New Year Wishes

I Wish For You

I wish for you the warmth of the sun
I wish for you peace when day is done

I wish for you the joys of life
I wish for you freedom from strife

I wish for you twinkling stars at night
I wish for you they always shine bright

I wish for you no ailing days
I wish for you no moody ways

I wish for you a childlike curiosity
I wish for you through their eyes to see

I wish for you true friends galore
I wish for you to always meet more

I wish for you a close family's love
I wish for you a faith from above

These are my New Year's wishes for you my friend
And of course I wish they will never end.

Toni Taddeo ©

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Until Next Time Have a Safe and Blessed New Year Dear Family and Friends.

Childhood Christmas Memories

I grew up in a household with two brothers and two sisters (one brother was a year older and the rest are all younger than I am). Christmas Eve for my father, was THE important time in our family. My father brought home the tree that day and decorated it while I painted Christmas scenes on the windows and mirrors. My mother baked all the Christmas Italian cookies (she started three weeks prior and had to hide them from my father and us children). When the house was completely decorated, my father would put out the Nativity scene leaving baby Jesus out until midnight. We would go to Midnight Mass (which actually started at 10:00 PM) to celebrate the true reason for the season. On our way home we would sing Christmas carols. After placing the baby Jesus in the manger, my father would then make his specialty Italian pastry for us known as zeppoli (an Italian donut) and we would get to open one gift each. Santa was not the center of Christmas in our home when I was growing up.

Christmas morning (we did very little sleeping that night) after opening the rest of the gifts, my mother would begin cooking the holiday meal, and my father would take all the children to visit friends and relatives in the area and bring or exchange gifts and goodies. By late afternoon our house was filled with relatives (never less than 25) and the big table in our finished basement and the table in the smaller room (set up for the younger members of all the families) were decorated with holly and food you would not believe. The rooms were separated only by an arch. We truly ate a seven course meal from soup to nuts. After dinner came the desserts and coffee, tea, etc. Then while the women in the family did the cleaning up my father and a few other relatives would bring out their musical instruments and we would all listen or sing-along.

To this day I enjoy Christmas Eve more. Remembering when each year at a different family member's home my mother, whatever brothers and sisters that come for the holidays, their families, my daughter, son-in-law, son, daughter-in-law, grandchildren and of course me, usually spent it together after mass or services, eating, singing, trading stories and news of the past year, and later in the evening, opening gifts. Today Christmas Eve is usually spent with many family members at my niece Christa's house. This year I will be having breakfast out with my sisters and nieces. After that I'll be preparing for Christmas as I am having 6 of my family and one other for Christmas day and I have a lot of preparing and food to cook for Christmas day as this will be the first time in years I will be doing the entertaining. But I will never forget my cherished memories of Christmas' past. 

May your Christmas and New Year Be Filled With Love ~ Peace ~ Joy & Happiness See you Next Year.

Friday Foto Friends ~ The Christmas Story

I always post this every Christmas Season hoping you all will be blessed by it.

(Quoted From Luke 2:1-19 ~ NASB Bible)
Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.

Wednesday's Poetry Day ~ Can You Hear It!

Many times when a sudden thought comes to mind I instantly write down a poem. There are also times a song in poetry comes to mind. Here Is one of those times.

Can You Hear It In The Distance? 

Tuesday 4 Meme ~ About Christmas Chapter 2

I'm joining in on the Tuesday 4 Meme. ←Click on the site name or on the graphic below to join in.

About Christmas Chapter 2
1.   Do you drive through your neighborhood to look at other people's holiday decorations?  Whenever some one picks me up to go somewhere we always pass many decorated homes and some are spectacular and like a little kid my eyes open wide and the word "WOW" comes out of my mouth.. 😮

2.   Are you counting the days to Christmas with excited anticipation or dread?  This year i'm excited because I'm hosting Christmas day dinner for 7. It's the first time in years and at my age I know it will be exhausting but a happy kind of exhaustion.

3.   When was the last time you had a photo taken with Santa?  I have never taken a photo with Santa. The only time was when me, my ex father-in-law (who came so we wouldn't be alone) my daughter along with my sister Phyllis' son took the subway from the Bronx to Manhattan's New York Times building to see the perfect Santa. The children were 4yrs. or 5yrs. at the time. If I'm not mistaken that was the same Santa used in the Macy's Day Parade at the time. It was fun and the kids had a ball. We even took them  to see the many decorated store fronts.  

4.   Do you make a Christmas list for your family or friends?  No, I bought what I thought they would enjoy. Now that it's gotten so expensive I don't exchange gifts anymore. Only when I'm invited and there are children then I will buy a little something for each child.

