“After the Snow” © 2008 Alan Giana

 

Christmas Letter 2013

 

(This picture is from a Christmas card my brother, Ted, and sister-in-law, Nat, sent me a couple years ago.)

This year, 2013, was full of events and changes for me and Nanci. Some of these events were reported in the Maine Report 2013 in the July archives. I bring you the rest of the year here in an attempt to bring you up-to-date on the daily life of your favorite blogger.

In May of this year I was operated on for a partial knee replacement on my right leg. Had to be the driving leg, right? Oh well. I’m still recuperating, as the nerves have not all come too yet. On top of that I have a bad left ankle to contend with (next operation). Needless to say getting around has not been easy.

Also in May, Memorial Day, we in the family all had a scare when the Boston Bombing was taking place. I have a great-niece, Danielle, who lives in Boston and we all managed to chase her down, as well as her fiancé, Haydn Deal, who also lives in Boston, via Facebook. Thankfully Haydn finally came online to tell us everything was fine and they were safe. That day they also had Danielle’s niece and my great-great niece, Alyson with them. It would have been a terrific family tragedy to lose any or all of them, especially as Danielle and Hadyn were then planning a wedding in Maine in July, which I reported on in the Maine Report.

As it happened Danielle did have two good friends, a young couple who were at the race that day, and who did lose part of their legs. They had planned on coming to Danielle’s wedding.

November was the 50^th anniversary of the assassination of John F. Kennedy. I remember it well and you can see my tribute in the November blog.

This year was also the one-year anniversary of the Newtown tragedy. My niece Kim, husband Dave, and five-year-old son, Nicholas live very near the site and they were especially concerned for the safety of our Nickleman when he went to school full time.

Recently we also lost a dear teacher from my high school years, Norma Boothby. See her tribute in the November archives.

I noted also in my latest Courier that a member of the Knowlton family, Linda Knowlton Stanley died. She was one of the younger members of eight children in that family. I was good friends with Joan, who was in my class in school. Four Knowlton siblings have now passed: Barbara; Marion, who died very young in a car crash; the only boy, Davey O III; and now Linda. As I remember from oldest to youngest were: Barbara, Betty, Judy, Joan, Marion, Linda, Brenda, and Davey.

I spent many happy hours at the Knowlton house down there at the bottom of Ingrahams Hill in Owls Head. Mr. and Mrs. Knowlton were kind wonderful people. If I was there at supper time I was always invited to stay as if they didn’t have enough mouths to feed already. I usually declined because I knew my mother probably had supper waiting on me and I’d best get back up the hill and over to Fulton Street and home. My thoughts and prayers go out to that family.

Nanci and I also lost our dear Sonny this year. We know he’s waiting up there on the Rainbow bridge along with the rest of his furry brothers and sisters. Our Butchie still misses him too.

Meanwhile, despite a scare when our dear Aunt Virginia fell on Thanksgiving, she is still with us and recuperating and gaining her strength back up at Quarry Hill. Today, in fact, is her 103^rd birthday. We all wish her a very Happy Birthday and look forward to her 104^th birthday next December 7.

The years come and go, things change, and you never know what the next day will bring. I look forward to whatever new adventures I may experience in the New Year.

The biggest event for Nanci and me, besides the operation, was our move from one apartment to another in this huge complex we live in. Seems as though the new management decided to redo all the apartments in Phase 1 where we were living and then subsequently raise the rent to more than we could afford. However, we were offered an apartment in Phase 2 which they were not redoing and the same rent as we were paying with no extra money involved except for pet deposit. Obviously we had no choice. Moving to another complex would have cost us more money. We have the same number of rooms but lost a linen closet, some pantry space and we have less space in the kitchen. They did repaint and put in a new carpet, so we are happy. Plus they just gave us practically a new stove which makes me ecstatic. The best part of the move is that we no longer have to climb up 19 steps carrying groceries as we are now on the first floor.

