MUSE in Twilight

Ambassador's Holiday Party

Beginning at 1pm, the employees of the American embassy attended the annual Christmas Open House at the residence. ODC was in the first shift so we had first dibs on the food and Santa. Kyle quickly learned to keep a full plate in his hands because any time the ambassador saw Kyle empty-handed, he would give him more spice cake! We chatted with friends and then Tim practiced his Polish with our language instructors who were also there with their families.

After the party, we bought gas for the car, returned Kyle's electric violin (it was a cheap model), bought some Spanish prosecco, and stopped at a Polish pottery store to finish Christmas shopping. Now we are home for a few hours and then off to a neighbor's Christmas party.

Disgustingly Funny!

I know I already posted today but I laughed outloud when I read the following response to the question of bad holiday gifts. I truly cannot think of anything worse!
Posted by Michael C 1 hour 34 minutes ago
When my grandmother's dog died, she had the fur sewed into teddy bears for all the grandkids. Ew! i still cringe when i look at it!!

'Carpe' Diem

Carp is as traditional to the Polish Christmas meal as turkey is to the American Thanksgiving. When Katy and I were at the grocery store yesterday, we saw these Poles carefully considering which live carp they wanted. Although the sign advertises the carp as alive, the gasping, suffering fish we observed in the tank looked pitiful. But who am I to complain- I've stood by and let many a lobster get tossed live into a pot of boiling water!

Remind You of Anyone?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081210/ap_on_fe_st/odd_cat_reattached_face

Does anyone from my family of origin find this story reminiscent of Kinki? Hers was a full body "scraping" and I don't know if Mom fainted but the story made me smile.

Tour of Weaving Factory

Actually, the factory is an old greenhouse in Warsaw's largest park, Lazienki Park. The weaving company once worked for Polish kings and now weaves traditional Polish patterns for movies, museums, and personal purchase. Although the Germans burned all but one loom in WWII, they still have the largest number of pattern cards in all of Europe. I bought a lovely throw that now hangs over a chair in the living room.

Favorite Holiday Movies

Which movies do you need to see for the Christmas season to be complete? These, in no particular order, are our favorites-

A Christmas Story
Miracle on 34th Street (original)
It's a Wonderful Life
Love Actually
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
A Christmas Carol (1938 version)