Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Happy Holidays!

 

I hope everyone is having a Happy Holiday Season.  We are all doing fine here in Georgia and enjoying this unseasonably warm weather spell.  Who can get upset about the weather when the highs are in the mid to high seventies each day?

My Thanks to Donna for the graphic above which really spruces up this place!

Our household is not that much different than most of Y’all’s.  We are still doing Christmas shopping, most of our cards are in the mail, and we are still decorating the house.  Oh, and I am performing my usual Christmas screw-ups.  Yesterday I mailed a beautiful card to my sister and did not realize until after it was in the post that the gift card had not been put in the envelope.  So, today I wrote another card and ‘fessed up to the deed.  A second card is in the mail and fully armed this time.

I was given eighteen postcards yesterday to take to the post office.  My instructions were to, and I quote, “Buy some Christmas stamps for these and get them in the mail. “  So, I wait in line for a good twenty minutes, get up to the clerk and do my Priority Mail transactions and ask for eighteen Christmas Stamps.  I take the stamps over to a counter top and stamp all the envelopes and stick the cards in the mail bin.

Last night when Paulette got home I got the third degree.  Did you get receipts and tracking numbers for the priority mail?  (Yes!)  How many stamps did you end up having to buy?  (Eighteen, honey, there were eighteen cards.)  What?  Eighteen stamps?  How many stamps did the larger envelopes take?  [Suddenly I knew I was a cooked goose].  (Honey, you said to buy Christmas Stamps for the cards and mail them.  That is exactly what I did).  No, what I sent you to do was to hand the eighteen cards to the clerk and have the clerk weigh and size them and affix the proper postage on each for you.  [We are now in danger of four cards being returned for insufficient postage]

I held my tongue and did not ask why she did not explain it to me if she wanted it done in a certain manner.  I am a typical guy who does not keep track of postal rates and wonders why a thin, light card would cost more than normal airmail postage no matter what the dimensions are.  After all they are all about an eighteenth of an inch thick for goodness sake. This is a normal part of marriage, and next year SHE will be in that postal line no matter HOW busy she claims to be, LOL.

On a positive note, I have maintained my diet that I started in July and now have officially lost thirty pounds.  I’m pleased, but the goal is to lose twenty more.  I may not get there for another few months, but I know I’ll make it.

Just how many months it will take will depend on what I succumb to during the Christmas Season.  I have lost the three or four pounds that Thanksgiving threatened to stick me with, now it will be the battle of Christmas’s repast, not to mention those innocent looking stocking stuffers.  We have always loaded our stockings with little trinkets and lots of nuts, fruit, and chocolates.  We may break with tradition this year; Paulette and Sandy have gone into diet mode, too.

Last Christmas I wrote a post about the music of Christmas that filled our house every year growing up.  I even recorded the song, “Here Comes Santa Clause,” and included the video in the entry.  It was fun and well received.  This year has been no different than previous years.  I held true to my annual pattern of practicing my guitar playing through the holidays and into spring time.  Then, as work got busier, I put the guitar away for the summer.  The vicious cycle continued.  All the progress I had made went by the way side and all the songs I had memorized became faint memories and had to be learned all over again.

I have said it before, but this year I mean it.  I am not going to put the guitar down this summer and I will not let this progress I’ve made go by the wayside this year.  When I set my mind on a goal, I don’t often fall short.  So, I think next year’s post may have a much higher quality to the home grown music offering.

All this is leading up to this year’s offering which is quite short, and … if I get really industrious… may be joined soon by another song if I can get another one on tape, so to speak.  I get real nervous when the camera is on and don’t perform very well.  30 years ago it was a much different story, but this is the reality of today.  So, for those of you who have requested another Christmas music offering, here it is.  Merry Christmas, everyone, and I wish you all a very happy holiday season.  I hope to post at least one more time before Christmas, but I have a lousy track record and don’t know if you should trust me on this.

 

46 comments:

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas Sam...that was lovely and it was the first time I smiled all day.  I got bad news about housing and then bad news about a family member passing...I needed that smile, thank you.

