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Monday, December 31, 2012

Happy New Year!!!!

 Cat's New Years Resolutions 2013

 What Are You Doing on New Years Eve- Donna Krall

Happy New Year - Abba


 Auld Lang Syne - Guy Lombardo

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Thursday, December 27, 2012

New Year's Resolutions You Can Keep (Joke...Honest)



Tired of making resolutions year after year that you never keep?
Why not promise to do something you can actually accomplish?
Here are
some resolutions that you can use as a starting point:



1. Gain weight. At least 30 pounds.

2. Stop exercising. Waste of time.

3. Read less. Makes you think.

4. Watch more TV. You've been missing some good stuff.

5. Procrastinate more. Starting tomorrow.

6. Stop bringing lunch from home: Eat out more.

7. Get in a whole NEW rut!

8. Spend your summer vacation in Cyberspace.

9. Don't eat cloned meat.

10. Create loose ends.

11. Get more toys.

12. Get further in debt.

13. Don't believe politicians.

14. Break at least one traffic law.

15. Avoid airplanes that spontaneously drop 1000 feet.

16. Don't swim with piranhas or sharks.

17. Associate with even worse business clients.

18. Spread out priorities beyond ability to keep track of them.

19. Wait around for opportunity.

20. Focus on the faults of others.

21. Mope about faults.

22. Never make New Year's resolutions again.

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Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Hollywood Salutes Christmas

The Bells of St Mary's Christmas Play


The Bishop's Wife - The Empty Stocking Christmas Sermon

 

Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol The Lord's Bright Blessing (reprise) 

 

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Monday, December 24, 2012

Sunday, December 23, 2012

The Music of Christmas- Featuring Unlikely Christmas Heroes

Barefoot Santa Claus - Sonny James

 


Ding A Ling, The Christmas Bell - Lynn Anderson 

  

Leroy the Redneck Reindeer- Joe Diffie



Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer - Gene Autry

 


Saturday, December 22, 2012

The Music of Christmas-Part 3-Featuring Avalon

 Light a Candle


The Angels Medley 

Jesus Born On This Day

 

Joy to the World

 

 

 

Friday, December 21, 2012

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day- Casting Crowns


Christmas at Arlington National Cemetery

CHRISTMAS AT ARLINGTON CEMETERY
Arlington National Cemetery
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Rest easy, sleep well my brothers. Know the line has held, your job is done.   Rest easy, sleep well. Others have taken up where you fell the line has held.
,
Peace, peace, and farewell...
Rest easy,
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Readers may be interested to know that these wreaths -- some 5,000 -- are donated by the Worcester Wreath Co. of Harrington, Maine . The owner, Merrill Worcester, not only provides the wreaths, but covers the trucking expense as well. He's done this since 1992. A wonderful guy. Also, most years, groups of Maine school kids combine an educational trip to DC with this event to help out. Making this even more remarkable is the fact that Harrington is in one of the poorest parts of the state.

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Oh, Christmas Tree

Christmas Trees From Around The World

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  The Capitol Christmas tree in Washington , D.C. , is decorated with 3,000 ornaments that are the handiwork of U.S. schoolchildren. Encircling evergreens in the 'Pathway of Peace' represent the 50 U.S. states.

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The world's largest Christmas tree display rises up the slopes of Monte Ingino outside of Gubbio, in Italy 's Umbria region. Composed of about 500 lights connected by 40,000 feet of wire, the 'tree' is a modern marvel for an ancient city.


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A Christmas tree befitting Tokyo 's nighttime neon display is projected onto the exterior of the Grand Prince Hotel Akasaka.


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Illuminating the Gothic facades of Prague's Old Town Square, and casting its glow over the manger display of the famous Christmas market, is a grand tree cut in the Sumava mountains in the southern Czech Republic.


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Venice 's Murano Island renowned throughout the world for its quality glasswork is home to the tallest glass tree in the world. Sculpted by master glass blower Simone Cenedese, the artistic Christmas tree is a modern reflection of the holiday season.


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Moscow celebrates Christmas according to the Russian Orthodox calendar on Jan. 7. For weeks beforehand, the city is alive with festivities in anticipation of Father Frost's arrival on his magical troika with the Snow Maiden. He and his helper deliver gifts under the New Year tree, or yolka, which is traditionally a fir.

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The largest Christmas tree in Europe (more than 230 feet tall) can be found in the Praea do Comercio in Lisbon , Portugal . Thousands of lightsadorn the tree, adding to the special enchantment of the city during the 
holiday season.



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'Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree': Even in its humblest attire, aglow beside a tiny chapel in Germany 's Karwendel mountains, a Christmas tree is a wondrous sight.