Professionally, I have received wonderful feedback from my readers throughout the year. I appreciate the continued support of my readers and hope you will enjoy my blog in the year to come. The most popular blog of the year according to the stats on the Village Soup Site was “Best Friends—Good Friends” with 676 readers plus those who read it on the blog site. You can find it in the September archives. Following at second was “An Open Letter to Classmates.com, Memory Lane and a Girl Named Liz., with 492. You can find it listed under the lead in: “Cover art by Holman Davis…” in the October archives. Third was “The Day Camelot was Lost…” about Kennedy, with 346, found in the November archives. Readership is now over 38,000 and I couldn’t be happier. Some of you have been kind enough to hit my ads on the right side of the page enough so that my revenue doubled in the space of a week or so. I really do appreciate that.

My book, The South End, continues to sell. The Reading Corner recently bought more and I have also recently received a royalty from my publisher.

I am still working on my next book. Please be patient. It will happen, I promise you.

Merry Christmas, everyone. I wish you and yours the best New Year yet. Stay healthy and try to have some fun, O.K. Maybe I’ll see you when I come home this summer.

Thanks for listening.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas by the Sea

 

 

I borrowed this schedule from the Courier site online:

Friday, Dec. 6

All day, until 9 p.m. - Holiday shopping EXTRAVAGANZA at downtown Camden shops!

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Windsor Chairmakers Open House and Cabinetmaker's Sale - Join us for our annual Open House and Showroom Sale. This year, we will host a Cabinetmaker's sale in our Workshop with one-of-a- kind wooden jewelry boxes, candle and wall boxes and cabinets. 2596 Atlantic Highway (Route 1) Lincolnville Beach - 6 miles north of Camden.

10 a.m. to 10 p.m. - Camden Merchants Showcase Holiday Open House. Come on in and sign up to win a basket filled to the brim by our creative merchants. A $100 value. 10 Mechanic St., Camden. 236-6010

10 a.m. to 10 p.m. - Twice Upon A Dream welcomes you to join the fight against hunger. Bring in any nonperishable food item(s) for the food bank and receive 20 percent off your entire purchase. Give a gift as you buy a gift! We are conveniently located “uptown” at 56 Elm St.

Noon – A lunchtime piano and flute interlude for the holiday season, presented by Steve Weston and Amy Maier, in the First Congregational Church sanctuary, 55 Elm St., Camden. Free of charge; donations gratefully accepted in support of the Friends of Music concert series. FMI, call 236-4821.

5 to 5:30 p.m. - Santa arrives in West Rockport at Midcoast Recreation Center, Route 90, West Rockport

4:30 to 6 p.m. - Opening Reception, Camden Public Library. Holiday selections performed by CHRHS vocal and instrumental students. Bring new or like-new hats, mittens, gloves, and scarves to decorate the hat and mitten tree.

6:30 to 8 p.m. - Thomas Michaels Designers will host a Holiday Wine & Cheese Pairing in the gallery. Come view beautiful gemstones specimens and new pieces in time for the holidays. Thomas Michaels Designers, Elm Street, Camden.

6 p.m. - Christmas by the Sea Parade begins on Union Street, Camden. Come and see what’s new as the parade travels through town to the tree lighting!

6 to 8 p.m. - Holiday Open House at Camden National Bank with horse and carriage rides at the Chestnut Street entrance. Warm up inside with cookies, hot cocoa and holiday music. Camden National Bank, 2 Elm St., Camden. 236-8821

6:30 to 9 p.m. - A Walk Through Bethlehem, Chestnut Street Baptist Church, Camden. Experience the First Christmas. Walk the streets of Bethlehem, listen to the characters’ stories and visit the stable where Christ was born. 236-2195.

6:45 p.m. - Santa presides at the Community Tree-Lighting Ceremony in Harbor Park. Hot drinks provided by Camden Lions Club.

7:30 p.m. - The Nutcracker, Atlantic Ballet Company's full length version of this magical Holiday production. Tickets $20 adults, $14 children 12 & under/seniors at HAV II (Camden), The Reading Corner, (Rockland), Opera House video (Belfast) & Personal Bookshop (Thomaston). Day of the Show at Camden Opera House 29 Elm St., Camden. 236-7963.

