The Florida Citrus Tower, one of the first constructed Florida landmarks, is located in Clermont…

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Well another weekend over and we’re less than 2 weeks from Christmas…are you ready yet?  Main picture and this one are from Columbia Restaurant in Tampa again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clermont is often referred to as the ‘Gem of the Hills’ due to its beautiful hilly landscape.

 

 

 

 

 

 

VINTAGE Japanese Tea CUP saucer 4" with Geishas and Flower in Center

ARMED FORCES HISTORY MUSEUM  www.armedforcesmuseum.com

2050 34th Way North—-Largo, Fl. 33771

Experience their battle.  Honor their sacrifice.  Relive their history.  Salute their heroism.  Largest collection of military memorabilia in the Southeast.  Uniforms, ordnances from around the world.  Watch Pearl Harbor footage, look at items from Hollywood elite who entertained at the USO shows.  Working 42′ submarine periscope.  WWII communication center,  stories of local hero who won the Medal of Honor.  Replica of a partial MASH tent.  Saddam Hussein’s uniform.   Ride WWII M8 reconnaissance vehicle, Climb into the cockpit of a Russian Mig.  Actual Quonset Hut.  Nearly 100,000 artifacts and 50 operational vehicles.

Tues-Sat 10 am – 4 pm

Sunday noon-4

Closed Mondays and major holidays

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Activities like camping, hunting, fishing, riding, hang-gliding and para-gliding are quite popular in Clermont.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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WALT DISNEY WORLD BELL PORCELAIN 4 3/4″ (262185284215)    $20.00

 

 

 

 

 

HONORABLE MENTION:

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THE BARN YARN

www.thebarnyarn.com

713 W. Montrose St—Clermont, Fl. 34711    352-404-7899

  STORE HOURS

Monday-Friday:  11-4pm
Saturday:               8-2pm
Sunday:                   Closed

352-404-7899
angela@thebarnyarn.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are more than 15 golf courses around Clermont, which satisfy the needs of the ardent golf enthusiasts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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BUDWEISER 1996 HOLIDAY STEIN AMERICAN STEIN (262185074833)    $7.00

 
 

 

Still no one???!!! http://www.christiantoday.com/article/outlander.season.2.updates.what.to.expect.from.season.2.with.new.trailer.brianna.casting.update/72859.htm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just a short distance from Clermont you can try the various types of wines at the Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A CHRISTMAS IDEA:  BAKE YOUR FAVORITE cake in a giftible, unusual shaped pan.  After cooling completely out of the pan, return the cake to the pan and cover it with powered sugar.   Make sure to include the cake recipe.  (another suggestion from Publix .  http://www.publix.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=2015_digital_corp&utm_term=publix)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clermont is a city in Lake County, Florida, United States, about 22 miles west of Orlando and 22 miles southeast of Leesburg. The population was 30,201 as of 2013.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Today I thought I’d feature another town in Florida that might figure nicely in the adventure category:  CLERMONT.  Oh the picture of the knit shop and all the rest till the end are my pictures taken in Clermont.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clermont’s Historic Village, at the corner of West Avenue and Osceola Street, is a cooperative effort of the South Lake County Historical Society and the City of Clermont.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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One of  the newer places (Route 27 north) is the Lake Ridge Winery & Vineyard.  Opened in 1989 it uses all  Florida  Grown grape and is surround by vineyards.  Tours and tastings are available daily and check their  site for their fun events with vendors, live music and all manner of food.  http://www.lakeridgewinery.com/Events/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clermont Name Meaning /French: habitational name from any of the various places named Clermont, from Old French clair, cler ‘bright’, ‘clear’ + mont ‘hill’, i.e. a hill that could be seen a long way off.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Clermont was founded in 1884, by four gentlemen from New Jersey who incorporated it into the Clermont Improvement Company, the  French name a tribute to one of the founders birthplace (he was of Polish ancestry though).  The town with it’s  main street named Montrose (after a town where  another one of the founders grew up  in, in Pennsylvania) . William House the company president with one of the founders moved here.  House built a three story mansion with a five story tower.   They sold lots to northerners stressing the beauty and healthy aspects of the area.  But the facts were not the same as the advertisement and complaints included mosquitoes, streets of loose sand and huge colonies of wild hogs who loved the sand streets and brought flies with them.  Add to this that there was no sewer system and the stinky outhouses and you had a recipe for eventual failure—which came in 1895 with the big freeze in February with the destruction of the town’s main crop citrus.  The founders and their president with empty wallets headed home, the mansion became a rooming house and Clermont operated without a municipal government for the next two decades.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clermont, Florida, is known as the “Choice of Champions”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 Clermont has its own haunted house (probably more than one but this one was featured on Unsolved Mysteries and in at least one book. )  The man who supposedly haunts the house was murdered in 1975 when he ran outside to put out a fire in his truck and was shot at close range with a shotgun.  The crime to this day is unsolved.  The ghost is famous as he has been photographed.  Visitors to he house have experienced everything from a bad smell (a mixture of ammonia, sulfur and smelly socks), to feeling a cold sensation and others have found music boxes playing by themselves.  Doorknobs are said to turn, rocker move by themselves and so do swings even when it’s calm.  Also see:  https://studios.amazon.com/discussions/Tx20YLY1X4V5IEL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clermont was incorporated in 1916.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Great Freeze wasn’t the only time the weather was to damage Clermont–in 1983 on Christmas morning the worst freezes in 20th century Florida hit devastating hundreds of thousands of orange and grapefruit trees.  Clermont was one of the hardest hit communities but in less than five years Clermont had began replacing the groves with houses.  Only 1/2 an hour drive from Walt Disney World it became a bedroom community and it also began attracting a large number of retirees as well as the commuters.  The housing developments are now scattered about what well may be the hillest town in Florida with its multiple lakes and giant oaks and other variety of trees and other plants.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Downtown Clermont: This core area of Clermont is located between State Road 50 and the south shore of Lake Minneola. This area provides a variety of unique retail shops, restaurants and businesses, as well as the Art League, the Clermont City Center and Clermont City Hall. Also located at the west end of downtown is the Historic Village.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Clermont’s Historic Village, at the corner of West Avenue and Osceola Street, is a cooperative effort of the South Lake County Historical Society and the City of Clermont.

It includes:

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The Townsend House: built in approximately 1895 . This was the home of James and Sallie Townsend, the first African-American couple to make their home in Clermont.

 

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Kern House. The house was built in approximately 1885.   Alexander and Eleonora Kern were farmers in New Jersey who moved to Central Florida with their two children. Mr. Kern built a water tank in the backyard of this home and hand pumped water from Crystal Lake to supply his home with water.

