Christmas and Birthday Tribute

A couple of posts ago I talked about getting into the Christmas spirit.  I talked about old Christmas music and how it got me into the spirit.  I stated that I would be revisiting the topic again and that it would have family ties.  This post is a tribute to a wonderful woman in my life.  The woman who provided me with the love of Christmas and "Alabama,"  "Kenny and Dolly," "John Denver," and "George Strait" is celebrating a birthday tomorrow.  I want her to know how much I appreciated those childhood memories she provided. 

My Mom always played her country music loud and her country Christmas music even louder. I can remember going to bed at night with the smell of chocolate chip cookies baking in the oven.  I could hear wrapping paper crinkling and the whizz of the tape dispenser as she wrapped gifts.  She would be singing along with an Ann Murray carol and the sound of their voices was comforting.  Every Christmas would be the same and the only thing that changed it seemed were the presents we received...oh and I got older.  The familiar scene was comforting and it provided a solid foundation of what Christmas should be.  Family. 

Mom, you have made so many special Christmas memories for me.  I want to thank you and this short blog entry comes no where near demonstrating my gratitude.  I love you and those memories.  When I hear those country Christmas songs, you instantly come to mind and I can't help but smile and feel relaxed.   It helps me deal with the stress the season sometimes brings and it helps me slow down.  It is incredible how quickly the music you listened to and sung along with so quickly moves me and stirs those memories. 

Happy Birthday Mom and thanks for making a big deal out of Christmas.

 

A Great Christmas Parade with Exceptions

Did you see the number of people at the Sussex Christmas parade?  Main Street looked very impressive with the Christmas lights, music, people, and the parade.  Kids were laughing and having fun and adults were all chatting and from time to time warning the kids not to play in the street.  It was a great evening of family entertainment.

For those who feel I'm overly positive and never create enough controversy in my writing...guess what?  I wasn't completely happy with the parade.  Don't get me wrong. I loved the parade.  My discontent stems from the people who feel the need to parallel park, on a crosswalk, and leave the car running for the entire parade.  Onlookers of the parade were essentially forced to breath in the fumes the car was putting out.  I think the Town should consider a parking ban during the parade or consider a section where if you need to, you can park and idle if needed.  For me that isn't a great option because of the environmental impact.

Really why would anyone really need to idle their car for the entire parade?  The car doesn't get that cold over the hour long event.  If it does, pack more blankets so you'll be warm enough.

Just so I don't leave this on a bad note, I want to tip my hat to the Town of Sussex.  Well done with the one exception which I don't feel you should have to address, people should know better.