Random Thoughts

There’s something I miss from the good old days…Christmas carolers. There was nothing like hearing a knock on the door, and once opened, the beautiful singing of holiday songs.

It’s something that is just not done too much these days. Why? Well possibly because people rarely open the door to people they don’t know, so why bother gathering others for this wonderful tradition.

Well, in 2016, the carolers came a knocking. And I opened the door. And I was greeted by the most beautiful singing voices from Timber Creek High School. The choral group was simply out spreading joy. I called Sammy and Ethan down, and we couldn’t wipe the smiles from our faces.

We haven’t had carolers since, but I keep waiting…and hoping. Maybe I should gather some friends and knock on some doors…

Stay groovy…

–Susie

(Copyright 2019 Susie Krivacic)

Growing up, it was so exciting to trim the tree for Christmas. With six kids in the family, our tree was covered in handmade ornaments from school and also many ceramic ornaments made by my grandmother. Some years we had a real tree, and some years we used an artificial  one. No matter which we had, it was always a beautiful tree.

But with such a large family, disaster occasionally ensues. One afternoon in December while Mom was out, the boys were horsing around. I don’t quite know exactly what happened, but suddenly we heard a CRASH! The tree tumbled to the ground. Tammy immediately got into action trying to get the tree back up and in order as she called out for help. What did Steve do? He dashed to the stereo and began playing “Help” by the Beatles. You remember it: “Help! I need somebody. Help! Not just anybody…” This was not amusing at the time, but we all laugh about it now!

Stay groovy…

–Susie

(Copyright 2019 Susie Krivacic)

So I just put out my Mr. and Mrs. Claus salt and pepper shakers from Publix today. (I have the Pilgrim set as well.) I don’t have my tree up yet, but every year these kitchen accessories are the first Christmas item I put up in the house as I’ve done for over 20 years. Perhaps it’s because they sit right up in my cabinet, so they are easy to get out and place. Perhaps it’s because of nostalgia. Perhaps it’s just because I like them…

Stay groovy…

–Susie

(Copyright 2019 Susie Krivacic)

So it’s not Thanksgiving without a variety of pies: pumpkin, apple, pecan, etc. The holiday made me think of one of my favorite pies: key lime.

My family moved to Florida in about 1974. Our first house had a key lime tree, and my Mom made the best key lime pie in the world. The secret was, of course, fresh key limes from our tree. Mom would send us kids out to pick the ripe limes as she got started on this amazing dessert.

The aroma of the baking pie filled the house, and it was a happy moment when we got to finally bite into the sweet delicacy. With our big family, we were lucky that Mom made more than one, so there was plenty to go around.

When I think of my Mom’s key lime pie, I am reminded of our early days in Florida. And I appreciate her effort to give us such a memorable treat that no bakery can match.

Stay groovy…

–Susie

(Copyright 2019 Susie Krivacic)