen a white tiger for his grand prize and I just happen to have a few photos of white tigers that I photographed in Vegas about 20 years ago. They were behind glass at the Mirage.
Beautiful specimen. Maybe I'll paint one sleeping in Luke's swimming pool.
Mart
By the way...
I guess I should have mentioned that Bob B. or M.E. must call the coin toss on this blog, since this is/was a blog contest. The coin hasa been tossed and there is one other person on this blog who knows the outcome so this contest is way fair eh...
Martram
I didn't even notice Sonia's response didn't follow the pattern... oh well... carrying on:
DING DONG MERRILY ON HIGH
I am in the process of posting Marty's paintings.
Bob Barker says "tails"
Sorry Thomas, Ding dong merrily on high has already been guessed.
DANCE OF THE SUGAR PLUM FAIRY
BJ
YULETIDE MEDLEY OF POLISH CAROLS
BJ
SEE SERAPHIC THRONGS DESCENDING
I'm serious.
Plus, I like saying "Seraphic Throngs".
oh crap. i didn't read the rules on this one.
So, the next one has to start with an S....... duh.
STAR OF THE EAST
oh crap again. i am too late.
now it is a G.
GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN
Oh...so close....
I guess sometimes the first guess doesn't always get the prize.
Thomas Barker and I flipped a coin 2 weeks ago and it came up heads.
So Mary Ellen doesn't even know it yet, but she won the toss, so she gets her choice of the two. Bob, I hope you like the piece you'll be getting.
Hey Thomas
Are the paintings up on the barking at the bugle yet?
Mary Ellen, if you are anywhere on the air, be sure to check Thomas' site and make your choice for winning the final score of the Grey Cup game.
P.S. I like that "Barking at the Bugle
Love to all,
Marty
WOW, lots has been happening since I've been gone. I see I get first choice of Marty's pictures. However, I just checked and they are not up yet.As for the coin toss, I would have picked "heads" if I had been fast enough, so it has worked out anyway. I'll make my choice as soon as I see the paintings, and I'll post it on the blog. Thanks Marty!!!! Bob, I know we'll both be happy whatever I choose. How lucky are we?
LOL,
me xoxo
Didn't I tell you guys she was scary? You were up against one tough competitor Bob.
"N" is a tough one Lucy.
Can we start on Elvis songs?
Just Joking...
Love,
Marty
NOW TO THE WORLD A SAVIOR'S BORN
Lucy
Marty...I was just trying my luck on unclaimed prizes. Don't laugh...it happens sometimes!
Lucy
Nowell, Nowell, Good News I Tell!
No pictures up yet!
LOVE CAME DOWN AT CHRISTMAS
ME xoxo
Hey, Kenneth
I believe you about the seraphic throngs, but it is the first of the 65 carols already posted that I don't know. Way to go.
SUSSEX CAROL
BJ
No pictures yet.
LITTLE SAINT NICK ( the Beach Boys )
Love,
ME xoxoxo
BJ, how's a person supposed to keep track.
Kbub, what's this about seraphic thongs?
sorry on the pictures folks, i'm dealing with dial-up (argh) you know you live in the boonies when...
trying again
I figured I better give the next song since not many start with a "k". This is a German carol:
KLING GLOCKCHEN
It's about someone knocking on a door and wanting to come in from the cold. Maybe BJ or Louise knows another one that starts with a "K". Yikes!
ME xo
Thomas,
I am keeping a list. That's how I keep track.
Mary Ellen,
How about:
KATY GOT A DOLLY THAT CRIES AND BLINKS ITS EYES.
Love, BJ
Pictures are up, sorry about that.
SANTA LOOKED A LOT LIKE DADDY - woo hoo, Marty Robbins
Thanks Thom - the pictures are up & beautiful. Marty, you are awesome. Now I have to make a choice. How am I going to do that? This is very hard. Excuse me while I think out loud. I already have a Marty Antonini ocean painting, but it's different than this one. On the other hand, I don't have an owl painting at all. On the other hand, Bob Barker loves birds. On the other hand, he doesn't have an ocean painting. On the other hand, that ocean is mesmerizing. On the other hand, that owl is spectacular. On the other hand...........wait a minute - I've got to go back and look at them both again. HELP!
I'll be back,
ME xoxoxoxo
I'm back and after further deliberation and angst, I have made my choice. Come on home, little Owl!!
Marty, thank you very much for this painting and for all the others that you created for our Grey Cup contest. I don't imagine there are many game contests, where the prizes are of this caliber. I'm delighted with mine and can't wait to hang it up.
Bob, I know you'll be very happy with Beyond Pelican Point. I think it may be the one you would have picked as your first choice.
Yee-Haw, I'm one happy camper and Christmas has come early.
Much love to the artist,
ME xoxoxox
For Pity's sake, Mary Ellen!
Am I ever glad I don't have to make the decision.
Both are awesome. thank you, Marty.