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Photo Of The Day

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Saturday 9 ~ We Need a Little Christmas (2006)

Being it's Sunday, I'm joining in on  *Saturday 9*  for today. Yes I know it's Sunday. 😉 Hope You join in too. It's a fun meme.

Saturday 9: We Need a Little Christmas (2006)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it Here
1) At the beginning of this recording, Daffy says he hopes all his friends remember his size, style and favorite color. What piece of clothing would you like to add to your wardrobe?  Nothing really, as I buy what I like and what I think looks good on me and my age bracket. No mini skirts or dresses. I prefer slacks, jeans and nice tops.

2) His friends are late for Daffy's holiday soiree. Think about the last get together you attended. Were you early, late or right on time?  I am usually the first one to show up and always early never late. I'm known for that in my family.

3) It hasn't a snowed a single flurry where Daffy is. Have you had to shovel yet?  It has snowed in my neighborhood of upstate New York but I don't and never had to shovel. My apartment complex pays to have a plow do all the work.

4) Daffy sings that he's looking forward to fruitcake. How about you? Are you a fruitcake fan?  In one word "YUCKY" 😄

5) Daffy is an American Black Duck. Their usual diet doesn't generally include fruitcake. These ducks more commonly dine on seeds, foliage and bugs. What was your most recent meal?  This morning it was waffles with blackberries and coffee.

6) The only Christmas card Sam has received so far this year is from her insurance agent. She never sees her agent socially. In fact, she doesn't think she's seen him at all in 2018. Have you received many cards this year? If so, were they from people you feel close to?  So far I've received 13. Living in a 50 apartment complex many send cards to the tenants and being senior citizens they are very caring people and yes family and friends I feel close to.

7) When do you start holiday shopping: Christmas Eve, Thanksgiving/Black Friday, Halloween?  I don't exchange gifts anymore unless I'm going to a family's Christmas Eve get-together and I buy for the children there.

8) Sam was recently driven crazy by kids running through store aisles wearing elf hats with bells. Do you have any apparel that makes noise?  In a word, No.

9) This time of year is big for charitable fundraising. Here's your chance to plug a cause or organization that's near and dear to you.  I have 4 I'm faithful to. 

• St. Jude's
•  No Child Hungry
•  Salvation Army
• Veteran's Wounded Warriors.

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Until the next time dear family and friends, be blessed

Friday Foto Friends & Skywatch ~ Daytona Beach Spectacular

When I'm unable to take photos or I tire of winter and snow photos I look to my daughter who lives and works in Florida for more spectacular photos of her warm beloved beaches in the area taken with her cellphone. Here are 3 prints I copied from her video she took on December 8th. while taking her many miles walk in the early morning or early evening. I'm not sure what time this was. A little blurry but beautiful aren't they.

Wednesday's Poetry Day ~ Shimmering Crystals

Getting to see many houses in my area really going all out decorated with so many beautiful lights and there is one house that every year has a beautiful big Christmas tree decorated with many crystal ornaments in their front window that inspired me to write the following poem last December.

Shimmering Crystals

Shimmering crystals shining bright
lighting up the darkened night

From your window I can see
hanging on your Christmas tree

I listen to the twinkling sound
as they magically spin around

Loving how they dress the tree
bringing out the child in me

How I wish this season never ends
for the joy and love it lends

Shimmering crystals shining bright
watch them lighten up the night.

Toni Taddeo ©

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Christmas Decorated House Near Me On Main St.
(Photo doesn't do it justice. I don't know who it belongs to)

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Until the next time dear family and friends be blessed

Tuesday 4 Meme ~ About Christmas Chapter 1

I'm joining in on the Tuesday 4 Meme.

About Christmas Chapter 1
1.   What is your favorite Christmas show animated show?  Anyone and everyone who knows me knows my favorite cartoon show is the 1955 A Charlie Brown Christmas and my favorite movie is the 1954 White Christmas with Danny Kaye and Bing Crosby.😊

2.   What holiday character do you think you're most like?  Maybe a little bit of Lucy (in Peanuts) and a little bit of Sally. 😇😉

3.   Favorite Christmas holiday song? The Kenny Rogers and Wynonna version of Mary Did You Know and the Andrea Bocelli version of Ave Maria.

4.   If you have an all holiday music radio station when do you start listening to it?  Usually by December 1st. I listen on my laptop or on Amazon Music on my TV.
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Photo Of The Day

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Until the next time dear friends and family have a blessed week.

TCA ~ The Ski Trail

Being it's close to that time of year I thought I would repeat one of my "Toni's Creative Adventures" an old meme of mine that seems to fit in right now. No I'm not bringing back this meme as I have too much going on right now with my 3 blogs. But this one was always a favorite of mine as it is a little magical. Hope you enjoy it too.

