Miss Ann Says

Tag: little things

• Christmas stories

  Posted at 8:30 pm by missannsays, on December 17, 2013

  The one of the many things I enjoy about decorating for Christmas is unwrapping and displaying the different items and remembering the stories associated with them.

  1. Some have funny stories like my handmade wooden reindeer, a gift from a student, that has burnt antlers because years ago Bruce accidentally threw the antlers into the fireplace. I walked in the room and said “what happened to his antlers” and there was a strange look, a fireproof glove and a hand reaching into the fire to retrieve it. Or there is the slightly gnawed on wooden tree, a gift my brother-in-law had made, that the dog decided to eat. Others have sentimental stories like the adorable clothes pin nativity scene Emily made in elementary school. Yes, mommies save and cherish those projects.

  
  

  2. Some have travel/adventure stories like my travel ornaments. I personally think that ornaments are the best kind of souvenirs so my Christmas tree is decorated with a fuzzy bear from Alaska, a buffalo from Mount Rushmore, a pretty hand painted ball ornament with a scuba diver from St Thomas and an official Plaza Hotel ornament.
  

  

  

  3. My daughters learned early on that books were the one thing mom would buy them so we have many books and many Christmas books full of wonderful stories. Golden books, pop up books, classics, poetry and gift books – A Cup of Christmas Tree, God with Us, The legend of the Christmas Prayer, What does Christmas Sound Like?, A Family Christmas, and The Legend of The Three Trees to name a few. A few years ago I didn’t put the little kid books out and Meghan commented “what happened to the kiddie books? I still like to look through them.” Thus why the kiddie Christmas books are still displayed.

  4. By far the best Christmas decorations are those made with paper, glue and a photo of those you love. For those decorations come with a lifetime of stories.
  

  Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment | Tagged Christmas, family, kid stuff, little things, randomness, travel

• two identicial nutcrackers

  Posted at 10:37 am by missannsays, on December 13, 2013

  

  Why? Why have two identical nutcrackers? Because as I was cleaning out my parents home I discovered that my Dad had bought my mum and I the exact same nutcracker. My mum had said to divide up the decorations thus two nutcrackers. Through the years my mum bought most Christmas gifts that I received from my parents but on occasion my Dad would sneak a special one in. I realized something this morning as I thought about my two matching nutcrackers. My dad started buying me a special Christmas gift each year after Bruce died. Thanks, Daddy. 🙂

  My Dad loved decorating for Christmas. What made that so funny was that my Dad was a very well read, logical thinker, he was an electrical engineer by profession but he delighted in the wonder of Christmas. He had his Dickens village that was historically correct in the placement of the buildings. No really, it was. He always hanging stuff from the ceiling especially geometric shaped ornaments. He had wildlife ornaments hanging from every indoor plant. He would take a break from decorating to scatter wild bird seed in the backyard for his bird friends. There was a nativity on the mantle. Byer’s carolers on the end table. A carousel of musical animals on top of the hutch. He was never done. To quote my daughter “it looks like Christmas threw up at Nanny and Poppy’s house”. The Christmases of my childhood were full of wonder due to my Dad decorating and decorating some more. And when he was done he would build a fire, sit on the couch with my mum and enjoy a snifter of brandy.

  Thanks Daddy for instilling in me the wonder of life, the power of knowledge and the love of family.

  Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment | Tagged Christmas, family, kid stuff, little things

• one homemade Christmas ornament

  Posted at 11:32 am by missannsays, on December 11, 2013

  

  It appears to be a homemade Christmas ornament – a glass ball containing some kind of gold substance with a gold ribbon hot glued around the circumference. It is however an amazing story of an acquaintance being in the right place at the right time. It is a story of a one of a kind gift.

  In the Spring of 2011, a friend would contact me stating that someone was trying to contact me and asking permission to forward my contact information to said person. I said “sure”. On Easter Saturday that someone would call and ask to stop by. They had something they knew I would want. My daughter and son-in-law were visiting. We were all slightly curious and a little skeptical so we said “fine, stop by”. The someone and his wife arrived carrying a plain brown box and a DVD. We invited them in and he proceeded to tell us about the contents of the box and the DVD. Before he started to speak his wife commented “watching the DVD was like watching grass grow”. Okay?!? He opened the box and it contained a plastic bag of metal shavings. Strange?!? And then he told us “I have been working at the company that is engraving the panels for the September 11 Memorial. I was working the day they engraved Bruce’s name. These are the shavings from his name being engraved. I also took a video of his name being engraved. You can’t show this to anyone until after the panels are installed” Oh my, I was amazed and ashamed of my attitude and dumfounded. Wow!!

