Storing Holiday Decor

by Cynthia, posted in Taking Care of Business

Decorating for the holidays can be a bit overwhelming. Still, it is exciting to pull out treasures from years gone by, prompting memories of friends, family members, and events. Opening the tubs of decorations is almost like Christmas itself. I never tire of seeing gems that have been hidden away for a year.

One such memory comes up every year while decorating the “family” tree, which consists of ornaments from my daughter’s childhood and my daddy’s Santa ornaments. My seven-year-old participated in a gift exchange at school. (Needless to say that was more than 40 years ago!)  I sent a Barbie doll. She received a small handmade wooden mouse ornament.  Every year she tells the story about how she was “robbed” because she really wanted the Barbie. I tried to instill in her the sacrifice of the family who gifted her the ornament.  Yet, every year her children roll their eyes at her story.  Finally two years ago, I gave her a gift right after she told her story – a “professional” Barbie complete with a briefcase.  We all had a good laugh … and last year we didn’t get the story. So much for memories.  All that to say, it’s nice to store holiday décor and benefit from it year after year.

For those of you who have followed our blog for quite some time, you may recall I wrote about storing holiday items in the summer of 2024. Well, I couldn’t help myself after reading “Essential Holiday Storage Tips” by Lauren Kim in American Lifestyle Magazine.  I felt validated! Her tips mirror my practices and are worth repeating.  Following just a few storage guidelines will help preserve your favorite items and make it easier to find next year.

Designate a Location

Having a specific location for all of your holiday décor saves time and frustration. Rather than wondering where a certain item is, you can go to the place where you store all of it. Knowing where you will store items helps you determine the type of container. Mine are in the garage on commercial shelves. At my age, the attic that is access via a pull-down ladder is not practical. (Safety first!)

Consolidate Like Items

Since I have always been a “theme-girl” it is easy to gather the décor for each theme into one tub (or more if you need them). The Santa figurines are in a tub; nutcrackers in another; decorative baking molds in a third; and so on.

Packing the Container

In many cases I kept the original box. This is especially essential for collectibles as having the original box makes the item more valuable when it’s time to sell or donate. For unboxed items, I wrap them carefully in tissue paper. Heavier items go on bottom, lighter and more delicate objects on top. In some cases, an ornament storage container is handy. They are great for more than just ornaments. [I bought a three-tiered one several years ago and use it to store napkin rings.] As I remove the items from its display, I wipe them down assuming they have collected a little dust while out.

Making a List; Checking It Twice

I already have an inventory with a notation of the type of container.  But a few years ago I came upon the bright idea (a-hem) of taking a picture of the items in each box when I emptied the box. It was simple – I just unwrapped each piece and placed it on the table. When all items were out, I took a picture. I printed the picture and placed it inside the box. When it was time to put things away, I just looked at the picture and knew what would fit into that tub. So much easier! However, if you are not that ambitious, just keep a list of what you have and where it went. I code my labels. Since tubs are in my garage I figure I won’t make it easy for someone to know which box to steal if they happen to walk by when the door is open (which is not often).

All this sounds like a lot of work. Well, putting away your holiday décor *is* a chore. Yet we enjoy getting it out every year, so putting it away in an organized fashion makes next year’s access quick and painless. You will be able to spend more time enjoying your possessions.

Happy Decorating! I mean Happy Storing!

The Lost Bookshop

by Cynthia, posted in Reviews

The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods is a captivating novel that weaves together elements of historical fiction, mystery, and a touch of magical realism. The narrative unfolds across multiple timelines and perspectives, inviting readers into a world where books hold secrets, and the past continually shapes the present.

At the heart of The Lost Bookshop lies the story of Martha, a woman escaping her troubled past, who stumbles upon a mysterious bookshop in the heart of London. The shop, filled with rare and forgotten tomes, becomes a sanctuary and a puzzle. As Martha delves into the shop’s history, she discovers the intertwined stories of Henry, a bookseller from the 1920s, and Opaline, a woman from the 19th century with a passion for forbidden literature. The narrative unfolds in alternating chapters, gradually revealing how these characters’ lives are linked by the legacy of the bookshop and the enduring power of stories.

Each character in the novel is vividly drawn and richly complex. Martha’s journey from vulnerability to empowerment is particularly compelling, as she confronts personal demons and uncovers her own strength. Henry’s arc is one of quiet resilience, as he navigates societal expectations and personal loss. Opaline’s story adds depth and historical perspective, highlighting the challenges faced by women who dared to defy convention. The supporting cast—fellow bibliophiles, adversaries, and enigmatic figures—add color and intrigue to the narrative.

