Christmas Countdown - 2011

[Snow-in-Texas]

Well they let us go home early today, I have been home about an hour now. There were only 3 of us third shifters that even showed up, and 1 second shifter. They also told us to call tomorrow to check to see if they are even open. My supervisor told me that she would call me if they didn't want us to come in. The drive in was worse than the drive home, thankfully no incidents, I did slide through a four way stop, but nobody else was there. They are calling for a 12 below wind chill tonight and probably even colder tomorrow night. Here's hoping I don't have to go to work tomorrow.cheesy

 

[superdave1225]

So I take it the groundhog will not see his shadow in Pa because of the inclimate weather!? what does no shadow mean again? I'm almost afraid to ask.lol

HAHAHAHAHAHA you know to be honest I have no idea either Seems like last time I looked it didn't make any sense to me either. But I live in KS and that doesn't make any sense either so go figure.

 

[superdave1225]

Well they let us go home early today, I have been home about an hour now. There were only 3 of us third shifters that even showed up, and 1 second shifter. They also told us to call tomorrow to check to see if they are even open. My supervisor told me that she would call me if they didn't want us to come in. The drive in was worse than the drive home, thankfully no incidents, I did slide through a four way stop, but nobody else was there. They are calling for a 12 below wind chill tonight and probably even colder tomorrow night. Here's hoping I don't have to go to work tomorrow.cheesy

Mind if I trade our -25 wind chill for your -12 tomorrow night.

 

[Binger]

drive by to say

I LOVE JAYISH!

YABBA!

 

[Binger]

Bet he is out practicing his paus du lux!

Yabba!

I love jayish!

 

[Seawaters]

Your operas are always so memorable!!! Plus, they make me smile.

Valentines OPERA coming..... mark your calendars..

YABBA!

I LOVE JAYISH!

 

[Seawaters]

This sounds so tasty. Wish I could be there!

The roast chicken is in the oven, it smells great, already made the homemade cranberry sauce, stuffing and mashed potatoes, are next up. Better hurry up and get here if you want some. cheesy


Oh yeah--- I Love Jayish

 

[Seawaters]

Made, that is such a neighborly thing to do should the need arise. How thoughtful you are! Your neighbors are lucky to have you!

I don't have a fireplace but I told my neighbors if we lose power I would build us a huge bonfire in the middle of the cornfield behind are apartments.


I love Jayish!!!

 

[Seawaters]

Both points are well taken. I honestly take suggestions to heart. I know I was the culprit and I do apologize for my part. I did it in fun, but I realize that my perspective is not everyone's perspective. I know that many of you probably waded through some of my mishmash. So let us go onward and upward in the Spirit of Christmas, which is what we are about.

Hi all,

I know I haven't been around much this past month but I have been here, tinkering and working away on Christmas 2011. I did see in passing the following post and wanted to comment on it:



First of all, thanks to superdave1225 for speaking up. That's the spirit of MMC.

For a moment I want to interject some thoughts from on high here that deviate just a bit from my norm and from what is generally posted here.

If there is one thread I receive continual feedback about it is this one.

Generally, folks love it and are drawn to the friendships made here. Many try to join mid-conversation and, lacking background, soon find themselves in over their heads because they don't understand the history nor the nuances of everything said here.

Bet you didn't know you were so cryptic, eh?

Others, frankly, are afraid to join this thread because they feel they will never fit in. Of course, that's not true and I do my best to assure them that all are welcome here.

I even get emails or PMs about folks who read this thread and just don't get it. They say so it in so many words. I try my best to explain but usually my explanation leads to encouraging folks to just lurk for a while and observe -- then, they will get it.

And over the years this thread, which has largely become the heart and soul of our forums, has continued to grow.

We "count" out of fun and anticipation. From the days to this or that milestone to the actual number of posts we generate -- it is all for fun.

On that last point -- the number of posts -- I have to claim some responsibility.

It all started as a cursory thing -- Oh, wow! Look at how many posts this year! -- kind of thing. Just a fun, trivial thing, that's all. Last year I think we set and hit a target of some 12,000 posts and this year I set the bar at 20,000.

In the spirit of it all we might have gotten a bit carried away -- and actually hurt ourselves in the process.