  In December of 2011, my daughter and I filled 3 glass balls with those shavings and glued a ribbon around the circumference. We made one for me and one for each of my daughters. That ornament hangs on my tree (and their trees) and I am ever reminded of how God uses everything to remind us of His love.

  

  Posted in daily life, faith, memories, September 11 | 1 Comment | Tagged family, following Jesus, little things, September 11

• the butcher, the baker and the candlestick maker

  Posted at 8:29 am by missannsays, on November 28, 2013

  I had an “aha” moment this morning. I was thinking about what I need to do before I head to PA via Toms River. I need to stop and pick up the raspberry tart I ordered. Wait!!! I said I won’t shop on Thanksgiving. And then the “aha” moment. Some stores were always open on Thanksgiving – the butcher, the baker and the candlestick maker. Modern equivalent – the convenience store, the bakery and the gas station. With a little planning, you could always get things you needed on Thanksgiving – milk, bread, fuel. Maybe you had to drive to the next town or go first thing in the morning because the bakery closed at 11 but you could get what you needed. And somewhere through the years the mindset changed and now you can get what you want on Thanksgiving. You may not need it but you want it. And you want it today! I don’t know who is to blame if there even is someone or something to blame but won’t it be great if our wants and needs were the same thing (at least for one day)

  I pray that our very basic needs of food, clothing, shelter, education, health, peace of mind and friendship will be met. And I also pray that I will have eyes to see, ears to hear, a heart that cares and hands to help. Happy Thanksgiving. 🙂

  Posted in Uncategorized | 0 Comments | Tagged friendship, little things, randomness, telling the next generation

• Travel Tuesdays – S1E28 – Home for the Holidays

  Posted at 7:10 pm by missannsays, on November 26, 2013

  The holidays are upon us. Thanksgiving is “late” and Hanukkah seems early. Thanksgiving is Thursday and Hanukkah starts tomorrow and before you know it Christmas will be here with New Year’s Eve following close behind. The commercials on the television, the internet and radio talk about “being home for the holidays”. I have been pondering that concept. I grew up with very little extended family around. The holidays were always in my home with my mom, dad, brother and two sisters. My grandparents were in Oklahoma and England so we didn’t see them on the holidays. When I was very young we lived in Oklahoma but I have no memories of grandparents. We then lived in Utah and Arizona before moving to New Jersey when I was in the third grade. My mother’s brother and his family would eventually move to New Jersey from England via Canada and the holidays would then involve extended family and I have very fond memories of those times.

  When Bruce and I married we started the every other year tradition at Thanksgiving – one year (even) was my family and the next year (odd) was his family. We started that because when we were dating we ate two meals each thanksgiving and that is ridiculous. I still do every other year and for that reason I have never cooked a turkey. 🙂 I have hosted Thanksgiving on an even year either at home or the Barn but I am grateful that my brother-in-law cooks the turkey. This Thanksgiving I will share lunch with my 95-year-old mother in law in her new assisted living residence. Then travel to PA to have Thanksgiving with Meghan, Kyle and Kyle’s parents. Not two full meals but a light lunch (hopefully) and then the main meal. Yummy!

  As far as Christmas celebrations that we tweaked through the years. Van Hine celebrations usually were Christmas Eve and Clark were more Christmas Day & Boxing Day. Christmas mornings however were always just the two of us at home and then the three of us when Emily was born and then the four of us when Meghan was born. Last year was the first time in my entire life that I didn’t sleep in my own bed on Christmas Eve and it was delightful to be with my sister and her family. This year like last year Christmas will take place in a new way and that is okay.

  I love the holidays. I love everything about the holidays. I love traditions but I am also open to new traditions and new ways of celebrating. I want the holidays to be filled with the people I love, great conversations, yummy food, a little laughter, lots of hugs and hopefully at least one board game. So in thinking on this “home for the holidays” concept and I think home is more about the people you are with than the place you are in and the holidays is more about time spent with those people than a date on the calendar.

  Be safe as you travel this holiday season and don’t forget to enjoy the journey!!

  On a totally different note, do people really buy cars as gifts for Christmas? There seem to be a lot of car commercials.