The Ski Trail
1.   While cross country skiing through an old country trail I notice a light through the trees ahead. Getting closer to the clearing I see the light comes from a cottage that looks inviting. I remove my skis and walk up the porch steps and knock on the door when - a cheerful looking grandmother type lady with dimples and a sweet smile invites me in.

2.   I step inside to a cozy living room and sitting in a big leather chair in front of the fireplace is - a friendly type elderly man whom I gathered was her husband.

3.   He smiles at me and offers me a seat and a cup of hot chocolate. We talk for a bit and - He asked how I was enjoying my time here and I really was enjoying my time now chatting with the elderly couple but when I glanced at my watch, I noticed it was really getting late.

Saturday 9 ~ Peggy King ~ (1954)

Being it's Saturday I'm joining in on  *Saturday 9*  for today. Hope You join in too. It's a fun meme.

Saturday 9: I'm Gonna Put Some Glue 'Round the Christmas Tree (So Santa Will Stick Around All Year) (1954)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it "Here"
1) This week's featured songstress, Peggy King, sings that she'd like to extend the Christmas season all year. How about you? Do you wish the season was longer? Shorter? Or do you think things are fine as they are?  I used to say I hope it lasts forever when I was young. Now I feel that commercialism has made it way too long. The stores have Christmas stuff out in October and then there's Christmas in July plus the fact the real meaning of the Christian holiday is completely gone. Bad enough the secular world has tried to change the word Christmas to Holiday. Sorry if it sounds like I'm preaching but you asked... 😇

2) She specifically mentions toys. Have you purchased/will you purchase any toys as holiday gifts this year?  No those days are gone. I don't really exchange anymore.

3) Search for "glue" on The Home Depot's website and you'll get more than 3,000 results. There's heavy-duty adhesives, all-purpose glue, clear epoxy, wood glue, and more. Do you currently have glue in your home? If yes, how many kinds?  I only have Scotch Craft Glue which I used on Greeting card envelopes so not to lick the envelope closed.

4) What's the last thing you used glue for?  Answered in question 3. 😊

5) This week's featured artist, Peggy King, was a TV staple in the 1950s. With her perpetually upbeat persona, she was known as "Pretty, Perky Peggy King." Do you consider yourself upbeat, aka "perky?"  No. Never perky just happy, friendly and calm.

6) Ms. King got her start singing radio jingles for Hunt's tomato sauce. Prepared tomato sauce, properly stored, can safely be kept in the refrigerator for days. Do you have any leftovers in your refrigerator right now?  No very rarely do I have leftovers as I eat what I prepare and I prepare just for one meal as I live alone and yes every so often I will use a frozen dinner.

Friday Foto Friends & Skywatch ~ CP Holiday Train 2018

The CP Holiday Train program launched in 1999 and has since raised more than $14.5 million and gathered 4.3 million pounds of food for communities along CP’s network in Canada and the U.S. "The Holiday Train program is all about local food banks and food shelves and the critical role they play in our communities," said Keith Creel, CP's President and Chief Executive Officer. "People come for the beautifully-lit train and stay for the incredible show – all in the name of community. The holiday season is the best time of the year, and we look forward to bringing together thousands of Canadians and Americans this season for this incredibly important cause and a great time." ~ Here are two CP trains and a great video with the train rolling through both countries. If I'm not mistaken they also have holiday trains rolling out overseas.

The American Holiday Train

The Canadian Holiday Train

The CP Holiday Train 2018. Notice Both American and Canadian Flags.
The Video Is Almost 7 Minutes Definitely Worth Watching
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Click The Graphic to join in on Debbie's Friday Foto Friends

Click On  -->Skywatch Friday←  To Join
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Until next time dear family and friends have a lovely weekend.

Christmas At My Place

Last week my son Louis came over to help me get the Christmas decorations out. All this past week I've decorated and I've redecorated the 5 foot tree with multi color changing lights three times already. I hope I'm set. 😇 That's my Mom's photo  (looking down from heaven in the Joy)  I miss her so much. And of course there has to be Snoopy and Woodstock both were given to me by my daughter Elena a few years ago. I wish I was able to find a Charlie Brown plush Christmas ornament like those too, but was not able to do so. Nothing really elaborate but for my tiny apartment it works. Here are my photos. Click on photos to see them full size.

Tuesday 4 Meme ~ Just Wondering

I'm joining in on the Tuesday 4 Meme.

Just Wondering
1.   When was the last time you tried something new?  It had to be a long, long time ago because I really don't remember. With me each day is the same old, same old.😊

2.   Who in your family do you compare yourself to?  Hard to say as I think we are all different in our own way and yet I think I'm a little like my siblings in thoughts and feelings. I also think we all are a lot like our mom.

