Go figure

I am aware that the following appears completely out of season at first glance. However, we are currently in a holy season, so let's just run with it. Due to the historically accurate lack of electricity in this scene, I maintain that it is an easier setup than the Dickens Village, but that is hardly the point. Yes, this world-renowned Fontanini Nativity is an imoressive display of detailed figures, but... ...if one stands around for too long, looking too closely, some questions or least comments are bound to arise. Me! I'm the one.

Why is water coming down the crater into a sand pit? Did they run out of epoxy to give those fish the illusion of a fighting chance? Wrong fish story.

I started to struggle with the general vibe of what folks were up to. That guy has a lantern, but others seem to be hiding from the sun or staring into it. This lady appears to echo my confusion...

...or is simply fed up! This guy...

...high as a kite with his recorder. Not a lot of business for the fish monger, granted he just had to pluck them out of a dry pool...

...but I wouldn't be surprised if he got robbed from either side. This lamb?

Oh, this lamb has seen some things! More kids looking at the star? But then is the whole thing a night market? Wait, this lady is shielding her eyes, so I'm back to daytime.

The little girl has clearly had enough and the little boy is guilty of something...

...and so are these guys! Why such cagey poses with their Frankincense and Myrrh?

"For crying out loud, can you just buy a rug?"

"No, no. You just lay there while I carry this goose around. No, I've got it, as well as the basket." And what IS everybody looking at?

(Yes, I have been back to this church during Lent and now there is just a bucket of nails for the taking, to be returned on Easter.)

Low Resolution

Well, Happy New Year to you! A new year, an opportunity to come up with all sorts of new excuses for why I haven't been here, as well as new efforts to change that. I feel that by waiting until some random Monday, barreling toward mid-February, to make an appearance, there should be no illusion that I am making any sort of resolution to be a more consistent blogger. I mean, what if I've told all of my good stories? What if I no longer find myself walking into pure nonsense every now and then? 

The real question right now seems to be whether it is insensitive to hide on my couch and click away here on the keyboard while such terrible things are going on outside. I am not ignorant and I know now is not the time to bury our heads in the snowbanks, but maybe we can think of this space as a little bit of fresh air? If we can agree that it's okay to look for a giggle or a speck of joy to give us the energy to keep treading water in these rough waters, then let the silliness begin...

Now, I am not pleased to admit that I haven't been here in just over six months. It seems like it might be too much to try to pack all of the things I want to show you in this one post; so, maybe we'll start out with a couple of holiday flashbacks and a few other odds and ends.

Maybe somebody had these on their list? 

American Girls gone to the dogs? (Groan, that was a RUFF one...I Shih-tzu not...OMG, it's just getting worse!)

The security squad in Macy's was off the charts on a Wednesday afternoon during the Christmas season. 

I kid you not, the way their hands were shaking on those handlebars trying to stay balanced between people and jewelry displays was reminiscent of when our kids' training wheels came off.

The Festivus gathering really got exciting when the bidet training lesson started.

I would not go so far as to say that I passed with flying colors. I think we each reported back with more questions than answers for our hostess.

It was a very artsy crafty holiday season...

...and I almost missed the days before Instagram, when I could peel an orange without thinking I needed to break up the peels and poke them onto wire to make little wreaths.

With the new year, it always seems like some drawers should be organized...

...where I apparently keep my Mr. Potato Head pieces? Yes, of course I left them there in case I have trouble hearing or wake up grumpy. Also found my "came with an extra button" collection.

I can't say that I've ever had a backup the times I actually have lost a button. Now this next collection is a little much, even for me.

I don't know why some were so well documented and others are mixed together, but that probably doesn't matter. I wanted to throw them out, but first texted the kids for permission. Okay, I admit it, I put them all in the little blue pouch that seemed more classy and less startling than the gallon Zip-loc they started in.

Let's go shopping! I like to see what the current trends in jeans are. I saw "high waisted mom jeans" and appreciated how they try to make that seem like a positive thing...

...but there is no part of me that has anything nice to say about a wedgie! Sometimes you need a little snack to sustain you while you shop...

...nope, not that.

I think my relationship with Cheerios has escalated...

...I think they are really into me...

...yes, I do, Cheerios! Thanks for noticing!

Thanks for checking in - I am so happy to be back!

 Thrilled that these guys are back too!