  Posted in Uncategorized | 0 Comments | Tagged friendship, little things, travel

• randomness X 3

  Posted at 8:10 pm by missannsays, on November 23, 2013

  1. On Friday morning as I was preparing to travel into the National September 11 Memorial to lead a tour for a daughter’s friend, I dropped an earring down the bathroom sink. You know that feeling when you watch and think it isn’t going to go down, it is too big, it can’t possibly fit under that little space. And then the earring is gone, just gone. It seems impossible. The stopper wasn’t even open all the way. So in a moment of “no worries, I can fix this problem” I proceed to remove all the towels and stuff from under the sink and unscrew that “little thing” and now my lack of any knowledge of plumbing has caught up with me. I place all the little pieces on the bathroom counter, tidy up the pile of towels, leave my side door unlocked and head to NYC. I call my plumber from my cell phone and leave him message. And when I get home the bill ($75) with the following tip was on my bathroom counter “always close drain when putting on jewelry”. This morning my plumber called. He wanted to share a story that happened yesterday afternoon after he had taken care of my issue. His 8-year-old daughter recently had her ears pierced and yesterday she was changing her earrings for the first time. He walks into the bathroom to make sure she has closed the drain. He comments “make sure you close the drain”. She comments “Dad, everyone knows to do that.” well, maybe not everyone 🙂

  2. This past week on the radio they were announcing that President Obama and First Lady, Michelle Obama, would be laying a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery in remembrance of the fiftieth anniversary of the assassination of President Kennedy. They also announced that the Obamas would be joined by former President Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary Rodman Clinton. I just found it weird that Hilary Clinton who has been an US Senator and the Secretary of State was only referred to as “Bill’s wife” not even former First Lady. Really???

  3. A recent visitor to the memorial commented “I am glad the survivor tree isn’t perfect. It is okay there aren’t branches on the one side because everything changed that day. I am glad it is thriving but it is good to remember that it was changed” Something to ponder.

  Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment | Tagged little things, randomness, respect, September 11

• Before smart phones

  Posted at 3:46 pm by missannsays, on November 15, 2013

  Yesterday I received a Facebook message from my daughter stating “my phone has died.” This morning she called to share the story of trying to replace her phone. Between contracts, pricey new phones and a general lack of customer service in the walk-in mall store, she was totally frustrated. After the unsuccessful store visit, she went online and “chatted” with a customer service person who acknowledged that the situation must be very frustrating. Thank you for that! A telephone call to a second store supplied her with some useable information and a suggestion on what to do to temporarily correct the situation – aha!! customer service. So this morning she set out to try (after calling me) to “get a phone.”

  My phone would ring again with a request to find an address and my daughter would comment “what did we do before smart phones?” I commented “we planned where we were going and looked at real maps.” I have been thinking about what we did before smart phones or even cell phones and I came up with the following:

  1. We called someone’s home, spoke with whoever answered the phone, waited for them to get to the phone and either spoke to the intended person or left a message. Growing up I had to answer the phone “Clark’s residence. Ann speaking. Who is this, please?”

  2. We formulated a plan – meet here at such and such time.

  3. Checked the newspaper for movie schedules.

  4. We wrote down addresses and directions on pieces of paper or the back of an envelope after we found a pencil or pen.

  5. We made reservations for dinner.

  6. We fretted about why the person was late to said appointment.

  7. We had a paper map in the car and probably “mad money” in our pockets.

  Anyway that is what I remember and to be honest I still look at a map (Google maps) ahead of time, and write down addresses on paper or print the email with the address. I keep a paper calendar as well as my iPhone calendar. I try to back everything up on my computer. And just in case the power goes out or my phone dies, I have my daughters’ and sister’s phone number written on a piece of paper. I can tell you my best friend’s parent’s telephone number that I have probably known for 40 years because I had to dial it. However, I don’t know my own daughters’ and sister’s without looking because most times I press a button. 🙂

  Posted in Uncategorized | 0 Comments | Tagged little things

• Travel Tuesdays S1E27

  Posted at 11:29 am by missannsays, on November 10, 2013

  Years ago when I was scheduled to fly home from CA on the “red eye” my dad commented “everyone should fly the red eye at least once.” “Why?” “So you know never to do it again!” Well, I have flown the red eye a few times through the years and it is “interesting experience.” Today I choose “the red eye” so I would have entire day with my daughter and her hubby. And as long as I can go home and sleep for a couple of hours, it will definitely be worth it. I have my good book, my snacks, my music and my headphones – I am good to go.

