Gingerbread Village

During our visit to the Festival of Trees -- Lilly and I visited the Gingerbread Village.

I didn't realize they would have an entire room -- FULL of Gingerbread houses...

Lilly took all these pictures

She knew my cousin Kim was going to have a Gingerbread House party...

And Lilly said she was taking pictures so she could have design ideas...

Some of the houses were much more elaborate...

Lilly didn't take pictures of EVERY house...but she photographed this one four times...

I took a picture of Lilly taking a picture...

This roof was made out of sticks of chewing gum.

This roof was dried kiwi slices...

She LOVED the Minions...

It was almost too much to take in, y'know??

Lilly was delighted with all the different Gingerbread houses --she said she got a lot of ideas!

Lilly was so looking forward to Kim's party.  It was going to happen in two weeks...and Lilly is TOTALLY excited about decorating her very own Gingerbread House!!

Festival of Trees

The official start to the Holidays is Thanksgiving.

This year, Lilly and I spent the Sunday afternoon, after Thanksgiving, visiting the Festival of Trees. Which was was a GREAT way to kick off our 2015 fun-filled, action-packed Holiday Season.

The Festival of Trees is a gigantic charity event in downtown Davenport.   Hundreds of decorated trees, wreaths, children's events, crafts, Gingerbread houses, etc...

EVERY square inch of the River Center is beautifully decked out...

There are many characters roaming the halls...

There are many different performances on the main stage.  Lilly loved watching the local dance company.

And, for a $1 fee, Lilly got to actually operate the gigantic TRAIN

Two at a time -- the kids could be the Engineers...

SUCH A GREAT DAY...

Lilly did some of the crafts they had at the show -- but she spent most of her money buying those little light rings for the other kids at Deena's.

After we ate lunch at Riefe's, we went to Deena's house for our weekly visit.  Mason, Myla, Oliver, Aspen and Clayton LOVED their little light rings.  (Dawson, at 6 months old, is too young.)

Oh, yeah...our 2015 Holidays are off to a great start!!

BEST LIGHT SHOW

Last Saturday, Lilly and I went to see A Christmas Story at the Music Guild in Moline, Illinois. On our way home -- we drove past the 19th Street light show in Bettendorf, Iowa It is one block off 18th Street -- at Lincoln Road. YOU MUST GO...

Monday Morning Mourning

Dear Blog Readers,

I love Mondays. There's LAUNDRY...!! Carrie usually comes to help me do some major work in the house.

Last week, we got started with the Christmas decorations. (mugs and rugs).

We should be listening to Christmas music and making fudge...

But, today, I'm just not feeling my usual Monday morning enthusiasm.

Here's how this blog works...most of the time, I write a week or so in advance. The posts go up automatically, so they seldom have anything to do with current events. As you may have noticed, I HATE POLITICS. I mostly make fun of politicians...

Since December 2, along with everybody else in America, I have been mourning for the families and victims of the horrible mass murder in San Bernardino.

I don't get it. Any of it. How can people do this to other people? Was there a reason? Or was there no reason? Which is worse?

And that couple had a six month old baby? What happens to that child? Did they think about that? How does she grow up, in America -- born an American,  with everybody knowing her parents were cold- blooded murderers?

Where are the moderate Muslims in this country? Why don't we hear them screaming in pain at what this is doing to their community? Every attack only increases suspicion and fear. Which means less conversation, less understanding, and no hope for respect or acceptance...

I feel shaken. And sad. Really, really sad.

I don't write depressing. For me, this will pass....and I'll dig out of this hole I've fallen into.
But for all those families in California, that senseless shooting was THE moment that changed everything. Their lives will forever be measured by before and after. And I am very, very sad for them. For all of us.

Out of respect...I'm going to hit the pause key. I need to sew some dishrags this week....

But, after a little break -- I PROMISE YOU I will get back to my own version of chipper-Iowa-normal-blogging about everything and nothing.

Because, if I don't -- they win.

Love,
rita

When Tipping Matters

Christmas brings out the best in people. Every town in America has a Toys for Tots drive. Churches put together food baskets for struggling families. Last week, the local newspaper featured five families who are homeless, hoping for a tree or some toys for their children.

Every time you walk in or out of a store, there is a bell ringer with a bucket, collecting money for the Salvation Army.

We all want to give to others who are less fortunate -- and during the holiday season, there is a lot of pressure to be charitable. And I want to help people....but there are so many worthy, good causes...

How can you pick??

Personally, several years ago, I decided I would no longer give to charity. I don't drop money into the red buckets, I don't buy toys for the Toy Drive, I don't pick a name off the tree at Northpark Mall of a needy family. I don't do any of that.

Here's the thing. I will never be rich -- and there will never be a hospital wing named after me. But I want to be generous, especially during the Christmas Season. However, it just never felt like I was making a real difference in anybody's life...

Then this happened....

Years ago, my cousin and I ate lunch at a local restaurant and our waitress was awful. Surly, even.  I was tempted to not even leave a tip. Instead -- I left $10 on the table. I thought this older woman is working at a 24 hour diner, and it's hard, and she is having a really bad day, and maybe today is the day she found out her husband gambled away their life savings or she has cancer.... So I left $10 on the table.

I remember thinking my $10 could actually make a difference in her bad day. And that made me feel pretty good...

Since that day -- instead of giving to charity at Christmstime, I give unexpected big tips to people who are working hard. Mostly waiters, waitresses, baggage handlers, the woman who does my pedicure...well, you get the idea.

Last week, I let Lilly in on my secret.

Lilly and I went to the Festival of Trees. Afterwards, we went to Riefe's Restaurant for a delicious dinner. After 66 years in business. Here is a link to that story.

I told Lilly that the restaurant would be closing before Christmas and we talked about how sad it will be for all the people losing their jobs...