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Ooh la la Galeries Lafayette! In Paris , even the Christmas trees are chic. With its monumental, baroque dome, plus 10 stories of lights and high fashion, it's no surprise this show-stopping department store draws more visitors than the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower


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In addition to the Vatican 's heavenly evergreen, St. Peter's Square in Rome hosts a larger-than-life nativity scene in front of the obelisk.


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The Christmas tree that greets revelers at the Puerta del Sol is dressed for a party. Madrid 's two-week celebration makes millionaires along with merrymakers. On Dec. 22, a lucky citizen will win El Gordo (the fat one), the world's biggest lottery.


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A token of gratitude for Britain 's aid during World War II, the Christmas tree in London 's Trafalgar Square has been the annual gift of the people of Norway since 1947.


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Drink a glass of gluhwein from the holiday market at the Romer, Frankfurt 's city hall since 1405 and enjoy a taste of Christmas past.


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Against a backdrop of tall, shadowy firs, a rainbow trio of Christmas trees lights up the night (location unknown).

Vince Guaraldi Trio - O Tannenbaum

 


Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Save St John the Baptist School Update

St John the Baptist School is a little over halfway point in their fundraising efforts to save their school from closing. Today and tomorrow the following Cecil Whittakers Pizza Parlors will donate 15% of sales to the effort  if you mention   Saint John the Baptist School.

 The CWP locations are:

Cecil Whitakers - 15% goes to school

Event Date: 12/11/2012
South City @6018 South Grand 352-7277 Affton/Lemay @9040 Gravois 544-2900 St. Louis Hills @3429 Watson 644-0515 Must mention St. John the Baptist to your server so we get the credit.

Cecil Whitakers - 15% goes to school

Event Date: 12/12/2012
South City @6018 South Grand 352-7277 Affton/Lemay @9040 Gravois 544-2900 St. Louis Hills @3429 Watson 644-0515 Must mention St. John the Baptist to your server so we get the credit.

 

St. John the Baptist Elementary Appeal Update – 12/10/12


 Thank you for your support.




Hanukkah Day 4- Chanukah Jewish Rock of Ages


Monday, December 10, 2012

Hanukkah Day 3- Hanukkah, O Hanukkah-Theodore Bikel


Our 23rd Wedding Anniversary

We celebrated our 23rd wedding anniversary yesterday.  Chris and I are not too materialistic so we decided to go to the St Louis Symphony and see their performance of Handel's Messiah. The conductor was Christopher Warren-Green who did the music for Prince William and Kate's wedding, the Queen's 80th birthday celebration and Prince Charles 60th birthday concert. It was a fantastic performance.

Afterwards, we continued our Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives experience by eating at the Highway 61 Roadhouse in Webster Groves. Food was wonderful. Chris had the pulled pork and I had the pork steak...BBQ Nirvana.

All the food was good. The potstickers that Guy went ga-ga over were a bit spicy but excellent. The BBQ was superb.

I noticed they added Guy Fieri drinks to the menu. We're not drinkers. I couldn't be true redneck because I can't stand beer. I'm not overly fond of wine so I'm in no danger of being a Wino. However, I do like rum...I could very easily be a Rummie.

I tried the Fieri...3 different rums...grenadine...and I can't remember what else. It was was the most disappointing drink I've had.  It was almost medicinal in taste. It got a bit smoother as the ice melted and diluted it a bit. 

Otherwise, here's what we tried... 



   CajAsian Potstickers
Homemade dumplings filled with Andouille sausage, vegetables & Sambal chili sauce. Pan-seared then steamed & served with Creole soy dipping sauce
 Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App
Pulled Pork Supper
Lightly smoked shredded pork shoulder smothered in our homemade BBQ sauce & served on Texas toast    
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Sweet Potato Pie
Yes this house-made pie is also great as a dessert. We top it with marshmallows & pecans




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BBQ Spaghetti
Spaghetti tossed in our BBQ sauce with chunks of pulled pork. You’ve gotta try it! 
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Red Beans and Rice
Plump red beans with chunks of ham in a rich & spicy gravy served over white rice 
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The Fieri


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Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Save St John the Baptist School

The staff at St John the Baptist school have been given a seemingly impossible task. In 8 weeks time (4 are left), they must raise $250,000 or the school will close at the end of the school year. Parents, teachers, and children have banded together and raised $89000 so far. They still need help.

Below you will find the official notice of financial trouble. You will also find a list of local businesses that  are holding a fundraiser event for the school. Please support the businesses on the date. Remember to mention St John the Baptist so they will know you are supporting the school.


