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Winter In Connecticut 2025
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Snow In Southern New England (2)
Month: December 2025
The First Christmas Present 🐘
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Kevin and I met in a club 25 years ago. He was with a couple of friends, who were friends with my friends. After a couple of drinks, we got into a conversation. When I was ready to go home, he gave me a ride to my apartment. Since he knew where I worked, he had shown up the next day. Usually, I don’t give out my phone number unless someone asks for it or I ask for theirs. But when Kevin was standing in front of me, I said, “Dude, I forgot to give you my number last night. If you want to hang out, give me a call. Maybe we can do something for Christmas together.” Kevin agreed, folded the note, and left. The same night, he called me. And we were talking over a beer in a bar.
The next day was Christmas Eve. I was on vacation leave for the remaining days of the year. Months ago, a friend of mine and I planned a small Christmas dinner for the night before Christmas. I asked her if it was okay if I brought a friend over. She said: “Well, it’s Christmas. Nobody should celebrate this special holiday alone.” Kevin picked me up from home. When I sat in the car and we talked a little, he opened the glove box and handed me a small present. I shook it to hear what might be in there. Kevin screamed: “NOOOOOOOOOOO!” Later on, I found out why he did that. Well, the little elephant lost part of its trunk when I shook the little box. Even when the elephant doesn’t look perfect anymore. But it is a story worth talking about. It was very sweet of him since we had known each other for a couple of days. It was the first gift I got from Kevin. I still treasure these three wooden elephants to this very day.
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National Pfeffernüsse Day 2025
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Pfeffernüsse, known as ‘pepernoten’ or peppernuts, originated from Central Europe. A confectioner from Offenbach am Main, named Johann Fleischmann, is believed to have created the recipe in 1753. Since then, the cookie has become very popular, attracting the interest of many people, including renowned individuals like Felix Mendelssohn.
Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands are the countries most popularly known for this delicacy. In North America, the ethnic Mennonites are also very fond of pfeffernüsse. Today, the recipe is widely available, and the cookie is widely consumed worldwide. However, pfeffernusse is traditionally reserved for the holiday period, around December. This is in keeping with the tradition of its origins, as the cookie has been associated with the celebration of Saint Nicholas Day and Christmas.
The traditional recipe consists of nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, black pepper, mace, anise, sugar, butter, eggs, and flour. Popular nuts such as walnuts and almonds are also used to give the cookie some flavor. Leavening agents are applied to the mixture, kneaded, and then baked. They usually come out hard from the oven, but would soften after a few days. Also, they are tiny and are sometimes shaped like nuts, which is probably why they are called peppernuts. Nowadays, bakers make alterations to this recipe to include some other ingredients or remove some existing ones. While they generally have a spicy taste, you can easily adjust the spice you want. On National Pfeffernüsse Day, homemade peppernuts are made available for the family and guests.
: https://nationaltoday.com/national-pfeffernusse-day/
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Hiking At Table Rock Mountain By Morganton, North Carolina 2002
Since it didn’t work out as planned at Chimney Rock, Kevin decided to approach a different trail. We had his older brother and our sister-in-law in tow when we went up to Table Rock Mountain. Table Rock Mountain is not far from Morganton and features some nice trails that can be easily accessed from the parking lot. It was a beautiful afternoon hike, where I could see the Linville Gorge and plenty of vegetation. Many plants looked familiar to me. And I pointed that out to my brother-in-law. He replied that many of these plants were introduced from Europe and have become invasive species, and/or Europeans have discovered what grows best in various types of soil.
After reaching the parking lot and quenching our thirst with water, we drove back down toward Morganton and then to Valdese. It was time for dinner. And Kevin’s parents were waiting for us.
… to be continued …
Winter Wonderland (4)
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Winter In Texas ~ 2010
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Sunrise On The First Day of Winter/Yule 2025
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Happy Winter Solstice! ❄ Blessed Yule!
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The Fourth Advent Sunday 2025
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Blessed 4th Advent
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Winter Solstice/Yuletide 2025
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Our ancestors depended on the passage of time and seasons. And the best way to measure the seasons was by observing the Sun and the Earth’s orbit around it. The winter solstice is the time of the year when the Sun is reborn, announcing a new season.
On December 21, the day is shorter as the Sun seems to stand still at a lower elevation, making the night longer. But it is a transition period that ushers in a new season of more sunlight. Yule celebrations used to be tied with different pagan traditions, bordering on mythology and culture. Popular notions include the myth of the goddess giving birth to the Sun god. There is also the celebration of the surrender of power from the Holly King to the Oak King. Plus, the ancient festival of the Germanic people about the Wild Hunt and the god Odin is also around the same time.
All the above form the crust of the Yule celebration. But, as stated earlier, it is even more symbolic in that it helped our ancestors to determine times and seasons. Understanding times and seasons was usually the difference between life and death, food availability and famine, victory and defeat, and many other things. With the introduction of Christianity, the Yule celebration has been linked with Christmas traditions too. It’s thought that December 25 was chosen to celebrate the birth of Christ because it is the renewal period. Yule and Christmas both share certain similarities, and they often overlap as well.