 

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Depot building, which was built around 1925. The building includes rest rooms, covered picnic area, a small office, a concession stand and a meeting room which will seat 30 to 40 people.

 

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Cooper Memorial Library building, built in 1914 restored to a Museum.

 

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Quonset Hut restored as a World War II Museum.

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Clermont’s Historic Village is open every Saturday and Sunday afternoon from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The main roads through Clermont consist of State Road 50 and U.S. Route 27.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Contact the Citrus Tower today to learn more about our 50+ years of heritage, or stop by for a majestic view of the rolling hills of Florida’s ridge section and hundreds of spring-fed lakes in the surrounding 8-county areahttp://www.citrustower.com/clermont/contact/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Other Sources

 

 

Best Backroads of Florida—Douglas Waitley

Haunting Sunshine—Jack Powell

Hidden Florida–Ray Reigart, Ed.

The Best Small Towns Under the Sun—Robert J. Howard

 

 

 

 

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On St. Patrick’s Day I to pretend to be Irish. At Christmas I pretend to be good.

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The bizarre Catalonian tradition of caga tió (or “defecating log” in English) involves creating a character out of a small log – often complete with a grinning face and hat – which sits on the dining room table during the fortnight leading up to Christmas. It has to be fed every day with fruit, nuts and sweets, and then – on Christmas Eve – the entire family beats the log with sticks, while singing traditional songs, forcing the log to excrete its treats.     http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/picturegalleries/8214909/The-worlds-weirdest-Christmas-traditions.html?frame=1790284

 

 

 

 

 

 

TEAR-DROP EARRINGS Tangerine Vintage with Clip Ons

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I’m back and progressing nicely on the clean up and Christmas décor….also have my heavenly ham reserved which I pick up on Mon. 12/21…it’s a beautiful day and I’m going to dinner and an old movie tonight so it’s a good day.
 Didn’t get done yesterday so its Friday and after getting my sales to the post office and going to do some face book picture and then some Christmas Shopping I came home to my Blog and away we go:
The caganer, a male figurine with his pants rolled down mid-squat. Just what is this guy up to? Well, his activity is revealed when you translate his name – the defecator. Yes, this fella is in the midst of delivering a ‘number two’ in a far corner of the manger. Folklore says that farmers would be punished with a poor crop harvest and bad fortune if they didn’t include a caganer within their nativity scene. Today, the tradition continues with Christmas markets selling old school caganers alongside new versions that feature famous faces
http://www.readersdigest.ca/travel/world/13-unusual-holiday-traditions-around-world    THERE APPEARS TO BE A CONTINUING THEME HERE.
RECOMMENDATION FOR A POSSIBLE ADVENTURE:
ECO-ADVENTURE:  GIRAFFE RANCH
38650 Mickler Rd.
Dade City, Fl.
www.girafferanch.com
Family owned and operated 15 years
Fun, hands-on adventures
Licensed working ranch that specializes in exotic species
as well as domestic cattle ad horses
Experience first hand, the lives of giraffe.
Guided safaris in customized 4W vehicle or by camel back
Flat Fee per person:
Vehicle Safari:  $75
Camel Backed safari:  $150 (must be 3 or older)
11 am and 2 pm tours daily
by reservations only

Reveillon   France (but also New Orleans. And Quebec) it is the gluttonous ceremony of ‘reveillon’– a Christmas Eve banquet to end all banquets. The idea is to stay awake (roughly the translation of the word) until after midnight, cramming as much luxurious grub as possible. This may include the 13 desserts. Yes, 13 – one for each of Jesus and the 12 Apostles.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-2877994/Krampus-demon-bad-tempered-Yule-Cat-Mexican-night-radishes-strangest-Christmas-traditions-world-revealed.html#ixzz3tx52pz4M

HINGED BOX Vintage Silver-tone Lined in Red Velvet

HONORABLE MENTION:

REFLECTIONS OF NANCY

Fused glass, custom orders

407-414-4115

Clermont, Florida

http://www.reflectionsofnSancy.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reindeer Games
On Christmas Eve, Santa Claus may ride a sleigh pulled by eight reindeer over North America, but during the night he frequently switches modes of transportation. Santa rides a kangaroo in Australia, he paddles a canoe in Hawaii, he rides a horse in the Netherlands, he travels by a donkey in Switzerland, and he is dropped from heaven on a golden cord into the Czech Republic.  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/joey-green/12-weird-christmas-tradit_b_2338748.html
BEAD CHOKER, Pastel Wooden Beads Vintage
DragonLaire $6.00 USD
If you haven’t heard by now the Show, Cait and Tobias were all nominated for the Golden Globe—http://tvline.com/2015/12/10/outlander-season-2-lord-john-ronald-moore/
OK I am happy for the show-Good job Ron— and a big congratulation to Cait and Tobias,  but I can’t believe Sam was left out (he’s in good company they also snubbed Depp, Helen Mirren and Charlize Theron, even Tom Hanks all of whom had their movies and others named in the production named for possible awards, but not them.  http://deadline.com/2015/12/golden-globe-nominations-2016-snubs-surprises-ellie-kemper-johnny-depp-mad-men-1201662713/ ).   And I’m sorry Sam, cause you so deserved a nomination and I didn’t feel mad that you didn’t get nominated I felt very sad and I hope you know that if we could vote we’d vote to send all the Golden Globe Members (only about 100 or so) to Wentworth under Black Jack’s supervision.

Every Dec. 23, the Mexican state of Oaxaca presents the most impressive display of carved vegetables in the world. The radishes are grown especially for this event, and remain on display through Christmas day. The miniature exhibits depict the Nativity scene and other events from Mexican folklore. Originally, the tradition of radish carving was done by shopkeepers who wanted to entice people into their stores. Today, it’s a three-day festival.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Antique/Vintage Continental Brass Flint Lighter  Japanese

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CHRISTMAS IDEA:

Publix recommends that you try:  Hosting a full sit-down holiday meal, collaborate on a family/friends potluck or appetizers-only gathering—finger food is fun and festive but not so hard on the budget.   PUBLIX FAMILY STYLE:  DEC/JAN 2015/16

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Czech women predict on Christmas whether they will marry in the next year by throwing a shoe over their shoulders while standing with their backs to the house door. If the shoe lands with the heel toward the door, the woman will stay single for another year.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/20/weird-holiday-traditions_n_4482210.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

M&M TIN Peanut Candies Container 1993

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Today I’ve been giving you some ideas on strange Christmas (at least to us) Traditions.    I grew up in West Virginia and it wasn’t till I moved further north that I heard of opening presents on the night before Christmas, I being an eager kid thought it was a great idea, but my parents never bought it.   A friend of mine says her mother always decorated the tree on Christmas Eve.  Seems a lot of effort for one day but…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mari Lwyd