November 5, 2012
Dear Friends,
An old friend is struggling with some difficult decisions, and I am writing to ask for your help.
St. John the Baptist is facing what seems to be an insurmountable financial deficit, one that puts our elementary school at risk for closure. After educating generations of children throughout its almost 100-year history, it is hard to imagine the halls of our school silenced.
As a parishioner or one of those many students, you are a living testament to Father Peter’s founding vision. He saw a community that worked together to prepare young minds to live in the world through classical education and formation in the Catholic faith. His vision never conceived of a $250,000 deficit that would end the opportunity for a Catholic education for deserving children, much less in the community he so loved.
St. John the Baptist will celebrate its centennial in 2014. It has been an unwavering presence in the Bevo area and a spiritual home for thousands of Catholic and non-Catholic families throughout the years. It is the focal point in countless memories; perhaps in some of yours. Through care and attention, its facilities are still in good shape and provide a safe, caring environment for learning and celebration–baptisms, weddings, picnics, breakfasts, funerals, plays, trivia nights, and sporting events. It also serves as the site for the Parish School of Religion for the Southside Deanery.
We don’t want to make the decisions that face us in a vacuum. As a member of our extended spiritual family, you should have the opportunity to know of our circumstances and to assist us if you can. It is critical that we reach our $250,000 goal in order to stay viable for the 2013-2014 school year. This will allow our kids to bridge to a more permanent solution that is in development for Catholic education in South City.
If you would like to contribute to our effort to reduce the deficit facing St. John the Baptist school, you may use our secure online giving donation link. No amount is too small. If financial support isn’t possible at this time, please pray for us. We can always benefit from your prayers for our Father’s guidance in making the decisions that face us.
It is never easy to ask for help. But, this is where St. John’s finds itself as a parish community in order to continue the work of its founder.
Can you help an old friend?
Sincerely,
Father John Keenoy
Pastor

PS…If you would like to talk with me about St. John’s and our fundraising efforts, please call me at 314-353-1255.

TOTAL12.3

Fundraising Efforts

Event Calendar

Mission Sale

Event Date: 12/04/2012

Phone-A-Thon

Event Date: 12/04/2012
6:30pm - 8:00pm in Cafeteria

Dress Down Day for Crisis Nursery

Event Date: 12/05/2012
$1.00

Phone-A-Thon

Event Date: 12/05/2012
6:30pm - 8:00pm in Cafeteria

Phone-A-Thon

Event Date: 12/06/2012
6:30pm - 8:00pm in Cafeteria

Sock Collection Mass

Event Date: 12/07/2012
8:00am

English Tutoring Project - Christmas Shopping for a Cause

Event Date: 12/07/2012
Shopping at Plowsharing Crafts 6pm-9pm 6271 Delmar - 15% donation to ETP Dinner at Noodles & Company 4pm-10pm 6310 Delmar - 25% donation to ETP

5 Below Fundraiser at Gravois Bluffs 9am-9pm

Event Date: 12/08/2012
10% back to school 193 Gravois Bluffs Drive You must bring in the flyer for st. John's school Appeal to receive 10% of sales.

Cecil Whitakers - 15% goes to school

Event Date: 12/11/2012
South City @6018 South Grand 352-7277 Affton/Lemay @9040 Gravois 544-2900 St. Louis Hills @3429 Watson 644-0515 Must mention St. John the Baptist to your server so we get the credit.

Cecil Whitakers - 15% goes to school

Event Date: 12/12/2012
South City @6018 South Grand 352-7277 Affton/Lemay @9040 Gravois 544-2900 St. Louis Hills @3429 Watson 644-0515 Must mention St. John the Baptist to your server so we get the credit.

STUCO Pictures with Santa

Event Date: 12/12/2012

Progress Notes

Event Date: 12/14/2012

Family Fiesta Dinner 4:30-11pm

Event Date: 12/15/2012
in Cafeteria to benefit the school

Choir at 10am Mass

Event Date: 12/16/2012

Pick Up TJ Pizzas

Event Date: 12/17/2012

Molldeli's Fundraiser - 10% back to school

Event Date: 12/17/2012
10:30am - 8:30pm 11836 Tesson Ferry Road Must mention St. John's to get credit.

Molldeli's Fundraiser - 10% back to school

Event Date: 12/18/2012
10:30am - 8:30pm 11836 Tesson Ferry Road Must mention St. John's to get credit.

Molldeli's Fundraiser - 10% back to school

Event Date: 12/19/2012
10:30am - 8:30pm 11836 Tesson Ferry Road Must mention St. John's to get credit.

Christmas Program - 1:30 & 7pm in Gym

Event Date: 12/19/2012
Students need to be in the Gym by 6:45pm

Noon Dismissal for Christmas Vacation

Event Date: 12/20/2012
Classes resume Thursday, January 3, 2013

Spaghetti Dinner & Dessert Auction to benefit school

Event Date: 12/30/2012
4:30 - 6:30pm in Cafeteria $7 for adults & $5 for kids under 12 sponsored by the Stewardship Committee

Sunday, December 2, 2012

A Christmas Hater

 
 
I Hate Christmas!  

