http://whatsupdownsouth.blogspot.com |
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| Friday, December 31, 2004 |
| Happy New Year!! |
May those who suffer with illness of body or soul be well.
May your sunrises be glorious and your sundowns be spectacular.
May you live, love, laugh, and be happy.
May you rejoice in God's love and creations and know the love of friends each day.
Thank you for the gift of your friendship in 2004. |
| posted by Brenda @ 12/31/2004 01:59:22 PM |
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| Well,,,,,best laid plans and all that, ya know,,,, |
I'm home again cause I got over there and Trish and the girls had gone somewhere else to visit. I waited around in town for awhile and didn't hear from them so I came back home and am not in the mood for another trip into town today. I'm gonna try again tomorrow unless their social schedule gets screwed up again. Who knows if I'll have all the babies together though.
Anyway, I borrowed these photos from the Chick's site so I thought I'd post them today since I wasn't able to take some of my own today.
Jaylen, Jordan, and Alexis (aka the Chick)
MeriKate, Alexis, and Abie
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| posted by Brenda @ 12/31/2004 01:18:57 PM |
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| Thursday, December 30, 2004 |
| Just in case I don't make it tomorrow |
Trish, Jordan, and Jaylen are supposed to be coming in from Little Rock tonight to spend a few days with Bubbie and Jerri so I'm going to go spend the day with them tomorrow. She wasn't able to come last weekend cause they had a lot more ice and snow than we did here. I'm hoping I'll have all the grandbabies gathered together again at some point tomorrow so I can get another photo of them.
I just finished some annual reports that I had to do in order to print some W2s next week so I'm a bit pooped. Maybe I'll make it back tomorrow evening, there won't be much going on around here I reckon.
nite all!! |
| posted by Brenda @ 12/30/2004 10:27:37 PM |
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| Boring Wednesday and a break today |
Hubby came in from his hunting trip yesterday with no meat for the table. I had to get a little dig in by telling him that I could buy him a whole bunch of steaks for the amount of money his hunting costs. He'd best not be moaning about having chicken again any time soon.
This morning I woke up to the sound of geese off in the distance. When I went to the door and looked out, I saw thousands of them in the field about 2/10ths of a mile away. They sure were having a noisy breakfast.
I'm having a little break since James left a short while ago to go bird hunting and took Zach with him. He loves to go hunting with his PopPop as long as he doesn't expect him to rise with the birds in order to go. He's like his Nanaw with his morning attitude problem and reluctance in getting dressed.
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| posted by Brenda @ 12/30/2004 11:32:51 AM |
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| Tuesday, December 28, 2004 |
| Lazy Tuesday,,,mostly |
Well the Christmas tree is down and in it's box but the box needs a little duct tape reinforcement so it's still sitting in the dining room floor. So are the boxes of ornaments. I don't remember where that danged duct tape went so I'll have to wait for James to come home so I can borrow his that he keeps in his truck.
Speaking of duct tape, do you have a favorite use for duct tape?
I found these online (who'da thought?):
Mute function for humans
Wrapped around newspaper to make a dog chew toy
Contraceptive device (this merits more research I think)
Girdle (Imagine the screams at the time of removal)
Seat belts that'll REALLY keep the kids still
Why bother with waxing...(louder screams)
Fix vacuum cleaner hose
Fix printer (I know for a fact you can fix a copier with it!)
Hold batteries in remote control (same goes for the old style gameboy)
Remove lint from clothes
Home security system - tape up doors and windows
Use it to tape 10 year olds with sugar highs to trees during boyscout trips
Poor man's Viagra - two Popsicle sticks and duct tape
Torture
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| posted by Brenda @ 12/28/2004 08:00:50 PM |
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| Monday, December 27, 2004 |
| Monday Lessons Learned |
When standing on ice as you get into your truck, make sure you're very, very, close to the truck before you try to put a leg in. If you don't, the other leg will head south and you'll split your difference.
Put away the Seargents Flea shampoo that someone left on your tub BEFORE you are taking a bath, water dripping in your eyes, and groping for the shampoo like a blind lady. (I'm putting this lesson learned right behind the one about making sure the Scrub Free is rinsed out of the tub before you take a bath.)
Birds will eat, and like, spaghetti made with Ragu Traditional sauce.  |
| posted by Brenda @ 12/27/2004 08:32:31 PM |
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| I'm as happy as a pig rolling in a mud puddle! |
Hubby left this morning for a hunting trip that should last till about Wednesday. Should I feel bad for being to elated?