In Wales, a person is disguised as a horse, complete with a horse’s skull and parades through the streets, going from door to door singing as part of a luck-bringing tradition

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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One thing I remember from being a kid was that everything was closed on Christmas except the hospital and police department.  I thought just for fun I’d see what’s open in the Orlando area on the holiday:

I found 34 restaurants with Christmas menus:  There’s the usual on International Drive catering as we always have tourist for the theme parks and where you have large number of people staying in hotels they tend to h to stay open no matter what as you have to feed them….it look bad to have complaints about near starved visitors.  But the are some other places all about  all about including the Twisted Tuna in Stuart.    http://thetwistedtuna.co

Then there’s the BoJangles franchise (8 stores)  that just shot down a few weeks before Christmas, here in town with no prior notice to his employee just because he could–http://www.wftv.com/news/news/local/bojangles-closes-all-8-central-florida-restaurants/npdPp/  but that’s a whole other story and one can only hope that Christmas spirits are included in his near future.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Italy – La Befana

Pre-dating the modern Father Christmas story by a long way the witch La Befana has some remarkable similarities with St Nick including climbing down the chimney, rewarding good children with presents and giving bad children coal. So similar in fact we wonder if Chris Kringle might possibly have nicked his greatest hits.       https://www.statravel.co.uk/travel-blog/2014/12/6-weird-christmas-traditions-from-around-the-world/

 

 

 

WHITE RABBIT Fitz and Floyds 1970s Planter

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It’s not all a Merry Christmas though… Father Christmas has been banned in Tajikistan and The Kingdom of Brunei officially forbade all future Christmas celebrations at the start of 2015.  http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/weird-news/christmas-traditions-around-globe-truly-6995959
Rhinestones Pin with a Tear Drop Faux Pearl Drop 1 1/2" BEAUTIFUL VINTAGE "V" Shape

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 Most of the pictures (except the main which is from a shop in Clermont) are from the Columbia Restaurant (again)  http://www.columbiarestaurant.com/Menus-By-Location/Locations/Ybor-City-Historic-District.aspx

Sometimes legends make reality, and become more useful than the facts. Salman Rushdie

 

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Good morning all–how’s your Christmas schedule going?  I’m decorating my office today, tomorrow is living room and Friday am going Christmas shopping also working.

 

 

 

 

 

 

SEASONAL IDEAS
Have some Jewish friends in your social group and want to give them a little something.  You might like to include giving Gelt, or gold coins (either real or chocolate), they symbolize Jewish independence and spread cheer.
Discussion on Diana writing for season 2:
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Pictures today from Columbia (Ybor City)
Today I thought we’d look at some things you’ve always know, which aren’t true at all (or maybe just a little bit that way)
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According to History Extra News letter she was a real woman and the name was close:  Lady Godifu (or Godgyfu which should actually be pronounced Gud-geef-uh) was a real woman and she was married to one of the wealthiest men in Anglo-Saxon England, Earl Leofric of Mercia.  They both died around 1066, but the story of her naked ride through Coventry was first recorded by Roger of Wendover in the 1200s which kind of rules out actual eye witness testimony.   In fact the original account only stated that   Leofric offered to lower taxes on the poor if his wife mounted her horse in the nude, it doesn’t even confirm that if she did even that.  But Urban Legend was alive and well even hundreds of years ago as by 1600s, there was not only a naked ride but a man (Peeping Tom)– who leered at her body while the townspeople respectfully shut their eyes.  http://www.historyextra.com/article/sex-and-love/did-lady-godiva-ride-naked-coventry
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FINGER PRINTS are all different and flawless in identifying people.
Oops
“Mike Silverman, who introduced the first automated fingerprint detection system to the Metropolitan Police (London), claims that human error, partial prints and false positives mean that fingerprints evidence is not as reliable as is widely believed. ”  http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/science-news/10775477/Why-your-fingerprints-may-not-be-unique.html
Further no one has really established that no two person’s fingerprints were alike, no studies have been done and there has been found a similarity of traits in fingerprints of family members
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SHAKESPEARE WAS  GREAT ACTOR AND PLAYWRITE  WROTE MANY FAMOUS PLAYS WHICH WE ALL HAD TO DEAL WITH in school.
Depend on who you speak with.  First we know there was an actor involved in the theater in London. There is one (yep just) letter addressed to him and a history of him owning property in the city….but after that it get a bit foggy.  Our own Mark Twain (which wasn’t his real name, but that’s another story) said: “So far as anybody actually knows and can prove, Shakespeare of Stratford-on-Avon never wrote a play in his life.”    Charles Dickens and Orson Welles, also lent their posthumous support in a list of people who expressed their own doubts about the Bard when they were alive.  (http://content.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1661619,00.html)
Born in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon (the house has been questioned as his actual birthplace even, though there are records that his father John was there (left muck in the street outside for. which he  fined) prior to his birth.  He got married at 18 to Anne Hathaway (she was 26 and apparently pregnant at this time–there is even postulation that he had another love and only married her because of her being in the family way.)  After the birth of a set of twins a while later he left for London leaving the family behind.  His record in London is sketchy at best with his name listed twice among actors who had preformed for the queen.   He is also shown as a shareholder in the Globe Theatre.  He eventually returned to his wife and family  about 20 years later, bought a house and dealt in real estate and grain.  He died in 1616 but did not mention any literary possessions (like plays or poems he had authored) in his will.  There remains six of his signatures surviving and they’re all spelled differently.  Interestingly enough his death was not noted which seems very unusual for a playwright of is fame.
So everything you know about Shakespeare may or may not be right.

“You were once wild here. Don’t let them tame you.”

Attributed to Isadora Duncan (1877-1927) 

One if those murky, urban legend quotes which cannot be sourced

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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DAVEY CROCKET PROBABLY DIDN’T DIE DURING THE FIGHT FOR THE ALAMO.  Recent scholarship, has suggested another possibility: that Crockett was executed by Santa Anna along with several others after the battle was over. (The Death of Davey Crocket  by Michael Lind ~ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE WILSON QUARTERLY )~  also you might not know that the bodies were burned and left to the elements.  “The bodies, with the exception of Gregorio Esparza‘s, were cremated on pyres… Esparza’s brother Francisco was a soldier in the Mexican army and received permission from Santa Anna for a Christian burial.  The ashes that were left  to the elements, were recovered almost a year later (1837) and a funeral was held but the final resting place was never reported to the public.  In 1936  remains were found at the Cathedral of San Fernando , and re-interred in a marble sarcophagus. Purported to hold the ashes of Travis, Bowie and Crockett, some have doubted it can be proven whose remains are entombed there. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Alamo_defenders

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I don’t think anybody should write his autobiography until after he’s dead. –Samuel Goldwyn,an American film producer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NORMAN ROCKWELL Coffee Cup Fisherman's paradise 1987

NORMAN ROCKWELL Coffee Cup Fisherman’s paradise 1987 DragonLaire $3.99 USD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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“You piece together a jigsaw and the final picture is you finishing that same puzzle, a mad green-eyed killer standing behind you. An urban legend come true.” – Max Payne

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DECEMBER Plate PRECIOUS Moments  1983

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  T vvJuan Seguín oversaw the 1837 recovery of the abandoned ashes and officiated at the February 25 funeral.

