A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....12-13,14-05....Finest Christmas Tables, Part II

Billie, LUV W, Mrs.Nooseman | LUV W, Mrs.Nooseman

[Billie]

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day

Free Republic made its debut in September, 1996, and the forum was added in early 1997.   Over 100,000 people have registered for posting privileges on Free Republic, and the forum is read daily by tens of thousands of concerned citizens and patriots from all around the country and the world.

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day was introduced on June 24, 2002. It's only a small room in JimRob's house where we can get to know one another a little better; salute and support our military and our leaders; pray for those in need; and congratulate those deserving. We strive to keep our threads entertaining, fun, and pleasing to look at, and often have guest writers contribute an essay, or a profile of another FReeper.

On Mondays please visit us to see photos of A FEW OF FR'S VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY

If you have a suggestion, or an idea, or if there's a FReeper you would like to see featured, please drop one of us a note in FR mail.

We're having fun and hope you are!
~ Billie, Dutchess, DollyCali, Mama_Bear, GodBlessUSA ~

With the holiday season in full swing and Christmas fast approaching, a few weeks ago I asked a Few of Our Finest to set some of their finest Christmas tables to present throughout the first three weeks of December. Each one has chosen her own theme, and no one else has seen it. Today our featured guest artists are LUV W and Mrs.Nooseman.

I hope you enjoy and appreciate their beautiful Christmas offerings as much as I do. It's always rewarding when we have our Finest' contributions, but never moreso than during the Christmas holidays.

Thank you, Luv and Mrs.N!

Bring Us Home Again

He slowly came awake today
and he lumbered to his feet,
for it was just two hours
before that he faded off to sleep.

He donned the day's attire and
grabbed his M-16.
He headed off to breakfast to keep
him strong and lean.

As he walked down to the chow line
he kept a watchful eye.
He didn't want the enemy
to take him by surprise.

As the chaplin said a special prayer
on this very special day,
he kept thinking of his family
that is oh so far away.

He rubbed his left breast pocket
where he keeps a picture of his wife
and a letter from his daughter that
he reads most every night.

He fought back a single tear
as he stared out at the sand,
wishing he could be back home
with his family close at hand.

He shook his head to clear his thoughts
and then be on his way.
He's defending our great country
and has little time to play.

When he got out to the fence line,
his buddy by his side,
he exchanged a "Merry Christmas"
followed by a tired sigh.

He climbed upon the watchtower,
his mouth a tiny grin.
He said, "Merry Christmas to the world"
and "God, please, bring us home again".

