Here's Another Good One

This one is so classic. I had to put it up there. If you don't know Bing Crosby, you should, especially in the field of Christmas albums. This has all the greats, with Bing's beautiful crooner voice, some slow and beautiful like Silent Night, and some extra festive like Jingle Bells. A few of the songs have the wonderful Andrew Sisters, referred to as the singing sweethearts of World War II who also sang " Mr. Sandman" and "The Boogle Woogy Buggle Boy", whose "engaging harmonies" bring energy and spunk . Here they are in all their glory. If you haven't heard this album and you enjoy Christmas music, you should give it a listen.

Saturday Mornings, Xmas Decorating

Where to even start with this pic. It's me hiding from B chasing me with a camera very late at night. Kind of look like the headless horseman.
Silly lil'b


Saturday mornings we usually do a big homemade breakfast of pancakes, waffles, or french toast. This Saturday was obviously pancakes and not only pancakes, but Mickie Mouse pancakes. Anyone ever had these when you were younger? My grandma would make these when we'd come and visit her in Lake Tahoe. They were the best. I had to tell Belle who this was but when I did she just lighted up! So fun.

This is the double scarfing pic. Notice how J and B are shoving yummy pancakes simultaneously. Priceless.

Stockings I made last year.
Decorating fun!


Here's the finished tree, yes it's a really crappy pic.

Random pic from Bryson's recent show in NE Portland. Here's some of Ezra Carey and band. B is behind the violin player.

I'm thinking about combining my pages of Ginger and Pickles(my kids) and Rambling Rose and just start posting all of it here. I don't think I blog enough to have two.

Christmas Albums

Ok, so everyone I know is blogging about Christmas music and I figured I'd jump on the band wagon. One album I have yet to see on the lists is my number one fav and so dear to my heart, Sufjan Stevens' Christmas Album. It comes in a five disc package. Yep, five, you heard me right.
Vol. 1 Noel
Vol. 2 Hark
Vol. 3 Ding! Dong!
Vol. 4 Joy!
Vol. 5 Peace!

It covers all the classic and adds some great new ones like "Come on! Let's Boogey to the Elf Dance!", "That was the worst Christmas ever!", "We're Goin' to Country", and "Sister Winter", and the list goes one. This album was an awakening to me. I must admit that in the past I have been a little of a Christmas scrooge. I hated Christmas music. Walking down the street I was bombarded with music blaring from outdoor speakers set up by local business shops and I loathed the month of December radio. Every station thinking it's so cute to put a little bit of Christmas music in the mix, not understanding that not everyone enjoys Christmas music(double negative, excuse me). How many times can a person listen to "Hark Here The Bells" and sit through that annoyingly high screeching part? But then, last year my husband had to buy this CD. I didn't want him to at first, due to my disdain for Christmas music, but he convinced me this one would be different, and it is. It's amazing and yes you want to listen to it year round. Gets you in the Christmas spirit with just the right mix of Christmas peppiness and reverence. I'm so glad he bought it, because it's awakened a new enjoyment of Christmas music. I would recommend this to anyone.













You can buy it here. (Click here)
I've seen some places with free downloads too, but if you can, support Sufjan.