  I came across the following article on airplane etiquette. Worth reading. Hope I don’t have a shoeless, sock less, armrest hogging person next to me. 🙂

  http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CAwQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nytimes.com%2F2013%2F11%2F03%2Ftravel%2Fwhose-feet-are-those-negotiating-air-travel-etiquette.html&ei=8-6CUtSTOOakiQLFz4DoCQ&usg=AFQjCNF9iPL8JwTEb0rKk8Bjhkky5s9jsw

  Posted in Uncategorized | 0 Comments | Tagged little things, travel

• all done up and dvds

  Posted at 10:02 pm by missannsays, on October 26, 2013

  On Thursday evening, I attended the 28th Annual Gala for the New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Fund. What an amazing event. Over the past twelve years I have been blessed to receive a yearly check from the Benefit Fund. On September 11 of this year I meet the chairman of the board of directors of the Benefit Fund when we were both invited to ring the bell at the NASDAQ. This year when invitation to attend the gala arrived I looked at it more closely and thought maybe I will go. While having lunch a few days after the invitation had arrived, two of my FDNY widow friends decided we would get “dressed up” and attend together. We figured we would have fun being together and really why would you turn down an invitation to dinner at the Waldorf! We decided we would rent a limo so we didn’t have to drive and to be honest attending a gala at the Waldorf Astoria sounded like something you should arrive in a limo for. We sounded like three teenage girls planning for the prom. 🙂

  I decided my hair needed to be cut so I scheduled my appointment for the morning of the gala because my hair only looks really good right after my hairstylist has done it. I figured I probably should get my nails done as well. While I was at the salon getting my nails and hair done, my hairdresser commented “you should get your make up done, too” so I did. I was all “done up!”

  The entire evening was lovely. There was a cocktail hour, dinner,a live auction to raise money for the fund and then an after party. When we arrived we checked in and were given a Swarovski crystal bracelet and our table number. We were seated with other beneficiaries. Our table was right down front behind the head tables. Mayor Michael Bloomberg set directly behind me. Rusty Staub was at the Mayor’s table. FDNY Commissioner Sal Cassano was diagonally to my right. Mark Messier was one table away. There were probably many “movers and shakers” and dignitaries there but those are not the circles I travel in so I wasn’t aware. Plus my daughters say “I never know who anyone is” which is true. Before the event I was thinking that I might feel like Cinderella but to be honest I felt nothing but gratitude. I was grateful for good friends. I was grateful for such an amazing opportunity. I was grateful for a delicious meal. I was grateful for the generosity of people. I was grateful for the kindness of strangers. As we were transitioning into the after party, I made a point of thanking Mr. Staub for the invitation to attend the event as well as thanking him for the generosity of the Benefit Fund. He gave me a big hug.

  During the after party, they had a raffle. My friends and I each bought $20 worth of raffle tickets and proceeded to put our tickets in the containers of the items we hoped to win. There was a “Blue Bloods” gift basket with autographed DVDs, an autographed photo of the cast, baseball hat, beach towel and t-shirt. I placed two of my raffle tickets in that container and shared with my friends a story about Blue Blood DVDs. Every year my daughters ask what I want for Christmas and my yearly response is “Peace on Earth, Goodwill towards men.” Last year when they asked I said “Blue Blood DVDs”. They responded “What no peace on earth, no goodwill towards men.” I chuckled and I said “yes I want that too”. Guess what, I won the Blue Bloods gift basket. I now own two sets of Blue Blood DVDs 🙂

  FYI according to their Facebook page “Since the Benefit Fund’s inception in 1985 by Daniel J. “Rusty” Staub, the Benefit Fund has distributed over $123 million to the families of New York City police and fire personnel who have been killed in the line of duty. Though the Benefit Fund was initially created to assist families of New York City Fire Fighters and Police Officers, we now include the families of Emergency Medical Services and Port Authority Officers as well. In 1987 we provided 320 families with annual financial assistance and by 2010, we made the same commitment to nearly 700 families. Our need has certainly grown, but our mission remains pure: help children and spouses who lost a loved one in the line of duty, charged with the task of keeping our families safe.”

  Thank you!!!