All faces shone, all voices had a cheery ring, and everybody stepped briskly on errands of good-will. ~Louisa May Alcott, “Seamstress,”

 

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Good morning back to my normal time to get this out.  Yesterday was just my usual work and today more of same….Have lots of things to list before I sleep.

 

Christmas is a time when you get homesick — even when you’re home. ~Carol Nelson

 

 

 

 

 

CYPRESS GARDENS Plate Vintage 7" Bliue Design

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Honorable mention:  (I haven’t been here yet, but the lovely lady showed us inside even though they were closing down for the day and we promised her and ourselves we’d eat here next trip to Sanford  http://www.sanfordfl.gov/index.aspx?page=53: )

ZORBA’S RESTAURANT                                             http://zorbasgreekfood.com/

115 E. 1st St.                                                                                                              Sanford 32771

Chef Tony is a native of the island Lesvos, Greece  http://www.lesvos.com/ . He has worked, operated, and owned several restaurants in Connecticut and Massachusetts. He brings his 30 plus years of expertise to Central Florida.

The menu is huge and includes Italian pastas as well as pizzas as well as a full Greek menu with even baklava, Greek Coffee, beer and wine and Ghalaktoboureko (Unlike mille-feuille, which it otherwise resembles, the custard is baked with the pastry, not added afterwards.)

Christmas is the gentlest, loveliest festival of the revolving year — and yet, for all that, when it speaks, its voice has strong authority. ~W.J. Cameron

 

 

 

 

 

 

EARRING Vintage with clp on  Iridecent  BEAD

Diana discusses Sam as Jamie
The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other. ~Burton Hillis
Suggested Adventure in January
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On the Left is Melissa Menzer and on the right Mary Shaw taken at Jeanne Taylor Folk Art Gallery www.jtfolkart.com–Mary is the gallery manager.
ON JAN. 30, 2016 Melissa Menzer (on the left two pictures up) is putting on a workshop:
9:30 – 4 PM
Create nostalgic keepsakes nestled inside a 1950’s miniature container.
Folk Artist Ms. Menzer will share her sculpting techniques
and access to her stash of vintage goodies
Create an animal of your choice.
Each participant will receive an antique box, cup or unique container to build their vignette in
Access to Melissa’s collection of jewelry and miniature goodies
plus all supplies
and a delightful lunch buffet straight from the kitschy 50s.
Space is limited:  407-323-2774 for early registration.
Cost $150
Located
Jeanne Taylor Folk Art Gallery
211 E. 1st St.
Sanford, Fl.
Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we’re here for something else besides ourselves. ~Eric Sevareid
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Most of the pictures today are from stores in Clermont
Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time. ~Laura Ingalls Wilder
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TODAY WE’RE DOING SOME CHRISTMAS iDEAS:
FIRST:  Alternative Gifts. 
How about a special event gift before or after the holiday with your best friend, girl, parents–the list is endless:
For instance Birmingham UK has:  THE HOLLYWOOD BALL 2015
Included in the party package:

  • Red carpet entrance
  • Pre-dinner entertainment
  • Sumptuous three course meal
  • Spectacular live show
  • Party games, dance competitions and prizes
  • Top DJ and disco
  • Charity casino*

*Optional item on the evening, a small charge applies

Treat a friend or two to a bash like you were the star of the world.

 

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Or in Boston you can take your friends for fun and games while contributing to a charity.
Date(s) – 12/02/2015 – 01/03/2016
All Day

Don’t miss out on your favorite holiday shows this year! Mayor’s Holiday Special, presented by Highland Street Foundation and produced by nonprofit ArtsBoston, features great deals to over 100 holiday shows, a $10 dining coupon and an online calendar of free festivities throughout the city. Save big on local favorites including Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker, Black Nativity presented by National Center of Afro-American Artists, and Anthony William’s 15th Anniversary of the Urban Nutcracker. Plus great gift ideas for holiday week and beyond including Tony Award winning Pippin, Disney on Ice Treasure Trove, Blue Man Group and so much more! Visit MayorsHoliday.com for tickets!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Or GIVE THEM A GIFT OF A PLACE & YOUR TIME

For instance if you live near-by or have kids that have been begging set up a trip to Disney, or Universal or Sea World.  Give them a certificate (you can find some on line that you can mock up) that give the place and even better date and time you’ll take them to their desired destination (you might want to throw in some other items for younger children as this summer going to Florida for the parks might be a bit disappointing when they were expecting more of a hands on and immediate gift. )

 

May Peace be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year through! ~Author Unknown

 

 

 

 

 

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Or give a gift of your time:  Have an elderly neighbor who can’t keep their lawn up as good as they use to—Give them a certificate for what ever hours you can spare in the next year and include it with some candy or cookies or fruit basket to further brighten up their day).     This is an especially great way to give help to those persons who are too proud to ask.

 

 

 

 

Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart.  ~Washington Irving

 

 

 

 

 

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DON’T FORGET THOSE 4-LEGGED FRIENDS

For your pups:     Soft and fuzzy animals of all sizes (for the small as well as tall critter in your life) stuffed animals

Chew bones—they even have bacon scented ones.

and for the dog who has everything:

This dog collar features an 8.5-carat sapphire as its centerpiece and  600 handset diamonds with a sturdy yet fashionable ostrich leather band, the Amour de la Mer  is only $899,000,  Or you could get Amour collar from the same jewelry collection for more than $3 million (“Bugatti of dog collars.”)  http://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/holiday-gift-guide-expensive-pampered-pooch-luxury-dog

 

 

 

Cat’s are less decorative and more practical:  Here’s an extraordinary climbing wall that’s stylish, fanciful and can be customized for your cat’s exquisite tastes. The Catswall is a modular aluminum wall hanging system. It includes a five-by-five-foot slat wall, three cozy boxes with cheeky cutouts, a ladder, a set of steps, and four Catspassages that are perfect platforms for jumping. Get your Catswall system, starting at just $1,159. (not to mention cheaper).  http://www.catster.com/lifestyle/holiday-gift-guide-expensive-pampered-cat-luxury-cats-gifts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas. ~Peg Bracken

