Festival of Trees

Hi all!

Earlier this month, we packed up the car and headed to the Festival of Trees, held each year at the RI Convention Center. This year's theme was "A Christmas Story" - yes, the 1983 classic holiday film. Here are some pictures:







"It's indescribably beautiful! It reminds me of the Fourth of July!" Yes, it's the Major Award itself - a replica of the infamous Leg Lamp won by Ralphie's Old Man. Brian Jones, the man behind A Christmas Story House in Cleveland, Ohio, was on hand at the Festival with lots of "A Christmas Story"-themed merchandise (including more replicas of the Leg Lamp - even an inflatable lawn decoration!) and lots of fun stories about how he purchased and restored the house used as the Parker family home in the filming of "A Christmas Story". The movie was filmed in Cleveland, and the house has been lovingly restored to its movie-era grandeur. For more information about the house and museum, you can visit Brian's website at http://www.achristmasstoryhouse.com/. Brian, thanks for taking the time to chat with a fellow "Ralphie"! :)






Here's Alex looking sweeter than sugar next to an incredibly pink tree. Each tree on display was decorated with a particular theme and was made available for either outright sale or bidding via a silent auction. The designers donated their time, and all proceeds from the event went to local agencies that provide services to the homeless population in Rhode Island. This year's event was organized and sponsored by the Rotary Club - kudos to the membership for a job well done!


Merry Christmas/Happy Hanukkah/Happy Kwanzaa/Merry Yule, everyone!

- Laurie :)

I've Been Dragged Kicking and Screaming into the 21st Century

Hi all!

As the year draws to a close, I'd like to express my thanks for things that up until this year were not in my house...really, I swear they weren't.

- Caller ID: I've had Caller ID-enabled phones for years, but finally subscribed to Caller ID service this year. When I think of all the telemarketing and charitable solicitation calls I answered before getting Caller ID, I want to get in a time machine and smack my past self upside the head for not springing for this sooner. Admittedly, most of the telemarketers have been filtered out thanks to the Do Not Call list, but still...
- Nintendo Wii: Yes, after all my squawking about how video games would rot my child's brain, I'm the one who insisted that wii should have a Wii in the house. Even my parents love it.
- Digital Cable: Now I have Versus (and about 200 other channels). I can watch other hockey besides the Boston Bruins (no offense to the Bruins, of course). Yay!
- HDTV: It's not a flat panel, but it's still awesome - especially with the digital cable's high-def channels. Now I can watch Cesar Milan (the Dog Whisperer) in HD. I'm definitely a calm and dominant pack leader now ;)

Technology is my friend!

Cheers,

- Laurie :)