:https://nationaltoday.com/yule/
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National Maine Day 2025
Before Maine was colonized by French and English settlers, it was populated by Wabanaki tribes. Until two centuries ago, Maine was part of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, before it voted to leave Massachusetts. As part of the Missouri Compromise, it became a separate state. It was then admitted to the Union as the 23rd state.
Nobody can say for sure why it is called Maine. Some say it was named by French colonizers after the province of Maine in France. Others say it was named by English colonizers as a reference to the mainland. Either way, it is Maine today, and it is the only state named with a single syllable, and also the only state to border only one other state.
Maine’s rocky coastline, rugged mountains, lush green expanses, and winding waterways have inspired numerous artists. From writers and poets to painters, they have all flourished here for centuries. Maine’s mountains and shores offer enough hidden treasures for tourists and locals alike.
Addison Kaboom Town, Texas 2011 (1)
Kevin, Courtney, and I went with the kids and a stroller full of coolers, blankets, and towels from a parking garage to the Addison Circle, which leads to the entrance of Kaboom Town. Addison opens the gates around 4 or 5 pm. The earlier we arrive, the better our chances are of getting a decent spot. It was a very hot Independence Day weekend. So, we adults decided to pick a shaded spot under a couple of trees close to the water fountains and the bathrooms. Once our blankets were laid out, the girls wanted to play in the fountain and cool off. There was still plenty of time for the airshow and fireworks. By the time the sun is behind the horizon, the kids can rest and watch the shows. It didn’t take long before Sara was hungry and wanted to eat a sandwich. Thank goodness, we always bring our cooler with us. Katelynn rested with her Dad on the blanket for a little bit before she decided she was hungry, too.
… to be continued …
Last Day of Autumn ~ 2025
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Blossoms gone, just leaves remain
Rich and crisp, strong and tense
Defying all that comes their way
With crackled skin and golden veins
The sun picks out their curling tips
That waver in the autumn glow.
An almanac of vibrancy
Russet, ochre, fills the skies
As I tramp upon the shady floor.
But there, up there,
I see no birds nor hear their song
Yet I can hear October’s air,
Nature’s chanter plays her tune,
Its modest whistle rising high
A thousand leaves dance in reply
Rustling, brushing, side by side
Sweeping, searching, as they blow
In one last crazy dance
Caressing as they rise and fall.
The branches’ softly swishing tails
In unison, they flow
Like a thousand batons synchronized
Or violins in forest guise
Leaves cling tight to their trapeze
Swinging madly in the breeze
I marvel at their majesty
But know it cannot last
For soon the leaves will perish
And all this will be gone.
Author: Paul Colvin
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The Greenhouse In Texas ~ 2013 (11)
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1) Peas; 2) Cucumber Blossom; 3) Pumpkin Blossom; 4) Avocado Plant
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Kringle Candle Company’s “Aurum & Evergreen”
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Aurum & Evergreen
Festively blended with pink grapefruit and apple infused with pomegranate and cinnamon leaf, Aurum & Evergreen is a noble scent with ribbons of vanilla snow and Siberian Fir throughout.
Top: Sparkling Pink Grapefruit, Green Apple Peel, Valencia Orange
Mid: Pomegranate Juice, Cinnamon Leaf, Strawberry Jam
Base: Sugar Crystals, Vanilla Snow, Siberian Fir
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Rosa ‘Knock Out’ Roses 🌹
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December Fog In The Naugatuck River Valley (1)
Morning Fog rolled in from the lake onto our property this morning.
Flake Appreciation Day 2025
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Snowflakes are a subject of thought and appreciation on Flake Appreciation Day. The event is celebrated around December when snow begins to fall in many parts of the Northern Hemisphere. Snowflakes can be classified into one of 35 different shape groups based on their size and shape. When water vapor in the clouds condenses into ice crystals, snowflakes spontaneously appear in nature. Snowflakes’ shapes are influenced by elements such as dust, temperature, humidity, and air currents.
There are different numbers of water molecules in snowflakes, which cause them to form a crystal pattern. Due to diffuse reflection, snowflakes appear white, even though they are composed of clear ice. Snowflakes are usually studied by putting a chemical compound on a glass plate and allowing a flake to land on the plate. The chemical compound covers the snowflake and hardens. The snowflake leaves its shape behind after it melts.
The history of snowflakes was greatly influenced by Wilson Bentley. He was born in 1865 in Jericho, Vermont. His work is significant as he helped discover that no two snowflakes are exactly alike. He used a type of photography that uses microscopes called photomicrography to take pictures of 5,000 snowflakes. Bentley published articles and books about his findings and donated some of his photographs to the Smithsonian Institution. He was the world’s leading snowflake expert and was referred to as ‘The Snowflake Man’ until he died in 1931.
:https://nationaltoday.com/flake-appreciation-day/
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Christmas Season (Part III) 2008 – 2009
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2008
Since Kevin’s homemade Christmas tree got positive feedback, he installed it again in 2008. The same year, I decorated a Christmas wreath for our girls.
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2009
Sara’s 1st Christmas; She was still so tiny.
