Friday, December 21, 2012

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year


Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Happy Holidays to One and to All


My grandfather made this Santa more than 100 years ago.




My grandmother made this table runner, a friend gave me the pewter candle holders, and my dad won the vase, playing bridge.


This is the time of year to look back and remember those who have played a part in our lives, for me: My family and friends in Sweden, my friends and family here in the 
U. S., and those who have passed on. 


This year, my beloved Angel died in May. The one dog who loved me above all. And mommy will always love you too.


Also in May, our sweet Pippi Birdie died. You cheered us all up with your constant twitter and song and we miss you so very much.


But life goes on and yesterday, as I went to town to do some Christmas shopping, the gumbo pots came out, my New Orleans born husband sharpened his knives and the chopping began. He was still at it into the evening hours. Two large pots of gumbo now rest in the refrigerator, some of it will be given away and some of it we will eat for Christmas. But wait, there's also a duck sitting in the freezer. Oh well, I guess if you're from New Orleans, the pleasure of eating and cooking knows no bounds.


With a fire in the fireplace (10 F here right now) and carols with Nat King Cole, Martina McBride, and others on the stereo, the Christmas spirit is slowly coming forward. 





All of the above would go in my tree, were I to have a tree. In  the Sweden of my childhood, the tree went up the day before Christmas Eve, so I still have some time to decide.


My straw goat, representing the goats that traveled with Santa (Jultomten) would stand underneath the tree. With Samson around, he probably will stand somewhere high up instead. Interestingly, in the land of the reindeer, Santa travels with goats. 

 

A cheerful Santa, a gift from a friend of my mom's.


In another day or so, my table will look like this again.


My parents wrapping presents, circa 1939.



Rachael and I celebrating Christmas here last year.


I bought Soldier a bed yesterday. He has rejected beds in the past and sleeps on a carpet remnant with his blankie, but he's getting so old now and I thought I would try one last time with a real soft bed. And, success! He slept on it last night and it must have felt good for his aching hips and back.


Recently, Gracie posted about all her toys and Samson has complained ever since. So I looked for some new toys for him, but didn't find any. I know I have a few more my friend Carol gave the dogs packed away, so I'll give him those. Rachael gave him tennis balls and Judy sent him and Soldier some very huge bones. So he better stop complaining, but with Samson you never know.




I end this with the little Tomte that protects our home here in the canyon. In olden days in Sweden, people believed that a small tomte lived in the barn, or somewhere close by, and kept watch over the farm. I love that thought and since I happen to have the likeness of one, he stays out year-round to keep an eye on things around here.




~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I will take a bloggy vacation over the holidays and come back with a new computer and, hopefully, all my new stuff figured out, after New Year's.

I completely forgot to post part 2 or my Wyoming Cowboy Adventures, so I'll post the whole story next year. And I'll continue with the California Missions then as well. 

Again, I want to wish all of you the best for this Holiday Season and for the New Year. I appreciate your friendship and that you come around to visit my blog. Samson says he does too and just wait, he will have lots more to say come next year. He's still feeling good without the medicine.




40 comments:

  1. Lovely seeing your Christmas ornaments and other decorations. I'm a Santa collector, so I adore that Santa, and the age makes it more precious (folk art).

    Yes, Inger, you must tell us the rest of the cowboy tale. Way to leave us hanging. . .

    See you in 2013, Happy Holidays!

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  2. blessings to you and yours, dear inger. enjoy the love around you.

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  3. Haven't posted but always stop by to see what is happening in the canyon.

    It will just be the two of us for Christmas up here in the frozen north but looking forward to a four legged furry addition in the new year. That should get me off my butt and keep me moving!

    Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and health and happiness in the New Year.

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  4. Merry Christmas to all of you there Inger hope you have a joyous one. I love the top photo of the Santa you Grandfather made 100 years ago he is really sweet. Good luck with the new computer I'm sure you'll love it once you get going on it.

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  5. Dear Inger - here's wishing you a blessed Christmas with your Loved ones ...

    ... and may the coming year bring you joy and happiness

    fond regards

    Graham

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  6. i enjoyed all your treasures from the past with the stories to go with them. that is amazing the santa has been around for 100 years. glad Samson is doing good and Soldier likes his bed... wishing you peace and joy and happiness over the rest of the holiday season... of course working on a new computer that might be an empty wish. HA ha.. good luck

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  7. Oh dat was fun! I loves seein' your stuffs from Sweden. I bets Christmas in Sweden is beautifuls, it seems to be overly commercialized heres. Maybe it's dat way everywheres. Anyways, I loves your Santa your grandfather made. What a wonderfull trasure to has all these years.
    I wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year...and rememebrs me if you needs help drinkin' all da eggie nog.

    Puddles

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  8. Vill bara önska er en God Jul från ditt gamla hemland !

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  9. Inger I always smile when I see your treasures...they warm my heart...thank you for being a friend and Merry Christmas to you and yours!...:)JP

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  10. Love those homemade ornaments!! A Merry Christmas!!!

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  11. One can never have too many tomtes--or too much of your husband's DELICIOUS gumbo! Merry Christmas, you sweet thing!!

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  12. This is lovely seeing your heritage of Christmas culture and traditions. Love that picture of your mom and dad! And of you and your daughter!. Also, those ornaments are wonderful.

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  13. So much beauty with your Christmas items, but I'm sorry you lost Angel. I will never get over Faulkner's death in 2010. It's just impossible, but everyday somehow continues. The sun rises and sets, but my love is gone.

    Love,
    Janie

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  14. I am so glad that Soldier likes his bed. We bought beds for the pups... and neither one would use them. Then, when watching a friend's dogs, Tucker started using their bed. He likes having one with a bolster around it! I guess he wants a pillow to lay his head on!