~Bradley A. Peraino~




GOD BLESS AMERICA
~~~~~~~~~~
GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS

Good Morning FR Finest.

Christmas Traditions at my house.

Advent

At our house we start the Christmas celebrations with Advent.

We have a wreath made out of pine cones with four candles on it. Each Sunday we light one Candle and read the Story of Christ's birth and listen to Christmas songs.

During the time of Advent, we also start baking our Christmas Cookies and making Christmas decorations.

Our kids receive an Advent Calender on the First of December to count down the days to Christmas.

St.Nick or Nickolaus

On December sixth we celebrate St.Nick, who brings small gifts that he puts into the children's boots that have been left in front of their doors, if they were good. ;)

To keep some of the traditions from Germany in the family, we also exchange gifts on December 24th, and we put some gifts under the tree for December 25th, to include the traditions of an American Christmas.

We have integrated both traditions into our very own tradition and hope that our kids will carry on this tradition, when they have their own families.

It would be great if you all could share your Traditions with all of us, whether they are Christmas, Hanuka or other Holiday traditions.

I wish you all Happy Holidays and a Merry Christmas.

09-27-05 ~ Hall of Fame #13

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 12-12-05 Military Monday

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping' Every Thursday at the Finest The guy's good, folks!

[Jen]

Good morning Finest Friends! Lovely thread today, as always! I know I'm a day late, but can I please show off my tree? Pretty please? Hubby said, "Can't we have an apolitical tree?" I replied, "We DO! It's a political tree. It's a Republican tree. Don't you see the elephant and flag?" Those ornaments were gifts from our daughter and son-in-law last year, but this is the first year they've been on our tree. I absolutely love them! :)

[Mrs.Nooseman]

Thank you Aqua.

Well, that is a nice traditional meal.:)

[Mrs.Nooseman]

Oh Dolly.

Those are great pictures and I feel you loss.

My monitor is all blurry as I grief with you.

May god comfort you .~sniff,sniff~

{{{HUGS}}}

[Aquamarine]

Most of us here recognized Oliver for the amazing creature that he was and are grieving over his loss right along with you. He was loved by many and the pictures help us to accept his loss a little better - and to be thankful that we were able to know him in a small way here. Praying that with time your pain over this will ease.

[Mrs.Nooseman]

Thank you Billie.:)
It shows that you enjoy doing this.:)

[Mrs.Nooseman]

You will always be welcome here.:)

[Aquamarine]

Hi Jen, that is a beautiful tree and room. The big picture window brings the outdoors in, and I love the color you painted your wall, is that a light blue green? :)

[Jen]

Thank you Aqua! Actually the color is Silvery Sage, it just looks more bluish in the photo.

[FreeTheHostages]

[Diver Dave]

Mornin, to the Finest.

Beautiful presentations - tables, poem and family traditions.

Received an e-mail from Iraq yesterday. Our nephew has arrived at camp where he will be spending the duration of his deployment - lots and lots of sand and a small patch of grass beneath the flagpoles.

From his message...I really appreciate all of your support and thanks again for the coin you sent earlier, it means alot of me and all of us to have the support of family and friends like you.

Imagine that... He's thanking those of us who support our troops and their mission when it is US who should be thanking them for their sacrifices and service to our country.

Salute, Sir!

[Kitty Mittens]

Thank you for the Update, dear Dolly. I'm Going to Watch the Oliver Video and Read the Rescue Thread as Soon as I Look at MrsNooseman's and LuvW's Tables.

I Pray you are Feeling a Little Better Today, and I'm Thankful for your Friend who Helped you to Eat a Little Something. I was Thinking about you Last Night, and All the Trouble you've had Lately, Including that Wierd/Crazy Sewer Backing-Up Problem, the Washer Problem, etc. And Now This. You are Truly in what our Lord Calls a 'Fiery Trial,' and you will be in my Prayers Daily, as you Deal with this Latest, Most Awful Experience.

When I Lost my beloved Friend, the Fang-Face, my Husband and I were in the Process of Building a New Home on a Piece of Property we Bought. So we Brought my sweet Kitty Here to be Burried, and Placed him at the Foot of an Old Pecan Tree that I can See from my Kitchen Windows. My Kitty was the Most Good-Natured Cat Imaginable; he Let my other Kitty at that Time, the Toy, Run Roughshod All Over him. The Toy was Grouchy, but Only Bossed him Around with her Voice and her Ever-Ready Paw. (She Loved to Slap his Face!)

My Heart is with you During this Bad Time of your Life, but More Importantly, our Lord is with you. He is Close to those who are Hurting, and Knows what it Feels Like to Lose a Loved One, as when he Lost Lazarus. His Arms of Love are Around you, and I Thank Him for Hearing All our Prayers.

[Kitty Mittens]

WOW is All I can Say After Seeing these Incredible Tables! Your Work was just Beautiful, Luv W and MrsNooseman, and your Presentation was Lovely, Billie!

I Saw Lots of Beautiful Christmas Decorations and Trees when I Lurked at the Finest Over the Weekend! I didn't Post a Pic of my Tree, because all I did was Put Up a Pre-Lit One, and then didn't Decorate it.

Thank you, (((((((Billie and Finest FRiends))))))), for Brightening Up my Weekend, and for Today, as Well!

[Pistov Elf]

© WHMC-KC, University of Missouri, 1996

The Christmas Adventures of Cuddles and Tuckie
By Frances Royster Williams

© WHMC-KC, University of Missouri, 1996

Listen, my children, and lend me your ears,
For here is a tale about Santa, my dears.
One night, way up North, while his reindeer were sleeping,
A dreadful old wolf came a-crawling and creeping.
Then, giving a spring, he attacked from the rear
And soon would have eaten a poor little deer,
But two able helpers of Santa's came running
And killed that old wolf for his treacherous cunning.

© WHMC-KC, University of Missouri, 1996

The reindeer were frightened so much by the fight
They took to their heels in the dead of the night.
They all ran away and nobody knew whither
And poor dear old Santa is now in a dither,
For how can he reach all the girls and the boys
Without any team to deliver his toys.
If you know a way you can help him, you'd better
Sit right down this minute and write him a letter.

© WHMC-KC, University of Missouri, 1996

There's an old legend they tell in the North
About the white reindeer that often come forth.
From out of a mountain they strangely appear
To lure away all of the little brown deer.
They lead them inside of the mountain and then
The little brown deer never come out again.
Now, that's what has happened to Santa's lost team,
But matters are not quite as bad as they seem.

© WHMC-KC, University of Missouri, 1996

Cuddles and Tuck found a reindeer one night
