Author: Thomas Walters

In previous writings, I’ve outlined some serious issues concerning Christmas Decorations, and, as folks have largely ignored my thoughts, I’m going to present here a legislative agenda regarding the deployment of said decorations.  It’s high time we began to use some discretion when it comes to lights, animated bits of frivolity, blow-up statuary, etc., etc.  This has all come about because, on my way to my weekly medical treatments, I noticed that some people have been, shall we say, busy little “decorating” beavers.  I plan to send this to my congressional delegation in the hope that some meaningful government action can be implemented to curb the tasteless, the gaudy, and the unnecessarily “bright” holiday décor.

Continue reading “Outside Christmas Decorations – Some Guidelines”

Thanksgiving is just wrapping up – last of the turkey made into . . . . . what the heck is that? Football games are over, and the shopping has begun in earnest.  Although, with full disclosure, Her Ladyship has been shopping on line for months.  She really has to allow time for her Asian suppliers to get everything here in time for Christmas. For many folks, though, the day after Thanksgiving is like a checkered flag in Daytona.  

Continue reading “And We’re Off – 1st steps to Christmas”

This is actually something I shared last year, or the year before.  I can’t remember which.  In any event, it’s nice to reread and enjoy the memories of Thanksgivings past.  Particularly this year, after the election and in the midst of high prices for travel, when we may not all be able to meet in person, share a meal, and enjoy family and friends, it’s important to reflect back on celebrations in our lives. All of us have tales of Thanksgivings that cause us to smile.  I repost here some that are my favorites.

Continue reading “Thanksgiving Memories”

As my faithful readers know, I’m a bit of a plant person.  I like to garden in the warm weather, which here in New England is all too short.  There are a few indoor plants scattered about the house.  I may have mentioned this, but Elizabeth now sleeps in The Plant Room when she comes home for the weekend.  This was formerly “Betsy’s bedroom”, and then became “my study”.  Now, with a few bits and bobbles of plant material that I’ve collected, and from time to time, add to my collection from local nurseries, the grocery store, it has a more formal title.

Continue reading “Giving Plants a Name”

I’ll admit that, as I head into my dotage, there’s less and less appeal for Halloween.  No, I don’t dress up any more.  Haven’t for years, in fact.  We don’t even decorate much.  For my slightly eccentric neighbor, this is the high point of her year.  She has elaborate costumes and hangs all kinds of spider webs and puts up lighting to entertain the visiting gremlins.  For us, the excitement has long gone.  It’s just a reminder that I should have put all the patio furniture away for the winter.

Continue reading “Trick or Treat!”

The time has come to direct my gardening efforts indoors for the winter, and it helps to take my mind off the upcoming election.  I could pretty much recite the political advertising from memory. So, we’ll turn to my plants, a much happier topic.  

Continue reading “Indoor Gardening”

Here we are, firmly in the Fall of Our Discontent.  Food and energy costs up, and predictions of winter heating getting, well, not good.  The midterm elections and campaigning aren’t helping with our anxiety and tension either.  And then, there are our sports teams . . . . . .

Continue reading “A Fall Wrap-up”

Personally, I can’t wait for November.  Not that I’m not anxiously awaiting the election outcomes.  Of course, I am waiting to see how the country’s mood swings, as are most Americans.  But, no, I want to watch “Jeopardy” without political ads bashing left and right, and the fun of candidates’ comments taken out of context. I want to drive around town not having to look at clusters of campaign signs large and small, particularly for those that have been around since George III, or a newcomer who probably won’t go far this time, but is building a crescendo to the future.

Continue reading “Clearing the Airwaves and Roadways”

As the world mourns the death of Queen Elizabeth II, our thoughts and prayers all are with the Royal Family in their time of loss.  This I say in all seriousness, because so many millions around the globe feel as if they’ve lost a grandmother.  Our thoughts also go out to the people of the United Kingdom in their grief.  

Continue reading “Lady Peacock and the Line of Succession”

Pumpkin Spice coffee has been out on the shelves and at the local coffee shop for a while now, so although we’re still technically in summer, it is creeping up on the time that I write my incredibly popular “Ode to Fall”.  In this writing, I like to celebrate all of the seasonal delights that make us happy to be alive.  For example, in just a few weeks or so, the leaves will turn their beautiful colors.  The harvests are coming in, with lots of vegetables fresh in farm stands and grocery stores.  I could write an “Ode to the Squash”, but that would be playing favorites.  Over the years, we’ve had to limit squashes in our household because the Princess doesn’t like them, at least the native ones. She also doesn’t like bacon or whipped cream either, so her pallet is highly suspect, but I digress. 

Continue reading “Another Ode to Fall (or an Ode to Another Fall)”