tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post7589225203451332656..comments2024-03-22T05:18:29.555-04:00Comments on Romance Bandits: Christmas in EnglandLoucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02217492654108300014noreply@blogger.comBlogger96125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-147715983171023662008-12-23T16:23:00.000-05:002008-12-23T16:23:00.000-05:00Thanks, Amy S!Crianlarich - what a lovely, evocati...Thanks, Amy S!<BR/><BR/>Crianlarich - what a lovely, evocative description of how history is live within a country and culture.<BR/><BR/>Caffey - I love your angels tradition. May have to borrow it.<BR/><BR/>Kate - always a pleasure to see you, love. You can usually catch the Queen's Speech on the BBC website - I have to say, love her or hate her, she does a good job.<BR/><BR/>And your tradition is very cool - I like it.Anna Sugdenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02015356374453032571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-35782082111860712972008-12-23T16:20:00.000-05:002008-12-23T16:20:00.000-05:00Sorry I'm late responding to the last few comments...Sorry I'm late responding to the last few comments - pre-Christmas family stuff and testing Nigella's recipe for roast potatoes.<BR/><BR/>Jo - glad you could pop in - never too late! I can see the European influence - many of them celebrate Christmas Eve.Anna Sugdenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02015356374453032571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-55998019064298068032008-12-23T10:30:00.000-05:002008-12-23T10:30:00.000-05:00It's unforgivable but I'm slipping in late anyway ...It's unforgivable but I'm slipping in late anyway to say hello. Hi Anna! What a wonderful post. I would love to hear the Queen's speech! <BR/><BR/>I know it's Christmas in our house when my DH puts on a cheesy song he and I recorded a few years ago, a jazzy, silly version of Jingle Bells. We listen to that, then start decorating the house and munching on cookies--and drinking champagne, of course!<BR/><BR/>Caffey, I love the idea of buying a new angel every year. What a sweet way to remember your mom!<BR/><BR/>Danie, hope you and the GR had a fun day!Kate Carlislehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16863555050062113192noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-42331394352025025752008-12-23T00:09:00.000-05:002008-12-23T00:09:00.000-05:00Caffey, what a lovely story about the angels on th...Caffey, what a lovely story about the angels on the tree in memory of your mum. Happy Christmas!Anna Campbellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06695579361323275316noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-20527073516327110292008-12-23T00:06:00.000-05:002008-12-23T00:06:00.000-05:00I love hearing about the different traditions both...I love hearing about the different traditions both those from other countries as well as those who have personal ones. In my home, we put a new angel ornament on our tree in memory of my mom each year. This year we'll have 8 ornaments up that are all different angels. When we put them up too, we think about other angels that are with my mom and too remember some wonderful memories as well! A couple of years ago I couldn't get the angel because I had surgery so my hubby and son got it. My daughter asked this year to get one, so now we added to take turns picking one out and surprising what we pick out! Other ornaments are different homemade or gifts of ones that I have gotten. We have a small tree up now (our cats had a wild night with our big tree a few years ago, LOL)Caffeyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11830854922444380155noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-87935611451904797292008-12-22T23:50:00.000-05:002008-12-22T23:50:00.000-05:00Spot on, Anna ... it's definitely the thousands of...Spot on, Anna ... it's definitely the thousands of years of history that adds such depth and meaning. Tradition. All the ones that went before. And, too, perhaps how so much is still there, tangible and 'there.' Makes a simple walk so much more ... sort of like slipping into the pages of a history book. But better because it isn't just ink on the page. It's there right before your eyes.<BR/>Big sigh....<BR/><BR/>And Liberty crackers were definitely a splurge. <BR/><BR/>Happy Christmas.Crianlarichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17035763939962052572noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-10838913423520021762008-12-22T23:12:00.000-05:002008-12-22T23:12:00.000-05:00Joan,Honey tells me the title of the songyou menti...Joan,<BR/><BR/>Honey tells me the title of the song<BR/>you mentioned is "It Wasn't His <BR/>Child" and was recorded by Trisha<BR/>Yearwood. Our daughter Missy, she of<BR/>the beautiful voice, includes it on<BR/>her Christmas list and brings tears<BR/>to everyone's eyes when she sings it.