When I think of the season, I think about TV shows I have seen, and Amos N’ Andy 1952 ranks pretty high on my Christmas favorites list—right up there with the time I accidentally set my holiday ham on fire while trying to multitask with gingerbread cookies!
Seriously, though, please take a few minutes to watch it. We need more Americans like Andrew H. Brown. If we had a few more of him, we might be able to sprinkle some joy on this world—preferably without the risk of igniting our Christmas dinner!
We were up early and Colleen was gone! It was unusual for her to be up before everyone else, especially on a chilly December morning. I checked the kitchen, but she wasn’t there either. I could only imagine what she was up to—maybe brewing her favorite holiday coffee or sneaking in a few minutes of quiet time before the days festivities began. I quickly grabbed my sweater and headed outside, hoping to catch her taking in the trash barrels or something?
The world was still waking up, and that magical early morning light was just beginning to sprinkle across the snow. I couldn’t help but smile at the thought of what we might do together today, just like I did when I re watched that holiday show featuring Andrew H. Brown.
Colleen always brings the joy and warmth of the season to life!
We forgot that she was picking up Joe at the Long Beach Airport at 6:00 am, he was flying in from Las Vegas.
Mary and I worked on our respective computers until Colleen showed up and then we went outside and finished decorating the front of the house! We were short some bunting and re setup the inflatables that were crunched with the previous windstorm.
Putting on the final touches!
After all the work, someone said “breakfast”. My mind went to cereal but MAry suggested the three steaks we bought yesterday. I did my marination thing.
Breakfast anyone?
The fragrance wafted through the house and our trusty sidekick, Scout, went wild. The sweet potato had previously been frozen making it a delicious side dish.
Overall, sweet potatoes are often considered healthier than regular potatoes due to their higher vitamin A content, lower glycemic index, and greater antioxidant properties.
Right off the griddle.
Who doesn’t love a fresh salad straight from the garden? There’s something so satisfying about using ingredients you’ve picked yourself—crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, mild red peppers, and maybe even some herbs for added flavor. It brings a whole new level of freshness and taste that you just can’t get from store-bought produce. Plus, it’s a fun way to enjoy the outdoors and get a little exercise in while you’re at it!
We needed a breakfast salad!
After saying Grace, we dug into those steaks with a fervor not seen in years. It sounded like the sound track from a TV movie where the lion catches his prey!
Our lovely daughter joined us!
After Colleen left to visit her mother and catch the nephews’ soccer games, we turned the house into our own little retreat! We tackled the ongoing battle against dust bunnies, and when we ran out of steam, we indulged in glorious naps that rivaled the Sleeping Beauty! Who knew that a quiet house could feel so luxurious? It was like a mini-vacation—complete with lounge wear and zero responsibilities. I think we might just start a new trend: “Home Alone and Loving It!”
There are still good people in this country!
Colleen got a call from some folks in Long Beach, they had found the contents of her purse. Obviously the money was gone but the other essentials were still there. The folks are going to drop it off at the Lakewood Police Station and we will get it tonight or tomorrow. It is so nice to know there are still some good honest people around. God Bless Them!!
Colleen was visiting her nephews who are soccer stars.
Our Star!!
Mary and I went to the Packards International Shop Party with Dianne and “Fast Edddie”. Robert Escalante runs the restoration shop and he had many cars in various stages of repair; some ready to go and some jusy hulks of “what will be”.
The cars were ready to go!
“Fast Eddie” is a funny guy and is claim to fame is restoring motorcycles, mostly the engines of vintage machines. After dinner, we raided the dessert counter and gave us his opinions on the various selections. A true dessert taster!
Fast Eddie found the donuts!
The shop was crowded with people. We almost met the Santa Ana Mayor and the Santa Ana Chief Of Police who attended the event. They mingled around in the crowd. There were also some state assemblymen in the local districts sprinkled in for good measure.
The party was full of action.
Dr. Mary went into action when her tookie came back with a broken leg. I thought surely she would perform leg surgery on it by adding some needed frosting but instead, SHE ATE IT!
Dr. Mary fixed his leg, chomp, and we had a quick amputation
The party was in a car shop, so we knew from previous years it would be cold; we dressed accordingly. As we arrived, the familiar scent of motor oil mingled with the festive aroma of holiday treats.
The atmosphere was lively, filled with laughter and the sound of tools clinking as friends caught up and reminisced about past gatherings. We made our way to the snack table, grabbing chardonnay topped with marshmallows while our favorite holiday tunes played in the background.
It was a great reminder that even in the unlikeliest of places, the spirit of the season could shine through.
Just us!
Until I found out the cost, I was ready to buy the red roadster as it is a wonderful color. These beauties are getting ready to be picked up by their owners.
Love the restorations.
Dianne and “Fast” Eddie having a great time. We laughed and giggled all night long.
Dianne and “Fast” Eddie
I caught a quick glimpse of Old Saint Nick over the the corner of the shop working on his sleigh.