It pays to be a whinger, m.e.
Bob
YULE FEASTING SONG.
Wow, Marty! Am I ever glad I didn't have to make the choice. They are both awesome. Please send Bob's to:
BJ Barker
21 Firwood Crescent
Ottawa ON K2B 6K2
Thomas,
Thanks for getting the pictures up. I keep going back to look at them.
And Marty, thanks again, not only for the unbelievable prizes, but for making the contest so much fun!
Love, BJ
Well, that was fun.
Like I said guys, I am getting ready for Stampede, so I always do a number of ,(what I call), thumbnail sketches. I paint little pieces so I can see if they will work as big ones for the show. I ussually stick them in my basement, but lately they've been selling really well so I thought I would give some for prizes. I'll do the same thing next year so maybe we will get more contestants.
By the way, I will be painting a bigger baby owl for Stampede and I have already painted the ocean scene 2 feet by 3 feet. It's on our bedroom wall.
Congratulations to all once again and I hope y'all had as much fun as I did.
LOL
MSA
Happy Birthday, Bob Brockett!
People with late December birthdays must not be overlooked in the Christmas rush. We hope you have time for celebrations, cake and gifts.
I'm sure you've heard that you are soon to be sharing the beauty of Mary Ellen's newest MSA original. That little owl has already won her heart. (If you whinge a bit, she might even gift the painting to you).
Anyway, Bob, do have a happy, relaxing day on your December 20th birthday. Cheers to you!
Lots of love, Louise and David
GENTLY FALLS THE WINTER SNOW
I suppose that's easy for us to say. We have yet to see a flake of the white stuff here in St. Andrews.
LOL, Lucy
WHILE SHEPHERDS WATCHED THEIR FLOCKS BY NIGHT.
BJ
THE BELLS OF ST. MARY'S
The bells! The bells! Where are those damn bells coming from?
TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
SHEPHERDS IN JUDEA
What's with the bells, Thom? Here in St. Andrews we have a town clock that chimes every quarter hour and loudly rings the top of the hour count, 24/7. On a clear night we can hear the bells along the east sands. Your mysterious bells sound like more of a nuisance than ours.
Luce
ADESTE FIDELES
One of my faves!
have we had SILENT NIGHT?
Yes, we have Mike ... but not ...
SANTA CLAUS IS WATCHING YOU
Lucy
I wrote an article for the Ottawa Citizen on bells. Quite a fascinating subject.
UNDER THE MISTLETOE BOUGH
HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS.
BJ
STAR OF GLORY, BRIGHTLY SHINING
The east coast of Scotland is under a heavy fog tonight - a haar (pronounced hahhh) as it is called here. We won't be seeing any stars however brightly they are shining elsewhere.
Lucy
GINGLE BELLS
It seems there really is a Gingle Bells (go figure) so: SLEEP, MY SAVIOUR, SLEEP.
BJ
Since there's a U in your saviour, BJ, I'll assume it's a different carol than the Sleep, My Savior, Sleep entered earlier.
PARADE OF THE WOODEN SOLDIERS
Lucy
PS: Is that our 85th entry?
Lucy here,
I have decided to close off the carol chain early; it's getting too hard to keep track of previous choices. Who would have guessed we would come up with so many titles in so short a time? We're just fifteen away from 100 now and I'm making that our goal. That's a nice round number.
So 100 it is ... let's go for it!
Sorry Lucy,
Sleep, my
Savior had been posted earlier. So I will discount this second one and add THE SNOW LAY ON THE GROUND which brings the count to 80 by my list.I'm willing to consider it 85 and go for the last fifteen.
BJ
Great stuff, BJ
Here goes #86
DOWN UNDER SANTA GETS A TAN
Ho, ho, ho, Lucy
(Sleepless in St. Andrews)
#87
NINETY-NINE FEET OF SNOW
BJ
WHILE SHEPHERDS WATCHED THEIR FLOCKS BY NIGHT
My OWL has come home to roost. Wish you all could see him - he's beautiful. His colors just fit in with my decor. Thanks again, Marty.
Love,
ME xoxoxo
Whoops! That was #88.
Whoops again. That was a repeat, so it doesn't count.
#88
WILL SANTY COME TO SHANTY TOWN?
ME
NEW KID IN TOWN by George Strait
I just dropped off ME's painting and she is right. It works in her house. We tried to count all the MSA paintings she has but it got late and I had to go. You know the story about how she won them all. When I do this again for next year's Grey Cup we might have to give her a handicap.
Happy Birthday Bob
Love,
Marty
NUTTIN'S BETTER'N ME'S CHRISTMAS PUDDING by Marty Antonini
That IS a song...I wrote it.
Now really...but nuttin' is better.
Thanks for the cake ME.
Karen won't let me have any tonight...I don't like her..
Marty
#91
GREEN GROW THE RUSHES, HO!
