Christmas Trees of La Posada

There is said to be 49 Christmas Tree in the buildings of the La Posada Campus. Here is a sample.

A Day of photos

Late December barrel cactus bloom

The cat in the apartment across from us enjoys the sun.

Bell ringing in front of Safeway

A "service dog" (?) leaving Safeway

My bell's clapper.  A nutty clapper?

Santa waiting for good little dogs to receive their toys 

Christmas Lights in Continental

Lights on the little street off of White House Canyon.

My experience as a Salvation Army Bell Ringer.

Today I spent 2 hours ringing a bell for the Salvation Army Red Kettle street campaign. The Red Kettles Christmas program began in 1891 in San Francisco when Capt. Joseph McFee who was trying to raise funds for a charity Christmas dinner. He recalled a red kettle that he had seen in Liverpool, England.

This certainly is an easy task for one only has to take 2 hrs out of the busy Christmas season. Fortunately in a week where Southern Az. has had some cooler and rainier weather, I had a pleasant sunny afternoon. Standing outside of Walmart had its conflicting feelings. Especially since I have mixed feeling about Walmart particularly since this morning the New York Times had an article on the corruption of Walmart in Mexico as it tries to avoid local labor laws.  Watching flat screen TV's and all sorts of non essential Christmas gifts being wheeled past me and knowing the World's suffering, was confusing to say the least. But that is what Christmas is all about today.

But it was mainly a cheerful experience.
What I learned.
    - Kids like to put money, especially coins in the kettle. Particularly curious was a little red haired              
     boys who looked at the coins in his had and walked right by.
    - The Salvation Army is highly respected in the community. One War Vet talked about the SA
     providing coffee when he was near the front line.  Many people simply thanked me for being a bell      
    ringer.
    - a man that puts his hand over his back pocket wallet isn't necessary preparing to give.
    - if one person gives, it is more likely that others will.
    - Head down eyes on the side walk "if I don't see her maybe she won't see me".
    - "Hello, Merry Christmas" and walk by usually tells me that have given generously before.
    -someone you know doesn't mean a donation.
   - someone from my church didn't mean a donation.

Also: It is very difficult to play Christmas songs on a single Salvation Army bell.
"Frosty the Snowman" works the best.
"Alexander's Rag TIme Band" is doable.

Scrooge at the Gaslight

 An afternoon at the Gaslight Theater.

Lunch at Little Anthony's Diner. A real replica of a 50's and 60's diner. Complete with pink Cadillac.
Burgers and fries, malts and sundaes.

Who is going to admit that they remember that?

The show was fun with lots of puns and humor. The singers were all very good.
And the story - Holiday perfect!


And one of the best pop piano players I have heard. Her fingers flew over the keys.

Endless popcorn and servers in festive costume.

The Hope Of Christmas

Desert Hill Lutheran Church had their first all choir, all instrumentalist Christmas Concert.

Many hours of practice and organization went into this event. Much praise from the attendees.