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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And don’t forget to up date your Christmas play list to help get and  keep you in the mood:

JINGLE BELLS by James Taylor

ELF’S LAMENT by Barenaked Ladies

WHITE CHRISTMAS by Otis Redding

SILVER BELL by She & Him

CHRISTMAS ISLAND by Leon Redbone

SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN’ TO TOWN by Bruce Springstein

WONDERFUL CHRISTMASTIME by The Shins

SLEIGH RIDE by Elsa Fitzgerald

WINTER WONDERLAND by Harry Connick Jr

Public Family Style December/January

 

 

 

 

Isn’t it funny that at Christmas something in you gets so lonely for — I don’t know what exactly, but it’s something that you don’t mind so much not having at other times. ~Kate L. Bosher

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paul MCARTNEY BEATLES Doll Complete with Guitar  1960s Original

Instead of being a time of unusual behavior, Christmas is perhaps the only time in the year when people can obey their natural impulses and express their true sentiments without feeling self-conscious and, perhaps, foolish. Christmas, in short, is about the only chance a man has to be himself. ~Francis C. Farley

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1993 Oreo TIN Unlock the Magic CHRISTMAS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Timucuan Indians were the original inhabitants.

 

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I KNOW I’M VERY late today, but I had items sell I had to go pick up my Christmas tree with my room mate and then come home wrap all those thing and go back out to put them in the mail and then home where I collapsed behind my desk where I proceeded to relist everything that had outdated and now I’m trying to catch up with you guys.

 

 

 

 

 

In 1821 the United States acquired the Florida region from Spain, however the Seminole Wars postponed the settlement of the territory. After the Indian battles were over, a large number of orange groves were established.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derby Silver Co. Silver Plated Candle Holder on Owl Perch 6" Tall

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Honorable Mention: 
St Johns River Steak and Seafood

Saint John River steak and seafood, they offer the bestview of the river  (see top picture—that is all lake) and the best food for your relaxing time. Located near the historic downtown Sanford. 

Went to Sanford this weekend for my Saturday Adventure (Sunday I adventured on the couch, sometimes even I have to rest).  We ate here and loved it, it’s casual, the food is good (I feel a Trip Advisor review coming on) and the staff are friendly and check out the picture of their back yard below:

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In 1870, General Henry Shelton Sanford purchased a vast acreage and laid out the city of Sanford. The city was incorporated in 1877.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CAT & KITTEN Small Fine Porcelian Plate    "Lasting Memories 1984

A PLACE TO CONSIDER FOR AN ADVENTURE…
Dinosaur World
Harvey Tew Road
Plant City, Fl.
over 200 life size dinosaurs
Fossil Dig
Playground
Boneyard
over 20-acres
or
711 Mammoth Cave
Road Cave City, KY
or
1058 Park Road 59
Glen Rose, TX

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Swedes were brought in to convert the wilderness landscape into a major citrus area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Study play-list incudes Outlander Music
The region became one of the major suppliers of oranges in the world after the arrival of the railroad.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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All the Pictures today are from Sanford  my adventure stop.  The main picture is from the Welcome Center  http://www.sanfordwelcomecenter.com/  and this one of course is from the marina.   Sanford has had some interesting  people in the past (Forrest Lake a  former mayor who had adventures in both the political arena and the penal system.  http://mysanfordherald.com/bookmark/3095854-Sanford-s-Archives-Former-mayor-was-turn-of-century-Madoff) and was once the largest and most important city in Central  Florida.    I like the city and encourage people to find a adventure or two in the old girl setting along the St. John’s River.
Hint walking along the river and taking pictures can be a great adventure and there are even benches and my favorite porch swings in case you’d just like to rest or contemplate for a while.
In 1942 the Naval Air Station at Sanford was constructed. It was closed in 1968 which harmed the local economy.
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 Walking along main street (in Sanford’s case First Ave) I like to stop and look at the Art Gallery’s wall there’s always something I hadn’t noticed before.  The Building which holds rooms rented by different artist where they paint, discuss their art with perspective buyers and just gawkers like me and a larger room in the middle where they do shows.  I love to wander about and meet the artists like Mark (below) who is working on a picture of Paul  house now.
An art gallery (in this case Jeannie Taylors  http://www.jtfolkart.com/ ) is of course an adventure but when the artist is there…it’s even more fun cause a talk with a new and interesting person (Mark for instance likes the Beatles of course as well as Outlander) adds to your life–and of course isn’t that the goal of an adventure?
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 Tourists enjoy the cruises along the scenic St. John’s River which provide opportunities to see heron, osprey, eagles, manatee and other types of wildlife.
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You meet the most interesting people—-this mysterious young lady agreed to a picture but wouldn’t let me do a full face—very  pretty flower my dear.
People are the best part of most of my adventures From Yuly at the St. John’s Steak and Seafood who is the manager doing a great job with her restaurant to Mary the manger of the Art Gallery who shared  an upcoming adventure and artist Melissa who is sharing her skills and vintage goodies to make the adventure—more on that tomorrow.    I enjoyed swapping stories and learning new things —adventures can take place in the adventures of others as well as your own.
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and what’s a trip to Sanford with out a little trip (or in this case dessert) to Germany.  The Willow Tree http://hollerbachs.com/ has been successful since its first day on the main street (or at least it seems that way to me).  The place is always busy and bustling.  There’s usually live music on the weekend and at night it’s Germann and  includes drinking games.   Now if eating  real German food and drinking games aren’t adventuresome enough for you ….well you have a more exciting life than most—or your life really does need an adventure.
The Central Florida Zoo is located in Sanford
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And of course there’s always
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a walk through the old neighborhoods
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and again taking some pictures to share so that your less active friends can get inspiration for their
 Shield’s  Environmental:
The company was founded by Gordon Shields in 1979. Focusing on the telecom sector he linked good environmental management practices to revenue return, becoming one of the first companies to provide a sound business case for environmental excellence.
  • The company is headquartered in the UK and also has offices and facilities in the USA, France, Czech Republic and The Netherlands.  The US headquarters is based in Sanford, Florida
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At one time, Walt Disney wanted to build Disney World in Sanford, Florida. But his appeal to Sanford’s city council was declined. The citizens of Sanford did not want “the crime that was sure to come with tourism.”
 
