If you were withing range, Cathy, I'd pelt you with unshelled nuts in honor of St. Stephen. I had several uncles that never let the day pass. Come to think of it, my relatives were strange growing up.
Sadly, no. Wise men are in too short of supply these days. And gold, frankincense and myrrh are cost prohibitive. Just write "20 C+M+B 13" over your door frame in chalk. I suppose you might heave that chalk at your hubby when you're through--if you must. But that's best left to your discretion.
I guess I was exposed more to Eastern European traditions--something other than Irish/English (and Italian) only. Although I did get all the Irish ones as well given my neighborhood. Of course you saw that the C, M, and B stand for Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar, and the "20" and "13" the date. Coincidentally--or maybe not so much--the "CMB" could also stand for "Christus mansionem benedicat" (Christ bless this house). The Irish priests at my Parish did not practice these traditions but I did--once I heard about them. I grew up with all kinds of traditions that my parents had picked up as well--from their life experiences in Chicago's melting pot. Usually great food from everywhere, but other things as well.
Of course the tree came down today (Jan. 6th)--that is part of tradition, too. It was easy at my house growing up because we always got the tree on Christmas Eve. That was my dad's personal tradition that had more to do with growing up in the Depression (and refusing to pay big bucks for cut trees afterward) and that always drove my Mom crazy. But it led to another one of my family's Christmas traditions--having Chinese food for Christmas Eve dinner. So my Mom wouldn't have to bother with supper when she was busy with the ornaments and details.
And of course I had Chinese food this year--to answer your follow up. Traditions are putting our good memories to good use today. The only way we get to touch immortality.
And a happy new year to you all! So sorry to have been AWOL of late: Angela and I are hectically getting things ready for our first child: a little girl who all being well will be making her debut in April. I'm hoping to get back to my old routines soon, though. That Possession review is on the way, I can just feel it!
Ah ha, Darrell! You see!! Keep the faith, brother.
Matthew, always good to have you come by. A new baby on the way, is it? Excellent! We've got to do some old movies. Did you know babies love old movies? They love 'em! And I do hope she will be a Jane Austen fan. It could well become a family interest. I'm very happy for you guys.
Hello again! Just to let you know that subsequent scans maintain that the little girl is in fact a little boy: we'll know for sure sometime this month.
And here, offered sheepishly, is the Possession review:
Hey, Matthew! I didn't see your comment there right away (still have to get the darn comment tool fixed!) but thanks so much for stopping by! A little boy is it? Well, they are less work in the long run. Either way, it's fun.
I read your review and loved it. It's pretty neat for me to hear your perspective on Americans commenting on the authenticity of recreations of English life. It is a tad presumptuous, isn't it? I'm afraid Americans too often have a blind spot in that regard. Anyway, I enjoyed what you had to say, and will leave it for my betters to comment further.
Congratulations on upcoming fatherhood, and best of luck to you both!!
Matthew, I, too, wish you a Blessed fatherhood. In the meantime, I still would like to know what your bride thought of Possession. I trust you to convey her words here. I would not pose such a request at your site, lest people pressure you to make it a regular feature. Thanks.
I hope you saw my Christmas wishes on the other thread, James. I commented before you created a Cristmas post.
ReplyDeleteAlthough, now, I fear the Coniam's won't see my subliminal message there. Oh well. It is subliminal afterall.
I did, and thank you Darrell!
ReplyDeleteAs to Matthew, I think he will be back someday. I hope so, anyway.
Happy Boxing Day!
ReplyDelete(Thanks for another gorgeous picture!)
If you were withing range, Cathy, I'd pelt you with unshelled nuts in honor of St. Stephen. I had several uncles that never let the day pass. Come to think of it, my relatives were strange growing up.
ReplyDeleteLet me be the last to wish you a Happy New Year 2012!
ReplyDeleteI'll try to do better next year.
Well, now let me be the first to wish everyone a Happy New Year 2013!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year 2013.
See? I keep my promises.