Naw!!!
As long as he doesn't shoot himself or shoot another hunter, it'll be ok. Zach and I will lounge about and do what we do best, nothing!!!
I posted a few more of the photos from my Netherlands trip ovah here if ya'll want to go take a look. I'm still editing them so I'll post more as I get time.
How's everyone's day going?  |
| posted by Brenda @ 12/27/2004 02:50:09 PM |
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| Sunday, December 26, 2004 |
| I'd write a cute and witty entry today but,,,, |
My mind is wiped.
One little conversation occurred when James told Zach that he could start learning to shoot with my air rifle.
Zach: Boy, I bet I could shoot a grizzly with that!
Nanaw: Child, a grizzly would take that thing away from you and whip your butt with it!
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| posted by Brenda @ 12/26/2004 09:23:49 PM |
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| Saturday, December 25, 2004 |
| I'm a very pooped Nanny! |
The only thing better than Christmas is the day after Christmas in a place where it's not a holiday (the day after). I didn't get to bed until the wee hours cause I'm the official stocking stuffer around here and then I slept until after 8 a.m. which was not a good thing when you've got folks coming to be fed. But I made it and we took photos of the kiddies playing outdoors after Christmas dinner.
Zach and his 3 little sisters.
The Chick and PopPop. She was sick today and had a fever but she played a little.
The Chick's new gator.
PopPop made a sled out of an old paddle pool.
Very happy babies. The Chick was so relaxed she was almost asleep here.
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| posted by Brenda @ 12/25/2004 07:33:14 PM |
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| Friday, December 24, 2004 |
| Christmas Eve |
We did the thing at the in-laws tonight and one of the brother-in-laws put on his Santa suit. When he asked Chickie if she wanted to sit in his lap she said, "NO, UGGY Santa!!" The other kids, except for Abie, were all ready to tell him what he'd better have in his bag for them.
Zach and Krysten with Santa
MeriKate and Ashley (our niece).
The unhappy Chick with Santa and Mommy.
I racked up on bath goodies, James bought me this huge basket.
Aromatherapy goodies.
Nobody will smell better than me this holiday season I betcha! 
James and Jerri gave me a darling hummingbird windchime but the photo didn't turn out well. I'll have to find someone to hold it up for me to get a shot of it. Jami and Keith bought me some cozy flannel pjs and James also bought me a new printer.
Yep, I racked up on the goodies around here. I hope Santa is dropping some good stuff down ya'll's chimneys tonight!!
Merry Christmas! |
| posted by Brenda @ 12/24/2004 10:22:40 PM |
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| Thursday, December 23, 2004 |
| No Snow, only slippery ICE. |
The temps aren't supposed to be above freezing until Sunday. Night temps for the next few nights are supposed to be in the teens and single digits. I'm freezing my noonies off!!
Zach braving the cold.
This is all ice and sleet. |
| posted by Brenda @ 12/23/2004 01:54:51 PM |
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| Wednesday, December 22, 2004 |
| This is Arkansas, not Alaska! |
Yesterday it was damn near 70 degrees outdoors with bright, lovely sunshine and gusty winds. I woke up this morning to the sound of rain and those same gusty winds that steadily became colder as they began to gust out of the north. By noonish the rain became freezing rain,
 by 1pm the half inch of ice was being covered by sleet. Now it's about 24 degrees and it's dark so I don't know exactly what it's doing outside but it's moisture of the frozen kind I believe.
I took these right before dark, around 4:30.
I'm glad that all my Christmas shopping is done but I sure wish the wrapping fairy would come visit to help me out.
They're saying the sleet could turn to snow before morning.
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| posted by Brenda @ 12/22/2004 05:16:02 PM |
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| A Cous who loves me and a friend who thinks of me. |
What more could a gal need?
My cousin Hoppy in Highland Home, Alabama sent this to me:
We have all enjoyed redneck jokes for years.
It's time to take a look at the core beliefs of a culture that values home, family, country and God. If I had to stand before a dozen terrorists who threaten my life, I'd choose a half dozen or so rednecks to back me up.
Tire irons, squirrel guns and grit -- that's what rednecks are made of. I hope I am one of those. If you feel the same, pass this on to your redneck friends.