Population, 2014 estimate 57,525
 t

We are increasingly recognising and accepting, respecting and celebrating, our cultural diversity. Julie Bishop

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Pictures today are back to Ybor City…enjoy.

my definitions of old from THE OFFICIAL POLITICALLY CORRECT DICTIONAY AND HANDBOOK By Henry Beard and Christopher Cerf.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Knight Chess Piece CIGARETTE LIGHTER VINTAGE Brown

possible adventure:  SARASOTA, FL
again I haven’t been there but am always looking for a new adventure:  MARINA JACK II  www.marinajacks.com      Explore the Intracoastal Waterway of Sarasota.  Full cash bar.
#2 Marina Plaza
Sarasota
Sightseeing Lunch Cruise
Sunset Dinner Cruise (including Key Lime Pie or Chocolate or Carmel Cake)
Honorable MentionRabbit Hole Book Store and Coffee Shop  https://www.facebook.com/Rabbits-Hole-Book-Store-Coffee-Shop-804659669567457/#_=_
Address: 732 W Montrose St,, Clermont, FL

This is an old one from last Feb.  but I missed it…so thought you might have too:  OUTLANDER BEFORE 50 SHADES OF GREY
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So today I’m looking at Politically correct in general and as part of the fall out Christmas.  I am not looking at this in a religious sense.  I’m not a religious person, my friends say I’m very spiritual, but organized religion has done a number on me and the world in general (and I am not reserving this to one religion) and so I look at it as a tradition that has been held in this country for years and to me it means peace on earth, good will to all men, and women, protestants, Catholics, Jews, Gentiles, Moslems and Hindus, Buddhists and I could go on until my finger bled—rich  and poor, young an old…..and  so on and so on.
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FIRST I want you to understand that I go out of my way not to offend.  When I make friends with someone who I know may have beliefs that might well differ from mine I asked them what does and doesn’t offend them.  I use to work with a Jewish nurse that did not look kindly on being wished happy holidays with Christian origins like Easter and Christmas.  When I found that out I made sure I never did.  On the other hand a girl I became friends with more recently I asked about dietary and other things as she was Jewish too.  She had no issues with my belief or being included in celebrations that while not her own were enjoyable events.   I have no objections to your beliefs…but like I said yesterday I don’t want to change them, nor do I want to be changed–right or wrong it’s taken many years of soul searching to get where I’m at and I don’t think you can reveal anything to me that’s going to make me change overnight.
 
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So I hope that clarifies things.  I think what I’m saying is just because I’m in the majority (in the US) is that a reason why I must be censored?  First of all not even all Christians celebrate Christmas–the Jehovah Witnesses don’t and while the Seventh Day Adventist don’t discourage it,  the celebration isn’t part of their religious beliefs.   I use to work in an office where you weren’t suppose to use any Christmas reference yet they put up displays for other beliefs…..made you feel like you were a lesser class citizen–maybe that’s good once in awhile but I didn’t see the need to leave anybody out….ignoring makes resentful people and that’s what we need less of now.
Jagad Guru: “Hatred and conflict are often rooted in differences between people of different races and religions. We all need to respect people of different races as well as people of different faiths and religions. We need to unite by recognizing our common desire and need for a harmonious society — a society in which we and our children and families and friends and communities can all live our lives in peace and harmony. Regardless of our race or religion, we all want and need such social harmony.”
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As I’ve said I’m not religious–that doesn’t mean I’m an atheist—-when my husband died my grief councilor told me that I had a vast knowledge of beliefs, that I looked at it all and understood it, but I had never taken a leap of faith to decide what I really believed—which religion or if none then that I accepted that at death that was the end—-but that until I made a decision I could not reach the end of my grief.   Personally I think that we need to know more about each other’s religion–if we are to accept each other in this big, unforgiving world, then we need to understand what things influence our fellow travelers lives and deaths.  And they need to understand us. 
Martin Luther King, Jr.: “We must learn to live together as brothers, or we are going to perish together as fools.”
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ONLY BY LEARNING OUR DIFFERENCE CAN WE FIND A MIDDLE GROUND TO LIVE IN.  The Dragon Lair Diva.
Now as to Christmas….To me its the best time ever….there’s drippy romances on the HALLMARK CHANNEL  http://www.hallmarkchannel.com/christmas
Its a time when I’m suppose to shop–even though I give the stuff to someone else its still great fun.
I get to decorate the house and I have to have the Halloween stuff down by Thanksgiving which makes my roommate happy.
BUT BEST OF ALL IT IS A TIME WHEN THE AVERAGE CITIZEN GOES OUT OF THEIR WAY TO BE KIND TO OTHERS AND GIVE TO CHARITY.  I’m notorious for picking up little things for my friends and others and it is only during Christmas that I don’t look out of place or are my motives questioned.
John Lennon:

bullet “Imagine there’s no countries. It isn’t hard to do. Nothing to kill or die for,…. Imagine all the people living life in peace. …”
BUT WHAT DO I KNOW I’M EXPERIENTALLY ENCHANCED (OLD)
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So what am I saying,
First that I love the holiday as it’s named…..Christmas—let’s face it if you get down to it there’s a lot of protestant sects who had issues with a Mass a few years ago.  It is an official Holiday in this country so go with the name–its not a bad thing–nobody has to celebrate it…..do something else on your day off.
If you have issues with the holiday, accept the fact that it’s a day and that some people hold it sacred, while others like me think it’s a wonderful excuse for good will toward men and for love and good cheer excess.  You don’t need to believe but accept that others do and in respecting them you give  the right to believe differently from you and in turn they do the same for you.    I find this acceptance makes me a better person with an easier mind as I have accepted that not only do I not need to change the world, but that maybe there’s a lot that really doesn’t need to be changed
In turn I feel that you  should accept our respect and understanding for your holidays.  I have taken part in all manner of interesting celebrations and become (at least in my mind) a better person for it.  Maybe if we do this we can avoid the horrific violence done in the name of religion (and may I remind you Christians aren’t blameless in this blood shed in the name of beliefs.) because I fear that we may kill each other off before global warming does (sorry to disagree President Obama.)
Joan Walsh, poet: “Peace is the harvest of love as war is the fruit of hate.”
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You will not enter paradise until you have faith. And you will not complete your faith until you love one another.  The Prophet Mohammad
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 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.   Jesus

I WASN’T DRESSED FOR A SHIP WRECK–Hell Below Zero

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I promised to put these kids on my Blog just a little late in doing it.

They were performing at the Deland Art Festival Last month.