This is what SuperDave, who is relatively new to the party here, is trying to tell us, I think.

And he's right.

We can all see the post count. And if we hit it, we hit it. Big deal, throw another log on the fire and propose another toast. But what does it really matter when all is said and done?

For me, as the concerned caretaker of these parts, the post count is nothing and completely unimportant compared to the number of folks who can come here and just enjoy themselves. That's the miracle of this thread -- not the increase in the number of posts but the increase in the number of diverse folks from all over who join the conversation.

Over the years we have worked very hard and even have endured debates behind the scenes as we have worked through issues that prevent this from being the welcoming place we've wanted it to be.

We have stuck our toes into shark infested waters of politics, religion and other divisive topics that generated more discontent than anything else.

And every time we have emerged wiser and more dedicated to keeping this little spot of the Internet from what cheapens so many other venues.

Ultimately, we're about Christmas, peace on earth, and share-and-share alike.

I would hope the spirit of SuperDave's observations are taken to heart.

If we want to increase the post count here we can do it by bringing more folks to the party and getting them to feel welcome and to participate.

I greatly appreciate all your contributions here.

I return you now to your regularly scheduled countdown to Christmas....

thanks,
Jeff

 

[mrichmond636]

Hi all, I am just wondering, as I may have missed it as I haven;t ahd a chance to catch up on the pages i have missed over the last few hours, why does everyone love jayish? BTW I do rather love his radio shows!

 

[Christmas-A-Holic]

So I take it the groundhog will not see his shadow in Pa because of the inclimate weather!? what does no shadow mean again? I'm almost afraid to ask.lol

My niece lives down the block from Punxsutawney Phil. She has never attended the big celebration. Not sure I would want to be out there in the cold that early! cheesy

 

[Christmas-A-Holic]

Hi all, I am just wondering, as I may have missed it as I haven;t ahd a chance to catch up on the pages i have missed over the last few hours, why does everyone love jayish? BTW I do rather love his radio shows!

What's there not to love about him????

Actually Binger said we all should end our post with, I love Jayish. I guess we are joining in the fun until he takes notice of it. :wink:

 

[MerryCarey]

Generally, folks love it and are drawn to the friendships made here. Many try to join mid-conversation and, lacking background, soon find themselves in over their heads because they don't understand the history nor the nuances of everything said here.

Bet you didn't know you were so cryptic, eh?

Others, frankly, are afraid to join this thread because they feel they will never fit in. Of course, that's not true and I do my best to assure them that all are welcome here.

The Countdown can look a little cryptic at times ... this is my first year of regular participation. I couldn't keep track of it the last couple years, but decided to plunge in at the beginning of this one and try to keep up, since I saw friends of mine in here. I still don't get everything (Shispering Pines? Carl the camel?---guess that has something to do with Hump Day, fascination with coffee and fried Twinkies?), and I half-get other things (like my first taste of The Opera), but mostly it's good-natured conversation that is open to anybody. Kind of an adjunct to the ChatBox. But it did take me a couple years to feel like I had earned enough stripes to join in.

So I take it the groundhog will not see his shadow in Pa because of the inclimate weather!? what does no shadow mean again? I'm almost afraid to ask.lol

Traditionally, it's a GOOD thing if the groundhog doesn't see his shadow. If he DOES see it, supposedly it frightens him back into his den for another six weeks of winter. These days I think the press guys in Puxsutawney decide what Phil will "say."

 

[made582]

WooHoo there is a dry slot starting to form in the storm!!!!!!!!!!


I Love Jayish!!

 

[Christmas-A-Holic]

Both points are well taken. I honestly take suggestions to heart. I know I was the culprit and I do apologize for my part. I did it in fun, but I realize that my perspective is not everyone's perspective. I know that many of you probably waded through some of my mishmash. So let us go onward and upward in the Spirit of Christmas, which is what we are about.

You are not the only culprit. I admit my share of it and we had a few others join in on the fun.

It's all good and we NEED YOU! You hold great conversation here and you are a very sweet person! All of us together can recruit more people into feeling welcomed among this thread. cheesy We know how to share warm Christmas thoughts!