Outside in the yard and his fur was all white.
Attached to his collar they happened to note
A letter that good old St. Nicholas wrote.
Politely he asked the two children to go
In search of his reindeer. They're missing, you know.
Before little Cuddles and Tuckie could think,
Away they were carried, as quick as a wink.

© WHMC-KC, University of Missouri, 1996

Up high on the back of this lovely white steed
They flew through the air in a whirlwind of speed.
On top of the world they alighted beside
A mountain that suddenly opened up wide.
And there, in the depths of a great icy hall,
They found Santa's reindeer and rescued them all.
And now, if the wolves in that country don't eat them,
They'll soon reach old Santa, who's waiting to greet them.

© WHMC-KC, University of Missouri, 1996

Who found Santa's reindeer? Do I need to tell?
Why, Cuddles and Tuckie--you knew very well.
They brought back those eight tiny reindeer in time
To give the right ending to my little rhyme.
This made Santa Claus such a jolly old elf
He couldn't help laughing all over himself.
And yesterday eve, at the close of the day,
He hitched up his team and he loaded his sleigh.

© WHMC-KC, University of Missouri, 1996

And while you were sleeping he went for a ride
With brave little Cuddles and Tuck at his side.
They helped him deliver his wonderful toys
All over the world to the girls and the boys.
Then up to their very own chimney they drew
And climbed in with Santa and slid down the flue.
And now it's all over they're glad to be here
To say "MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR."

© WHMC-KC, University of Missouri, 1996

In 1941, the cartoon characters of Cuddles and Tuckie, created in 1932 during the Great Depression, by Frances Royster Williams, a free-lance commercial artist in Kansas City, made their debut on radio in a series of 13 broadcasts called, "The Christmas Adventures of Cuddles and Tuckie." This series became such a favorite, it aired every holiday season for six years over WDAF, while the story was carried in a variety of ways by the Kansas City Star. The thrilling search for the lost reindeer caught the fancy of young radio listeners at once. With childlike imagination, the audience entered into the spirit of the show, believing, or pretending that it was really true. As they followed each new and exciting episode, their letters poured into Station WDAF offering advice to Cuddles and Tuckie and suggesting original ways to help Santa get his reindeer back. Decades later, this Christmas tale is still remembered and available for a new generation of youngsters to enjoy, as many of their parents did before them.

"Click for More Info"

[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

051210-N-9866B-213 Pacific Ocean (Dec. 10, 2005) - An AV-8B Harrier, assigned to the “Blacksheep” of Marine Attack Squadron Two One Four (VMA-214), lands on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5). Peleliu and Expeditionary Strike Group Three (ESG-3) are underway off the coast of Southern California conducting Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMPTUEX) in preparation for an upcoming scheduled deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 2nd Class Zack Baddorf (RELEASED)

051204-N-5088T-001 Persian Gulf (Dec. 4, 2005) - An F-14D Tomcat, assigned to the “Blacklions” of Fighter Squadron Two One Three (VF-213), conducts a mission over the Persian Gulf. VF-213 is assigned to Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW-8), currently embarked aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). U.S. Navy photo by Lt.j.g. Scott Timmester (RELEASED)

051023-N-5088T-001 Persian Gulf (Oct. 23, 2005) - An F-14D Tomcat, assigned to the “Blacklions” of Fighter Squadron Two One Three (VF-213), conducts a mission over the Persian Gulf. VF-213 is assigned to Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW-8), currently embarked aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). U.S. Navy photo by Lt.j.g. Scott Timmester (RELEASED)

[Diver Dave]

Greetings, PE.

You of all people/elves would seem to be the best person/elf to verify the following...

REMEMBER THIS AT CHRISTMAS TIME

According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, while both male and female reindeer grow antlers in the summer each year, male reindeer drop their antlers at the beginning of winter, usually late November to mid-December. Female reindeer retain their antlers till after they give birth in the spring.

Therefore, according to EVERY historical rendition depicting Santa's reindeer, EVERY single one of them, from Rudolph to Blitzen, had to be a girl.

We should've known... ONLY women would be able to drag a fat man in a red velvet suit all around the world in one night and not get lost.

[dutchess]

Absolutely beautiful tables Mrs.N and Luv. The tribute to our military is special as are the Christmas traditions. And billie, love the way you presented these. You sure have done a remarkable job teaching sistah!!! ((((finest friends)))))

Okay, back to work!

[Pistov Elf]

Yo! D2, Merry Christmas,

Ho! Ho! An often asked question....BUT not from NICE boys & Girls. Consider yourself warned!! You only have a few days to make a change!!

Well, look. If we're really going to let science be our guide in this matter, the first thing we must admit is that reindeer don't fly, let alone haul a jolly fat elf around in an airborne sleigh. And if we start down that slippery slope, there's only one conclusion we can possibly reach: Santa Claus doesn't exist. And neither do I, so you must be having this discussion with.... That way lies madness.

But there is a loophole.

It is a fact, according to our Elven reindeer experts, that both the male and female of the species have antlers. It is also a fact that while most cows retain their antlers until spring, most bulls drop their antlers by early December. The key word is most.

These Elven experts go on to say that some younger bulls, depending upon hereditary and environmental factors, may keep their antlers well into spring, even as late as April.

So it is plausible to suppose that if, for the sake of argument, there were a Santa Claus (like old Fatboy), and if, for the sake of argument, he did happen to drive a sleigh through the stratosphere every December 25th pulled by eight "tiny" reindeer, then at least some of those reindeer, including one with a shiny, red nose could be male.

I gotcha' antlers right here Water Boy!

Hope this clears things up!

You just gotta believe!!

Pistov

[Diver Dave]

providing a little help for those still decorating...

Deck The House

[GodBlessUSA]

Wow this is such a beautiful table Pistov Elf. I love happy endings. How are you today? Still working too hard. :)

[snugs]

At work I correspond with quite a few European countries and many of them have the 6th December as a public holiday.

I think Europe go in for the advent celebration and tradition much more than we do in Britain we have advent calenders which used just to be pictures but now there is a chocolate treat behind each door.