Ya`ll know who ya are...
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You might be a redneck if. . .
It never occurred to you to be offended by the phrase, "One nation, under God."
You've never protested about seeing the 10 Commandments posted in public places.
You still say "Christmas" instead of "Winter Festival."
You bow your head when someone prays.
You stand and place your hand over your heart when they play the National Anthem.
You treat Vietnam vets with great respect, and always have.
You've never burned an American flag.
You know what you believe and you aren't afraid to say so, no matter who is listening.
You respect your elders and expect your kids to do the same.
You'd give your last dollar to a friend.
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God Bless the USA.
This came from a friend who said it reminded them of me when they read it. Now I'm wondering if this is a good or a bad thing. (grin)
AN ARKANSAS CHRISTMAS
' TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, AND ALL THRU THE SHACK
NOT A DARN THING WAS A MOVIN' FROM THE FRONT TO THE BACK
THE KIDS WERE IN BED, WE HAD NINE AT THE TIME
THE WIFE IN HER CURLERS, WAS LOOKIN' REAL FINE
A COLD WIND WAS BLOWIN' UP THE HOLLER IT MOANED
TEN DOGS ON THE PORCH ALL HOWLED AND GROANED
THE BOYS WERE ALL DREAMIN' OF WEAPONS AND A GUN
FOR KILLIN GOD'S CREATERS, THERE'S NO BETTER FUN
THE GIRLS IN THEIR FEMININE DREAMS WERE ATTUNE
TO GETTING THOSE GALLONS OF WAL-MART PERFUME
THE WIFE WANTED JEWELRY, LIKE RINGS WITH BIG ROCKS
I JUST WANTED MY CHEVY DOWN OFF OF THEM BLOCKS.
THEN OUT IN THE YARD, SUCH A NOISE DID COMMENCE
LIKE SOMETHING WAS CAUGHT IN OUR NEW BOB-WAR FENCE.
I RAN TO THE WINDOW, AND SAW PRETTY QUICK
THE MAN MAKIN THAT RACKET WAS GOOD OL ST. NICK.
YOU MAY ATHINK OF SANTA IN YOUR OWN MIND'S EYES
DRESSED IN A RED AND WHITE SUIT, BUT I'VE GOT A SURPRISE
THAT OLD BOY'S AN ARKIE, FROM UP NEAR MT. GAYLOR
HE MARRIED HIS COUSIN, AND THEY LIVE IN A TRAILER.
ON CHRSTMAS, OF COURSE, A SLEIGH FOR HIS RIG,
HE HOOKS THE THING UP TO A RAZORBACK PIG!
HE CLIMED ON THE ROOF, WITH HIS BAG AND EACH GOODY,
HE BACKED DOWN THE FIREPLACE, ALL DIRTY AND SOOTY.
FAT LEGS IN HIS BRITCHES, CHUBBY HANDS IN EACH MITTEN
I MUST ADMIT FROM THE BACK, HE LOOKED LIKE BILL CLINTON.
HE TURNED TOWARD THE TREE, HIS EYES ALL AGLO
HE WAS AN ARKANSAS BOY FROM HIS HEAD TO HIS TOE.
HIS NECK WAS A RED ONE, HIS SHIRT SAID, "LITE BEER"
HE HAD NO RED HAT ON BUT HIS CAP READ, 'JOHN DEERE'
HE LEFT ALL THE PRESENTS WITH AN AIR OF DELIGHT
THEN IT WAS BACK TO THE CHIMNEY AND INTO THE NIGHT.
HE RAN INTO THE YARD, THREW HIS BAG IN THE SLEIGH
THEN HE YELLED AT THE DOGS, "GET OUT OF THE WAY"
I RAN OUT TO ASK HIM WHY HE BROUGHT SUCH GOOD CHEER
BUT INSTEAD HE ASKED ME. "YOU GET YOU A DEER?"
THEN I HEARD HIM EXCLAIM AS THOSE PIGS TOOK FLIGHT
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL...I NEED A BUD LITE!
HO HO HO HO HO!
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| posted by Brenda @ 12/22/2004 07:43:38 AM |
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| Tuesday, December 21, 2004 |
| It took courage to take these photos! |
From a cold seat on the ferris wheel in the Christmas Market in Maastricht by a chicken-shit photographer.
heh,heh, I took a pic of Tine as she took a pic!