The author excels at evoking a sense of place. The bookshop itself almost becomes a character, with its labyrinthine rooms, creaking floorboards, and shelves bursting with forgotten wonders. The shifting settings—from Victorian England to post-war London to modern times—are rendered with careful detail and atmospheric prose. Readers are transported into dusty archives, candle-lit parlors, and rain-soaked city streets, fully immersing them in the story’s world.

A central theme of The Lost Bookshop is the transformative power of literature. Books are portrayed not just as objects, but as vessels of memory, rebellion, and hope. The novel also explores themes of identity, belonging, and the ways in which the past haunts the present. The author’s writing style is lyrical yet accessible, blending suspenseful plotting with moments of quiet reflection. The use of multiple timelines and perspectives is handled deftly, ensuring that each narrative thread enhances the overall tapestry.

The Lost Bookshop is a love letter to bibliophiles and an ode to the resilience of the human spirit. It invites readers to question what they value, and to consider the stories that shape their own lives. The novel’s conclusion is both satisfying and bittersweet, tying together the fates of its central characters while leaving space for wonder and interpretation.

Overall, The Lost Bookshop is a beautifully crafted, emotionally resonant novel that may linger with readers long after the final page. I found the characters “stuck with me” long after I finished the tome. I recommend this novel for those who cherish stories about books, history, and the magic that dwells within the written word.

Fahlo

by sssmahh303, posted in Lifestyle

Mary Ann 

I got the best birthday present, and I am sharing it with you as it could be a great Christmas gift as well especially if you need a gift for an animal lover.  It is a beaded bracelet featuring an animal such as a polar bear, an elephant, a giraffe, a cheetah, or manatees. There are 19 animals to choose from and new animals are added frequently.  The bracelets are from a company called Fahlo.  I got a polar bear bracelet.

When your purchase a bracelet, you also adopt a real animal that you can track in its habitat on your phone or tablet. You just download the app which is free.  I received a polar bear bracelet with a card telling me about Bobbie, my gifted bear.  She is a mother who has raised several cubs to adulthood.  Bobbie lives near Churchill, Manitoba, Canada – the Polar Bear Capital of the World.  Churchill has been on my bucket list for 30 plus years, and now, I have a little bit of it on my wrist.  I check on Bobbie every day or two, and she does move around.  You can see everywhere she has been over the last few months.  She is waiting right now for the Hudson Bay to freeze, so she can go seal hunting to survive the winter and provide for her cubs.

Fahlo has partnered with various conservation groups that they support with a share of the profits from bracelets and other merchandise.  My bracelet supports Polar Bears International.  This company makes the public aware of the various animals, many that are endangered, and then supports the group who study and protect the animals.  The animals are tagged with very humane protocols, and you can read about all of this on the website and on your app once you sign up for your animal.  Animals such as elephants give you tracking info that is a few weeks old to keep the poachers from locating a vulnerable animal in real time – smart!

The bracelets are each $16.95 which I think is a very fair price.  There is a wide array of beads to select the perfect gift for someone.  They have sales all the time so you can get them even cheaper.  I plan to give a cheetah bracelet and a manatee bracelet for Christmas gifts this year.  They are interesting and unique gifts that help animals.  You can make a difference, however small, with your bracelet purchase, and it will keep your animal or animals top of mind.  Have fun shopping and making the world a bit better. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

by Cynthia, posted in Friends and Family

As autumn leaves paint the landscape in warm hues of red, orange, and gold, families and friends across America come together to celebrate one of the most cherished holidays—Thanksgiving. It’s a day marked by gratitude, togetherness, and traditional food choices that bring people closer, reminding us of the importance of reflection and appreciation for the blessings in our lives.

Thanksgiving’s roots trace back to 1621, when Pilgrims and Native Americans shared a meal to commemorate a successful harvest. While the holiday’s history is complex and has evolved over the centuries, it remains a powerful reminder to pause and give thanks for what we have—our loved ones, health, home, and the opportunities that come our way.

What traditions do you enjoy on this day?

  • Gathering Around the Table: The centerpiece of Thanksgiving is the meal itself, with turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie bringing warmth and comfort to the holiday.
  • Expressing Gratitude: Many families share what they’re thankful for before digging into the feast—a tradition that fosters connection and appreciation.
  • Watching the Parade: The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has become an American institution, delighting viewers with colorful floats and performances.
  • Football and Fun: From backyard games to NFL showdowns, football is an enduring Thanksgiving staple.
  • Giving Back: Volunteering and community service are ways people share their gratitude by helping those in need.

Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or enjoying a quiet day, Thanksgiving is an opportunity to connect with others and reflect on the year. Here are some ideas to make your celebration meaningful:

  1. Cook Together: Involve everyone in meal prep, sharing cherished recipes and creating new memories.
  2. Craft a Gratitude List: Encourage guests to jot down things they’re thankful for and read them aloud.
  3. Reach Out: Call or video chat with distant friends and family to share the holiday spirit.
  4. Donate: Consider supporting local food banks or charities in honor of the season.

This year, let’s celebrate not just with food and festivities, but with open hearts and a spirit of kindness. Whether you are near or far from loved ones, may your day be filled with joy, laughter, and gratitude. And may you remember to carry that spirit of gratitude with you each and every day. Wishing everyone a safe, happy, and memorable Thanksgiving!

Angel Phone Operators

by sssmahh303, posted in Wellness

Mary Ann

When we were children, there were phone operator – a real person – who would help find a telephone number or other information.  They were the good old days.  Boy, do I miss real people.  I bet you do too.  This brings me to a story about being thankful, making this Thanksgiving time of year even more meaningful. 

My mother use to say that God had two angel phone operators.  One angel was the please prayer operator and the other was the thank you prayer operator.  She would say that the please operator was constantly busy. People would ask for things all the time – please, please, please!  The thank you operator was hardly ever busy.  Apparently, people didn’t thank God for his help.  My mother told me that it was my job to keep the thank you operator busy.  I needed to thank God for all my blessings.  I took her at her word.  I always thanked God.  I still do at the end of each day.  

During the Thanksgiving season, we do think more about our blessings and are thankful for them.  If we could just keep those feelings throughout the year, we would all be better off.  There are all kinds of studies that support that gratitude brings peace to our souls. It keeps us both mentally and physically healthy.  

When I said my prayers as a little girl, my mother and brother and I would say three prayers.  Now a Lay Me Down to Sleep which is well-known, but we would say two other prayers that I have never heard anywhere.  I am going to share them because they are sweet, and I hate to think they will be lost when I am gone. Here they are:

Prayer 1

When I kneel down to say my prayers,

Each word goes climbing on the stairs,

On wind and ear to God who listens and rejoices 

 to little children’s thoughts and voices.

Prayer 2

Jesus, I kneel down to pray 

Thank you for another day

With hands to feel and eyes to see

And all my loving gifts to me.

Help me in the way I walk. Teach me the way I talk

Guide and bless me from above

Jesus, it is you I love. 

Do any of you know these prayers? They will both keep the thank you angel operator busy as they both say thank you to God.  Maybe the little angel will help you to remember as well to count your blessings and say thank you!

Selecting a Planner

by Cynthia, posted in Taking Care of Business

Each year, usually in August, I begin my search for the coming year’s planner. My planners serve as a mini journal, chronicling my activities, thoughts, and musings day-to-day.  It’s a very serious process.  Okay, maybe not too serious, but I do agonize over which one to purchase. After all, I will spend more than 365 days with this little compilation of printed sheets.

The first entries will be subscription renewal reminders and birthday and anniversary notations (complete with stickers, of course!). Next, I record any meetings or appointments that fall on consistent days. (Book club meetings, volunteer activities, board meetings, and so on.) I enter my new year’s goals and list tasks I hope to complete in the coming year. Finally, I can begin to make daily notations – coffee and lunch appointments, medical appointments – you get the picture.

All that to say, my planner is truly a companion. Each day I make notes, once January 1 rolls around. So my planner needs to be sturdy and logical – my kind of logical. A-hem.

Over the years I have come to enjoy a particular style, often staying with a brand for several years in a row. Too often, however, the brand ceases to exist or the calendar style I have come to depend upon is no longer available. Some years I decide I want an 8.5” x 11” and other years I want a 7” x 9”.  For the past two years I have had layouts that I’ve come to appreciate. The goals pages are a double spread, and each turn of the page reveals the week ahead, with plenty of room to write, doodle, mark, and sticker. Unfortunately, however, that particular brand is extremely proud of their work. The 2026 planner is $40. Do I really need a $40 planner?!

Proudly this year, I am turning my back on the over-priced options. Determined to find a reasonably priced calendar journal I have searched for hours at a time.  Happily, I have settled on a $10.00, 6” x 8.5”, metal spiral-bound book that I believe will serve my needs. The smaller size requires a smaller footprint on my desk and can easily be tucked into a purse or bag making it easy to accompany me on errand-running days (opposed to rewriting the ToDo list).

Yes, I was in technology for over 30 years and yes, I still use my electronic calendar. But there is something satisfying in selecting a colored ink and highlighters and adding fun icons to each entry. Using a physical planner allows me to slow down and consider my day. Filling the blank slate shows me at a glance what I value in life (that’s for another missive).

