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Xmas xaminations
Dec. 25th, 2007 10:44 pmI made it relatively unscathed through another major holiday. The last couple days were spent with Jeff's family in PA. It was a very low-key affair, which for me, was good.
Monday morning had a trip to an new Amish hardware and general store. This was a first for me. Upon walking into the place, it looked at first like any local small-town hardware store. It then becomes apparent that the store is somewhat dim inside, as all the light is coming from windows and skylights. Yep, there is absolutely no artificial light. Nor is there any electrical fixtures of any kind in place. Along the aisles were gas lamps consisting of open mantles and valves. These I assume were used in the evenings or when it would be rather cloudy. Below one of the gas lamps was a display of the latest power tools from DeWalk, Makita, Milwaukee and other professional brands. Lots of decent pneumatic tools as well. Plenty in the way of automotive and electrical wares, all goos stuff, and at prices comparable to big-box stores. Upstairs was an area filled with housewares, toys, furniture and other goodies. There was a large selection of those black Amish hats on display. I was told I really looked the part when I tried one on. I bought some electrical connectors for use on the truck and the camper that were actually packaged for use on Amish buggies. As odd as it seems, the lighting systems on current Amish buggies are more high-tech than a lot of current automobiles, with LED safety lighting and efficient charging systems that keep the batteries charged as the buggy is pulled by the horse. The checkout area did have a pair of modern electronic cash registers. They were being run on batteries. The more I associate with the Amish, the more respect I have for them. Hard working, helpful, devoted to their beliefs yet will never press them upon anyone.
Later, I occupied myself with cutting down a tree in their yard which had become an obstacle for new utility lines. I dispatched it in about 45 minutes time and we loaded the logs into the truck for firewood next year. Various auxiliary family units came and went, and socializing was abundant. I kinda kept quiet for the most part, my mind was often elsewhere. We opened our gifts on Xmas eve. I did not ask for anything, nor did I want anything from anyone. Jeff had been itching for weeks to give me his present, but I kept the surprise till the appropriate time. Seems he did some pretty remarkable mouse clickery on eBay. Turns out, he managed to snag a Wii, and for less than the 249 bux normally asked for in stores. Major eBay god points there. I connected it all up when we got home, after dinner. Another new distraction!
Today we all had an early dinner of ham, chicken, and lots of other goodies. Later tonight after coming home we had a quiet supper of shrimp scampi with wine.
The gifts Jeff got for his nephews ended up being the highlight of the day for them. His sister calls grumbling about the fact that the kids are playing mostly with those things, and Jeff looks at me with a smug grin and a quiet fist pump.
Still, I still feel out of sorts today. I feel very alone, despite the warm welcomes I always have up there. I miss Mom, of course, and I tend to gather more uncertainties than I reconcile at times. But for the first time in years, the house is decorated and there is a feeling of warmth and hope.
Here is our tree, now devoid of the gift payload. Much happiness has ensued.
A while ago, I picked up a little keychain-style photo viewer. My plan was to use it as an ornament. I filled it with pictures of Mom, Patches, and of her with me and Jeff as well.
I hope everyone had a great day today. I think I did.
Monday morning had a trip to an new Amish hardware and general store. This was a first for me. Upon walking into the place, it looked at first like any local small-town hardware store. It then becomes apparent that the store is somewhat dim inside, as all the light is coming from windows and skylights. Yep, there is absolutely no artificial light. Nor is there any electrical fixtures of any kind in place. Along the aisles were gas lamps consisting of open mantles and valves. These I assume were used in the evenings or when it would be rather cloudy. Below one of the gas lamps was a display of the latest power tools from DeWalk, Makita, Milwaukee and other professional brands. Lots of decent pneumatic tools as well. Plenty in the way of automotive and electrical wares, all goos stuff, and at prices comparable to big-box stores. Upstairs was an area filled with housewares, toys, furniture and other goodies. There was a large selection of those black Amish hats on display. I was told I really looked the part when I tried one on. I bought some electrical connectors for use on the truck and the camper that were actually packaged for use on Amish buggies. As odd as it seems, the lighting systems on current Amish buggies are more high-tech than a lot of current automobiles, with LED safety lighting and efficient charging systems that keep the batteries charged as the buggy is pulled by the horse. The checkout area did have a pair of modern electronic cash registers. They were being run on batteries. The more I associate with the Amish, the more respect I have for them. Hard working, helpful, devoted to their beliefs yet will never press them upon anyone.
Later, I occupied myself with cutting down a tree in their yard which had become an obstacle for new utility lines. I dispatched it in about 45 minutes time and we loaded the logs into the truck for firewood next year. Various auxiliary family units came and went, and socializing was abundant. I kinda kept quiet for the most part, my mind was often elsewhere. We opened our gifts on Xmas eve. I did not ask for anything, nor did I want anything from anyone. Jeff had been itching for weeks to give me his present, but I kept the surprise till the appropriate time. Seems he did some pretty remarkable mouse clickery on eBay. Turns out, he managed to snag a Wii, and for less than the 249 bux normally asked for in stores. Major eBay god points there. I connected it all up when we got home, after dinner. Another new distraction!
Today we all had an early dinner of ham, chicken, and lots of other goodies. Later tonight after coming home we had a quiet supper of shrimp scampi with wine.
The gifts Jeff got for his nephews ended up being the highlight of the day for them. His sister calls grumbling about the fact that the kids are playing mostly with those things, and Jeff looks at me with a smug grin and a quiet fist pump.
Still, I still feel out of sorts today. I feel very alone, despite the warm welcomes I always have up there. I miss Mom, of course, and I tend to gather more uncertainties than I reconcile at times. But for the first time in years, the house is decorated and there is a feeling of warmth and hope.
Here is our tree, now devoid of the gift payload. Much happiness has ensued.
A while ago, I picked up a little keychain-style photo viewer. My plan was to use it as an ornament. I filled it with pictures of Mom, Patches, and of her with me and Jeff as well.
I hope everyone had a great day today. I think I did.
