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Scuba Forum / General / December 2007Happy Holidays to all the Cheerful Rec.Scubans
First, a belated Hanukkah. Next, the weekend Then Christmas Then Boxing Day Then New Year's Day If you're not cheerful, never mind. Dan Bracuk Never use a big word when a diminutive one will do. >First, a belated Hanukkah. > [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > >If you're not cheerful, never mind. I've 2 weeks off. I'm very cheerful. I'm relishing the thought of relaxing around a blazing fire with my wife, and some very good wine. Mmmmm. Joyeux Noel! > >First, a belated Hanukkah. > > >Next, the weekend > > >Then Christmas We had both in Bonaire since the Dutch Christmas is on December 5. We even saw Sinterklaas who reportly arrives every year via boat from the North Pole and stays for a week to terrorize children and work on his tan. Actually it's his elves, called Black Petes, that terrorize the kids, beat them up, stick 'em in a bag, and send them to Spain. The good kids get grass left in their shoes and I don't even think it's the kind you can smoke. So Christmas isn't a very commercial deal there and the kids don't even know whether they should bother being good or be bad and see if Spain's Christmas might be more lucrative. Sinterklaas drove down the oceanfront street while were dining on the sidewalk at La Guernica. Since Bonaire has no reindeer, he's forced to ride in the back of a pickup truck waving ho ho ho at all the inebriated seaside diners. Following his truck were several trucks of the Black Petes, black men in black face, and they looked both evil and happy in a sinister sort of way. I had nightmares that night, but maybe it was just the booze. > I've 2 weeks off. I'm very cheerful. I'm relishing the thought of > relaxing around a blazing fire with my wife, and some very good wine. > Mmmmm. I'm working today at home, have to drive an hour-and-a-half each way to my cousin's house for a Jewish Christmas dinner tomorrow, then drive an hour each way to my new store on Christmas Eve to make a token appearance. We're eating take-out on Christmas, then back to work on the 26th. Bah humbug. But I had a very pleasant Hanukkah. > Joyeux Noel! L'Chaim! > But I had a very pleasant Hanukkah. Did you have a special on Hanukkah hams at your stores this year? On Dec 22, 4:49 pm, Grumman-581 <grumman581-rec-sc...@spambob.net> wrote: > > But I had a very pleasant Hanukkah. > > Did you have a special on Hanukkah hams at your stores this year? Hanukkah hams are always special. I think you should have received a LOTD for your catch on the Kosher salt in the pork recipe. You and your women please have a great Christmas and New Year's. You'll need the rest to survive the upcoming primaries and elections next year with all the beer you have riding on it. May the best woman win! BTW, do Santa Clauses in your area "ho ho ho" with a Texan accent or can they fake the gruff non-nasally North Pole accent of the One True Santa? > Hanukkah hams are always special. I think you should have received a > LOTD for your catch on the Kosher salt in the pork recipe. I saw a news article a few weeks ago about a store manager who created an ad for their grocery store which featured Hanukkah hams... People called and explained the discrepancy and it was promptly removed... > You and your women please have a great Christmas and New Year's. You'll > need the rest to survive the upcoming primaries and elections next year > with all the beer you have riding on it. May the best woman win! Speaking of beers, I tried a Russian beer the other day... Batika #8, I believe... I wasn't all that impressed with it... Maybe after the first 6-pack, it would have tasted better... > BTW, do Santa Clauses in your area "ho ho ho" with a Texan accent or can > they fake the gruff non-nasally North Pole accent of the One True Santa? I believe it comes across as a "ho ho ho, ya'll"... > I saw a news article a few weeks ago about a store manager who created an > ad for their grocery store which featured Hanukkah hams... People called > and explained the discrepancy and it was promptly removed... It's incredible just how ignorant some people can be and still live. Lee >> >First, a belated Hanukkah. >> [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] >and happy in a sinister sort of way. I had nightmares that night, but >maybe it was just the booze. Sounds like fun -- Christmas with the Sneaky Petes. I think Sinterklaas' home was supposed to be in Spain. My wife doesn't