    Have a wonderful Christmas. I wish all of you a happy and healthy New Year, too!

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  15. Oh how lovely, all your Christmas decorations. Jen watched me scroll down, and enjoyed them too! LOVE your header photo. It's stunning.

    A very merry Christmas, and I look forward to your continued friendship in the New Year! I need to do catch up on your previous posts.

    Can you believe it. Your parents wrapping presents in 1939, and now here we are in 2013.

    Take care.
    Ann


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  16. Inger Merry Christmas and I am sure 2013 is going to be incredible for us all. The world is going to start listening.
    I love all you memories gathering together for the holidays and I can feel the love in your home.
    I appreciate our friendship Inger and look forward to more getting to know each other in the New Year. Hug B

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  17. Treasures with history are the best.
    Merry Christmas to you and yours.

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  18. Love seeing your decorations. It looks cold there in the mountains the snow looks cold! And a husband who liked to cook.

    I am sorry about your loss of your pup and bird.

    I do hope you have a blessed and Merry Christmas.

    sandie

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  19. Merry Christmas, Inger! I love all your inherited ornaments -- precious memories!

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  20. Merry Christmas, Inger!! I hope you and your husband have a peaceful holiday and blessed new year! The Lays in Oklahoma wish you well and look forward to reading your adventures throughout 2013!! ~Jeff

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  21. Lovely treasures from Christmases past! Merry Christmas to you all and a Happy New Year!

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  22. Dropping by to say happy holidays! Have a very merry christmas to you and your lovely family...God bless!


    xx!

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  23. Those pictures are lovely :)

    Merry Christmas :)

    -B-

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  24. Hi Inger - I love seeing your Swedish heirlooms - they just bring heart into the world ... your grandfather's tree = amazing, while your grandmother's runner - I love looking at all the little decorations - they're quite delightful.

    So sorry for you with Angel and Pippie Bird ... it's always sad - that cycle of life ..

    Have a peaceful Christmas and New Year - and when you've got your computer sorted etc .. please fly over here and help! Cheers to you all - Hilary

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  25. I love all your decorations. Our oldest ones are also my favorite ones, because so many memories are tucked into them. YUM! Gumbo for Christmas... I can practically smell it from here. Merry Christmas! Seeya next year.

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  26. Va fina bilder med svenskanknytning....
    Äntligen är det nu ledigt. Har haft jättestressigt i 2 veckor på jobbet och varit helt snurrig.
    VIll önska dig en riktigt God Jul!!!
    Ta hand om er och ha så trevligt!
    Kram!!

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  27. I always enjoy looking at Swedish Christmas decorations. They are primitive and alive with color. That Santa your grandfather made is my favorite.
    It's so sad to lose a pet. If I have to be reborn as a dog, I'd like to be one of yours. It would feel good to get so very much love.
    Merry Christmas and much love.

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  28. How nice that your adorable ornaments have such a rich history. That makes them so very special.
    Do hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a splendid and healthy 2013.

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  29. Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by and say hello. I love the Santa...that's the kind of decoration I like...Merry Christmas

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  30. thanks for dropping by...following you back dear!..:0)


    xx!

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  31. Oh thank you for sharing all these lovely pictures about the history of your family around Xmas time. I sure hope you have Peace and Contentment during these days, these cold days snuggled up near the fire with all your family. See you in 2013 with your new computer..how exciting is that, now.
    All the best IngerDoodle!
    Sophie Doodle and Ron

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  32. Önskar dig en God Jul och ett Gott Nytt År!!

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  33. Love the little guy your grandpa made Inger. What a treasure!

    And Buck and Sioux say "Rank Rou" for the card. So very sweet.

    Wishing you and yours a beautiful holiday season! xo

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  34. Dear Inger,
    Lovely seeing your Christmas treasures! Love the Santa made hundred years ago for your Grandfather and the table runner made by your Grandmother is really beautiful too.

    I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved ones, Angel and the sweet Pippi Birdie. I also miss so much my dear Flora... (sigh)

    Love the photo of your Mom and Dad and also the photo of you with Rachael.
    Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas and a Wonderful New Year!
    Sending kisses to Soldier, Grace and Samson too.
    Love,
    Sonia.

    PS: I leave a reply to you on the post of Eduardo's book. For now, the book is not available in English.

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  35. Hello Inger! I remember sweet Angel and the story of how she came to be with you... and then her passing. I was so heartbroken right with you! I also remember Pippi Bird... It's been a sad year.. Gracie says: Samson, I have so many toys that my mom yells at me because she's always tripping over them! Sometimes too many toys is not a good thing. Just saying.

    Inger: May you, your husband, and pets have a fabulous, wonderful, healthy, productive holiday.. We will see you back soon :-)

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  36. All so very wonderful, Inger. Merry Christmas to all of you. I hope 2013 will be a grand year for you.

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  37. "Dashing through the snow.. In a one horse ...." Let the bells jingle through out for bringing happiness and prosperity to all... Gud wishes and Cheers!!!

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  38. Hoping you and yours have a wonderful day together to celebrate the meaning of Christmas ~ faith, family and friends.

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  39. Dearest Inger,
    Hope you had a lovely Christmas, and wishing you a wonderful 2013! Oh, my, that Santa your Grandfather made...what a marvelous treasure!! As well are the runner and the photo of your parents wrapping gifts...precious!! Thank you for all your sweet comments on my blog ~ I appreciate them so!! (They inspire me more than you can imagine!)
    Hugs,
    Anne (& the Kitties)

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  40. Dropping in to wish you and your family a Happy New Year Inger! Hope you are all healthy and happy and staying warm.May your next year be greater than this one ever thought of being!

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Thanks for leaving a comment.. ~~ Inger

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