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… to be continued …
In The Healing Garden At The Yale/New Haven Hospital 2021
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Kevin came for a visit today. After I took a long-needed shower, we went to the Healing Garden on the 7th floor of the Yale-New Haven Hospital. It’s not very big. However, the garden can be a nice little oasis. At this time of the year, it’s mostly grayish/brown or snowed-in white. I was amazed to find a blooming Rhododendron bush in this cold weather. There is a water feature. But it is not running due to the Winter. On the mulch, between some plants, painted stones with motivating quotes can be found. Some of the trees have cute painted birdhouses hanging from their branches. The birds seemed to like them. They might overwinter in these birdhouses. It was great to get some fresh air outdoors. For a week, I spent most of my time in my hospital room. It was a welcome change.
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~ 12/05/2021 ~
National Wright Brothers Day 2025
The US Code directs that Wright Brothers Day commemorates the first successful flights in a heavier-than-air, mechanically propelled airplane. Orville and Wilbur Wright made that first successful flight on December 17, 1903, near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. While other inventors created planes that flew, Orville and Wilbur invented the first mechanically propelled airplane. Those inventors who came before them also inspired the Wright brothers in many ways. From a young age, Orville Wright and his brother, Wilbur, developed a fascination with flight. Inspired by a rubber band-propelled helicopter created by the inventor, Alphonse Penaud, the brothers dedicated their lives to the invention. They first found success manufacturing bicycles, including the Van Cleve and St. Clair.
Differential Grasshopper (Melanoplus differentialis)
The differential grasshopper is found throughout most of the United States, except for the northwest. Within its range, it is most often found in heavily weeded areas and grasslands, and even in vacant lots and other urban areas. This species is not migratory but can travel a few miles to search for food.
Chimney Rock Village & Lake Lure In North Carolina 2002
Kevin and I traveled to Chimney Rock one morning. After we found out how expensive it was to get to the platform, we decided to take a stroll in Chimney Rock Village and spend some time at the Broad River and Lake Lure. It turned out to be a nice trip. Kevin and I would rather save our money for our honeymoon at Walt Disney World.
… to be continued …
Winter Sunrise In New England (2)
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Winter In Connecticut 2025
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Bill of Rights Day 2025
The Bill of Rights Day is observed on December 15 in the United States. It’s an important day to celebrate America’s Constitution and the framework of society that ascribes rights and freedoms to society. Bill of Rights Day commemorates the ratification of the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, with the National Archives documenting its many celebrations of the day. The Bill was introduced by James Madison, who later became the fourth President of the United States. Now, the Bill of Rights is displayed in the Rotunda of the National Archives Building in Washington, D.C., as a reminder to all Americans of their constitutional freedoms.
Winter Wonderland (3)
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Christmas 2009
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Snow In Southern New England (1)
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Winter In New England 2025
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Remembering Sandy Hook …
In Memory of the 26 victims of the Sandy Hook
Elementary School shooting on December 14, 2012
Here in Newtown, I come to offer the love and prayers of a nation. I am very mindful that mere words cannot match the depths of your sorrow, nor can they heal your wounded hearts. I can only hope it helps for you to know that you’re not alone in your grief; that our world, too, has been torn apart; that all across this land of ours, we have wept with you.
~ President Barack Obama, Newtown, Connecticut 12/16/2012
Joshua’s 19th(!) Birthday
That cat … THAT CAT gets on our last nerves! He’s ornery; he does what he wants; he scatches every door frame to get into a room, even when we just “kicked” him out; he doesn’t let Kevin sleep; he complains, when we push him in the middle of the bed, so Kevin and I can stretch out; he gets himself stuck under the car wheel (we are still surprised, he didn’t kill himself yet). … Yeah, that boy ain’t that cute. We are still amazed that Josh made it to 19. … Well, we signed up for that 13 years ago. And now, we’re gonna deal with it until he decides to cross the Rainbow Bridge. That might take another five to ten years. But after all, we love him. So, we want to wish Joshua a very happy, crouchy Birthday!
The Third Advent Sunday 2025
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Blessed 3rd Advent
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Monkey Day 2025 🐒
It’s a difficult task to pinpoint the exact moment that monkeys first emerged as a unique species within the animal kingdom, but it is believed that their appearance took place approximately 60 million years ago. This vast amount of time would pass, month by month by millennium, both creeping and speeding along, without the existence of a National Monkey Day! At long last, though, thanks to two pioneering college students, this would change in the year 2000.
Casey Sorrow and Erik Millikin, both studying art at Michigan State University, are responsible for the creation of this simian-centric celebratory day. Sorrow (fittingly) would admit to the Detroit Metro Times that he experienced a form of malaise around the holiday season and felt compelled to find a way to combat these December blues. After jokingly jotting down “Monkey Day” in a friend’s calendar, Sorrow took the idea and ran with it: when December 14th rolled around, he and his art school friends dressed up as monkeys and ran amok, putting on their best monkey impressions.
They would go on to incorporate ideas related to their newly formed holiday into their artwork and homemade comics. Publishing these pieces online allowed for the notion of a Monkey Day to spread, and now, decades on, the day is observed throughout the world in countries including Germany, India, and Thailand.
What started out as a bit of fun has evolved into a full-blown operation. Monkey Day serves as an important anniversary each year for raising awareness of modern threats to monkeys, with entities such as National Geographic, the Smithsonian Institution, and Greenpeace promoting the day. Sorrow and Millikin have also been instrumental in utilizing monkey-themed art as vehicles to serve this end, as well. Their work has brought an entirely new understanding of the term “monkey business!”