The woman who waited on us has been working at Riefe's for 23 years. Our bill was $23.50.  We left a $20 tip.

Riefe's closing is a sign of the times...and I am sad that this wonderful neighborhood family owned restaurant won't be part of Lilly's life.

But I am SO GLAD she and I shared this one meal...and she learned about Grandma's random tipping game...  

Obsolete

If you live in Iowa, whether you like it or not -- politics is a big part of your life. The "Candidates"have been circling their wagons here for a year already. Yesterday, John had lunch with Ted Cruz, Hillary spends so much time here, she could qualify for residency. And the Trump jet has it's own parking place at the Moline airport...

Last year, I posted these pictures of Warren, handling our political calls...(we get at least a dozen a day -- and there is still A YEAR TO GO.)

His special job in the house is taking ALL THE POLITICAL CALLS.

Last year, by November 4th (election day) -- there have been THOUSANDS of phone calls...even Warren is losing his enthusiasm...

This year he advanced to using Grandma's headset...This phone call was Donald Trump, telling Warren he really believes he'll be an excellent President.

I don't know exactly when it happened -- but NOBODY ANSWERS THEIR HOME PHONE nowadays.

Who are we kidding?  Most people DON'T EVEN HAVE A HOME PHONE ANYMORE.

And here's why...

If you have caller ID, the incoming number comes up on your television screen.  If you don't recognize the number (and everybody who knows you calls your cellphone) -- you just let it ring.

Everybody in the room glances at the number on the screen.  When they realize it's an unknown.... they simply go about their business.

Conversation continues, as though nothing is happening...

Because, really...it isn't.

If a tree falls in the woods, and nobody is there to hear it-- did it make a sound?    

2015 Christmas Events for Children

Two years ago, I took Lilly and Amy's three boys to the Figge Museum for a Gingerbread house event...

We had a wonderful time.  They made houses out of Graham Crackers, and they were all so proud.

No matter what part of the country you live in -- there are dozens of special events going on at this time of year.  So many events -- it's easy to lose track, or miss an opportunity.  So, I put together a list for my nieces and nephews....

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Sunday, November 29, 2015 - 12:00pm to 4:00pm: Christmas at the Village ~ Noon - 4:00 P.M. ~ Dan Nagle Walnut Grove Pioneer Village ~ Begin your holidays early with a historic walk through the beautifully decorated Village; complete with Friends of the Village in period costume. While there, enjoy craft demonstrations and sales, letters to Santa in the General Store, refreshments at the soda fountain, holiday music, and a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Admission is free with a donation of nonperishable goods for the North Scott Food Pantry.

 QC Music Guild A Christmas Story:, $16 adult, $11 child, Dec 3,4,5,6 Call 309-762-6610; Thur, Fri, Sat 7:30…Sat and Sun at 2:00

The Gospel According to Scrooge; December 4, 5,6, - 2015; Presented at NEW HOPE CHURCH, 2305 7th Ave., Moline, IL (free will offering)

Last year, I took Lilly and Kim took Madison -- to the John Deere Historic site...

Dec. 6, noon to 5p.m. 19th Century Christmas Deere-Wiman House and Butterworth Center, where you’ll find: 2014 Schedule No charge for admission. • Beautiful decorations throughout both homes • Exclusive appearance by Santa Claus. (bring your camera!) • Free book for each of Santa’s first 400 visitors • Performance by the Moline Boys Choir at Butterworth Center • Face painting for children and caricature artist • Art show and Children’s make-and-take crafts (sponsored by Left Bank Art League) in the Deere-Wiman Carriage House • Children's make-and-take crafts

Circa 21: It’s a Wonderful Life -- Until December 27. (309) 786-7733 ext. 2

Circa’s Children’s Theater: The Most Famous Reindeer of All (show only, $10.50, buffet, $18) Weekends only until December 27

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I-Wireless: Disney on Ice -- Opening Night, December 3-6…all opening night tickets are $13 -- but you’ve got to buy them at the ticket booth at I Wireless…

 St. Ambrose’s Galvin: June B. Jones Jingle Bells, Batman Smells, December 5-6, off Locust Street, …$9/$7 tickets, (563) 333-6251

A Christmas Carol, Dec. 10-22, at the District Theater, 1611 2nd Ave., Rock Island, Illinois 61201 (309) 235-1654: Tristan@districttheater.com www.districttheater.com -- through December 21st …all tickets are $20

The Nutcracker: December 13, 14: Quad City Ballet. Adler Theater. Tickets $15-40

Christmas Music/Program to benefit Food Pantries of Churches United of the Quad City Friday, December 11th, 7:00pm Heritage Church, 4801 44th Street, Rock Island, IL 61201

Lightwire Theater’s: A VERY ELECTRIC CHRISTMAS: Friday, December 18 • 7:30 p.m. Follow the story of a young bird, Max, and his family as they begin their journey south for the winter. When Max gets blown off course and ends up at the North Pole…his adventure begins! Dancing toy soldiers, caroling worms and performing poinsettias will light up the stage in Lightwire Theater’s A Very Electric Christmas. Tickets: mostly $25….

Putnam Museum: Polar Express Pajama Party: December 17, 18, 19, 20. This event sells out quickly. The kids (and parents) dress in pajamas, there is a scavenger hunt, a cup of hot chocolate, and then the 3-D movie. $13 tickets…

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Hey -- 'Tis the Season!!  THE FESTIVITIES have already started -- and there are SO MANY THINGS to choose from!!  So, if you don't live in my part of the world -- spend a little time on the internet to see what's happening in your neck of the woods.  Make a list for the young families in your life -- they have way too much stuff to keep track of...

Or -- just grab a kid and enjoy the Season...