 

Saturday, Dec. 7

8 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Rockport Garden Club Holly Berry Fair, Rockport Opera House. Beautifully decorated gingerbread houses, mussel shell trees. Our 'Craft Boutique' has handcrafted items and hostess gifts. The Cook's Corner is filled with kitchen treasures. Also, sparkling vintage and costume jewelry, Grandma's Attic, scrumptious baked goods, and 'Appetizer Alley' for your holiday entertaining. FMI: 594-4449.

9 a.m. - Thomas F. Chester Memorial Frozen 5K. Registration 9 a.m., Race 10 a.m. Point Lookout, Route 1, Northport. West Bay Rotary sponsors this challenging run to support ALS charity. Men’s and women’s divisions. Race proceeds and business/individual sponsorship donations go directly to ALS. 975-0134 or frozen5k.com

9 a.m. to noon - Beltie Holiday at Aldermere Farm. Spend some time at Aldermere Farm learning about and visiting with the calves and making Beltie holiday crafts to take home. Shop for holiday Beltie items, enjoy refreshments and learn about how you can get involved at Aldermere Farm and the Erickson Fields Preserve! Baked goods will be for sale to help support the Aldermere Achievers 4-H club. Free. aldermere.org

9 a.m. to 2 p.m.- Holiday Craft Market and Open House at Windward Gardens. Join us for an exceptional craft sale, scrumptious holiday foods. 105 Mechanic St., Camden. 236-4197.

9 a.m. to 2 p.m. - First Congregational Church Local Artisan Fair- From fabric arts, to original handmade glass beads, to delicious jams and jellies, browse through a glittering array of locally made crafts! It’s a great opportunity to find that one of a kind gift, or maybe something to fortify yourself for the holiday season! Don’t miss this annual event. Call the church at 236-4821 for more information.

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Indulge in the Sights and Smells of Christmas at Hoboken Gardens Annual Holiday Open House in Rockport. Hoboken Gardens offers beautiful gifts, holiday wreaths and décor along with special sales, refreshments, mulled cider and special events.

9:30 a.m. - Santa arrives by boat at Rockport Harbor! Free photos with Santa at Rockport Marine made possible by photographer Mark Haskell.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Holiday Bazaar at Merryspring. Rosemary and other plants, seasonal greens, plain and decorated wreaths, live arrangements, food gifts, and lots of gifts for holiday giving and decorating. FMI merryspring.org or 236-2239.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Camden Merchants Showcase Holiday Open House. Come in and sign up to win a basket filled to the brim by our creative merchants. A $100 value. 10 Mechanic St., Camden. 236-6010

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Windsor Chairmakers Open House and Cabinetmaker's Sale - Join us for our annual Open House and Showroom Sale. This year, we will host a Cabinetmaker's sale in our workshop with one-of-a- kind wooden jewelry boxes, candle and wall boxes and cabinets. 2596 Atlantic Highway (Route 1) Lincolnville Beach - 6 miles north of Camden.

11 a.m. - Hartstone Inn Brunch and Fashion Show, a sumptuous pairing of fashion and food. Exciting new collections by Leonard’s and brunch. Menu including raspberry parfait with lemon poppy seed cake, choice of three entrees and assorted desserts. $23.95 per person, come and join the fun. Hartstone Inn, Elm Street, Camden. FMI 236-4259, reservations required.

11 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Share the Christmas spirit at a community reading of the classic story, "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens, at Planet, 10 Main St., Camden, 236-4410

Noon - Santa arrives by tug boat in Camden Harbor! Children’s Story Hour with Santa follows at the library.

1 p.m. - Free photos with Santa at Twice Upon a Dream, 56 Elm St., Camden, made possible by photographer Mark Haskell.

1 to 4 p.m. - A Victorian Christmas at the historic Conway House on the grounds of the Camden-Rockport Historical Society (Route 1, next to Hannaford Shopping Center). Free admission, donations appreciated. FMI, call 236-2257

3 p.m. - The Nutcracker, Atlantic Ballet Company's full length version of this magical holiday production. Tickets $20 adults, $14 children 12 and younger/seniors at HAV II (Camden), The Reading Corner, (Rockland), Opera House video (Belfast) and Personal Bookshop (Thomaston). Day of Show at Camden Opera House 29 Elm St., Camden. 236-7963.