The Liberty By The Lake Fireworks In The Colony, Texas 2011
Liberty By The Lake 2011
The Greenhouse In Texas ~ 2013 (10)
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1) Corn; 2) Snap Pea Blossom; 3) Sunflower; 4) Cucumber
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Kringle Candle Company’s “Stardust”
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Stardust
Stardust is a heavenly constellation of bold florals, warm amber, and musky woods.
Top: Green, Lemon, Floral
Mid: Amber, Jasmine, Nutmeg, Orchid
Base: Benzoin, Musky, Oriental, Sandalwood
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National Poinsettia Day 2025
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That pop of floral color in everyone’s home means the holidays are right around the corner. National Poinsettia Day on December 12 also forms a cultural bridge between the U.S. and Mexico. Poinsettias, known as Euphorbia Pulcherrima, come in hundreds of beautiful colors. Even if you have a limited holiday decorating budget, strategically placed poinsettias can enhance your home in a variety of ways. Bottom line: What’s a holiday party without a gorgeous poinsettia plant on the mantle?
: https://nationaltoday.com/national-poinsettia-day/
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Gingerbread House Day 2025
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Nothing brings in the holidays like the smell of freshly baked gingerbread. But before the decorative cookie led the popularity contest on the holiday dessert table, baking gingerbread was acknowledged as a specific profession. In the 17th century, only professional gingerbread bakers were allowed to make gingerbread, except at Christmas and Easter, when anyone was allowed to bake it.
In Europe, gingerbread was sold in special shops and at seasonal markets that sold sweets and gingerbread shaped as hearts, stars, soldiers, babies, trumpets, swords, pistols, and animals. Gingerbread was especially sold outside churches on Sundays. Religious gingerbread reliefs were purchased for particular religious events such as Christmas and Lent. Decorated gingerbread was given as presents to adults and children or as a love token bought specifically for weddings.
Gingerbread was also considered a form of popular art in Europe. Molds often displayed actual happenings by portraying new rulers, their children, spouses, and parties. Substantial mold collections are held at the Ethnographic Museum in Toruń, Poland, and the Bread Museum in Ulm, Germany. According to some food historians, the tradition of making gingerbread houses started in Germany in the early 1800s. The first gingerbread houses were the result of the well-known Grimm’s fairy tale “Hansel and Gretel.” After this story was published, German bakers began baking ornamented fairy-tale houses made from gingerbread. They were brought over to America by German immigrants and became popular during the Christmas season.
:https://nationaltoday.com/gingerbread-house-day/
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Golden Groundsel 🏵
Golden Groundsel (Packera obovata)
International Mountain Day 2025 🏔
Every year on December 11th, International Mountain Day raises awareness of the importance of mountains. The conservation of mountains is a key factor in sustainable development. Mountains cover 27% of the Earth’s landmass. According to the United Nations, 15% of the world’s population lives in the mountains. The mountains are also home to one-quarter of the world’s land animals and plants. Additionally, across the globe, mountains provide freshwater to half of the world’s population. Another role mountains play is providing food resources. Six of the world’s most important food crops grow in the mountains.
As you can see, mountains are extremely important. Sadly, however, climate change and over-exploitation threaten our majestic mountains. As a result, the livelihood of those who live in the mountains is also under threat. Mountain people are among the poorest in the world. These threats to their home make it even more challenging to survive.
Winter Sunrise In New England (2)
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Winter In Connecticut 2025
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Christmas Season (Part II) 2006 – 2007
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2006
In the Christmas Season of 2006, Kevin, Katelynn, and I visited California. Since we celebrated the 60th Anniversary of Kevin’s grandparents in Anaheim, we stayed an extra day to go to Disneyland.
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2007
In December 2007, Kevin installed his first outdoor Christmas tree made of Christmas light chains. Everything was held up by a PVC pipe.
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… to be continued …
When Health Takes A Different Turn ~ 2021
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I’m still at the hospital. But I am now in much better shape than when I came into the Waterbury Hospital ER last Sunday. Now, I’m sitting in a chair in front of my laptop, writing this blog in my Yale-New Haven Hospital room. What a journey it has been so far, and I still have a long way to go. Let me tell you what happened and what I know so far.
Saturday night, we’ve got the Christmas tree decorated in the front room. I stepped with my camera outside to capture photos of the tree in the front room window, when I began to feel nauseous. I took some deep breaths to no avail, feeling better. I went back into the house to put my camera down, telling Kevin how I felt and that I was going to the bedroom upstairs. After resting in bed for about five minutes, I had to go to the bathroom. I had really bad diarrhea and blamed it on the hot dog I had eaten earlier in the afternoon. But when I looked at my bowel, I noticed something concerning: it was dark brown, almost black. After I lay back down, I could sleep for two hours. I felt fine until I turned on my side. I was sick all night. And in the morning, I had the same color in my vomit. I let Kevin look at it to confirm if it was blood. He wasn’t sure, but looked concerned as well. That’s when I said: “I’m not messing around with this. I want to go to the ER! A doctor needs to see this. Especially knowing I’m chronically anemic.” Kevin agreed with me. Later that day, I found out that this was a lifesaving decision.
