Christmas Eve and Christmas 2021

“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. ” ― Norman Vincent Peale

 So, we first went up to Washington to visit with our friend Pedro on Christmas Eve.  We met Pedro through the internet, and he's got a bunch of wonderful children.  He said he was invited back to the north part of Oregon to a friend's home for Christmas.  The friend's name is Izzy.  Izzy's home was very eccentric.  

We sang on the Karaoke machine, ate a wonderful dinner, and then headed back to Washington.  Because it was late and cold, we slept at Pedro's home.  Pedro served us a nice breakfast made with duck eggs and chorizo for Christmas breakfast. Then we stopped by my nephew Daniel's home in Gladstone, Oregon. My nephew Daniel's girlfriend Pam and my niece Anya made Christmas sugar cookies. Pam gave us cookies for our trip home. They are too cute to eat.

Gifts from Tenants

“Christmas, children, is not a date. It is a state of mind. ” ― Mary Ellen Chase

I am so grateful for the tenants I've met that appreciate us in the office here in Salem, Oregon.  Here are a couple things that were brought to the office.  It makes up for not being around my family during the holidays...a teensy bit.  

One made a bunch of cookies and the other gave me a mug and socks.

Ugly Vest

“I heard the bells on Christmas Day Their old, familiar carols play, And wild and sweet The words repeat Of peace on earth, good-will to men!” ― Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

My goofball husband wore his ugly Christmas vest to work and one of my Christmas bow earrings.  He has no shame.  It's so cold in Oregon, but he doesn't care about that when it comes to being gaudy.

I lucked out in having met and married someone who likes the holidays as much as I do, especially Christmas.  Trevor is such a great sport and fun partner in shenanigans!

Christmas Gift 2021

“Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone.” ― Charles M. Schulz

I work at an RV Park in Salem, Oregon and eventually got to know some of the tenants.  I had a very sweet tenant named Crystal.  She gave me a gift.  It was a pretty purple and white crocheted afghan. She also gave me christmas socks.  

How thoughtful.  

Mistletoe

“Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.” ― Hamilton Wright Mabie

One of the traditions Trevor brought to our household that I never really decorated with, is the mistletoe.  His good friend, Valerie, whom they refer to each other as siblings, has a daughter named Raelynn.  She's better known as Squishy.  

Trevor kissed Squishy under the mistletoe.  It would be the last hug and kiss in a very long time as we will be moving to California.    

Squishy, was one of Trevor's first "little buddies" when we moved to Oregon.  What a bright and wonderful little girl she is.

Gift for Trevor

“Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.” ― Calvin Coolidge

Trevor saw this teeshirt on a Facebook ad and thought it was funny.  He reshared the advertisement and said, "Want."  I didn't think anything of it.  

Well, our friend, Daniel, came by our apartment and bought two, one for him and one for Trevor.  

Of course, Trevor had to put it on to be twinsies with Daniel.

Christmas Photos 2021

Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say
On a bright Hawaiian Christmas Day
That's the island greeting that we send to you
From the land where palm trees sway
Here we know that Christmas will be green and bright
The sun to shine by day, and all the stars at night
Mele Kalikimaka is Hawaii's way
to say merry Christmas to you
―R. Alex Anderson

 

Usually, every November, I start preparing for Christmas cards.  I want my cards to get to my loved ones before Christmas.  These Christmas pictures came out beautifully.  It showcases my love for Tiki art and Trevor's love for the Green Bay Packers.  This was taken in our apartment in front of our tree.  Of course, his mug actually had coffee in it.  

Green Bay Packers Tree

“When we recall Christmas past, we usually find that the simplest things - not the great occasions - give off the greatest glow of happiness.” ― Bob Hope

Here's our first apartment together since Trevor got back to Salem, Oregon from his stay in Hawaii.  I was in the Christmas spirit early (November), but I didn't want to seem ridiculous to my peers, so instead of decorating with a "Christmas" theme, I decorated my tree in Green Bay Packers for the month of November.  We are Green Bay Packers fans, so this worked out for Trevor.  On December 1st, I'd change it to Mele Kalikimaka. 

This may be a tradition in the years to come.  

So, if you ever want to get us something for Christmas, Green Bay Packers is perfect for us.  Anything Green Bay Packers!  

I want this tree so gaudy and cheesy (pun intended) in future pre-Christmases, during football season.

Gifts from a Tenant

“A lovely thing about Christmas is that it's compulsory, like a thunderstorm, and we all go through it together.” ― Garrison Keillor, Leaving Home

Today, one of my RV tenants, stopped by to give me my late Christmas gift.  It was an ornament of a trailer and a pair of men's socks.  I will regift the socks to Trevor as they will fit him better.  I don't know how I got so lucky in meeting such wonderful people.  I haven't been around such warm-hearted people in all my life.