A Cat's Christmas

I've always wondered why the tree always ended on the ground. I didn't know our felines were taught the maneuver to drive us crazy.
 
  
 
Over the years, we've had cats climb the tree, knock off the ornaments, and chew on the lights. One year, we invested in a chemical repel spray that was supposed to keep them away from the tree. Our cat sat under it lapping the runoff from the branches. The only way we defeated them was by investing in a tree that hangs on the wall...(sigh)
They are cute though. 

Friday, November 30, 2012

Christmas Songs I Hate

We have one more day before December. There is already at least one radio station here in St Louis MO that is already all Christmas music...all the time. I love Christmas songs...I love Christmas hymns too. However, I have to admit there are a few I could do without. 
Here are my top five of hated holiday music...or do you really have to play that again???  Actually, they're not bad the first time or two I hear them...However, by December 25th, it feels like they've been played 3000 times.

1.  Wonderful Christmas Time-Paul McCartney

 

2.  Feliz Navidad- Jose Feliciano

 

3. Grandma Got Run over by a Reindeer-Elmo & Patsy


4.  Baby Its Cold Outside-Margaret Whiting and Johnny Mercer

 

5.  All I Want For Christmas Is You- Mariah Carey

What holiday songs make you feel like screaming? 

 

 

 



 

 

Martha Stewart's Holiday Calendar











 
December 1

Blanch carcass from Thanksgiving turkey. Spray paint gold, turn upside down and use as a sleigh to hold Christmas cards.
 

December 2
Have Mormon Tabernacle Choir record outgoing Christmas message for answering machine.
 

December 3
Using candlewick and hand gilded miniature pinecones, fashion cat-o-nine tails. Flog gardener.
 

December 4
Repaint Sistine Chapel ceiling in ecru, with mocha trim.
 

December 5
Get new eyeglasses. Grind lenses myself.
 

December 6
Fax family Christmas newsletter to Pulitzer committee for consideration.
 

December 7
Debug Windows XP.
 

December 8
Create snow sculpture replica of Bethlehem at the birth of Christ.
 

December 9
Align carpets to adjust for curvature of Earth.
 

December 10
Lay Faberge egg.
 

December 11
Erect ice skating rink in front yard using spring water I bottled myself. Open for neighborhood children's use. Create festive mood by handmaking snow and playing my Christmas album.
 

December 12
Collect dentures. They make excellent pastry cutters, particularly for decorative pie crusts.
 

December 13
Install plumbing in gingerbread house.
 

December 14
Replace air in mini-van tires with Glade 'holiday scents' in case tires are shot out at mall.
 

December 15
Take dog apart. Disinfect. Reassemble.

December 16
Child proof the Christmas tree with garland of razor wire.
 

December 17
Outfit neighborhood rats with tiny antlers.
 

December 18
Adjust legs of chairs so each Christmas dinner guests will be same height when sitting at their assigned seats.
 

December 19
Dip sheep and cows in egg whites and roll in confectioner's sugar to add a festive touch to the pasture.
 

December 20
Drain city reservoir; refill with mulled cider, orange slices, and cinnamon sticks.
 

December 21
Float votive candles in toilet.
 

December 22
Seed clouds for white Christmas.
 

December 23
Do my annual good deed. Go to several stores. Be seen engaged in last minute Christmas shopping, thus making many people feel less inadequate than they really are.
 

December 24
Bear son. Swaddle. Lay in color coordinated manger scented with homemade potpourri.
 

December 25
Alphabetize all the Christmas gifts for family and friends and cross-reference by color and size.
 

December 26
Write and mail Christmas thank-you notes. Order cards for next Christmas. Estimate number of cards needed by allowing for making new friends and actuarially appropriate death rates for current friends and relatives.
 

December 27
Organize spice racks by genus and phylum.
 

December 28
Build snowman in exact likeness of God.
 

December 29
Hand sew 365 quilts, each using 365 material squares I weaved myself used to represent the 365 days of the year. Donate to local orphanages.
 

December 30
Release flock of white doves, each individually decorated with olive branches, to signify desire of world peace.
 

December 31
New Year's Eve! Give staff their resolutions. Call a friend in each time zone of the world as the clock strikes midnight in that country.


Sunday, November 25, 2012

Computer Problem

Computer Problem


I was having trouble with my computer. So I called Jimmy the computer guy,
to come over. Jimmy clicked a couple of buttons and solved the problem. He gave
me a bill for a minimum service call.

As he was walking away, I called after him, "So, what was wrong?"


He replied, "It was an ID ten T error."


I didn't want to appear stupid, but nonetheless inquired, "An, ID ten T

error? What's that . in case I need to fix it again?"

The computer guy grinned.... "Haven't you ever heard of an ID ten T error

before?"

"No," I replied.


"Write it down," he said, "and I think you'll figure it out."


So I wrote out ........ I D 1 0 T