In the ER, I got a bed fairly quick, granted, how busy the place was that day, after I stated: “Nausea, vomit, diarrhea with the possibility of blood in vomit and stool”. After a CT scan, ultrasound, urine & stool samples, and a couple of other bloody puking episodes, I’ve got an answer: “Pancreatitis with the possibility of an ulcer in my stomach; not even to mention my portal vein”. At that point, Kevin and I knew I would stay in the hospital overnight.
In the following days, more tests were done. And I kept finding out more as we went. Meanwhile, the doctors put me on an intravenous liquid diet to keep me hydrated. No water, no food for three days, due to tests and healing. On Monday, I’ve got an esophagogastroduodenoscopy done. Later, I found out I had some bleeding in the esophagus and a stomach ulcer. The doctor also discussed my history of portal vein thrombosis, the possible cause of a hemorrhage and narrowing in the portal vein, and that I might need Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Insertion (TIPS). A team of doctors began to communicate with a team of gastroenterologists at Yale-New Haven Hospital about my health situation. On Wednesday, I found out I’ll get a ride to Yale. While waiting for my bed in New Haven, I was finally put on a Clear Liquid Diet. Thursday night, a room and a bed were ready for me. And I arrived at Yale at about 1 am on Friday. At 4 am, a doctor discussed with me my health situation, more tests, the TIPS procedure, a possible timeline, etc., and I pressed for some iron infusions as well. WTH, I lost a lot of blood already. And my hemoglobin level is in the basement. I do not want another panic attack episode due to anemia ever again. It sucks!
Since I arrived in New Haven, I’ve had another CT scan done, can eat on a regular hospital diet, and found out a bit more about my portal vein problems. Unfortunately, I have another blood clot in my veins. But the GI doctors will discuss more, how they will put that shunt in my vein to keep it from bulging out, bleeding, and narrowing due to a former nasty blood clot, I had back in the Summer of 2018. I will stay very positive because I feel I’m in good hands with a great GI team here at Yale. Doctors keep me updated as they go. Due to today’s medicine and technology, there is a great possibility that doctors can remove the clot while they do the TIPS procedure. The nurses are wonderful in both hospitals. Now, I’ve got the weekend off with tests and can relax a little bit. There is not much that I can do other than follow the doctors’ advice to have a positive outlook, eat and drink on a hospital diet, take my medication, and keep my mind busy by reading a book, watching TV, writing my blogs, and communicating with family and friends online. One doctor said, “We will have you fixed by Christmas. This will be your Christmas present.” Well, it will definitely be a very nice Christmas present. I can’t think of a more precious gift than a healthy life.
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~ 12/04/2021 ~
American Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber)
The American flamingo is a large bird with long pink legs and webbed feet. The plumage is a distinctive pink, with black on the flight feathers (the long feathers at the tips of the wings). The bill is pink and white with a black tip. The plumage coloring comes from the carotene that is found in the food that is eaten, such as brine shrimp. They live in large shallow lakes, lagoons, and mud flats in the Caribbean Islands, northern South America, the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, and the southern United States.
National Llama Day 2025 🦙
Though they were likely originally dwellers of both North and South America, llamas are believed to have gone extinct in North America during the last ice age, leaving them only in South America.
A cousin to alpacas, llamas were domesticated by humans around 4,000 or even 5,000 years ago, starting in Peru and the Andes mountains. Able to navigate tricky trails, llamas were often used as pack animals in these mountainous areas to carry loads of goods, while their fur was used to make textiles and fabrics.
In modern times, llamas are also often kept domestically on farms, sometimes as guard animals for other flocks such as sheep or even alpacas. Since they can live an average of 20 years, or even up to 30 years, owning a llama is a long-term commitment. And they love to be in herds, so it’s best to never have only one llama but at least two, or even several.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee 2002
The first weekend we visited Kevin’s parents in North Carolina, we went on a day trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Gatlinburg is one of those places I call “tourist traps”. It’s all fine that Eastern Tennessee wants to make money. But, I can care less about all this hustle & bustle in that town. Originally, my father-in-law wanted to take us to a place close by to show us some Cherokee and Civil War history. Well, that didn’t work out that way. And it was partially my fault as well. Because I said I’d rather see the attractions in Gatlinburg. Now, I wish I had said “yes” to history. But I’m also 22 years older and hopefully smarter.
On the way back to North Carolina, we stopped at the Interstate 40 Welcome Center. It’s a nice center with some outdoor walking area in the middle of the Smoky Mountains. In the meantime, we stopped there several times while traveling from Texas to North Carolina.
… to be continued …
Winter Sunrise In New England (1)
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Winter In Connecticut 2025
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Bodhi Day 2025 🕉
Bodhi Day is observed to mark the moment that took place 2,500 years ago when Siddhartha Gautama achieved enlightenment and became the Buddha or ‘awakened one’. The story goes that, rejecting the luxurious lifestyle of a prince, Siddharta left the comforts of the palace at the age of 29 and went on a journey of deep introspection to seek meaning in life.
He meditated in Bodh Gaya, a town in northeastern India, under a Peepal tree (a species of Banyan fig), now famously known as the Bodhi Tree, and resolved to continue meditating until he achieved ‘bodhi’ (‘enlightenment’). He attained bodhi at the age of 35, after 49 days of continuous meditation. He was now able to see how everyone and everything was connected and therefore reached a state of enlightenment that would lead him to create the Four Noble Truths: Dukkha (unsatisfactoriness), Samudaya (arising), Nirodha (cessation), and Magga (path) in which the Eightfold Path is set out.