dive but my son does. I've got to get him up to Advanced and start getting back on the cold-water dives in the St Lawrence and around Kingston. Then we can start thinking about Caribbean diving (if my wife lets me go without her)... >> I've 2 weeks off. I'm very cheerful. I'm relishing the thought of >> relaxing around a blazing fire with my wife, and some very good wine. [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] >token appearance. We're eating take-out on Christmas, then back to >work on the 26th. Bah humbug. Work so soon -- that sucks. What do you have for a "Jewish Christmas dinner?" We're going to my in-laws for dinner on Christmas Day. My wife's step-mum can be a whiny pain-in-the-butt, but I'll try to behave and not say anything. Her name is Ina, and I've started calling her Wina -- I'm afraid that's going to slip out, but her hearing isn't too good. They overheat their house, as do most elderly, so I'll dress for summer. >But I had a very pleasant Hanukkah. > >> Joyeux Noel! > >L'Chaim! L'Chaim back at ya! (snip)> >drive an hour each way to my new store on Christmas Eve to make a > >token appearance. We're eating take-out on Christmas, then back to > >work on the 26th. Bah humbug. [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > > L'Chaim back at ya! I'll trade either one of you straight across. bah!! HUMBUG >(snip)> >drive an hour each way to my new store on Christmas Eve to make a >> >token appearance. We're eating take-out on Christmas, then back to [quoted text clipped - 21 lines] > >bah!! HUMBUG Hey, it's supposed to be a thread on "cheerful" Rec.Scubans! So, you're not seeing family and/or friends? Do you have to work, too? Even on the years when I get really fed up with the commercialism, at least you get to see your family. It can be a peaceful time if you don't get caught up in running around for presents. This year, we're not having company at our place, so we don't have to clean house, prepare the turkey, etc, etc. > Hey, it's supposed to be a thread on "cheerful" Rec.Scubans! Oops, sorry. :^) > So, you're not seeing family and/or friends? Yes. >Do you have to work, > too? A little bit. > Even on the years when I get really fed up with the > commercialism, at least you get to see your family. I'm going to see a little bit of my family, but *all* of my brother-in-law's family. > It can be a peaceful time if you don't get caught up in running around > for presents. This year, we're not having company at our place, so we > don't have to clean house, prepare the turkey, etc, etc. I don't even have a tree up. None of the holiday activity is happening at my place. But you are right, I shall try and cheer up a bit. Generally, I'm away diving at Xmas. This year I will get to see a bit of my family. Though my other sister and brother-in-law were expected for the first time in 7 years, so I had been looking forward to that. They aren't able to come after all. A small disappointment . . and no diving (wicked grin). >> Hey, it's supposed to be a thread on "cheerful" Rec.Scubans! > [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] >I'm going to see a little bit of my family, but *all* of my brother-in-law's >family. Is that good or bad? >> It can be a peaceful time if you don't get caught up in running around >> for presents. This year, we're not having company at our place, so we >> don't have to clean house, prepare the turkey, etc, etc. > >I don't even have a tree up. None of the holiday activity is happening at >my place. Neither do we. I usually go out, cut 1 down at a tree farm & tie it to the top of my car. Didn't send out cards this year, either. My wife decorated a bit, but that's it. She had an accident about a month ago, slipped on the back step, banged her nose & got 2 shiners. She preceded that with a slip on ice last January, which gave her a concussion. My uncle was just diagnosed with cancer, although only the one in his brain had mestastasized & had to be treated with radiation here in Ottawa. I drove my aunt & cousin back to their home in the Ottawa Valley last week. I don't think the prognosis is really very good. It's been hard to get into the spirt this year. She knows what I got her, and I didn't really want/need anything. Like most guys, I just go off and get whatever I need during the year (it drives her nuts). We're going to visit some favourite restaurants during the time off. I promise to be better next year. >But you are right, I shall try and cheer up a bit. Generally, I'm away >diving at Xmas. This year I will get