Merry Christmas

Just wanted to send a Big Merry Christmas to all my friends out there. Hope you have a wonderful and save holiday. May all your wishes come true.

Chris

Gifts for the boys in my family

This is the gift that I have chosen for 2 of my nephews. They are at that age were they are impressionable, and I want that impression to be a good one. The American Boy's Handy Book is the ideal gift in my opinion for any boy that falls into the 9 - 12 age group. Hey, I'm 41 and I think it's the greatest thing ever. A lot of good useful information in this book for people of all ages I think. Below is a product description of the book and you can click here to learn more.

Product Description
Originally published in 1890, The American Boy’s Handy Book is the ultimate collection of timeless boyhood activities. Written and illustrated by America's founding father of scouting, this book shows how to have fun while being constructive, creative and daring. The American Boy’s Handy Book is packed with tips, instructions, and illustrations for things boys don't learn while playing video games and surfing the Internet. From making fireworks, shooting arrows, and fighting war kites, to building a raft, riding a sled and training a dog, the author encourages boys to be boys, be active, enjoy some innocent mischief, and develop their self confidence and character (although they probably won't realize these last two are happening).

Now does that sound pretty cool or what?? I would have loved a book like this when I was their age. I have read some of it, don't tell, and man it's full of great stuff that they can use for the rest of their life. This is a wonderful addition to any young (or old) boys collection. I added a little hand written message for each boy on the inside flap of each book also. Maybe some day they will pull that book from it's shelf and remember the great times it provided them over the years and maybe, just maybe they will remember ol' Uncle Chris too.

Now with a book like that you gotta have a good knife to go along with you on the journey, right? OK, so I added to each a inexpensive 7 function swiss army (type) knife. I have carried one on my key chain for years and it has been a life saver for me.

I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas

OK, not really. But I do really like the song. It's an old one which makes it even better when played on our old Victrola. We have been trying to make it feel a little more like Christmas around here, which seems to be pretty hard, so we brought out the Christmas hits from the past. These are, as I'm sure you can tell, really old 78's (which means that they are to be played a 78 rpm's to play correctly). They are a little scratched up but still sound wonderful on the old Victrola. Here is the only Hippopotamus that I want around here at Christmas or any other time for that matter You can go to this link to hear it, and yes it will be your new favorite.

http://www.links2love.com/christmas-songs-hippopotamus.htm

Another favorite is Gene Autry, with Here Comes Santa Claus. Another oldie. Man, that voice just makes me feel good all over. Calms me yet excites me all at the same time. Listen to it here and see it played on a record player. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpPpBxZhi6s


Well ya gotta have something to play all that old music on, what better that an old Victor Victrola complete with the hand crank on the side. A friend found this ad on the net some time ago and printed it and gave it to me. Can you believe this thing cost $425.00 in 1925-26. That was near the price of a new car at that time. Who ever purchased this one new must have had some coin, if ya know what I mean. I would love to be able to tell you a nice long story about how this has been in the family for years and years. The truth, I bought it at an Antique store maybe 12 - 15 years ago in West Virginia. Well, I could have made up a good story for ya, but I have a hard enough time keeping the truth straight. I would never be able to remember a lie to tell it twice. hehe!!



Ours is not new condition or anything but it's still really nice for it's age, going on 100 years old. There are small cups to hold extra needles to the back left and I also found a place on line to buy needles NEW !! Can you believe that?? Notice the volume, you just open or close the cabinet doors to adjust. lol Man, I love things that are that simple and work so well.


Power source- Crank handle several turns and enjoy. "Off-grid entertainment"

And what would Christmas be with out Sponge Bob hangin' around. hehe!!

Sometimes we just can't wait.

Well UPS and FedEx trucks have been wearing a path to our house the last few days with Internet purchases for Christmas. Liv has been getting some great deals from Amazon with some things less than half their original price. Makes for a little better Christmas for all you could say. Well Katie wasn't feeling too well this evening and we thought an early Christmas gift may make her feel a little better. Liv went to the back of the house and brought back this thing by Playskool, a Cherry Blossom Market, A part of the Dream Town Collection. $17.99 with free shipping from Amazon. It was a big hit to say the least.

How much is that baby girl in the window?? ( Can you see her there ) Don't matter how much she is, believe me you can't afford it.