Buddhists commemorate this day by meditating, studying the ‘dharma’ (‘universal truth or law’), chanting sutras (Buddhist texts), and performing kind acts towards other beings. Some people mark the day in a more traditional sense by cooking a meal of tea and cakes. Bodhi tree plantings are held throughout the month and are usually accompanied by tea ceremonies, while incense and multi-colored lights are displayed during the following month in the capital city of Tokyo and in towns and villages across the country.
: https://nationaltoday.com/bodhi-day/
Winter Wonderland (2) ☃
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Winter In Texas (2008 – 2009)
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The Second Advent Sunday 2025
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Blessed 2nd Advent
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The Independence Day Parade In The Colony, Texas 2011
In 2011, Sara was old enough to take her to her first Independence Day parade. It was hot the whole weekend. But we were prepared. Plenty of water, sunscreen, and sitting in the shade helped tremendously. Katelynn and Sara both enjoyed the parade’s colors and candy. There were parrots, pirates, landmarks, Uncle Sam, Lady Liberty, the Fire Department & Police Department, and so many flags. It was a wonderful event to see people from the community celebrating the 4th of July.
The Rock Orchestra By Candlelight @ The Palace Theater In Waterbury, Connecticut ~ 12/05/2025 🎻🎸
Kevin, Sara, and I had an amazing evening seeing The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight last night. We witnessed the union of classical music and metal. The band of 14 musicians performed the music of iconic rock bands, including Led Zeppelin, Metallica, Aerosmith, Guns N’ Roses, Linkin’ Park & many more.
St. Nicholas Day 2025
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St. Nicholas derived from Nicholas of Myra and was a bishop in 4th-century Greece. He was known for selling off his own items and then giving the money to the poor. He would commonly leave coins in people’s shoes and dedicate his entire life to serving people who were sick and suffering. This is how he gained his saint status, and is what inspired St. Nicholas Day (also commonly known as Feast Day or the Feast of St. Nicholas).
One well-known story of St. Nicholas involves a dowry for a father’s three daughters. In the third century, it was common for fathers to offer money to prospective husbands. However, one poor father with three daughters did not have the money to do this. St. Nicholas paid for all three daughters’ dowries by leaving gold in their shoes.
As time passed, St. Nicholas Day began in different ways. In Italy, this day was celebrated with feasts, gift-giving, and festivals. In other European countries like Germany and the Netherlands, children would leave their shoes or special St. Nicholas boots in front of the fireplace or front door at night and find presents in them in the morning. The history of St. Nicholas and his good deeds was part of the inspiration for the modern-day Santa Claus and Father Christmas, which is why there are some current traditions of leaving gifts in people’s boots or shoes (or stockings).
:https://nationaltoday.com/st-nicholas-day/
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The Greenhouse In Texas ~ 2013 (9)
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1) Cucumber; 2) Sugar Snap Pea Blossom; 3) Green Beans; 4) Avocado
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Kringle Candle Company’s “Christmas Stroll”
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Christmas Stroll
Inspired by fresh-cut Christmas trees and the hot mulled cider served during Nantucket’s Christmas Stroll, the company president’s father, Mike Kittredge II, helped design this bright holiday scent.
Top: Balsam Fir, Pine
Mid: Green, Moss, Sweet
Base: Spice, Winter Air
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Knecht Ruprecht & Krampus Folklore
In German folklore, Knecht Ruprecht, which translates as Farmhand Rupert or Servant Rupert, is a companion of Saint Nicholas and is possibly the most familiar. Tradition holds that he was a man with a long beard, wearing fur, or covered in pea straw. Knecht Ruprecht sometimes carried a long staff and a bag of ashes and wore little bells on his clothes.
According to tradition, Knecht Ruprecht asks children whether they know their prayers. If they do, they receive apples, nuts, and gingerbread. If they do not, he beats the children with his bag of ashes. In other (presumably more modern) versions of the story, Knecht Ruprecht gives naughty children gifts such as lumps of coal, sticks, and stones, while well-behaved children receive sweets from Saint Nicholas. He can also be known to give naughty children a switch (stick) in their shoes instead of candy, fruit, or nuts, in the German tradition.
Ruprecht was a common name for the devil in Germany, and Grimm states that “Robin fellow is the same home-sprite whom we in Germany call Knecht Ruprecht and exhibit to children at Christmas …” Knecht Ruprecht first appears in written sources in the 17th century, as a figure in a Nuremberg Christmas procession.
According to Alexander Tille, Knecht Ruprecht represented an archetypal manservant, “and has exactly as much individuality of social rank and as little personal individuality as the Junker Hanns and the Bauer Michel, the characters representative of country nobility and peasantry respectively.” Tille also states that Knecht Ruprecht originally had no connection with Christmastime.