to see a bit of my family. >Though my other sister and brother-in-law were expected for the first time >in 7 years, so I had been looking forward to that. They aren't able to come >after all. A small disappointment . . and no diving (wicked grin). Her family is fine, apart from Wina. My family is fine, apart from my brother & his wife. They think that they have their *own* cruise ship director, and that their cruise line owns their own private island. We tried telling them that his cruise director has to work for a number of people just to make a living, and that the handful of cruise lines all share the same island; I've given up now. He didn't like red wines for a long time, but he suddenly started liking them this year -- then he told me he likes them only if they're from the southern hemisphere. He's serious, but he keeps me laughing. > >I'm going to see a little bit of my family, but *all* of my brother-in-law's > >family. > > Is that good or bad? I guess it is not "bad" exactly. Some of them are nice enough. See? I'm cheering up already. > >> It can be a peaceful time if you don't get caught up in running around > >> for presents. This year, we're not having company at our place, so we [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > to the top of my car. Didn't send out cards this year, either. My > wife decorated a bit, but that's it. I didn't even decorate a bit. Well, unless you could putting out the Xmas cards I received. However, I was gifted with a new artificial tree that unfolds like an umbrella and already has lights on it. There's not much sense in my putting it up this years, since I won't be home for 2+ days, but hey . . if I'm around next year . . woohoo . . .decoration. ;^) > She had an accident about a month ago, slipped on the back step, > banged her nose & got 2 shiners. She preceded that with a slip on ice > last January, which gave her a concussion. Wow!! Maybe you should start walking her to the car and back. Poor thing. >My uncle was just > diagnosed with cancer, although only the one in his brain had > mestastasized & had to be treated with radiation here in Ottawa. I > drove my aunt & cousin back to their home in the Ottawa Valley last > week. I don't think the prognosis is really very good. :^( No, doesn't sound good. One of my bestfriends was recently diagnosed with cancer, it has metastisized to his lungs and his liver (4" tumor there). They are giving him chemo but are really talking quality of life rather than recovery. Still he is one of the most cheerful and upbeat people I know. I should be ashamed of myself. > It's been hard to get into the spirt this year. She knows what I got > her, and I didn't really want/need anything. Like most guys, I just > go off and get whatever I need during the year (it drives her nuts). > We're going to visit some favourite restaurants during the time off. I > promise to be better next year. It sounds to me like you two are candidates for my normal holiday plan . . go on a dive vacation or any vacation. > >But you are right, I shall try and cheer up a bit. Generally, I'm away > >diving at Xmas. This year I will get to see a bit of my family. [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > they're from the southern hemisphere. He's serious, but he keeps me > laughing. :^) Best to you and yours. I'm already feeling more cheerful. Thanks for that. And now I must wrap presents like a madman, pack a few clothes, fill the car and head off to the in-law's aunt and uncle. >> >I'm going to see a little bit of my family, but *all* of my >brother-in-law's [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] >I guess it is not "bad" exactly. Some of them are nice enough. See? I'm >cheering up already. See, I knew you could do it! <snip> >> She had an accident about a month ago, slipped on the back step, >> banged her nose & got 2 shiners. She preceded that with a slip on ice >> last January, which gave her a concussion. > >Wow!! Maybe you should start walking her to the car and back. Poor thing. I do. She grabs my arm en route to/from the car. Winter in Canada, eh! >>My uncle was just >> diagnosed with cancer, although only the one in his brain had [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] >rather than recovery. Still he is one of the most cheerful and upbeat >people I know. I should be ashamed of myself. My uncle also has it in lungs & liver. Despite not metastasizing, it's still not good. He's 81 and had a stroke about 25 years ago -- he has a hard time putting a sentence together. At