I once climbed to the observation tower in the church (with red brick) in the background of this photo. Of course that once was over 9 yrs ago.
I just returned from a trip into town to pick up last minute stocking stuffers and a couple of other things that I forgot to get yesterday. Trips to town always cause a wide and varied range of emotions for me.
As I left the Wal Mart (that place I hate) parking lot a van pulled out of traffic and did a quick U-turn in a parking lot and then pulled back out into traffic, right in front of me. This little action triggered my "boy I outta kick your ass" emotion and it became a full-blown "if I could catch you, I'd kick your ass twice" emotion as I heard the 14 bags, that I'd carefully stacked in the back seat, tumble around from the domino effect of having slammed on my brakes. Hopefully the kids won't mind that their marshmallow, chocolate, Santa's will have little cracks in their marshmallow, chocolate, little heads.
The van turned a block later thus saving the driver from the double ass kicking.
Then I got behind an older granny than yours truly who proceeded to move forward at a pace not exceeding 20 mph. This triggered my "damn I need to get in that left lane" emotion and I could feel a nagging headache coming on. The left lane was full of cars and trucks passing by the granny (who had a leopard print covered steering wheel, by the way) and yours truly who was stuck behind her. I figure we must have had a lotta imports from Mississippi and Tennessee in town today cause I don't think there are that many vehicles in the county. Three miles later I was finally able to pass Ms. leopard print steering wheel and looked ahead to smooth sailing the rest of the way home.
As I pulled into the drive at my house, my "damn this place looks like a redneck castle" emotion came into play when I gazed upon the 2 climbing deer stands, the ATV trailer, 2 tires, and the ice chest that were adorning the lawn beside the drive. A stroll around the yard would have added to the list but I was just too full of emotions to handle any more.
I hope Santa doesn't break his neck trying to land down here in my neck of the woods!
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| posted by Brenda @ 12/21/2004 07:49:23 AM |
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| Monday, December 20, 2004 |
| Look at me wrong and I'll cry. |
I feel miserable right now. First off, I went shopping with hubby and Zach in tow and that does not make for a good day. Then, after coming out of the Paper Factory in Tunica, we noticed a little bulge in Zach's coat pocket. Inside were 2 pencils, 2 tiny, plastic whistles, and a tiny, crystal swan, items that had not been paid for.
With a broken heart, I marched him back into the shop to give the items to the ladies at the checkout and tell them that he'd taken them. We stood there with tears dripping off our chins as he apologized to the ladies and told them he wouldn't do anything like that again.
Now I feel more guilty than he does because I'm worrying that I've done something to make him feel that it was ok to take something that he hadn't paid for.
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| posted by Brenda @ 12/20/2004 06:31:30 PM |
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| Sunday, December 19, 2004 |
| Here it goes |
For Ms Leslie.
Three names you go by:
Brenda
Nanny
Nanaw
Three screen names you have:
Deltachick, dianinar, dian
Three things you like about yourself:
I mostly take things in stride
I am strong
I rarely meet a stranger
Three things you hate/dislike about yourself:
I find it hard to put past hurts behind me
I worry too much
My eating and smoking habits
Three parts of your heritage:
German
Irish
Indian
Three things that scare you:
Losing a child or anyone that I love
The way we take our planet for granted
Heights
Three of your everyday essentials:
Coffee
Cigarettes
Diet Dr Peppers
Three things you are wearing right now:
Playball Pj top
blue pj bottoms with red flowers
and a red face cause that's all I'm wearing
Three of your favorite bands/artists at the moment:
David Alan Coe
Joe Diffie
Soony's CD
Three of your favorite songs at present:
You Don't Have To Call Me Darlin, Darlin
3rd Rock from the Sun (by Joe Diffie)
Eric (by Soony)
Three new things you want to try in the next 12 months:
To finish at least 1 scrapbook that I'm working on
Paint my living and dining room
Start and finish my photo project
Three things you want in a relationship (love is a given):
Respect
Kindness
Romance
Three physical things about the opposite sex (or same) that appeal to you:
Definately a great smile
Good Manners
Outgoing personality
Three things you just can’t do:
Reach the top of the kitchen cabinets without a step ladder
Stand at the top of the ladder
Sew
Three of your favorite hobbies:
Scrap booking
Reading
Photography
Three careers you are considering:
RE-
TIRE-
MENT-
Three places you’d like to go on vacation:
England (to visit old friends)
Key West
Canada and the American West
Three kids’ names:
Anameik
Dawnana
Jackson
Three things you want to do before you die:
Meet all of my blogging friends
Feel at peace with myself
Write a book
Three people you’d like to see take this quiz now:
Everyone who reads this
Everyone who reads this
and
Everyone who reads this
(grin)
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| posted by Brenda @ 12/19/2004 10:13:13 PM |
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| Long weekend |
Nanny's pooped.