Happy New Year, Darrell!!
ReplyDeleteWell, my New Year's wishes are as sincere as they are tardy... But I should be pelted with unshelled nuts!
ReplyDeleteOnly on St. Stephen's Day, Cathy!
ReplyDeleteNuts are expensive!
Happy New Year, Cathy!! Yeah!!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Epiphany!!!
ReplyDelete(Should I throw anything at anybody?)
Sadly, no.
ReplyDeleteWise men are in too short of supply these days. And gold, frankincense and myrrh are cost prohibitive. Just write "20 C+M+B 13" over your door frame in chalk. I suppose you might heave that chalk at your hubby when you're through--if you must. But that's best left to your discretion.
Darrell, i never heard of chalking doorways for Epiphany before! (You always make me look things up. :) ) I love this. Did you do this growing up?
ReplyDeleteI guess I was exposed more to Eastern European traditions--something other than Irish/English (and Italian) only. Although I did get all the Irish ones as well given my neighborhood. Of course you saw that the C, M, and B stand for Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar, and the "20" and "13" the date. Coincidentally--or maybe not so much--the "CMB" could also stand for "Christus mansionem benedicat" (Christ bless this house). The Irish priests at my Parish did not practice these traditions but I did--once I heard about them. I grew up with all kinds of traditions that my parents had picked up as well--from their life experiences in Chicago's melting pot. Usually great food from everywhere, but other things as well.
ReplyDeleteOf course the tree came down today (Jan. 6th)--that is part of tradition, too. It was easy at my house growing up because we always got the tree on Christmas Eve. That was my dad's personal tradition that had more to do with growing up in the Depression (and refusing to pay big bucks for cut trees afterward) and that always drove my Mom crazy. But it led to another one of my family's Christmas traditions--having Chinese food for Christmas Eve dinner. So my Mom wouldn't have to bother with supper when she was busy with the ornaments and details.
ReplyDeleteAnd of course I had Chinese food this year--to answer your follow up. Traditions are putting our good memories to good use today. The only way we get to touch immortality.
Thanks for those good stories, Darrell. It's always good to have your company.
ReplyDeleteAnd a happy new year to you all!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to have been AWOL of late: Angela and I are hectically getting things ready for our first child: a little girl who all being well will be making her debut in April.
I'm hoping to get back to my old routines soon, though. That Possession review is on the way, I can just feel it!
Ah ha, Darrell! You see!! Keep the faith, brother.
ReplyDeleteMatthew, always good to have you come by. A new baby on the way, is it? Excellent! We've got to do some old movies. Did you know babies love old movies? They love 'em! And I do hope she will be a Jane Austen fan. It could well become a family interest. I'm very happy for you guys.
: )
Hello again!
ReplyDeleteJust to let you know that subsequent scans maintain that the little girl is in fact a little boy: we'll know for sure sometime this month.
And here, offered sheepishly, is the Possession review:
http://movietonecameos.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/possession-2002.html
We watched it yesterday, and I liked it, but it didn't get me by the throat and shake, as it were. I fear it won't be worth your wait, Darrell.
Hey, Matthew! I didn't see your comment there right away (still have to get the darn comment tool fixed!) but thanks so much for stopping by! A little boy is it? Well, they are less work in the long run. Either way, it's fun.
ReplyDeleteI read your review and loved it. It's pretty neat for me to hear your perspective on Americans commenting on the authenticity of recreations of English life. It is a tad presumptuous, isn't it? I'm afraid Americans too often have a blind spot in that regard. Anyway, I enjoyed what you had to say, and will leave it for my betters to comment further.
Congratulations on upcoming fatherhood, and best of luck to you both!!
Thanks James!
ReplyDeleteMatthew, I, too, wish you a Blessed fatherhood.
ReplyDeleteIn the meantime, I still would like to know what your bride thought of Possession. I trust you to convey her words here. I would not pose such a request at your site, lest people pressure you to make it a regular feature. Thanks.