As I traverse the holiday season, I find solace in stepping back and thinking about what is in store in the coming year. Penning this missive at the end of a full week of activities, I know there will be a time when a planner will no longer be necessary. Yet for now, I can rejoice in the knowledge that I still have “things to do, places to go, and people to see” as my daddy would say.

James

by Cynthia, posted in Reviews

James by Percival Everett is a bold and inventive novel that reimagines Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of Jim, the enslaved man at the heart of Twain’s tale. Everett’s work offers a fresh lens on a classic American narrative, exploring themes of race, freedom, language, and humanity with characteristic wit, depth, and empathy.

The novel closely follows the events of Twain’s original book but with a definitive shift: Jim – who prefers to go by James — is the narrator. Everett delves into James’s inner life, granting him a voice and complexity that Twain’s version left unexplored. The story traces James’s escape from slavery down the Mississippi River alongside Huck, but with new dimensions of awareness, agency, and survival.

Everett’s portrayal of James is deeply nuanced. No longer a mere sidekick or comic relief, James is depicted as intelligent, resourceful, and emotionally rich. The narrative voice is both insightful and sardonic, often highlighting the ironies and dangers of life as an enslaved man in the antebellum South. Everett skillfully uses code-switching to show James’s mastery of language—speaking in dialect when necessary for his safety, while revealing his true intellect and feelings in private thoughts and narration.

James explores the absurdities and cruelties of American racism with biting satire and humor. Everett does not shy away from the violence and indignities of slavery. Still, he celebrates the resilience, cunning, and humanity of his protagonist. The novel highlights the power of narrative — who gets to tell the story, and how stories shape our understanding of people and history.

Percival Everett’s James reframes an American classic. For readers interested in the intersections of literature, history, and social justice, this novel is well worth reading. While it reclaims an historical narrative it challenges us to think anew about the stories we tell and who gets to tell them.

New York, New York – Part 3

by sssmahh303, posted in Lifestyle

A Doggone City!

Mary Ann

One thing that you notice in New York City, it has gone to the dogs!  There are dogs everywhere. There is also dog do-do everywhere so watch where you step. You are supposed to curb your dog, but not everyone follows the rules.  However, it is not as bad as Paris. 

There are all kinds of dogs.  French Bulldogs are a favorite.  You are surprised with Burmese Mountain Dogs – apparently, they are excellent apartment dogs.  Just about every kind of dog you can imagine live in NYC. When you see an Irish Setter trotting down the street, you wonder how a hunting dog finds space to run. There are lots of rescues with suspect lineage. Then there are the Designer Dogs – a deliberate cross breeding of two pedigrees dogs to create a new breed.  Maltipoos, Labradoodles, Cockapoos, Pomskys, and on and on are the “new” breeds.  All are quite cute.  There are pet shops that specialize in Designer Dogs.  

On the streets of NYC, there are bowls of water in front of restaurants for furry customers. There are specialty services for dogs that include Doggie Day Care, Doggie Gyms, Pet Sitters, Shuttle Service, Groomers with salons that rivel human salons, and vets with clinics and mobile units.  Dog walkers are walking dogs all over the city with solo clients and groups of 3 or more.  The dogs all seem to get along well – it is kind of a pack mentality.  Some dogs are on a walk in a stroller.  I guess getting some fresh air.   Dog parks dot the city scape where dog people gather and friendships bloom.

We had a school dog that on Mondays had play dates in Central Park with his other dog friends.  The dog loved it, and I am sure he knew when it was Monday.  The rest of the week the dog loved being everyone’s pet at school.  Many of the little boutiques in the city have a dog that minds the shop.  It adds charm to the shopping experience.  Dogs are everyshere.

There were all kinds of Doggie Shops with normal pet shop items; however, they had a large selection of outfits accessorized with sparkly jewels.  All kinds of “shoes” were available which is not a bad idea on city sidewalks – hot cement in the summer and salt on dog pads in the winter.  It can prevent issues for the dogs.  There are colorful canine raincoats and boots that deck gray rainy city sidewalks.   There are several dog bakeries with custom dog biscuits among many other doggie treats.  (The picture below is of two Italian Greyhounds dressed in matching PJs on a cold Winter’s day. Just too cute!)

The dog subculture is everywhere now.  It is just more noticeable in New York because the population is so dense with people and dogs.  New York is also innovative with new dog services and the like.  It is fun to people watch in the city, but dog watching is more fun! You might just get a slobbery kiss while you watch.  New York City is an interesting place, but it is truly a doggone city!