<BR/><BR/>Pat CochranPat Cochranhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11997396930842831460noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-51370169526901017042008-12-22T22:23:00.000-05:002008-12-22T22:23:00.000-05:00Great post!Great post!Amy S.https://www.blogger.com/profile/17202603187907169256noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-66318092083927423492008-12-22T22:22:00.000-05:002008-12-22T22:22:00.000-05:00Suzanne, how awesome for your daughter. I know you...Suzanne, how awesome for your daughter. I know you must be so proud!! You are SO right about O Holy Night. I have heard some excruciating renditions of it and it simply is NOT for the faint of heart (or voice.) I am a purist. O Holy Night should be sung as it was written and as it was intended to be sung. Thus, my screech of agony when the hip hop and pop versions come on Wal-Mart's muzak! EEEEEKLouisa Cornellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12971924594129471055noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-15312692308003958132008-12-22T22:10:00.000-05:002008-12-22T22:10:00.000-05:00Anna, what a beautiful post! Thanks so much for s...Anna, what a beautiful post! Thanks so much for sharing your English Christmas with us. I'm so sorry I'm late -- it's probably tomorrow over there LOL.<BR/><BR/>I expect our Christmas is much like everyone else's here in the states. The new tradition we began when I was a child in Germany was putting our shoes in the window for St. Nick to fill.<BR/><BR/>We also opened our presents on Christmas Eve, largely I suspect, because my dad couldn't "wait" to see the expressions on our faces.<BR/><BR/>Christmas Day was for -- you guessed it -- eating and visiting.jo robertsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16824237193217632098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-4314523130902028422008-12-22T21:11:00.000-05:002008-12-22T21:11:00.000-05:00"Mary Did You Know". Oh, Suz I ADORE this song! An...<I>"Mary Did You Know". </I><BR/><BR/>Oh, Suz I ADORE this song! And there is another that I haven't heard for awhile....I think it is called "He wasn't his son" and speaks to Joseph being the surrogate father for baby Jesus.Joanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12566704374877697300noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-7713022837868755742008-12-22T21:10:00.000-05:002008-12-22T21:10:00.000-05:00Joanie has a hunky Roman or two to keep her warm!U...<I>Joanie has a hunky Roman or two to keep her warm!</I><BR/><BR/>Ummmmmm...yes, yes I do. {snuggles}<BR/><BR/>What Demetrius? You want me to pop your cracker? Oh...your CHRISTMAS cracker...<BR/><BR/>Well, all right, if you insistJoanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12566704374877697300noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-16999410695565578162008-12-22T19:19:00.000-05:002008-12-22T19:19:00.000-05:00LOL Anna - we ate in a place called Leong's Legend...LOL Anna - we ate in a place called Leong's Legend - a homage to that old TV programme calle The Water Margin. Food was great - service was lousy - but we had a great time!Anna Sugdenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02015356374453032571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-35185648243619969052008-12-22T19:17:00.000-05:002008-12-22T19:17:00.000-05:00A tree-trimming party sounds like a fun thing to h...A tree-trimming party sounds like a fun thing to have, catslady. Speaking of which, my younger cat has become fixated with the twinkling lights this year. She sits and stares at them for hours - better than climbing then tree, like she did last year!Anna Sugdenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02015356374453032571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-58786340942826833442008-12-22T19:16:00.000-05:002008-12-22T19:16:00.000-05:00Hey Lois, I'm 4000 miles away from NY and claiming...Hey Lois, I'm 4000 miles away from NY and claiming it as my second home, so you certainly can *g*.Anna Sugdenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02015356374453032571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-52150131597871676612008-12-22T19:15:00.000-05:002008-12-22T19:15:00.000-05:00Nathalie - we have that crazy shopping day too. Pe...Nathalie - we have that crazy shopping day too. Personally I'd rather stay home too and indulge in my famous Boxing Day soup.Anna Sugdenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02015356374453032571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-54299323702738807112008-12-22T19:14:00.000-05:002008-12-22T19:14:00.000-05:00That sounds fab, petite. Years ago, when I lived i...That sounds fab, petite. Years ago, when I lived in Virginia, there was something similar- except they also had a progressive dinner at the same time - a dinner course at each house.Anna Sugdenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02015356374453032571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-55704323869377919792008-12-22T19:13:00.000-05:002008-12-22T19:13:00.000-05:00Pat - there is something about the midnight servic...Pat - there is something about the midnight service on Christmas Eve that is so special. How lovely that you're part of the choir and can sing out in celebration!Anna Sugdenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02015356374453032571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-75377923756988788472008-12-22T19:12:00.000-05:002008-12-22T19:12:00.000-05:00Treethyme - we lived in Cresskill, which is near E...Treethyme - we lived in Cresskill, which is near Englewood in Bergen County. Much as we love being home, we do miss it.<BR/><BR/>Wales is indeed a lovely country and full of sheep ;)Anna Sugdenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02015356374453032571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-44869969634828881982008-12-22T19:10:00.000-05:002008-12-22T19:10:00.000-05:00LOL Buffie - you Southerners know how to have fun!...LOL Buffie - you Southerners know how to have fun!<BR/><BR/>Danie - only you could put the mini-antlers on a rooster! Mini-antlers always remind of that scene in Scrooged (such a fun Christmas movie), where Bill Murray suggest stapling them to a gerbils head.Anna Sugdenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02015356374453032571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-32244170945840232152008-12-22T19:09:00.000-05:002008-12-22T19:09:00.000-05:00Oh, Anna, lucky you! I had some great meals in Lon...Oh, Anna, lucky you! I had some great meals in London's Chinatown. My favorite was a restaurant called Lee Who Plays Around with Women - I think officially it was Li Hu Fuks. It gets a mention in Werewolves of London which I always thought was way cool as a result! Oh, you're making me homesick for the UK again! <BR/><BR/>Singalonga Messiah? Is that like Singalonga The Sound of Music? Anyway, I'm THERE!!!!Anna Campbellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06695579361323275316noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-47844321429287669682008-12-22T19:07:00.000-05:002008-12-22T19:07:00.000-05:00You're very welcome, Ruth - it's always such a ple...You're very welcome, Ruth - it's always such a pleasure to be able to share things about my homeland.<BR/><BR/>I had to look up farolitos - how pretty the old town must look all lit up. And how nice to be able to walk through and enjoy it.Anna Sugdenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02015356374453032571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-19001966976298038402008-12-22T19:05:00.000-05:002008-12-22T19:05:00.000-05:00Anna, love, you're more than welcome to visit us o...Anna, love, you're more than welcome to visit us over Christmas any time you like. Even if we can't get you into Carols from Kings, I can promise you a sing-along of The Messiah that will make your heart soar along with all the best that a Cambridge Christmas can offer.<BR/><BR/>ROFL about 'that joke' - I've heard it about the Kiwis too *g* I really must send you a recording of that Fascinating Aida song.Anna Sugdenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02015356374453032571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-86628720398686998692008-12-22T19:02:00.000-05:002008-12-22T19:02:00.000-05:00I'm glad you enjoyed it, Suz. It really is so fabu...I'm glad you enjoyed it, Suz. It really is so fabulous - and when you're in the church, well, you can imagine ... it sends a tingle down your spine to hear that pure voice filling the air.<BR/><BR/>Aww - your Lyndsey is one talented lady! (We know where she gets that from *g*). It must be so special for you.Anna Sugdenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02015356374453032571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-72107403074784531092008-12-22T18:59:00.000-05:002008-12-22T18:59:00.000-05:00Wow, Helen - that's amazing about the fish runs. I...Wow, Helen - that's amazing about the fish runs. I must admit, I'd always imagined you all "tossin' shrimps on the barbie" and enjoying the sun, while we shivered over here!Anna Sugdenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02015356374453032571noreply@blogger.com