Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Slippin' & Slidin' into the Christmas Holiday.

The utter stupidity of those big SUV's speeding along the highways at posted speed limits and above,during icy, snowy weather is amazing. It would even be entertaining if it weren't for the fact that in an accident caused by the aforementioned ignorance might cause death or serious injury to others that are behaving.

I would like to see the ISP ticket each and every one of these knuckleheads with reckless driving, not speeding.

Noted are the smug grins of our friends in Arizona.

On a more enjoyable note, people like Mark Streater, Dave Vig, Phil Stephan, Bob Prince and many others I don't know about have spent the majority of their last week rescuing people with snow removal, both driveways and roofs. These are the real community leaders. The ones that lead with action, not words. Three cheers for the good guys. (and gals) Thanks to Phil, I can end my weather imposed 3 day long housebound existence. Well, I could have walked, but (reference the last post regarding laziness)

As I ponder the mysteries of the period, the biting question occurs to me: Just what is a "Sugar Plum fairy?" Also, how much does one have to drink before they dance in your head? Merry Christmas to all!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sugar Plum Fairies

Sightings. Very rarely seen and then only at dawn particularly favoring the birdsong dawn chorus when they have been seen resting singly or as dancing pairs working as a team. These fairies were the inspiration for Peter Tchaikovsky and his Nutcracker Suite when the famous Sugar Plum Fairy and her attendants welcomed Clara at her court in the Kingdom of Sweets. Beautiful costumes from Spain, Arabia and China worn by delicate dancers representing coffee, tea, chocolate and sugar candy with clowns and toy flutes dance delightfully as The Sugar Plum fairy and her Beau, dance a Pas de Deux to music now famed throughout the world. At the end of the party The Sugar Plum Fairy and toy maker Drosselmeyer grant Clara a Christmas wish to dance with the Prince.

Best Time. Early spring at blossom time and at harvest time for the sweet ripe fruit, failing a sighting in the orchards, it would be an encouragement for small children to have ballet lessons so that Sugar Plums Fairies may be seen throughout the year world wide and for lovers of music and ballet beautiful Sugar Plum Fairies can be seen performing in most cities.

Habitat. In orchards and plum groves world wide and the court of flowers where friendly bees share the apples and cherries blossoms.

Likes. Sweets, Bees, ballet dancing, making jam and wine, organic cultivation, music and Christmas time.

Dislikes. Mice, and powdery mildew on the plums.

Type. They vary in size blending in with the color of the surroundings and the color of the plum fruit. Generally they are never more that three to four inches high and there is more chance to see them when the fruit is ripened and falls to the ground.

Names. Victoria, Prunella, Mirabelle, Diva, Damson, Ruby Sweet, Reine Claude, Angelina, Pearl, D’Agen, Santa Rosa, Doris, Laroda, Queen Rosa, Kelsey, Ivanovka

Friends. Snow King and Queen, ladybugs, Toy soldiers, The Nutcracker Prince, Dragonflies and Butterflies.

Warning: Should you see one, never approach a fairy or take photographs, the fairies seldom show on the prints. It is recommended to take a pencil and paper and quickly sketch what you see. Please remember to note everything, i.e. Time, weather, month of sighting, type of plum.

Anonymous said...

Herb, I've witnessed cars of all sizes, shapes and colors driving wrecklessly, but with all of this recent snow I've witnessed far more courtesy than stupidity. Most seem to realize that safety and courtesy will allow us all to get home in one piece.

Another issue are those drivers that are so scared that they drive way below the speed limit and break continuous - also very hazardous to other drivers.

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas Herb.... Glad you are plowed out. One of the benefits and the greatest joy of small town living in the neighborly-ness and willingness to help each other. I wouldn't trade it for anything. Once the snow clears, we will see you at the Captains Wheel. jantri

Anonymous said...

As I watch the snow pile up and pile up I am ever more grateful for those folks you mentioned, especially Dave Vig. He has helped me through the last few years of ever deepening snow. He calls me his sister, which seems to me an honor.

Speaking of dangerous situations - I got behind a truck towing a trailer that was wider than the truck And hauling hay. Not much of problem but it was dark and the trailer had no visible rear lights. At one point just before Silverwood I lost sight of his back end and almost ran into him because he could not be seen. Need less to say I was traveling at a slower speed. A vehicle decided I was traveling too slow, passed me and came dangerously close to the trailer, having to slam on the brakes to keep from hitting the trailer. Lost him somewhere near Athol. IF I could have seen his license plates ...

Merry Christmas and wishes for a great brighter New Year.

NJ