Remember watching on the news about how credit and debit cards had been compromised at Target over the holiday season? Well, my debit card was one of those. Unfortunately, my bank did not have a phone number on record to alert me but they cancelled my card on Christmas Eve, when I was trying to finish up my shopping. It had been a long day, and I was rather crabby. I had stopped at the local grocery store, and my card was refused, so I had to resort to my credit card to make payment. But not before I made a stink and called over the manager. He was very polite, suggesting that perhaps a deposit had been made but not posted at the bank yet. I retorted that I had more than enough money in the bank and that certainly wasn’t my problem. I then stomped out of the store in a huff.

Well, today I went into the bank and told them my card wouldn’t work. Gail, the teller, asked me if I had shopped at Target. I said yes. She then told me that they had cancelled my card so my bank account wouldn’t be drained. I went oh... oops. They assured me that I would have a new card in a matter of days. Then I realized that I had shined my ass in the grocery store, and perhaps I’d better go back and apologize to Mr. Barlow for my behavior. So I did.

A Murder of Crows

This last Halloween, I found a peal and stick page of crows. There’s no glue involved, they just stick because of static electricity. I used them around my cauldron on the porch. The trick or treaters liked them. When it was time to take them down, I peeled them off the wall and momentarily stuck them on my front door window. A light went on in my head and I remembered the ravens on the front door of my friends, Kathryn and Larry, who had a store called "The White Raven." Of course theirs were etched into the glass, a bit classier, but after a little arranging, I decided to keep them on the front door. Here’s a photo of what they look like down the hallway.

Christmas Lights in Raymond

Elaine and I went around last night and checked out the Christmas lights. Although I took a number of photos, these are the ones that turned out the best.

                                                     Blue Victorian House taken in daylight

                                                       Best Colored Lights on Dupree Street

                                                        Best White Lights on Dupree Street

                                                            John Bell Williams Home

                                                                       Norwood Circle
                

Christmas Eve 

Christmas Eve is always a magical time. The point is that we all need the reassuring and healing messages that treasured rituals provide. So go with the spirit of the day and be grateful for all that you have. 

59 Beers

 Remember my former entry about our only homeless person in Raymond? Well, his name is Danny, and although he spends most of his time listening to the voices in his head, he also has time for an artistic endeavor with beer caps. The design is close to the road, and just about the time he was beginning to express himself, our lady of the electric cart, who tends most of the city garden beds in Raymond, discovered them and raked them all up. I told Danny not to be discouraged though. I said I would talk to our lady of the electric cart, and make her aware that this is an ongoing art project. Please start again, Danny. I'd like to see where it takes you. 

This poem is from River Country Basket Guild In North Carolina. When I read it, it made me laugh because once you take up basket making, this is what happens!

My Wife's a Basket Weaver
She learned to weave on Monday.
Her basket was quite fine.
She forgot to thaw out dinner,
So we went out to dine.

She made a twill on Tuesday.
She says they are a must.
They really look quite lovely,
But she forgot to dust.

On Wednesday it was wickerwork.
She says the twinings fun.
Three rod wale and braiding rims,
But the laundry wasn't done.

Her basket swap was Thursday.
"Expect her late" she said.
I guess she really was too busy,
Cause she never made the bed.

It was ribbed baskets Friday.
Using new techniques for sure.
But she never seemed to care about
Her mess still on the floor.

So I found a maid on Saturday.
My life is now complete.
My wife can weave for hours
And the house will still be neat.

Well, today is only Sunday.
And I'm already peeved.
I cursed and raved and ranted
Cause she taught the maid to weave.