At a pub in Belgium.
40600069xx.jpg
With Danielle and Elena
Yvonne and I outside a Limburgh Castle where we went for High Tea one afternoon. |
| posted by Brenda @ 12/19/2004 06:14:14 PM |
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| Saturday, December 18, 2004 |
| This Just Ain't Right |
I was awake at 5 a.m.
And it's Saturday!
My body has been craving sleep in the worst way so why does it do this to me? Anyway, I took the opportunity just now to share a morning view with you and snapped this outside my back door.
I should now be having a nice, hot, leisurely bath before 3 more of the kiddies arrive to spend part of the day with me while their mommies pick up a special present in Little Rock today but this coffee is so good and I'm so lazy that I'm not in too big of a hurry to move yet. Besides, I reckon I'll need another hot bath and a quart of tequila AFTER having 4 kiddies.
Zach informed me yesterday that my bird likes Lays potato chips. After a bit of general interrogation I found out that he'd been laying in the floor enjoying a bowl of chips the other evening while Ya-Ya was having a stroll outside his cage and suddenly Ya-Ya attacked his bowl of chips and was wrestling Zach for bites of them. James and Zach thought this was very funny and cute especially when they put him back in the cage and he was raising a ruckus from the greasy, salt high.
Nanny was not amused. Just what I need, a junk food addicted bird, with no tail feathers. He's worn most of them off, probably from hyperactivity from all the salt and grease, and looks like a miniature duck when he follows me around the house with his little birdie waddle.
I had a nice surprise in my email this morning, a letter from Caroline in Montgomery, AL. I sat beside her on the plane for 10 hours on Tuesday and it sure made the trip home more enjoyable. Before we departed the plane I told her about my blog and said if she'd type in "Whats up down south" in a google search she could see what goes on in our neck of the woods and she did. I sure hope she'll come back and visit again. |
| posted by Brenda @ 12/18/2004 07:10:59 AM |
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| Friday, December 17, 2004 |
| I just can't stay away today,, |
I've been hopping around to read some of my favorite blogs and I remembered that CarolC had changed her site addy and had to come here to update my template so I decided to post a few more photos.
Are you tired of them yet?
A night on the town which started at a Salsa club in Stein. Here I am with Renee, a friend of Soony's who was also her wedding coordinator. She's loads of fun!
From the left is Soony (Danielle), Eric's mom, Marion (Soony's mom), Eric's sister-in-law, Renee, and in front is yours truly. We were still at the Salsa club but I think more in the sauce than doing the Salsa (big grin).
Renee and I with Herman, Soony's father. Yep, I think I'd had a few by this time.
Eric's Dad, Eric, Eric's brother, and Herman.
After several drinks at the Salsa club and not much Salsa some of us moved on to a boppin little pub which had a band playing that was also in Stein. This evening was the first Saturday I was there (I think).
A special seranade for the redneck lady from Arkansas.
Dancing to some old time Rock-N-Roll. This guy soon had me saying "uncle".
I also danced that night with two of Marion's friends who were in their 60's and let me tell you, they BOTH outdanced me really fast!
I took about 200 photos on this trip so ya'll let me know when you've seen enough, ok?
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Jerri took some cute pics of MeriKate, the Chick, and Abie the other day, ya'll go take a look over at the Chick's Site if you have time. |
| posted by Brenda @ 12/17/2004 04:23:02 PM |
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| A Few Wedding Photos |
I'm still in my pjs, can you believe it? I've had to dress a couple of times since I came home from the trip but I'm still not feeling real perky so usually after I shower I just put on clean pjs again.
Anyway, more photos!
The wedding cake was delicious! The layers were filled with a delightful strawberry cream with little bits of strawberries and the cake was very light, not heavy at all like many wedding cakes tend to be. The icing was a buttercream and not too sweet.
The beautiful bride and handsome groom.
I don't know how they stood still to take these photos cause it was colder than a witch's tit last Saturday!
