The Alice in Wonderland House

This is the Alice in Wonderland House. It's that part of the story where they say, "Get really, really, small". The ceilings are low and the house is all of 459 square feet, with three windows counting the front door. Perfect for us when we travel back to the US, and it was a welcome site by the time I arrived!

I stole an internet connection from one of my neighbors and proceeding to "bait" my daughter on instant messaging. Just checking to see if she was home.........


If you have any questions about how cold it was, check out the outline of the door wreath in ice on the storm door......


After eating airport food all day, I was starving, and checked in the freezer. I THINK this was Salsbury Steak and macaroni, but whatever it was, I'm pretty sure it expired somewhere around 2001. I had to scrape the ice off before I could microwave it. But, it was just what I needed.




This is the view looking out of the front door. Luckily, we had a giant attack Santa guarding the neighborhood. It was actually pretty gaudy when it was all lit up. But a good landmark for someone looking for the house.


Above and below - A couple of years ago when we went back for a visit, we got a surprise when the neighborhood cat showed up. When we are there, he is like clockwork. Ronnie comes by the house occasionally, and brings his lunch, and the cat always showed up to see what was in Ronnie's lunch bag. I have named this cat BOB since he has no tail. But the next door neighbor says his name is FOOFY. Can you believe that? I didn't have any cat food so Bob settled for some bologna and cheese, and ate every bit of it!



If you have no idea how cold it was that night I arrived, you can see that I have on two pairs of socks, and some giant boots. I had forgotten what a pain in the butt it is to lace up those boots, but I was sure happy to have them on!



Once I ascertained that my daughter was at her house, I went out to start the car. It groaned at first, not wanting to be bothered, but it started. I bundled myself up and headed to her house.

Not wanting her to know that I was even in town, I rang her bell then hid below the peephole...."Ho ho ho" I said. "Who is it?" "Ho ho ho" ... then I hear her in the background telling someone that she can't tell who it is and they won't answer...hehehe...

When I realized she was not going to open the door, I said, "Merry Christmas"....the next words out of her mouth as she flung open the door were, "Oh my God, that's my mom's voice!!!"

It was a great surprise and she hugged me like she would never let go. I went into my granddaughter's room where she was asleep, and kissed her on the cheek. "Merry Christmas" I said. Of course she didn't move. I tried again. Half unconscious, she raised her head, batted her eyes a few times and said, "Who are you?"....then she finally realized it was me.

It was a great night and one of the best Christmas presents I have ever gotten. There's more to come about my visit to the frozen tundra......

If it's Raining, it Must be the Christmas Pageant

True to form, last night around 6:30 it started spitting rain. With a tent up at the Island Academy, that could only mean one thing.....it was the night of the Christmas Pageant.

And, as usual, the staff did a remarkable job. The kids were adorable, their songs were precious, and I cried like a baby.....there's just something about those little tiny kids with their best little elf faces on, trying to remember their lines, and their movements.....

Jeannie, Mary and Libby waiting for the show to start

Santa's little elves all in a row......waiting their turn on stage

You can see the anticipation in their little faces.....

This little guy was kind of laid back.....an old pro, no doubt.

Mary's twins watched from the sidelines......

Renita put several of the clips together for a little video......



Now, when I see these little ones, I remember mine, dressed up in their little outfits, getting nervous about being up on stage, the way they walked....giggled.....
it all came flooding back.....and I had to sneak out on the beach and place a long distance phone call...woke my daughter up, made her cry, told her I loved her. Sometimes, that's just what you have to do.






My little ones! Above, my daughter, some 25+ years ago



My granddaughter, the REAL Cinderella.......