The Christmas cactus has started flowering, and the color is different from the buds, as you see. I sent a picture to my cleaning family who gave me it, so they can enjoy it too.
And yesterday's mail brought the blessing of a President who knows what he's doing. My new batch of free covid test kits arrived, timed for the holidays
Alas I found their notion of beginners isn't mine. On their first page they say of course the beginner is expected to have a basic understanding of the language.. Honey, that's not a beginner.
It reminded me of the construction kit in a Child's Christmas in Wales: easy for little engineers, oh, easy for Leonardo!
Jamal will have to wait for me to catch up, then I'll read his adventures. A stretch goal at this point. Maybe this time next year I'll be looking back kindly on my current ineptitude.
Meanwhile here's a lovely manuscript page with a Christmas Chi Rho, the abbreviation for the word Christ. It's a symbol and a devotion in itself, as is the X in Xmas, an early respectful way of expressing the Holy Name.
And on to less reverent things, here's a seasonal puzzle you absolutely will get. As usual, post funny clues not the actual answer
And today AC's photograph is totally right for the day.
Photo AC
Bring on the light and the heat. I made a very minor attempt to learn Hebrew decades ago and gave it up almost immediately. Just didn't have the time for it or really the inclination.
ReplyDeleteWhen you're doing it for yourself, you need to really want to, yes.
DeleteI also made small attempt at Hebrew. I did just as Ellen did. Your Christmas cactus was right on time.
ReplyDeleteThe trick is to keep going till you start the first feelings of familiarity. Then to keep going after that!
DeleteMom always said the darkest hour is just before dawn. I think that's true. The answer to your puzzle is not "you dude." Mom used to also say "Time and tide cures everything." I always wondered if she was talking about the washing soap. If so just give it Tide and you'll get it.
ReplyDeleteGreat, Tom!
DeleteWinter Solstice blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteHappy solstice!
ReplyDeleteMay you have no occasion to need those Covid tests, but yes, so good to have them at hand. Hah - this puzzle took me less than a nano-second!
Chris from Boise
So your puzzle cred. Is restored.
DeleteI never expected it to still be in circulation.
ReplyDeleteIt's a keeper.
DeleteSweet little cactus. It will be fun to see it growing in the next few years.
ReplyDeleteGlad you got your covid tests. But as Chris said above- may you not need them!
It's a great comfort to have a gov that gives a flyin', after those terrible fg years. And I heard back from the cleaners, very happy about the plant.
DeleteAH, long time no hear or see. Good to see you still at it! Loving the cactus <3.
ReplyDeleteHappy Solstice to you!
Now this is great! Yesterday I was handling the scarf you gave me and wondering how you were doing. And today you're here, yay!! Can't tell you how happy it made me to see your name there, Asha! Also hello to your grandmother. Happy solstice to you.
DeleteHappy solstice from downunder.
ReplyDeleteIs the reader for little arabic speaking people learning to read?
This little reader isn't up to Jamal yet! I was thinking this book would really be a beginning one, with the alphabet, pronunciation help, all that, but nooooo...
DeleteSolstice! And our daughter’s birthday. Wonderful reminders of joy!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great birthday! Wish her the happiest of birthdays from me. So her first Christmas was almost right away!
DeleteI think your trying to run before you walk. Yes I definitely think this time next year you will be reading that book proficiently.
ReplyDeleteThe Christmas cactus is pretty
That cactus will be a grand fine plant as it ages. My grandmother and my father both will throw a coveting eye.
ReplyDeleteI'm hopeful that it will keep going. I've had them in the past and they've done pretty well.
DeleteHappy Solstice. I am sure it will be warmer here than in NJ. I hope your neighbor has a safe drive and that you stay warm.
ReplyDeleteThank you, for both.
DeleteStill regretting not having coughed up the bucks to purchase one of the big cactus' they had for sale at the mall last week. I know I did it a favour though and left it for someone else to hopefully manage to keep it alive.
ReplyDeleteI was able to pick up another rapid test kit at the drugstore the other day so we're stocked up (and very hopeful not to ever need them!).
I used to hate the use of the word Xmas until someone explained the idea behind it. (Still think it's an ugly word though.)
ReplyDelete