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| posted by Brenda @ 12/17/2004 01:32:55 PM |
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| Thursday, December 16, 2004 |
| December 5th Dutch Tradition |
Sinterklaas
The Feast of Sinterklaas, or St. Nicholas, is an annual event which has been uniquely Dutch and Flemish for centuries. St. Nicholas' Feast Day, December 6th, is observed in most Roman Catholic countries primarily as a feast for small children. But it is only in the Low Countries - especially in the Netherlands - that the eve of his feast day (December 5th) is celebrated nationwide by young and old, christian and non-christian, and without any religious overtones.
Although Sinterklaas is always portrayed in the vestments of the bishop he once was, his status as a canonized saint has had little to do with the way the Dutch think of him. Rather, he is a kind of benevolent old man, whose feast day is observed by exchanging gifts and making good-natured fun of each other. It so happens that the legend of St. Nicholas is based on historical fact. He did actually exist. He lived from 271 A.D. to December 6th, 342 or 343. His 4th century tomb in the town of Myra, near the city of Anatolia in present-day Turkey, has even been dug up by archaeologists.
This is his story:
Born of a wealthy family, Nicholas was brought up as a devout Christian. When his parents died of an epidemic, he distributed his wealth among the poor and became a priest.
Later he became Archbishop of Myra, and it is from here that the fame of his good deeds began to spread across the Mediterranean. Desperate sailors who called upon the Good Bishop to calm stormy seas were heard; prison walls crumbled when victims of persecution prayed to him. He saved young children from the butcher's knife and dropped dowries into the shoes of penniless maidens. Over time, St. Nicholas became the patron saint of sailors and merchants, and especially of children. After his death, the cult of St. Nicholas spread rapidly via southern Italy throughout the rest of the Mediterranean and eventually to coastal towns along the Atlantic and the North Sea. In the 12th and 13th centuries, Holland built no fewer than 23 churches dedicated to St. Nicholas, many of which are still standing. Amsterdam adopted St. Nicholas as its patron saint, and Rome decreed that December 6th, the anniversary of his death, should be his official Feast Day.
St. Nicholas' strong influence in the Low Countries - an area heavily engaged in trade and navigation - was primarily due to his role as patron of sailors and merchants.
However, his fame as protector of children soon took precedence.
In the 14th century, choir boys of St. Nicholas churches were given some money and the day off on December 6th.
Somewhat later, the pupils of convent schools would be rewarded or punished by a monk dressed up as the Good Bishop, with his long white beard, his red mantle and mitre (bishop's hat) and his golden crosier (bishop's staff) - just as he is still presented today.
All Dutch children know that Sinterklaas (the name is a corruption of Sint Nikolaas) lives in Spain. Exactly why he does remains a mystery, but that is what all the old songs and nursery rhymes say. Whatever the case may be, in Spain he spends most of the year recording the behaviour of all children in a big red book, while his helper Black Peter stocks up on presents for next December 5th. In the first weeks of November, Sinterklaas gets on his white horse, Peter ("Piet") swings a huge sack full of gifts over his shoulder, and the three of them board a steamship headed for the Netherlands. Around mid-November they arrive in a harbour town - a different one every year - where they are formally greeted by the Mayor and a delegation of citizens. Their parade through town is watched live on television by the whole country and marks the beginning of the "Sinterklaas season".
The old bishop and his helpmate are suddenly everywhere at once. At night they ride across Holland's' rooftops and Sinterklaas listens through the chimneys to check on the children's behaviour. Piet jumps down the chimney flues and makes sure that the carrot or hay the children have left for the horse in their shoes by the fireplace is exchanged for a small gift or some candy. During the day, Sinterklaas and Piet are even busier, visiting schools, hospitals, department stores, restaurants, offices and many private homes. Piet rings doorbells, scatters sweets through the slightly opened doors and leaves basketfuls of presents by the front door. How do they manage to be all over the Netherlands at once?
This is thanks to the so-called "hulp-Sinterklazen", or Sinterklaas helpers, who dress up like the bishop and Black Peter and help them perform their duties. Children who become wise to these simultaneous "Sint-sightings" are told that since Sinterklaas cannot indeed be in two places at once, he gets a little help from his uncanonized friends.