BTW...you look great!

Anonymous said...

Sam, good job on the Christmas concert.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND YOUR WIFE,

Bill

Anonymous said...

Does Paulette know she's gonna be in that postal queue yet or are you going to spring it on her next year?! Lol! I thought all women knew we had to explain things carefully to men! I loved your rendition of Silent Night Sam, I can still hear you playing your guitar to Andy and I when we visited you. Well done on the weight loss, I know you'll reach your target soon! Have a wonderful Christmas and a very happy new year. Seventy degrees?? I'm on my way over, it's 32F here! Jeannette xx  http://journals.aol.co.uk/jlocorriere05/Welcometomytravels  

Anonymous said...

Good job, Sam. Happy Christmas to you and family. 70's huh?? we are having over 80 here in Texas---70's sounds better to me--tho we do have a breeze that helps. Barb

Anonymous said...

Ok... I laughed my ass off about the postage...  she has been married to you how long?  She doesn't know yet that you need step by step instructions?  Detailed instructions?  LMAO!!!  Husbands and kids should come with manuals :)~  You look great Sam and I know you will reach your goal.....   keep up the good work.  The video was great.. thanks for sharing.. brought a little tear to my eye....   Merry Christmas to you and yours!!!!
hugs
d
PS...  I never believe you when you say you will post soon!   Ok... sometimes I do......... No.. no I don't.  LOL

Anonymous said...

Hiya Sam!

Way to go on the weight loss.. I know you'll make your goal.  Maybe a few diversions along the way, but you'll get there :)

Now that you have committed your promise of keeping up with the guitar through the summer in writing, I plan on holding you to it... LOL

I couldn't get the video to play, it keeps stopping at 3 seconds  :(  Dail up stinks sometimes...  But I am sure it is a good song and that you're playing fabulously, despite being a tad camera shy!

I'll keep trying, though :)

If I don't get back here before, you and Paulette have a great Christmas and a Happy New Year, too!

Kisses~
Cat

Anonymous said...

Hi Sam, thanks for leaving a note on my journal.  Lovely surprise!  Merry Christimas to you and yours!  God Bless!

Anonymous said...

I always think of your journal as a visit from a relative who can't make it home very often....and the good kind of relative....the one that you want to see.  Not the annoying aunt who talks to loud and always thinks your house isn't up to the proper standard!  LOL  It's always good to hear from you whenever you get a chance to stop by ;-)  -Kelly

Anonymous said...

It's been warm here too, but looking at the pictures of ice in some of the Journals and Blogs.... well, I think I won't complain about sweating a little bit while cleaning stalls ;p

Enjoyed your playing!

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas!!  First, I would have never sent my husband to the post office because there is guaranteed to be a screw up.  However, you accomplished WAY more than he would have ever accomplished with that task!  LOL.  Love the music.  It sounds so relaxing and nice.  More please!!!  :)

Anonymous said...

Terrific entry, Sam.   Funny stuff about the stamps (or...the way men and women comprehend and communicate)!
Always love your playing.  I'm such a sucker for a guy playing guitar.  (Hey, I married a drummer....not too shabby!)
I play too...but not like that.   Thanks for the concert.
Happy Holidays to you and yours,
Nance

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear that you're enjoying nice, warm December weather. We had it for awhile, but lately Texas has turned into Siberia. I try to avoid trips to the post office during the holidays at all costs - they never fail to induce anxiety attacks! I sure hope you're able to practice that guitar ALL year long! I start to get withdrawal symptoms when I'm away from the piano. Much like you, I tend to get nervous when a camera is rolling. I do my very best when I play for myself!

                                                                Have a great holiday season,
     
http://journals.aol.com/jayveerhapsody/LoneStarConcerto/                                                                                                              Jon

Anonymous said...

Sam and Paulette have a great holiday. Love your music entries :).

Betty

Anonymous said...

Congrats on the weight loss....as a chocolate lover....I know just how hard that can be!
You look and sound great....thanks for adding the video...very cool.
Have a great holiday Sam   : )

Tracie

Anonymous said...

Of course you know you wont be sent to post cards again ,(was that your wicked plan?  lol )Well done losing the weight ,you are looking good ,thankyou for the Beautiful rendition of Silent night ,...love Jan xx

Anonymous said...

Having been married at least as long as, er, you ... LOL ... I'm going to think that your master plan was to never, ever have to go to the post office during the holiday rush again! LOL

Thanks for the recital!  Although, I'll be back to actually hear it when the volume on the new pc is figured out.  Got a working dial, got a green volume bar ... got no audio.   Grrr.

Happy Holidays Sam!

Anonymous said...

Oh! Oh!  And the thirty pounds?  Shows.  :)

Anonymous said...

Best wishes for a Merry Christmas!  Congrats on the 30lb loss, that's amazing.   As always, the song was wonderful, thank you for sharing it.  ~Sie

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas to you too Sam, and well done on shedding the pounds. Keep up with the guitar, you're doing great!

Anonymous said...

WTG Sam on the weight loss! thank you for the song. Thanks for reminding to stick stamps on cards! hug Paulette for me.

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful posting!  You are such a gifted writer I hope to read many more of your entries.  Oh - the Christmas Carol was beautiful also - thank you!

Hugs from Minnesota

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful posting!  You are such a gifted writer I hope to read many more of your entries.  Oh - the Christmas Carol was beautiful also - thank you!

Hugs from Minnesota

Anonymous said...

Oh Sam, you sound just the same as Jim. He would have done the same at the Post Office...men!   lolol! It won`t matter if you relax your diet at Christmas, we all put on weight no matter how hard we try. You have done well so far though, congratulations on the 30 pound loss. I`m just off to watch your video, have a wonderful Christmas, both you and your wife. :i)

Love Sandra xxxx

Anonymous said...

For some unknown reason I can only get the first 10 seconds of your music. (darn) On the other hand, ya look darn good SAM!   Christmas is a very difficult time to diet.  I'm trying to cook healthy, but I swear, I still am going to have bacon during the holiday season.  The smell drives me crazy.   Anne

Anonymous said...

very good music thanks for your support nad prayers and your comments to brighten me up, like to wish you and your familyhappy hoildays, good entry alot for me to read, always in my prayers, have a wonderful hoilday

Anonymous said...

Good to see you Sam, both figuratively and literally. You're still quite handy with the axe, I see.
It's good to know that I'm not the only one who is susceptible to making clerical errors! We'll have to see if we can find surrogates to take our place in the postal line, eh?
Merry Christmas, my friend. All the best for the season!

Anonymous said...

I'm back and have been able to listen to you play instead of just watch!  That was lovely.  A favorite carol to be sure.  Oh ... LOL ... there's a knob on the side of the monitor that was turned off ... Man-o-Man.  :)

Anonymous said...

That was great Sam. When you first posted I couldn't get the movie to do right so I waited until now and it does perfect. You are looking good. Congrats on the weight loss. I had to laugh about the postage on those cards. Glad that you liked the cat and crow movie. Hoping that you and Paulette and family have a happy and blessed Christmas. Helen

Anonymous said...

kudos to you on the weight loss. Having recently lost 20 poinds myself, I know how hard it is. I am writing this with a 3 musketeers bar in my mouth!
I love your playing. It was so good to see you.
Best wishes for a great season fo ryou and your loved ones
Marti

Anonymous said...

Oh poo!  I'm using a computer at the library (mine's done for...), and can't listen!

Kudos on the weight loss!  Here too...

I have to admit...I'm just about ready to throw in the towel on Christmas' in Georgia, Sam.  Mleh...hot...muggy...  MLEH...  I've been here quite a long time now, and get get accustomed...I'm a snowbird through and through.

(((Sam)))  MERRY CHRISTMAS, Sir. ;)  C.

Anonymous said...

Happy Christmas to you and yours Sam  and all good wishes for 2008

Anonymous said...

Ah yes, typical Christmas at your home.  And typical husband/wife too!  I have to w r i t e  i t  d o w n   for my hubby.  High 5's on the weight loss - that is awesome.  Loved the song!
Have a great Holiday!!
Sharon

Anonymous said...

It is good to see a post from you.  Glad to hear all is well at your home (well, unless those two or three cards get returned to you).
Lori

Anonymous said...

Good to see you posting and loved the video of you...that was very nice. Thirty pounds! Wow, you must feel better for sure...I am working on losing too...hardest thing a person has to do sometimes, give up all the fat (good tasting) sugar, and salt. Congratulations on success and I hope the next twenty come off without too much trouble as well. Ahhh shoot, I would have just gone to the post office and done it myself...lol...cause that would have probably happened here too. ;) Hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas and  Happy New Year.

Anonymous said...

Lovely entry Sam ~ Laughed at you waiting in line for 20 minutes then maybe putting the wrong amount of stamps on your postcards ~ Paulette won't let you post any in future :o)  they don't send back any underpaid cards here they leave a note that there is a card for you to collect from the post office and I think you have to pay £1 before they give it to you ~ well done on losing thirty pounds in weight hope you reach your goal sometime next year I am sure you will ~ and I really enjoyed your video it was lovely ~ Ally x

Anonymous said...

I haven't sent out Christmas cards in two years.  I used to do it every year, and I always loved it.  Maybe next year I'll be able to do it again. Postage is outrageous!
Happy Holidays Sam!
Love,
Connie

Anonymous said...

aww love the video....you play really well :)
lol about the post office, something Ben would do!
Thanks for the christmas card.
I think the nice temps that were here are a thing of the past. At least we got some rain today!

Take care,
Gretchen
http://journals.aol.com/ksgal3133/LivinginSavannah2

Anonymous said...

Hi !!!!! It is so nice to hear from you again. My family and I are also doing well in Georgia. We live in the Clayton County area of Georgia. It is now cold in our part of the neighborhood. I have just wrapped up my presents that I got for my coworkers I hope they like their gifts. We have already decorated the house. I wish I had your address so I could send you a Christmas card in the mail.

Thank you for the Christmas song it was beautiful. I do hope you and your family enjoy the Christmas season. I also wanted to wish you the best of holidays.

Monae

Anonymous said...

Hello dear Sam,
Thank you for playing the guitar for us : )  And I apolgize for not getting here sooner.  When I came across your journal in August when I didn't know about "Alerts".  I actually didn't know about Journal Alerts until mid Oct. & didn't know about Comment Alerts for about a monthe after that.  Blonde, y'know?  
Anyways, I loved the video.  And that's such good news about your weight!  Keep up the good work.  Bethe

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas, Sweetie! And thank you for the song and the good laughs!

Anonymous said...

Oh Boy!!  More than one carD!!!!  I like it.  The song was beautiful.  I played in the hospital christmas band this year--started  out with the kazoo and then the Commander got us recorders!!  I couldn't play the sucker in the 4th grade and that doesn't get any better with age.  So those of us without talent played one note to fit the chords on three different songs.  Sounded great and was good fun, but not at all a virtuoso performance.  I still prefer your playing to any others!

Anonymous said...

OH, I got to hear it this time..........yeah!!!!    Anne

Anonymous said...

bravo!

standing clapping!!

thank you Sam.

Anonymous said...

Hey Sam !  Thanks so much for doing this song.  It was my father's favorite, and even though he has been gone for almost thirty years, I still miss him dearly at this time of year. I appreciate that lovely reminder of him.  ( by the way ... you look fantastic, my friend ! )   Love to you, Tina

Anonymous said...

Dear Sam,
Thank you so much for the CHristmas story, graphic and beautiful music!
Bravo!
Sam would yu mind please visiting my blog agin and leaving some comments?
Oh and Sam would you host my blog a few times? Aol is asking me to ask some great writers to part teh waters and do some hosting, including thier own entries and links into my blog! invite your friends too!
hugggggggggggggs to you and your family,:)
natalie

Anonymous said...

How many stamps did the larger envelopes take?  [Suddenly I knew I was a cooked goose].

my favorite part