Ruprecht sometimes walks with a limp because of a childhood injury. Often, his black clothes and dirty face are attributed to the soot he collects as he goes down chimneys. In some of the Ruprecht traditions, the children would be summoned to the door to perform tricks, such as a dance or singing a song, to impress upon Santa and Ruprecht that they were indeed good children. Those who performed badly would be beaten soundly by Servant Ruprecht, and those who performed well were given a gift or some treats. Those who performed badly enough or had committed other misdeeds throughout the year were put into Ruprecht’s sack and taken away, variously to Ruprecht’s home in the Black Forest to be consumed later or to be tossed into a river. In other versions, the children must be asleep and would awake to find their shoes filled with either sweets, coal, or, in some cases, a stick.
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Krampus is a terrifying figure found in parts of Austria, Bavaria, South Tyrol, Slovenia, and Croatia, most probably originating in the Pre-Christian Alpine traditions. In Tyrol, he is also called “Tuifl”.
The Feast of Saint Nicholas is celebrated in parts of Europe on December 6. On the preceding evening, Krampusnacht, the wicked, hairy devil, appears on the streets. He sometimes accompanies St. Nicholas. However, Krampus will at times be on his own, visiting homes and businesses. Saint Nicholas dispenses gifts, while Krampus supplies coal and bundles of birch branches.
Europeans have been exchanging Krampuskarten, greeting cards featuring Krampus, since the 1800s. A Krampuslauf is a run of celebrants dressed as the beast and is still quite popular; many of the participants are fortified with schnapps. Over 1200 “Krampus” gather in Schladming, Styria, from all over Austria wearing goat-hair costumes and carved masks, carrying bundles of sticks used as switches and swinging cowbells to warn of their approach. In the past few decades, village Krampus associations have paraded without St. Nicholas at Krampus events throughout late November and early December.
Walt Disney Day 2025
The famous Walt Disney (Walter Elias Disney) was born in Chicago on December 5, 1901. However, the talented Disney we know did not emerge until 1919, when he began his career as an illustrator. In 1928, Disney created Mickey Mouse, a character he sketched on a bus. Can you imagine one of the most famous characters in the world being created like that? Today, the cartoon character is the centerpiece of the entire Disney brand.
However, things weren’t always so easy for Disney. In 1923, his first business venture, Laugh-O-Gram Studios, went bankrupt. At the time, he had only $20 to start over, so Disney decided to head to Hollywood, where he created a few cartoon characters with his brother. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to attain legal copyright for them. Then Mickey Mouse and other memorable characters such as Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Goofy, and Donald Duck arrived. From thereon, there was no turning back.
After a few years, Disney began developing feature-length cartoons such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio, Fantasia, Dumbo, Bambi, Cinderella, and Mary Poppins. Disney made these animated creations during the 1940s to 1960s. Due to the success of these cartoons, it was not a surprise when Disney won 22 Oscars for his role as an American animator, film producer, and voice actor. But as we know, Disney didn’t stop there. He also opened theme parks in 1955. The Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, was under construction when Disney passed away. In 2018, the theme parks had already hosted over 157,3 million guests worldwide.
Butterfly Bush
Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii)
The Full Cold Perigee Moon In December 2025
12-04-2025
Cold Moon, Long Night’s Moon, Oak Moon
The nights are at their longest, and the cold has settled in for the long Winter ahead. The world silently rests as the cold Winter passes through. The Moon rides high in the sky to light the long, cold, still Winter nights.
The December Full Moon is about finding the strength and steadfastness to get through the Winter ahead. It is the time to see, for a moment, the long view of our life path; a time to slow to a steady pace that will sustain us until Spring arrives with its invigorating energy.
:https://www.earthspiritpath.org/
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International Cheetah Day 2025
The story of how International Cheetah Day was born is worthy of a movie adaptation. It all started in 1977 when American Zoologist, Dr. Laurie Marker, took Khayam, a cheetah she raised from a cub at Wildlife Safari in Oregon, to Namibia. It was part of an experiment to determine whether captive cheetahs could be taught to hunt and live in the wild on their own again.
The experiment was a success, and she and Khayam returned home to the U.S. But during her stay in Namibia, Dr. Marker noted that livestock owners threatened the cheetah population in the wild. They were eliminating cheetahs vigorously because they were becoming a threat to their livestock.
Determined to help resolve the rift between Namibian farmers and cheetahs, Dr. Marker vowed to preserve the wild cheetahs and founded the Cheetah Conservation Fund in 1991. She negotiated with the locals and educated them about wildlife preservation. In honor of his memory, Dr. Marker chose Khayam’s birthday to promote cheetah conservation. Since 2010, the world has been celebrating International Cheetah Day on December 4 to raise awareness about the extinction threat they face.
Sadly, due to the excessive hunting of wild cheetahs for their fur and the loss of their habitat due to increased human settlements, as of 2020, there are only around 7,100 cheetahs left in the wild. This is a shocking 50% decline in the last four decades. So, let us recognize this as the day to respect and conserve cheetahs.
Christmas Season (Part I) 2003 – 2005
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2003
Christmas 2003 was bittersweet. It was Katelynn’s first Christmas, but it was also our last Christmas in Germany.
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2004
In December 2004, we had a Dallas Holiday Wish Celebration. The Beach Boys had a concert, and even Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto came to visit and sing and dance in front of Dallas City Hall. I have it all on videotape footage and didn’t capture too many event photos.