  Posted in Uncategorized | 0 Comments | Tagged friendship, little things, randomness, September 11

• Travel Tuesdays – S1 E23 autumn foliage

  Posted at 7:35 pm by missannsays, on September 24, 2013

  

  I love living in the northeast. The northeast enjoys four distinct seasons. Even though lately one season seems to leap-frog over another and then we go back to the “correct” season. Warm weather in April then back to rain in May and then back to whatever in June. The last few days I have been noticing that the leaves are starting to change color. When my daughters were growing up, they commuted with me to my work, their childcare then their elementary school and eventually high school. This time of year I would ask “which coloring is winning?”. Basically to keep them entertained and on occasion as a teachable moment about seasons or colors or creation. As the year’s past and my daughter’s grew too old for the color game, but every now and then one of them would randomly say “I think orange is winning”. 🙂 Today as I drove that same route I smiled and thought I think green is still winning but soon it will orange or yellow or red. From the looks of the fall foliage map, you have time to plan a drive to check out “what color is winning?” Don’t forget your camera. And why not stop for some cider and donuts.

  Autumn Leaves
  The autumn leaves swirl to the ground in their millions.
  Gold, russet, ochre, burnt umber, and deep vermillion.
  Down to the ground, the dying leaves flit and flutter;
  On to the grassy bank, the pathway, and into the gutter.

  Some of the colours of the leaves are deep and so very rich.
  Whirling along the ground, some leaves tumble into the ditch.
  A thick layer of multicoloured leaves now carpets the earth,
  Leaving the trees bare, in readiness, for next spring’s rebirth.

  With changing leaf colours, many people love this time of year,
  But, that summer is well and truly over, it is now perfectly clear.
  The many colours mixed together are a magical sight to behold;
  I love the shades of yellow, crimson, sienna, and ruby red, so bold.

  Some leaves are mottled, with two glorious colours or more;
  Adding to the fabulous display, which now lies upon the floor.
  Children love nothing better, than to frolic through the fallen leaves;
  When workmen collect them up, they’re left feeling very aggrieved.

  Even though the weather is getting cold, the colours look so warm.
  Fiery reds and oranges, and golden hues, like those of ripened corn.
  Photographers find this time of year, so very evocative and inspiring;
  The spectacular displays before them, they spend much time admiring.

  As the season draws on, the once vibrant colours begin to dull and fade.
  Soon, all that is left are brown leaves, which once boasted brilliant shades.
  When leaves first change their colour, they create much admired foliage,
  But with age and weather, over the coming weeks, there is much spoilage.

  I love the dark green leaves, with their edges tinged with a brilliant red.
  But, alas, those colours will fade, now that the leaf is no longer being fed.
  The crisp, bright colours can offer cheer on even the very dullest of days,
  But in our minds, we know it won’t be long before winter comes our way.

  Angela Wybrow

  Posted in daily life, kid stuff, memories | 0 Comments | Tagged kid stuff, little things, randomness

• Follow Blog via Email

  Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

  Email Address:

  Follow

  Join 674 other subscribers
• Follow Miss Ann Says on WordPress.com

• Recent Posts

  • Exploring
  • Dinner with friends
  • Panic to peace
  • An example to follow
  • A mouse in the house

• Archives

  Archives Select Month June 2021 May 2021 March 2021 January 2021 December 2020 October 2020 September 2020 August 2020 June 2020 May 2020 April 2020 March 2020 January 2020 September 2019 August 2019 February 2019 January 2019 September 2018 February 2018 December 2017 September 2017 August 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 May 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012

• Categories

  Categories Select Category books daily life faith kid stuff memories relationships respect in the real world September 11 then & now Uncategorized work in progress

• 9/11 Tribute Center 911 Tribute Museum Anne of Green Gables Appalachian Trail apple atore autumnal ballet Bill Bryson books Brussels cancer Christmas circus community Concert for New York City Corrie ten Boom counterculture David Bowie Department of State Downton Abbey Dunkin Donuts Facebook faith family FDNY following Jesus friendship frozen meatballs gated communities Halloween heart monitors Home Depot home improvement projects Hope iPhone Japan kid stuff le leche little things love story Mennonite Merchant's House Mr. Spock museum National September 11 Museum NYC pandemic Paris peace peer pressure prayer randomness random thoughts reading list real estate respect Seattle September 11 Shop Rite speaking Star Trek switch plates television telling the next generation terrorism The Whitney tours travel travel thoughts twilight zone walking tours writing

• latest tweets

  Tweets by avanhine

• December 2025

  M	T	W	T	F	S	S
  1	2	3	4	5	6	7
  8	9	10	11	12	13	14
  15	16	17	18	19	20	21
  22	23	24	25	26	27	28
  29	30	31

• Search for: