Tag Archives: Christmas

Farewell 2017

I’m sure most of my readers will actually be reading this on Tuesday instead of Monday this week as Monday is Christmas day, but that’s ok!  Better late than never!

 

To that end, Merry Christmas everyone!  And Happy Holidays to those of you who don’t celebrate Christmas!

 

Here’s a shot I took earlier in the year (when we actually had snow) to get everyone in the winter mood.  Funny thing about this shot, the sky was only overcast when I set out on the hike but on the way back it was almost a blizzard.  I couldn’t see more than ten feet in front of me at times.  That’s Maine for you.  Our saying about the weather is so true:  “If you don’t like the weather in Maine…Wait five minutes.”

 

 

 

Well, this marks my last post of 2017.  I hope everyone enjoyed my random musings and photos this year.  I’ll be back with a new post next Monday where it’s January 1st, then I’ll continue with my “every-other-week” posting schedule.

 

I hope everyone has a happy and safe New Year (and if you plan to ring in the new year at a party with alcohol, please drink responsibly and designate a driver)!

 

Take care, folks!

 

 

Until next time…

 

[^_^]

~A.M.

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New Tradition?

 
With recent events, my family wasn’t really feeling the “Christmas vibe” this year. We exchanged a few gifts on Christmas eve, as we always do, but on Christmas day, we were shocked by the weather. In my little corner of Maine, it was bright sun and temperatures in the 50s. Even the breeze was warm. It felt more like the end of spring, beginning of summer than Christmas Day.

 
So, my parents and I decided to take advantage of the weather and get out into the fresh air, perhaps starting a new tradition in the process.

 
We went hiking at Quoddy Head State Park, one of my favorite hiking spots. The road there was pretty much deserted with stores closed for Christmas and pretty much everyone else at home observing whatever traditions they observe on this holiday. We did meet two couples on the trails at Quoddy, wished them a Merry Christmas, and went on to enjoy our hike.

 
It seemed strange. Christmas day with no snow whatsoever, and the temperature in the upper 50s.

 
Weather permitting, we just might try to do this every year, hence starting a new tradition.

 
Here’s a photo I took during my Christmas hike. Enjoy…

 

 

 

Quoddy Head Light, Christmas 2015

 

 

 
I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanza, Yule, or whatever it is you celebrate at this time of the year.

 
As this is the last Monday in 2015, I wish you all a Happy New Year.

 

 

 
Until next time…

 
[^_^]

 
~A.M.

It’s Winter…

 

But it’s no wonderland.

 

Typically, around this time of year in Maine there’s a good amount of snow on the ground. Anywhere from a few inches to a few feet. But this year, there’s nothing. At all.

 

That’s Global Warming for you, folks.

 

But, there are still a few days until Christmas, maybe a storm will give us a dusting (the Eskimo people may have over sixty words for snow, but we Mainer’s have quite a few ourselves).

 

Anyway, in lieu of sending out physical Christmas cards this year (as I’m not really feeling the “Christmas Spirit” for good reason this year), I’ll drop a digital version here for all my readers.

 

 

Wishing you a Merry Christmas (or happy/merry *insert name of holiday you observe here*), and a happy and prosperous New Year!

Wishing you a Merry Christmas (or happy/merry *insert name of holiday you observe here*), and a happy and prosperous New Year!

 

 

 

Until next time…

 

[-_-]

 

~A.M.

When It Rains, It Pours…

 

Everyone’s heard that popular phrase describing unfortunate circumstances that seem to pile up one after another. Well, pile up they have.

 

I think I mentioned in a post a long time ago (I’m not sure when) that I have horrid luck when it comes to technology. That bad luck came around to bite me yet again. Shortly after last Monday’s post, the laptop I’d been using decided it wanted to give me a hard time. The laptop boots up normally, but all the screen shows is a mash of colored lines, effectively disabling me from accessing anything. Yeah. Such is my luck.

 

But, it gets worse. I did a little research in a few stores and even asked a few employees if I would still be able to connect to the internet via dial-up (that’s how old-school my town is, we only have dial-up) with the new laptop I was considering. I was assured that I could, so I bought the laptop. Strike number two. It didn’t work. That’s twice now that I was mislead by employees at a popular electronics store that shall remain nameless (let’s just say it wasn’t the “greatest purchase“). So, I won’t be shopping at that chain ever again.

I returned the useless laptop that turns out was only capable of a wifi connection (which isn’t available in my town or the surrounding area). So, my internet access will be spotty at best. I’m going to try to keep to my weekly blog postings but if I miss a week or two (and if posts are a bit lacking in new photographs like this post), you’ll know why.

 

Anyway, I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving. Mine wasn’t so festive, but I covered the reason for that in last week’s post. And I also hope everyone didn’t fall into the Black Friday trap this year.

 

The Christmas season is quickly approaching with tomorrow being December 1st. I would urge everyone to not get swept up in the whole materialistic bull that stores have made the holiday into. It’s not about what new gadgets you get or who gives the best and most expensive gifts, it’s about being with family and friends, appreciating each other, and doing kind things for others instead of thinking about yourself. Giving gifts is all well and good, but try something different. Instead of buying something, make something. Instead of sending a generic card to a loved one, call them. Instead of texting, call. You get the idea.

 

 

 

Until next time…

 

[-_-]

 

~A.M.

Christmas Time

 

With all the political correctness being thrown about when it comes to the holidays, especially Christmas, I feel I need to make a little stand here.

 

Why should I have to stop saying “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Yule” (since I celebrate Christmas for/with the family and Yule for/by myself) in favor of “Happy Holidays” just because someone that doesn’t celebrate Christmas or Yule may possibly take offense to said greetings?  It’s kind of ridiculous if you think about it.  You don’t see me getting all bent out of shape when someone says “Happy Hanukah” (did I spell that right?) or “Happy Kwanza.”  In fact, I’d rather that happen.  Instead of getting offended by my “Merry Christmas” to you, I’d rather have you respond joyfully with, “Happy/Merry *name of whatever particular holiday/festival you celebrate*”.

 

Doesn’t that make more sense than pushing the whole “politically correct” thing on something so simple and innocent as a holiday greeting (or decorations since it‘s spilling over into that area too)?  There are bigger things out there in the world that should concern us than how someone extends a holiday greeting.  I know some of you out there agree with me, and those that don’t, well, this is just my opinion so no harm no foul! d_[^_^]

 

No matter what holiday, religious rite, or festival you celebrate, I think we can all agree that this is a time of year for family, joy, caring, and love for your fellow human beings.  Right?  I know!

 

That being said, I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, a Happy Yule, and a Happy/Merry everything else (to those that don’t celebrate Christmas or Yule)!  And since I can’t send everyone a card, I’ll offer up the digital equivalent!

 

Warm Wishes and Bright Blessings to you.

Warm Wishes and Bright Blessings to you.

 

Tis the season to be kind to others, regardless of your (or their) differences, whatever they may be!

 

 

Until next time….

 

[^_^]

 

~A.M.