It's Up to Us, New York, New York

It seems like we work up to Christmas for weeks, so when it arrives, we're finally done with it. But then you realize it's all suddenly over. I like the idea of the 12 days of Christmas as it is celebrated in other countries. Christmas is the first day, but then little reminders for another 11 days. It lets you down slowly. We liked the Swedish tradition of keeping the tree up until January 13, then dancing around it while singing, taking down the decorations with the children finding special bags of treats for them among the decorations in the tree, then throwing it out the door. Christmas in the City is a big deal, mostly for commercial purposes, but not entirely. The businesses are not greatly benefited by Christmas trees, but many have them, anyway. There is a good feeling where Christmas is prominent. In our neighborhood only a few houses have Christmas decorations, but there are some rather elaborately decorated ones. Not that many Christian homes, here. Still, we are wis...

We started this week in a meeting with people from Church headquarters at the Union Square Employment Center where computers are set up and the area is being upgraded to protect the property of the Center. We weren't really needed, but Elder and Sister Taylor wanted us to be there because we are more familiar with the building than they are. Our manager was in town preparing for another meeting and wanted to discuss some things with the Taylor's manager, so he also wanted to meet us there, as well.  I was glad to point out to Brother Hall, the facilities manager for Employment Services that this building has had years of citations for having a non- functioning fire alarm system. He got action  right away. L to R: Elder Taylor, Chris Petrick (Taylor's manager), Sean Hall, Doug Roberts (head of  the Church's computer maintenance dept.), Chris George, Sister Taylor at Max Brenners. Olivia is behind the camera. The Taylors are happy to show off one of three computers that a...

 It was a busy week, but as usual, when we are the busiest, we don't take pictures. We did get some pictures of some of Olivia's birthday celebrating, however. She is now only three years younger than I, 73. The Barnes have a membership at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, so they were able to arrange for us to get tickets to the Lightscape presentation. They have turned the walking path into various experiences with lights, music, and lights timed to music. It was actually very well done, and inspiring. The fountain dancing to the music from Polar Express One of the larger lighted archways. The Japanese garden and pools had festive lanterns Beautiful chandeliers overhead, along the path  This was a cathedral effect. It was  very cold Elder and Sister Barnes enjoying  the lights, as well. These poppies were especially delightful She got some nice gifts, as well. I ordered the new book by President Nelson, and the Barnes gave her a package with two New York City mugs, a...