 

D2 BREAKDANCE CLUB:  this face book page has some vid on them:  https://www.facebook.com/BreakdanceDeland

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That’s Spanish for cactus. Why do they call you that?
Choya: Ever tried to pick one?                 Branded

 

 

 

 

 

BUSH CLASH Participants Poster   1994 Daytona

I’M ALWAYS ON THE LOOK OUT FOR PLACES OF POSSIBLE ADVENTURE…HERE’S ONE YOU MIGHT LIKE (HAVEN’T TRIED IT BUT….)
BLACK HAMMOCK ADVENTURES
Restaurant bar and air boat rides
Gift shop too
On Lake Jessup—think the largest alligator population in Florida (wow).  Lazy Gator Bar (lake view), Live music on weekends.  Restaurant is full service.  Plus there’s a free wildlife exhibit.   Airboat rides range from 1/2 hr – 1 hr VIP and Night Ride.
Also a Pontoon Eco Tour
An Honorable mention is from my adventure to Clermont http://www.city-data.com/city/Clermont-Florida.html which included the Historical Village Museum (here’s what Trip Advisor says about it:  http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g34142-d4221161-Reviews-Clermont_s_Historic_Village-Clermont_Lake_County_Florida.html )
Hubert Smith: Oh, then you’re the guy that slugged me.
Richard Hartley: Yeah, and I’ll do it again any time you train down to my weight.            The Black Cat

 

 

Jeb Burleigh: I’d like a little respect. I told you before I don’t like people I’m talkin’ to to walk away from me. Look at me! You look at me when I talk to you.
John Chandler: I’m lookin’, but I don’t see anything. 
 The Proud Rebel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dangling EARRINGS Vintage  CIRCULAR Mother of Pearl

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I think this time of the year a lot of people look at the overcrowded shopping scene, stare helplessly at their calendar and wunder out loud how could it be Christmas again already.  Let’s face it, a lot of us are still over eating Thanksgiving turkey left overs and wondering where Halloween or even the Fourth of July went…IN OTHER WORDS THEY’RE NOT IN THE MOOD FOR CHRISTMAS.
Paul Madvig: I’m going to society. He’s practically given me the key to his house.
Ed Beaumont: Yeah, a glass key. Be sure it doesn’t break in your hand.     The Glass Key
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Yes my dears I said Christmas—I was never good at being politically correct—I am not offended by other’s holidays (as long as they do not involve me having to convert, or the sacrifice of small, cute animals or violence of any kind), so I fail to be convinced that mentioning Christmas should harm others in any way.
Shane: A gun is a tool, Marian; no better or no worse than any other tool: an axe, a shovel or anything. A gun is as good or as bad as the man using it. Remember that.Marian Starrett: We’d all be much better off if there wasn’t a single gun left in this valley – including yours.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The major complaint after the voicing of “it can’t be yet” is that they are just not in the mood….why is this only a complaint at Christmas?  Do you ever hear someone say that they’re not in the mood for the 4th or even Thanksgiving?  But basically I think what they’re saying is I can’t handle those over crowded stores—I don’t want to have to shop for my family, his family or work party gifts and what or whomever else might be included and necessary in your day-to-day celebrations.
How to deal with this?  Try to cut down on the gifts.  For instance I have a couple of families that claim me as an honorary relative, but with marriages and the birth of children these families it’s gotten out of control as to the numbers so we’ve agreed to cut it down to only the kids under 21 (or if they’re married younger).  Everybody gains cash from not buying the adults and time as well, and we still get together and enjoy the company….who needs another tie anyway?    I try to bring a special dessert or treat that all the adults can share which is much easier than the 20 or so presents which I would need to buy w/out this agreement.
[last lines]Joey: Shane. Shane! Come back! Bye, Shane.

 

 

 

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If you have a lot of out of town gifts to get you might try gift cards–or better yet a pre-paid credit card and remember that if you’re sending a specific store you should always check to see if there is one near to the person you’re sending it to.  Nothing like getting a $25 store card and have to drive a hundred miles to redeem it or living in the suburbs and having to go down town Manhattan to get your gifts.

Another option (and again check on location) is to pay for an item at your store and arrange for your friend or family to pick it up at a store in their area which saves you postage and wrapping.

You can also arrange for on line credits where they can let their fingers do the walking on their computer keys—these are often postage free so that’s a saving as well.

 

 

 

 

“I just wanna be somebody.”  Night and the City

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Another option you can do the walking on the key board and purchase the times which they will pack and send often saving money and time on both of your parts—but if you do that be sure there is a return and refund provision that’s simple and easily available.

One place I’d recommend if you want books or calendars at fantastic prices:

They have 365 individual page calendars for $4.99      http://www.daedalusbooks.com/       They also have other items like Monty Python clocks and Jane Austin (quotes) cups to name a few.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Other things you can do—if you have the money the funds for a ticket home for the holiday might be nice for that son or daughter that’s far away but you should discuss it with them so that you can be sure they can get the time off and haven’t already made other plans—it’s a gift not a command performance.

 

You can also give dinners (gift cards for local chains)if you know what they like or a special dinner in their area– you can look for restaurant in their area that might be a special treat or even a holiday adventure (like a gift certificate to the Black Hammock above for a day out for a friend that lives in Central Florida).

 

 

 

 

 

 

I never confuse business with sentiment. Unless it’s extremely profitable, of course.”   The Dark Corner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VINTAGE VASE:  Hull Wildflower Matte 7-1/2" Cornucopia Rose

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 All pictures are from Deland’s shops downtown.

Did you ever want to forget anything? Did you ever want to cut away a piece of your memory or blot it out? You can’t, you know.”  Detour

 

 

 

 

 

 

Old World GLOBE  Vintage  MOD. Dep  Brass Stand

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“What a beautiful picture. Moonlight. Sagebrush. My wife with a stranger.” The Las Vegas Story

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Victorian Shoe Match HOLDER or Door Stop 9" Vintage

 

 

 

 

Somehow I knew that my journey had only just begun—Claire/Outlander

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This is a shot of the Barbara-Lee on my day trip.