Neighborhood

by Cynthia, posted in Friends and Family

I have lived on a corner lot for over 27 years. Admittedly, I do not know my neighbors. Until I retired I generally left the house by 7:00 am and arrived home some time after 8:00 pm – often later.

The front of my house is somewhat obscured from the street as it sports two large berms, separated by a sidewalk that comprises steps up and then down before emptying onto my front porch.  In the back I have a 750 sq ft deck below which is my back yard – if you can call it that. From the retaining wall under the deck to the stockade fence separating that neighbor’s home is only 20-30 ft. including a dry brook and an 89 ft long garden. On the north side of the house is what one would call the back yard as it is the largest area that is flat where children might play. On the garage side of the house which faces the side street is a yard peppered with trees that are much older than my home. All of this is to say – I don’t have ready access to visit with the people to whom I live the nearest.

Lately, however, I have been walking the neighborhood. I have my paths figured out which allow me to walk a little more than a mile in one pass. Occasionally I will wave at a drive passing by but seldom do I see other people.

Today I was later getting out. By the time I rounded the cul-de-sac and started the home loop, I observed a line of vehicles along the street where I had planned to walk.  Checking my watch I realized it was time for the little people to emerge from their school day.  A shaded sidewalk connects our neighborhood to the edge of an elementary school ground. Daily, parents walk or drive to meet their children.  It was as if a sleeping giant had come to life, with cars, SUVs, trucks, and even walkers converged on this one area of our neighborhood.

How nice it was to wave and to say hello to passersby – as I passed by.  I was struck by the number of fathers as well as mothers who took the time to greet their children on this lovely autumn afternoon.

Back at home and pulling a few weeds along the sidewalk in front of the berms, one new neighbor commented that he and his children were enjoying my yard decorations from skeletons in October to pumpkins and leaf structures this month.  Soon nutcrackers will adorn the yard for this year’s Tinsel Tribe theme.  But that is for another story.

Today, it is satisfying to see men and women and children as they go about their days. My heart is joyful and grateful for the ability to live in a safe and friendly neighborhood. I wish everyone could have similar experiences.

Rereads

by sssmahh303, posted in Wellness

Mary Ann

There are so many books to read.  I read a lot, yet I never seem to be caught up.  There is always another new book on the horizon.  So why would anyone reread a book from their past.  However, many of those old book friends still call us. 

There were several books over the years that have beckon me to visit them again.  Some of them were read when I was in high school, and somehow, we were expected at 16 years old to have a deep range of life experiences to relate to them.  I don’t think so.

I reread a few books when I was teaching those novels to students.  I can remember reading The Yearling by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings and crying at the end of the story when Jody was no longer interested in playing with the water wheel he had

built at the beginning of the story.  He was no longer a boy.  I was reading it to my 4thgrade class of girls.  They probably thought I was nuts.  I read Animal Farm by George Orwell in a reading class that I was teaching.  It was fun watching young minds trying figure out if it was about communism or whatever. I think I will reread it again with the state of the world.  It is probably coming true on many levels. 

I decided to reread The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne.  At 16 what did I know of love, of adultery.  Hawthorn writes such beautiful prose, and a tear or two fell down my cheek about Hester’s plight.  When in 11th Grade, I was just trying to get through the assignments not really relating.  With a little life under my belt, I could empathize with Hester’s life. You understood her emotions.  I am so glad I carved out time for this reread.

Then I reread To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.  I loved it and it was so clear with a second reading what a good man Atticus was – doing the right thing despite his personal feelings.  You learn universal lessons.  Plus, it was a hoot reading Scout’s impressions of school.  I remember that I read them to my faculty for a different point of view of education.  

Another favorite from my youth was The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger.  As a teenager, I thought Holden had nailed life as he navigated coming of age.  However, on the second read as an adult, I thought he was just a whiny kid – so disappointing for me.  I think that is why I didn’t like The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt– whiny teenagers.

 

There are few more books that I will give another whirl through the pages. I always reread Anne Lamott’s book.  I find some little nugget of wisdom in each of the essays – always worth a reread.  I am currently reading The Count of Monte Christo by Alexandre Dumas that gave me the idea for the Reread Blog. I loved that book!  I am so glad that it is 1500 plus pages. I don’t want it to end, and yet, I know the ending. It is so well-written with rich vocabulary.  Remember the SAT practice list?  It is that kind of rich vocabulary. 

I am debating rereading Moby Dick by Herman Melville, but I think it is truly my white whale.  I am sure you have some books that you might want to reread.  Some will probably be duds, others true gems.  Visit your old friends – they will welcome you back!