the point where they weren't sure about the tumours in the lung & liver, my aunt wasn't going to let chemo start. He wouldn't be able to take it. Considering it all, we're incredibly lucky! >> It's been hard to get into the spirt this year. She knows what I got >> her, and I didn't really want/need anything. Like most guys, I just [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] >It sounds to me like you two are candidates for my normal holiday plan . . >go on a dive vacation or any vacation. She has ear equalisation problems just in planes, and is afraid of water. She'll never be a dive buddy. She had a kidney transplant, and, even though she used to love the sun, she can't be exposed to much sunlight now or else her immunosuppressants can cause cancers. We could still go to the Caribbean and sit in the shade and drink ourselves silly! We love Bermuda and even got married there a few years ago. >> >But you are right, I shall try and cheer up a bit. Generally, I'm away >> >diving at Xmas. This year I will get to see a bit of my family. [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] > >Best to you and yours. I'm already feeling more cheerful. Thanks for that. Glad my family can make you laugh! A sense of humour is very important for getting through this life. >And now I must wrap presents like a madman, pack a few clothes, fill the car >and head off to the in-law's aunt and uncle. And the best to you and yours! > >I guess it is not "bad" exactly. Some of them are nice enough. See? I'm > >cheering up already. > > See, I knew you could do it! :^) Still got a ways to go but thanks for the positive thought. > <snip> > >> She had an accident about a month ago, slipped on the back step, [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > I do. She grabs my arm en route to/from the car. Winter in Canada, > eh! Geez, you'd better start hanging onto her better! (snip)> >rather than recovery. Still he is one of the most cheerful and upbeat > >people I know. I should be ashamed of myself. > [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > they weren't sure about the tumours in the lung & liver, my aunt > wasn't going to let chemo start. He wouldn't be able to take it. Sadly, my friend is only 45 and has 3 children all under 13. > >It sounds to me like you two are candidates for my normal holiday plan . . > >go on a dive vacation or any vacation. > > She has ear equalisation problems just in planes, and is afraid of > water. She'll never be a dive buddy. That's unfortunate. > She had a kidney transplant, and, even though she used to love the > sun, she can't be exposed to much sunlight now or else her > immunosuppressants can cause cancers. We could still go to the > Caribbean and sit in the shade and drink ourselves silly! We love > Bermuda and even got married there a few years ago. Well there ya go!! > >:^) > > > >Best to you and yours. I'm already feeling more cheerful. Thanks for that. > > Glad my family can make you laugh! A sense of humour is very > important for getting through this life. Absolutely. > >And now I must wrap presents like a madman, pack a few clothes, fill the car > >and head off to the in-law's aunt and uncle. > > And the best to you and yours! > (snip)> >drive an hour each way to my new store on Christmas Eve to make a > [quoted text clipped - 22 lines] > > bah!! HUMBUG I'm not trading with any Canuck. I live in sunny SoCal for a reason. 70 degrees and clear skies today, especially after a couple days of rain cleared out all the smog. You can have your white Christmas. On Dec 22, 11:57 pm, "chilly" <slar...@shaw.canada> wrote: > "Mike from Ottawa" <mev at tikaCANOE dot ca> wrote in messagenews:1e4sm35ngt1e857krepbuhn2rqgkmuj86t@4ax.com... > (snip)> >drive an hour each way to my new store on Christmas Eve to make a [quoted text clipped - 23 lines] > > bah!! HUMBUG ?I'm not trading with any Canuck. I live in sunny SoCal for a reason. ?70 degrees and clear skies today, especially after a couple days of ?rain cleared out all the smog. You can have your white Christmas. It's not that white here either but something to be cheerful about . . all the roads are clear for all the driving to and fro. > Sounds like fun -- Christmas with the Sneaky Petes. I think > Sinterklaas' home was supposed to be in Spain. Ah. That explains why they bring the kids there. > Work so soon -- that sucks. What do you have for a "Jewish Christmas > dinner?" No work means no play. Dinner should be good. My uncle used to own a restaurant. He's pretty handy in the