That's just about the colour I am, too, with all this talk of forbidden cake, A-1 Christmas pudding and multiple MSA paintings hanging in one lucky location.
LOL, Lucy
OLD TOY TRAINS
Okay, I realize I've tried that one several times, but I think this finally makes it legitimate at #92.
I got an early Christmas present from my lovely bride (I can still call her that, right?) Ice-fishing gear. I've been out once and I didn't catch anything... how did people ever make a living at this???? It was great to be out on the lake though. We have a bald eagle who must live very nearby. He hangs out on the tall tree next to our house and when I abandoned my fishing holes he appeared to take them over. Good source of fresh water, I guess.
We also have foxes and copious deer, a morning doesn't seem to go by without a sighting.
Inspired by that (and Marty (and the potential to make some cash (woo hoo, how long has it been since we've had nested parentheses))), I started working on some realistic paintings.
Yikes, it's been a long time since I painted anything besides non-representational abstracts. I need some brushes though, guess I'll have to go into Regina this weekend.
Speaking of which, what a pleasure to have restaurants that aren't Boston Pizza within 45 minutes of home. My new favourite place is Viet Thai on Albert Street (close to downtown). Authentic Pho and Noodle Bowls. I'm in Heaven (is that a Christmas song?) I also tried out the Mongolie Grill, not as good as Austin or Ottawa, but I'm not complaining (and my heart beats so that I can hardly speak (I love you Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire)).
BTW, today is mine and Lorraine's six month anniversary and since we were married on the longest day of the year that must mean this is the winter solstice. Hooray for longer days!
I had a really romantic morning planned, but now she has to work. :-(
Maybe I'll go fishing.
Sorry for the ramble...
Sleepless in Saskathewan
(And I seem to find the happiness I seek,
When we're out together dancing cheek to cheek.)
Happy 6th Monthaversary Lorraine and Thom.
Did you know that for many years Grandpa gave Grandma an anniversary card on the 17th of every month? The last one I recall seeing was their 241st. I don't know why the number stuck with me. I guess it's the romantic in me.
Cheers to you with love,
Luce
#93
SANTA CLAUS, INDIANA, USA
I wonder why Indiana and not Texas?
Luce
#94
AS LATELY WE WATCHED
BJ
#95
DAUGHTER OF ZION
BJ
#96
NOT JUST ANOTHER HOLIDAY
BJ
#97 This one's for you Mary Ellen:
YEEHAW HO HO HO
BJ
#98
O COME LITTLE CHILDREN
I'm on a roll, but I'll leave 99 and 100 for Lucy
BJ
Okay then, I started this chain; I'll provide the final links....
First with a bit of obvious advice..
#99
NEVER THROW A LIGHTED LAMP
and, finally, with a simple request....
#100
PLEASE COME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
LOL, Lucy
(That was fun)
Hey Lucy
Great contest. Fuuuun!!!
Thanks
Hey Bob Barker
Your painting is on it's way. You'll probably get it after Christmas sometime. They told me maybe 372 business days. It's a bit bigger than a 'miniature' only because oceans are hard to paint small.
I addressed it to BJ as I was instructed to do. Hmmmmmm
Marty
Thomas, I hope you've had the spring rolls at Viet Thai - they are really good! We also love India House and Bushwakkers if you are trying out restaurants in the city. And Pasta Prima for fresh pasta. Those 4 restaurants are our favourites.
...as far as restaurants unique to Regina go.
Yes, Holly, the spring rolls (and fresh rolls) at Viet Thai are quite special. Are there any good Dim Sum places around?
Lucy,
Where are you? I am used to getting up each day and seeing your comment. Now that the contest is over, I hope we don't all blog down again.
Edward,
Where are you? Have you fallen off your own blog? Time to get back up on the horse and start blogging again.
All those lost and out of touch, where are you? Come back, come back. Let us know what is happening in your little corner of the blog.
We are buried under mountains of snow, and rain is forecast for tomorrow! Can you imagine what a mess that will make. It is already difficult getting down narrowed streets, some unploughed even. Tomorrow it will be impossible. But at least the days will no longer be getting shorter, and in 10 days they will start getting longer by a minute a day.
Bob's miniature is on its way and we are anxiously waiting its arrival. I have assured Marty that I will make sure it gets to the right person.
Love, BJ
Lucy here,
Let's see ... where have I been?
Christmas shopping ...
Luncheon concerts ...
Evening performances ...
The annual pantomime at the Byre ...
Light-seeing in Dundee ...
Dropping in on neighbours ...
and, always, blurking in between.
It's nice to know I have been missed, BJ. I'm still here; I'm just not so obvious!
LOLOL, Lucy
Lucy again,
My friend, Margaret, gave me a contest quiz list of 30 carols and songs.
I'll post 3 at a time. Let's see how quickly you can feed me the answers. Go!
1. T F N
2. A I W F C I M T F T
3. G K W
Lucy
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