The Dutch are busy too - shopping for, and more importantly, making presents. Tradition demands that all packages be camouflaged in some imaginative way, and that every gift be accompanied by a fitting poem. This is the essence of Sinterklaas: lots of fun on a day when people are not only allowed, but expected, to make fun of each other in a friendly way. Children, parents, teachers, employers and employees, friends and co-workers tease each other and make fun of each others' habits and mannerisms.
Another part of the fun is how presents are hidden or disguised. Recipients often have to go on a treasure hunt all over the house, aided by hints, to look for them. They must be prepared to dig their gifts out of the potato bin, to find them in a jello pudding, in a glove filled with wet sand, in some crazy dummy or doll. Working hard for your presents and working even harder to think up other peoples' presents and get them ready is what the fun is all about.
The original poem accompanying each present is another old custom and a particularly challenging one. Here the author has a field day with his subject (the recipient of the gift). Foibles, love interests, embarrassing incidents, funny habits and well-kept secrets are all fair game. The recipient, who is the butt of the joke, has to open his/her package in public and read the poem aloud amid general hilarity. The real giver is supposed to remain anonymous because all presents technically come from Sinterklaas, and recipients say out loud "Thank you, Sinterklaas!", even if they no longer believe in him.
Towards December 5th, St. Nicholas poems pop up everywhere in the Netherlands: in the press, in school, at work and in both Houses of Parliament.
On the day of the 5th, most places of business close a bit earlier than normal. The Dutch head home to a table laden with the same traditional sweets and baked goods eaten for St. Nicholas as shown in the 17th-century paintings of the Old Masters. Large chocolate letters - the first initial of each person present - serve as place settings. They share the table along with large gingerbread men and women known as "lovers". A basket filled with mysterious packages stands close by and scissors are at hand. Early in the evening sweets are eaten while those gathered take turns unwrapping their gifts and reading their poems out loud so that everyone can enjoy the impact of the surprise. The emphasis is on originality and personal effort rather than the commercial value of the gift, which is one reason why Sinterklaas is such a delightful event for young and old alike.
It were the Dutch settlers who brought St. Nicholas over to
New Amsterdam - USA.
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| posted by Brenda @ 12/16/2004 11:46:08 AM |
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| Whew |
Will I ever be caught up? How long does it take? I can't remember things being this hard after our last trip to Europe and I'm sure it can't be my age (grin). Sometime today I'm going to have to sit and make a list of things that I must get done because Christmas is looming and then tax season will be on top of me.
Yesterday I wrapped 6 presents, bought groceries, cooked breakfast for supper, did some laundry, and unpacked most of my junk. Four of my granddaughters came by for their little presents that I'd brought them (miniature porcelain dolls that I found in Valkenburg). It was so good to have those little arms around my neck for a few seconds, after that they were too busy playing.
Today I can't even think but I know the first thing I need to do is fold laundry and put it away and vacuum the living room floor!
Marion (Soony's mom), Soony (Danielle), and I on a shopping trip.
House of Sinta Claus in Weere (not sure about the spelling). He is what Soony calls the 5th of December dude, this photo shows one of his helpers (one of the Black Pete's). They are black from going down the chimneys to take toys to the children. I have photos of Sinta Claus somewhere but I'll have to find which card he's on.
Two more of the Black Pete's. I think these two were workers in the toy room. There were Black Pete's EVERYWHERE! |
| posted by Brenda @ 12/16/2004 07:14:39 AM |
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| Wednesday, December 15, 2004 |
| Home Again! |
We took the train to the airport in Amsterdam yesterday to avoid what sometimes becomes a 5 hour traffic jam so after a 2 1/2 hr. train ride and a 10 hour flight I finally arrived in Memphis around 5pm last evening. I developed a little health problem from the "flight from Hell" when I went over so I'm still moving a little slow right now, even after a normal flight. I've been trying to unpack and do laundry and I will have to go this afternoon to buy a few groceries (Zach and James have been eating a lot of quick fix foods while I was away).
Anyway, I thought I'd post a few photos to get the ball rolling until I have time and energy to do more.
Your messages have meant so much to me while I was away and it was a great joy to read them when I had a few minutes to log on.
Tine standing outside the wonderful restaurant where we had the most delicious mussels in Belgium.
Tine and Brenda having lunch during our second meeting in Maastricht. I had such a wonderful time! I so hope she and Ed will come to visit us in Arkansas.