3.   What lesson in life did you learn the hard way?  How to cope with the loss of my two sons and my little granddaughter. But knowing they are with our Lord makes it easier for me, but, I will always have the ache of a mother who believes no children should pass on before their parents. This time of year being human, during the holidays isn't easy and I usually don't say this out loud.

4.   What can you do today that you weren't able to do before?  Relax more and be a little less OCD...(I can dream can't I?) 😄
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Thought For The Day

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Until the next time dear friends and family have a blessed week.

My Day So Far ~ 12-3-2018

I'm joining in on Melanie's meme. It's a weekly meme and a favorite of mine.

The date today:  Monday, December 3rd, 2018
What are you wearing?  Hanging around the house clothes and sandals that I wear as slippers

What chore around the house have you been putting off?  Cleaning my oven even though it's a self cleaning oven, I still would have to wipe it down. Okay, so I'm lazy 😄

Is there anything in your fridge you need to throw out? What? Do you even recognize it?  No, I never have to throw anything out as I use what I buy.

What are you reading?  Right now, I'm re-reading "A Christmas Carol" for the umpteen time.

A scripture verse you'd like to share.

Is there a prayer request you'd like to share?  Pray for all those who have asked for prayer  especially this time of year.

How about a creative project you are working on? One in progress or one still in your head.  Nothing special just some Winter graphics for my blog.

What special dish or baked item are you planning for this week?  Being I started  (AGAIN)  my diet I'm not planning anything special this week.

Sunday Stealing ~ Art Historic

Linking in with Bev's Sunday Stealing for today. It's a mix of questions and I usually pick and choose the questions I'll post and answer for a few of them don't really pertain to me. This week I answered them all.

(Photo stolen from the internet. I wrote the words 😏😄)

Art Historic...
Classical: If you were an Olympian god, what would you be known for?  The Queen of all Olympians..... Why not??

Medieval: Are you religious?  Religious No. A Christian Yes! 

Gothic: What is your favorite historic building?  I have two. Grand Central Station and St. Peter's Cathedral in NY.

Renaissance: Have you ever had a time in your life when you felt enlightened or changed?   I think everyone has one time or another. For me the change came in May of 1983 when I accepted Jesus as my Lord and truly became enlightened.

Baroque: Do you enjoy the finer things in life?  Who doesn't but I'm happy with what I have, a roof over my head, food in my pantry, clothes on my back and a loving family..

Saturday 9 ~ Call Me (1966) ~ Chris Montez

Being it's Saturday I'm joining in on  *Saturday 9*  for today. Hope You join in too. It's a fun meme.

Saturday 9: Call Me (1966)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it Here
1) Chris Montez sings that you can always call him, regardless of the hour. Do you believe that it's ever too late to phone someone?  Yes I do. Early morning and late at night and if they are working unless it's an emergency.

2) He insists that you can depend on him, even when your friends desert you. Who is someone you can trust to have your back, no matter what?  My children, grandson and my siblings. For that matter my whole family.

3) Billy Crystal serenades Meg Ryan -- via answering machine -- with "Call Me" in When Harry Met Sally. Answering machines have been replaced by voice mail. Who most recently left you a voice mail?  My grandson Dominic and my daughter Elena.

4) Chris Montez is a graduate of El Camino College in Torrance, California. The average daytime temperature in November in Torrance is 70º. How is the weather where you are today?"  Here in upstate New York it's winter so it's cold and blustery. Average temps go from below freezing to freezing.

5) Today Chris actively promotes a healthy lifestyle to children. He was honored for his efforts by the group SOPA (Stop Obesity, Promote Activity). Do you believe you get enough exercise?  No way. With my poor body health the most walking and exercising I get is to go from one room to the other. 😊

6) Released in late 1965, "Call Me" became a big hit in 1966, reaching #2 on the charts. Even though it sold millions of copies and was certified as a Gold Record, it never hit #1. Is winning, or being the best, important to you?  No even though I enjoy winning and being the best. If it's not to be, I really don't care. The fun is in the playing and enjoying the game.

7) In 1966, when this was playing on juke boxes, kids were watching Batman and Star Trek. If you had your choice of watching an episode right now, which would you choose: Star Trek or Batman?  Hands down it's Star Trek. I'm a trekkie from day one.

8) Also in 1966, celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay was born. Do you enjoy cooking?  Yes I do but living alone I don't cook or bake as much any more. For the holidays I still will cook or bake to add for family gatherings. This Christmas I'll be cooking for my son, daughter-in-law and a young friend and my sister Phyllis. I'm thrilled to be having Christmas at home with family.

9) Random question: You have the opportunity to perform in the circus! Would you rather be shot from a cannon, or put your head in the lion's mouth?  Yea! Right! If I had my druthers I'd be the Ring Master or maybe a clown. 😉

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Until the next time dear family and friends, be blessed