The Countdown can look a little cryptic at times ... this is my first year of regular participation. I couldn't keep track of it the last couple years, but decided to plunge in at the beginning of this one and try to keep up, since I saw friends of mine in here. I still don't get everything (Shispering Pines? Carl the camel?---guess that has something to do with Hump Day, fascination with coffee and fried Twinkies?), and I half-get other things (like my first taste of The Opera), but mostly it's good-natured conversation that is open to anybody. Kind of an adjunct to the ChatBox. But it did take me a couple years to feel like I had earned enough stripes to join in.

Great point you brought up. I still don't know the deal with Carl and I have been here going on my 2nd year. I was assuming I needed to earn my stripes to understand. I guess I should just ask. Someone explain please! cheesy

Maybe the explanation should be on the first page of the thread to explain all this so we are not lost. Kind of like, "before you enter the doors of the Countdown here are a few things that take place" then listing all you just mentioned. We can all be on board for those big days of the opera, Shispering Pines, etc. It would be just for fun and maybe not necessary but just a thought. cheesy

 

[Christmas-A-Holic]

Ok, this is weird. Wayne and I are sharing his computer while mine is in the shop. He logged out of here over an hour ago and I have logged in. At the bottom it shows he is on this thread as we speak!

He is in the other room playing NHL Hockey on his XBOX 360. I think the game is a cover up. He is somehow on these forums lurking through his XBOX! :wink:

 

[Seawaters]

If I weren't able to admit when I am wrong, then I wouldn't be much of a teacher OR a learner!!

You are not the only culprit. I admit my share of it and we had a few others join in on the fun.

It's all good and we NEED YOU! You hold great conversation here and you are a very sweet person! All of us together can recruit more people into feeling welcomed among this thread. cheesy We know how to share warm Christmas thoughts!


Great point you brought up. I still don't know the deal with Carl and I have been here going on my 2nd year. I was assuming I needed to earn my stripes to understand. I guess I should just ask. Someone explain please! cheesy

Maybe the explanation should be on the first page of the thread to explain all this so we are not lost. Kind of like, "before you enter the doors of the Countdown here are a few things that take place" then listing all you just mentioned. We can all be on board for those big days of the opera, Shispering Pines, etc. It would be just for fun and maybe not necessary but just a thought. cheesy

 

[xmas365]

The Countdown can look a little cryptic at times ... this is my first year of regular participation. I couldn't keep track of it the last couple years, but decided to plunge in at the beginning of this one and try to keep up, since I saw friends of mine in here. I still don't get everything (Shispering Pines? Carl the camel?---guess that has something to do with Hump Day, fascination with coffee and fried Twinkies?), and I half-get other things (like my first taste of The Opera), but mostly it's good-natured conversation that is open to anybody. Kind of an adjunct to the ChatBox. But it did take me a couple years to feel like I had earned enough stripes to join in.

I was the same way when I joined last January I played all the fun and games and occasionally checked out the countdown. I finally started posting in it I think in May or June just getting my feet wet. I didn't fully get it and I felt like I didn't fit in, I felt it was cliquey and embarrassed about what I posted, but I lack confidence and am always was down on myself, but I continued to post regardless, as Christmas got closer I gained the confidence and started making friends here. I now come to the countdown first and check on it all the time, looking to give someone words to cheer up by or congratulate someone, or update what is going on in my day. I enjoy this thread very much and am glad I am able to contribute and read about whats going on with everyone.

 

[superdave1225]

Maybe the explanation should be on the first page of the thread to explain all this so we are not lost. Kind of like, "before you enter the doors of the Countdown here are a few things that take place" then listing all you just mentioned. We can all be on board for those big days of the opera, Shispering Pines, etc. It would be just for fun and maybe not necessary but just a thought. cheesy

Maybe the yearly traditional stuff as the operas, Shispering Pines, and Christmas in July should all be their own special thread instead of mixed in to what appears to more or less be the keeping one another up to date thread as we move towards the end of the year.

 

[superdave1225]

If I weren't able to admit when I am wrong, then I wouldn't be much of a teacher OR a learner!!

Nobody was wrong and nobody should feel they was wrong. It was more of a pulling us back together on what we really are here for.