Mr. and Mrs. Klinkenburg |
| posted by Brenda @ 12/15/2004 10:33:01 AM |
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| Saturday, December 11, 2004 |
| Now THAT was a wedding |
I got home 30 minutes ago (it's 5a.m.now) and that's all I've got to say about it for now cause if I don't get some sleep I'm gonna fall outta this chair.
Hope everyone had a great Saturday!! |
| posted by Brenda @ 12/11/2004 09:58:18 PM |
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| Wednesday, December 08, 2004 |
| It's Wednesday I think. |
The internet connection has been down here but I've also been mostly going straight to bed because we've been having some pretty late evenings.
There is so much going on every day that I forget which thing we do on which day but I do know today I took the train to Maastricht (only two stops though) to meet with Tine again before I leave to return home next week. We had a FANTASTIC time. I would post some of the photos to show you just how fantastic but I keep forgetting to bring my camera upstairs with me and I'm old,,,,and so lazy, so I don't go back down the stairs to do this. (Imagine all the photos that I'll overwhelm you with later!)
However, today Tine met me at the train station in Maastricht and we shopped, had a most delicious lunch of tomato soup, hot ham and cheese sandwiches and hot chocolate with whipped cream at one of the cafes beside where they were having their annual Christmas Market, we took a ride in the huge ferris wheel at the Market where we took great photos of Maastricht (where I did ok until we stopped at the top), then watched the ice skaters for a bit, had coffee, shopped some more, and had another diet cola. Then as Tine walked me back to the train station we stopped again for another coffee and so we could talk some more before I had to take the train back to Stein. We stopped and had a filled pastry to eat as we crossed the walkway over the Maas River. I'll have to ask Tine the name of it because I have forgotten that,,,but NOT the taste,,it was excellent!! The whole entire day was just wonderful!
After the train deposited me back in Stein we had more coffee to warm up before we went to wish Soony's father a happy 65th birthday. I had several glasses of great wine and too much food again so I'll soon have to be heading to the bed to sleep it off.
The wedding is on Saturday and they have told me that it will take all day for the activities and then a party afterwards.
I hope to survive it.
I sure do miss the time spent with my blog friends. I hope to catch up with all of you as soon as I arrive back in Arkansas.
P.S. My father died on Thursday. I'm not so upset about this because I feel I came to terms with this a few weeks ago but tomorrow I'm going to a small chapel here in Stein to pray for him, and for me.
I sure am missing my family!!!
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| posted by Brenda @ 12/08/2004 05:45:31 PM |
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| Thursday, December 02, 2004 |
| I'm P.D.P. |
That's "Pretty Damned Plastered" in Brenda talk, but I thought I'd post a little tonight before I fall into a coma a few minutes from now.
I had a fantastic time during my visit with Tine and Ed. They took Soony and I to a wonderful restaurant with such succulent mussels that I was nearly embarrassed because I had so much to eat! (I say nearly because they were that good that I couldn't stop eating them even after was completely full). There is no host and hostess in the whole south with more hospitality than Tine and Ed are graced with. The afternoon was so nice that I was sad to see it end. Their house is so beautiful and comfortable and we were made to feel so welcome!! I hope to see Tine again next week so I can take her to lunch and we'll have another visit before I have to return home. We hope to have time to do some shopping as well. I am very much looking forward to this!
This evening I met Danielle's (Soony's) husband-to-be for the first time since he was in the U.S. on business until today. I also met his mother, father, and brother. Yesterday I met his sister and I have to admit, I think Soony is marrying into a fine family.
I do hope that Erik's mother will still speak to me tomorrow after as much wine as I had tonight and also talked her into drinking with me. (grin).
Danielle gave me a wonderful gift this evening from Sinta Claus, a photo book of many of the photos that I had thought I'd lost forever in the fire. I have spent the whole evening with tears because this book is the most perfect gift in the world to me. I'll be forever thankful and grateful for the thought and love that went into this gift. Thank you Danielle and Erik!!
The last news of the evening came to me during a phone call to my husband and Zach, Zach misses me, but I also miss Zach! I miss my whole family!! I also got the news tonight that I'm to be a Nanny once again. Jeri and Bubbie found out today that there will be a new brother or sister for the Chickie in about 8 months!
Tell me, could anyone have had a better day than this has been?
Just a smilin!!
Hugs all round!
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| posted by Brenda @ 12/02/2004 06:57:35 PM |
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