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2005
In 2005, we bought our house in Texas. The same year, we celebrated Christmas/Yuletide in our new home.
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… to be continued …
Just Saying Hello! (2021)
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Some of my followers probably have noticed, I haven’t been posting for several days. Last Sunday, I ended up in the ER, and have been at the hospital since. I’m doing okay with what is going on. But I will write a detailed blog once I’m back home and have recovered a little bit. In the meantime, I’ll keep it easy and wait for my procedure to be done in New Haven.
~ Tanja💗
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~ 12/02/2021 ~
The Waxing Gibbous Cold Moon In December 2025 (2)
12-03-2025
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Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus)
Although the Greater Roadrunner occurs throughout Texas, is well known, is the topic of much folklore, and is a very popular cartoon character, the only field research studies that have been conducted are in desert scrub or brush-grassland habitats in South Texas. As a popular, iconic, multicultural bird from prehistory to modern times, it is surprising that it was one of the last bird species to be given state protection because of the mistaken belief that roadrunners were a threat to declining quail populations.
:https://txtbba.tamu.edu/species-accounts/greater-roadrunner/
First Snow of The Season 2025/2026
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First, the meteorologists mentioned 3-6 inches of snow for our area. But the weather system stayed further north. We were lucky; we got about an inch.
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National Mutt Day 2025
Let’s throw this day to the dogs! Not just any dog, though. Today, we toast to the mixed breeds of the world, so raise your water bowls high … because this one’s for the mutts! There’s no ifs, ands, or mutts about it — December 2 is National Mutt Day, and we’re here to celebrate. In fact, we love this day so much, we celebrate it twice a year. The next National Mutt Day is July 31!
The Museum of The Cherokee People & Oconaluftee Indian Village 2002
Kevin wanted to show me his Native American Heritage. So, we went to the Museum of the Cherokee Indians and the Cultural Village in Cherokee, North Carolina.
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As you enter the soft trails of the village, it’s no longer the 21st century: you’re immediately transported to the 1760s. The faint tang of wood smoke wafts by as you are led by a Cherokee cultural expert on an interactive journey through the Cherokee lifestyle and history. Your guide will show you the way through the winding paths, flanked with traditional Cherokee dwellings, work areas, and sacred ritual sites. Delight in cultural dances amid the swaying oaks and sycamores. As you wander, interact with villagers as they hull canoes, sculpt pottery and masks, weave baskets, and fashion beadwork. Watch as a village prepares for war. Be amazed by a blowgun demonstration. Oconaluftee Indian Village is much more than just a place; it’s living history.
… to be continued …
The Waxing Gibbous Cold Moon In December 2025 (1)
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New England Winter Afterglow In December (1)
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Winter In Connecticut 2025
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Merry Christmas, Mr. Grinch!
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This season, Mr. Grinch made it on our lawn. And he is “… A Mean One.”
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National Cat Lovers’ Month 2025 🐈
Cats were first seen in the early Pliocene Epoch, approximately 5 to 4 million years ago, and have evolved into modern times with remarkably little change. The earliest known association between cats and humans can, however, be traced as far back as the origins of agriculture in the Middle East around 9,500 years ago.
In recent years, the skeleton of a cat was found buried along with that of a human in southern Cyprus. Although some sources noted that this discovery suggested that cats had undergone some forms of domestication in that region, other sources argued that cats may have chosen to domesticate themselves by living in human-altered landscapes. They cited the evidence that the cat genome was not so different from that of the African wildcat at that particular period.
Fossil evidence unearthed in China, dating back to about 5,300 years, shows that cats of a size similar to modern domestic cats used to feed on small grain-eating animals such as rodents. In contrast, the cats in agricultural settings went for millet.
There’s also a common belief that cats were domesticated in ancient Egypt because of the Egyptians’ great affinity for cats, and the animals had social and religious significance in their culture. Although cats were considered sacred animals in Egypt around 2465 B.C. to 2150 B.C., they had not yet been domesticated. It’s possible that the ancient Egyptians kept cats because they valued them for protecting their barns from rodents. Their respect and affection for this majestic predator resulted in the development of religious cat cults and the worship of cats in temples. There are no authentic records of domestication earlier than 1500 B.C.
Winter Wonderland (1) ☃
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Winter in Texas (2004, 2007)
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National Christmas Lights Day 2025
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Before the invention of electric lights, families would balance candles on the branches of their Christmas trees—a risky practice that naturally led to several house fires. Electric Christmas lights were first invented in 1880 by Thomas Edison, who promptly strung them all over the outside of his Menlo Park laboratory. Because people were initially distrustful of electricity, it took another several decades for the invention to catch on. It wasn’t until 1903 when General Electric began selling pre-assembled kits of Christmas lights that electric lights became popular with people of all classes. Today, electric lights are an integral part of the winter holiday season, and certainly aren’t exclusive to Christmas. As we get ready for the end of the year, let’s string up our lights and celebrate. ‘Tis the Season’, after all.
:https://nationaltoday.com/national-christmas-lights-day/
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Hello, December 2025!
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Wintry mornings wrapped in white,
Evening, calm and still,
Snowflakes dancing all around,
Sled rides down a hill,
Gatherings with loved ones —
Such a pleasure to remember —
all memories and special gifts
That comes with each December.
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Under The Harvest Moon 