kitchen. Hopefully it won't be one of Grumman's Hanukkah hams. I hate ham. > We're going to my in-laws for dinner on Christmas Day. My wife's > step-mum can be a whiny pain-in-the-butt, but I'll try to behave and > not say anything. Her name is Ina, and I've started calling her Wina > -- I'm afraid that's going to slip out, but her hearing isn't too > good. They overheat their house, as do most elderly, so I'll dress > for summer. Nothing but speedos on under your winter coat? That should impress Wina. > No work means no play. Dinner should be good. My uncle used to own a > restaurant. He's pretty handy in the kitchen. Hopefully it won't be one > of Grumman's Hanukkah hams. I hate ham. Grilled ham and cheese sandwiches are a nice quick snack... Ham by itself is kind of boring though... >> Sounds like fun -- Christmas with the Sneaky Petes. I think >> Sinterklaas' home was supposed to be in Spain. [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] >Nothing but speedos on under your winter coat? That should impress >Wina. Nah, no self-respecting man would wear a speedo. >> >First, a belated Hanukkah. >> [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] > and happy in a sinister sort of way. I had nightmares that night, but > maybe it was just the booze. Actually the Dutch and we have Sinterklaas on 5-6 December as a pure childrens' feast and then we have Xmas on 25 December. Sinterklaas lives in Spain and comes indeed by boat. In the night of 5 December he and his servants bring presents to all kids. He does this while riding his horse (no reindeer) over the roofs of the houses. Yeah, I know it sounds crazy, but hey, as a kid I was willing to believe it as long as the presents kept arriving... Anyway, Merry Christmas everyone! On Dec 23, 4:34 pm, Michael Wolf <michael.w...@advalvasstopspam.be> wrote: > Actually the Dutch and we have Sinterklaas on 5-6 December as a pure > childrens' feast and then we have Xmas on 25 December. Sinterklaas lives > in Spain and comes indeed by boat. In the night of 5 December he and his > servants bring presents to all kids. He does this while riding his horse > (no reindeer) over the roofs of the houses. In Bonaire he rides a pickup truck. Didn't see him driving on any rooftops, though. > Yeah, I know it sounds crazy, but hey, as a kid I was willing to believe > it as long as the presents kept arriving... I saw him, so he must be real. > Anyway, Merry Christmas everyone! Happy Sinterklaas too! > First, a belated Hanukkah. > [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > Dan Bracuk > Never use a big word when a diminutive one will do. Thank you kind sir. I extend wishes for Happy Holidays and for a great New Year to you and your family. > First, a belated Hanukkah. > [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > Dan Bracuk > Never use a big word when a diminutive one will do. 10 days of peace and quiet and a little diving in the Tennessee Aquarium, the idle moments filled with memories of some great diving in the past year. Here's to you, Dan, and all others of cheerful spirit! gc > First, a belated Hanukkah. > [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > > If you're not cheerful, never mind. Thank you very much. May your holidays be happy, healthy, and warm. It won't be long and it will be 08. Reflecting on 07, we find another X dives in the record book, friendships renewed, gear in evolution, and peace on rec.scuba almost at hand. We're truly blessed with the holidays so we can get that peace thingy securely locked in. Planning for 08, we've got the New Years Day dive scheduled for 12 Noon at Wazee Lake. Should be fun and a great way to start the perpetual northern dive season. >> First, a belated Hanukkah. >> [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] >New Years Day dive scheduled for 12 Noon at Wazee Lake. Should be fun and a >great way to start the perpetual northern dive season. I'll be there that day with some folks from St. Croix Scuba. Hopefully I'll have my rock boots and underwear by then (it's been over a month since I ordered my suit...got the suit (DUI CF200x) 3 weeks ago but none of the "accessories" yet). >First, a belated Hanukkah. > [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] >Dan Bracuk >Never use a big word when a diminutive one will do. All the best to you both. JF >First, a belated Hanukkah. > [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > >If you're not cheerful, never mind. Merry Christmas to you too, Dan!
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