Honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness;

Only light can do that.

Hate cannot drive out hate;

Only love can do that.”

Happy New Year!

It’s brand new…

It’s never been seen before…

2018 is here!

Holiday blessings

Spread the love.

Share the wealth.

Keep on truckin’!

A new war on Christmas

George from Portland, OR writes:

Dear T,

I have a new holiday story to tell. It’s Rude-olph, the Rudest Reindeer. Forget about Rudolph. Rude-olph could chew him up for breakfast and spit him out at lunch. He’ll tell you you’re really smart…on Opposites Day. P.S. It’s only ten dollars. How many can I put you down for?

T replies:

Hey, George! The holidays are not a time for disrespect and bad manners. And charging ten dollars for this story is nine dollars too many. All I can say is that I hope Rude-olph learns to overcome his rudeness and is able to join in the festivities in a considerate and neighborly manner.

Yadiloh greetings!

Dan’s Mom writes:

Dear T,

I would like to tell you about a fabulous new holiday celebration. It’s called Yadiloh, the Festival of Brooms and Mice, and it happens on the second Sunday of December, right before the traditional holidays begin. I had an artist friend of mine make up a card for it.

Yadiloh begins early in the morning as each and every kid in the family sweeps (or vacuums) their room and then cleans the whole house. Then, in the spirit of Yadiloh fun, they hide the broom (or vacuum).

After that, for even more fun, they sit quietly together and draw a picture of an adorable mouse. The fun doesn’t stop there! At this point, Mom or Dad takes on the role of Atnas, the Yadiloh Broom Finder. Atnas asks the kids (the Mice) where the broom (or vacuum) is. They tell him (or her), and then go outside to quietly play while Atnas takes a much-deserved Yadiloh nap.

Let’s get cracking and help make Yadiloh a part of every family’s holiday tradition! Here are a couple of rousing Yadiloh carols to get everyone in the mood.

Oh, Yadiloh!

(Sung to the tune of Oh, Tannenbaum)

Oh, Yadiloh! Oh, Yadiloh!

My favorite time of year.

Oh, Yadiloh! Oh, Yadiloh!

I’m glad you’re finally here.

I cleaned my room

and swept the house,

then hid the broom

and drew a mouse.

Oh, Yadiloh! Oh, Yadiloh!

You fill us all with cheer.

And:

Here Comes Atnas

(Sung to the tune of Here Comes Santa)

Here comes Atnas, here comes Atnas,

looking for the broom.

Here comes Atnas, here comes Atnas,

checking every room.

Searching twice and asking mice for any little clue,

Atnas knows a broom hunt is the funnest thing to do!

T replies:

Hey, Dan’s Mom. Yadiloh sounds like a real hoot, but if I didn’t know better, I’d think you made it up to get Dan to clean the house before the regular holidays begin. If so, you get credit for a very crafty plan. Let’s see if Dan (or anyone else) falls for it!

Holiday advice

It’s okay to pass on the tinsel. Just be sure to break out the colored lights!

Holiday hunt

It’s time to look high and low for special treats to delight loved ones this holiday season. It doesn’t matter whether you buy your gifts or make them yourself. The wrapping is the most important part!

Ho ho ho!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Animals in balloon form have long helped humans celebrate all good things on this day, proudly taking part in Macy’s famous parade. Take a look at these swelled-up celebrants of yore.

The elevated elephant.

The blimpy bobcat.

The inflated insect.

The dirigible dachshund.

The helium hippo.

And the star of the show, year after year. The towering turkey!

Likewise, let our spirits soar today, and let us be grateful for the good things we have, for family and friends, for warm hospitality, and for good company. Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Fourth of July!

Fireworks are essential for celebrating Independence Day. But the bangs rattle some people’s heads. And the stinging smoke makes some noses get runny. And all the dogs in town yearn for a cave to hide in. Luckily, there are fireworks in nature. Quiet and good-smelling.

Agapanthus. A purple pow!

A blaze of asters.

A dazzling dahlia.

Whistling thistles.

Memorable Michelmas Daisies.

Spectacular spider lilies.

And aerial allium.

Stay safe and sane, and have a fabulous floral Fourth, everyone!