4 p.m. - Tree lighting, bonfire and sing along at Lincolnville Beach. All are welcome. Santa arrives by fire engine around 4:30 p.m.!

4 p.m. - 'Ringing in the Season' A Christmas concert at Camden's First Congregational Church, U.C.C., at 55 Elm St., features 'Choral Bells', 'Joyful Bells', 'Penobscot Bay Ringers', 'Pine Tree Academy Ringers', and handbell soloist Amy Rollins with Steve Weston on piano. A musical tribute will be rung to honor veterans on this Pearl Harbor Day. A 'Massed Ring', directed by Doris Krueger, will conclude the program. Doors open 3 p.m.; pre-show music starts at 3:30. A free-will offering will benefit Hospitality House, Midcoast's only shelter. FMI, Leigh Smith, 230-6628

6 p.m. - Fireworks over Camden Harbor. These fireworks are brought to you and hosted by the Camden Downtown Business Group. For more information, contact cdbgcamden@gmail.com

6:30 to 8:30 p.m. - A Walk Through Bethlehem, Chestnut Street Baptist Church, Camden. Experience the First Christmas. Walk the streets of Bethlehem, listen to the characters’ stories, and visit the stable where Christ was born. 236-2195.

Sunday, Dec. 8

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Indulge in the Sights and Smells of Christmas at Hoboken Gardens Annual Holiday Open House in Rockport. Hoboken Gardens offers beautiful gifts, holiday wreaths and décor along with special sales, refreshments, mulled cider and special events.

1 to 4 p.m. - A Victorian Christmas at the historic Conway House on the grounds of the Camden-Rockport Historical Society (Route 1, next to Hannaford Shopping Center) Free admission, donations appreciated. FMI call 236-2257.

3 p.m. - The Nutcracker, Atlantic Ballet Company's full length version of this magical holiday production. Tickets $20 adults, $14 children 12 and younger/seniors at HAV II (Camden), The Reading Corner, (Rockland), Opera House video (Belfast) and Personal Bookshop (Thomaston). Day of Show at Camden Opera House 29 Elm St., Camden. 236-7963.

6 p.m. - Christmas in the Country tree lighting on Union Common with Father Christmas, bonfire, singing carols and, most importantly, free cookies and hot cocoa.

7 p.m. - Anne Dodson & Friends 26th annual Seasonal Concert. Doors open at 6:30. Camden Congregational Church, Adults $13 advance / $15 suggested donation at door, Kids (6-12) $6 / $7 suggested donation at door, younger than 6 – free. Reservations: 236-9576. Tickets: Rock City, Rockland, Owl & Turtle Bookshop, Camden



The Real Spirit of Christmas

 

Seen on Facebook today: In the spirit of giving...a good hearted individual has supplied freshly cut Christmas trees available to anyone who may be in need of one. For free. Pass the word along. North Shore Drive Owl's Head. I don’t know whose home this is in Owl’s Head, but they sure know the real meaning of Christmas.

Christmas Cookie Bonanza

Christmas cookies are a great way to keep the kids busy during the holiday season. Make up a batch of these cookies and let them go to work decorating them. They can be used to decorate a small tree for their rooms; as gifts put up in Christmas tins for special people like teachers and the postman; or just to eat. Use green and red sprinkles and other decorations you can find at the store and any kind of frosting to decorate. This recipe comes from http://allrecipes.com/recipes/desserts/christmas-coopkies/

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar 1 cup butter, softened 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon almond extract 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon cream of tartar

Directions:

1.	Mix confectioners' sugar, butter or margarine, egg, vanilla, and almond extract. Stir in flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.
2.	Heat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Divide dough into halves. On lightly floured cloth-covered board, roll each half out to 3/16 inch thick. on lightly floured cloth-covered board. Cut into Christmas shapes or use your own cookie cutters.
3.	Bake on parchment lined baking sheets for 7 to 8 minutes. Let cool on wire racks and decorate as desired.