 

 

 

 

 

"Claire, it would make no difference to me. I love you so. Nothing you ever did could stop my loving you."  Frank/Outlander Chapter 1


 

 

 

ELEPHANT w/Rainsed Trunk Small SOLID Brass Vintage

ANOTHER PLACE THAT LOOKS LIKE YOU COULD HAVE AN ADVENTURE (AND THE KIDS TOO):
INTERNATINAL MARKET WORLD FLEA AND FARMERS MARKET
1052 Hwy. 92, West
Auburndale 33823

Farm fresh produce                      Discount Pet Supplies                          Gator Farm                                        Free Circus Shows (Fri, Sat, & Sun)           Over 1200 vendors under one roof                                                             Have picture taken with live gator       Entertainment and special annual events for the entire family.                              Collectibles jewelry, fashion clothing, leather good, plants, tools, photo restoring, silver and gold, new and used treasures  fruits and vegetables.                    Buffalo farm   Live Blue Grass     5-9 pm every Thurs.   Free Parking and free admission.    Food concessions featuring Alligator, BBQ, tacos, ice cream and much more.  Restaurant has AC and beer.    Wild life rescue.   Pow Wow in January.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"There's no place on earth with more of the old superstitions and magic mixed into its daily life than the Scottish Highlands. Church or no church, Mrs. Baird believes in the Old Folk, and so do all the neighbors."  Frank  Outlander Chapter 1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASTROL JAGUAR 1988 Daytona 24 Hour Winner Pin

HONORABLE MENTION (and a nice pick to be included in a day with the kids adventure)
THE DINOSAUR STORE
250 W. State Rd. 520
Cocoa Beach
all new interactive
Authentic dinosaur fossils
Minerals, amber, jewelry and meteorites
Indoor interactive hands on fun
Live 8′ alligators and reptiles
Fossil dig, Educational and fun
2 blocks from the ocean
"You look wonderful by candlelight, you know. Your eyes are like sherry in crystal, and your skin glows like ivory. A candlelight witch you are."   Frank in Outlander  Chapter 1

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Continuing on with my Thanksgiving weekend adventures I made a stop on the way home where I played the weirdest card game:  CARDS AGAINST HUMANITY (AN adventure all in itself):  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cards_Against_Humanity   and from there we adjourned to the family entertainment.  I don’t have any family here so joining one that’s near and dear to me was another adventure in living that I so enjoyed.
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"Don't be afraid," he whispered into my hair. "There's the two of us now."  Jamie in Outlander Chapter 14
MILLIONS spent in Scotland on filming lately.
"No worry, lass. I've been hurt much worse, and by people much less pretty."Jamie in Outlander Chapter 4
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So here we go into another trip into the holiday season.  Which for me started in October and runs thru 1/3 this year.  October I decorated and November I celebrated but my real work comes in December, for Christmas as New Years celebrations for me seem to involve watching TV or reading…..We have our lights up outside and I have my cards out (I always do them on the Friday after Thanksgiving and mail the on that Sat.)   But we still have to pick out the tree, get the decorations up  and the hardest part–get the presents bought and in my family’s case get them out in the mail soon and during all that try to stay in the holiday mood…like Claire said….just starting.    https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-therapist-is-in/200911/10-tips-beat-the-holiday-blues
"No wonder he was so good with horses, I thought blearily, feeling his fingers rubbing gently behind my ears, listening to the soothing incomprehensible speech. If I were a horse, I'd let him ride me anywhere."   Clair in Outlander Chapter 4   Talking about Jamie.
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Before Europe embraced Christianity they celebrated the winter solstice:  the shortest day and longest night of the year (which fell on December 21 or 22.)  Evergreen boughs were included in the ceremony as they were the only plants that continued to grow and thus brightened the ceremonies and dwellings as well.   But it was German Christians (16th century) that added full trees with decorations to the mix and legend has it that Martin Luther may have added lighted candles–my studies of the man dosen’t make me believe the glum former priest was that kind of decorator but who am I too deny legend?  http://www.realchristmastrees.org/dnn/AllAboutTrees/SelectionTips.aspx
So anyway by the 1500’s we had trees—hopefully I will get mine and get it up before that much time stretches out beyond me….
"I'm too hungry to be a threat to anything but breakfast. Let a stray bannock come within reach, though, and I'll no answer for the consequences." Jamie in Outlander, Chapter 4





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 Did you ever wander why Red and Green for the season?  Seems that it was rediscovered by the Victorians, but further study shows that it is probably a sign of boundaries that date back to pre-Christian Celtic traditions which has been found in their myths, it was later found in the screens dividing the Christian medieval church and picked up by Victorians—who were notorious for refinishing the aging churches and put back into the holiday season.  If you haven’t gotten the flow on this one—the ancient Celts celebrated Solstice and it marked the end of the descent into darkness (shortest day of the year) and the assent of the world back to the light–and so the boundaries I’d like to think the red was on the winter side and the green on the return to light and growing things, but that’s just my interpretation.   So do you have your decorations up yet I just started today.        http://www.victoriantradingco.com/
And when we reached the castle, he left me at the gate with no more than a softly mocking, "Good e'en, Mistress Sassenach." But I felt as though a friendship had begun that ran a bit deeper than shared gossip under the apple trees.  Jamie & Claire in Outlander Chapter 9
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Most of our Christmas though can be attributed to the Victorians who really had a thing about the holiday ( (and porn but that’s for another discussion) and returned the red and green and other oddities to the celebration which embodies a lot of what we still cling to today.  It is interesting that such a restrained personage could be so open and creative about the decorating, but then they had to do something with their excess energies, I guess.     http://www.bbc.co.uk/victorianchristmas/history.shtml
"Je suis prest." I am ready. I hoped he was.  Jamie and Claire in Outlander, Chapter 10
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And then there’s presents…..while decorations can take time if you’re like me you have bunches and you don’t have to leave home to get it done—except the tree which we’ve already discussed.    On the other hand even if you make the presents yourself you still have to get the materials to make them.  Then pay for them (can you say credit card declined?)  and after you max everything out you bring them home and start the long honored tradition of  wrapping–a job that takes hours and is undone in seconds, and seldom does anyone even notice your effort.  I have a couple of things, but am going to start in earnest on Thursday….HELP.     http://ideas.hallmark.com/christmas-ideas/6-gift-wrapping-tips/
"Does is bother you that I'm not a virgin?" He hesitated a moment before answering.

"Well, no," he said slowly, "so long as it doesna bother you that I am." He grinned at my drop-jawed expression, and backed toward the door.

"Reckon one of us should know what they're doing," he said.     Jamie & Claire in Outlander, Chapter 13
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So as you see like Claire my journey has just begun into the holiday world of adventure and costly expenditures, but she ends up with him: 
I on  my journey will be lucky if I have any of him left:   
A Highlander in full regalia is an impressive sight-any Highlander, no matter how old, ill-favored, or crabbed in appearance. A tall, straight-bodied, and by no means ill-favored young Highlander at close range is breath-taking.  Claire in Outlander, Chapter 14
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ALL THE  CHRISTMAS PICTURES  TODAY ARE FROM THE PARKS, SHOPS AND MUSEUMS OF CLERMONT     http://www.clermontfl.gov/events/light-up-clermont-hometown-holiday-parade.stml
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'Ye are Blood of my Blood, and Bone of my Bone.
I give ye my Body, that we Two might be One.
I give ye my Spirit, 'til our Life shall be Done.'  Jamie & Claire in Outlander, Chapter 14
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