Happy Hanukkah!

Happy Hanukkah to you all! Tonight we light the first of 8 candles on the Hanukiah and today... we made Donuts!

Yum! Katherine made Boston Cream filling and we dipped them in a chocolate glaze!

     The festival of Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday celebrated sometime in December. In the second century BCE, Israel was ruled by Greeks who tried to force the Jews to assimilate to the Greek culture and religion. A priest, by the name of Matisiyahu, and his seven sons organized the Jews that were still faithful to God into a group, calling themselves the Maccabees. With the help of God and guerrilla warfare, they miraculously defeated one of the mightiest armies on earth, drove the Greeks from the Holy Land and reclaimed and re-dedicated the Temple in Jerusalem. As the story goes, when they tried to light the Menorah they could only find one jar of pure oil, enough to last only one day. They lighted it anyways and another miracle happened: the oil burned eight days! To commemorate these miracles the holiday Hanukkah was instituted.  Other names for Hanukkah are the Festival of Lights and the Feast of Dedication. For eight nights the Jewish people light one candle per night on a hanukiah, a nine branch menorah, to remember the miracles God did for their forefathers. If you want to read the Hanukkah story for yourself it is found primarily in the first book of Maccabees, which I am told is in the Catholic Bible, and it is also mentioned in John 10:22 as the Feast of Dedication- " At that time the Feast of Dedication took place in Jerusalem; it was winter and Jesus was walking in the temple in the portico of Solomon."

    Because of the miracle of the oil, it is traditional to eat foods cooked in oil such as donuts and latkes, which are potato pancakes. The latkes are particularly good with sour cream or applesauce on top!

     It is also customary to play the game of Dreidle. A driedle is a four-sided top with the Hebrew letters Gimel, Nun, Shin and Hey painted on each of the sides.  The letters together are an acronym for "Nes Gadol Hayah Sham" which means "A Great Miracle Happened There". It has been told, that when the Greek King Antiochus made it illegal to study the Scriptures, the Jews, would begin to play driedle when Greek soldiers came upon them reading the scriptures, so that they would think they were only playing a silly game and thus spare their lives.

     It has become our own tradition to listen to this song by Marty Goetz, each night as we light the candles.

A few other fun ones are as follows :)

Well, the animal chores are calling my name and after that the donuts need to eaten... they just need to! Good night and Happy Hanukkah!

A Few of My Favorite Things

 

Hello, dear readers!  Do you ever ask friends for movie, book, or music suggestions?....and then after listening/watching/reading them your thoughts are simply,'How did I not know about this before??'  I'd like to share some of my own suggestions for you; things I have enjoyed for years, or just recently discovered.... :)

Radio Dramas

Little Women

This charming drama is such fun to listen to!  You will fall in love with Laurie, laugh at Aunt March, adore Jo, and thoroughly enjoy Marmee's kind heart and genuine godly character as she trains up her daughters.  This drama was like a breath of fresh air; it's so rare to hear something where morality, and godliness is spoken and encouraged!

Father Gilbert

These mysteries are so, so good!  Father Gilbert is such an endearing character, and his secretary, Mrs. Mayhew always spices things up with her wit and sarcasm.  My favorite episode is "Secrets", so be sure to listen to that one.  I love, love, love it!

At Home in Mitford

"At Home in Mitford" is based off the novel by Jan Karon.  This follows the story of a middle aged, Episcopalian priest, Father Tim, and the goings on of his friends in the charming town of Mitford.  Now at first glance this may sound boring, but believe me it is NOT!  Let me set the scene for you:  The single Father Tim has approached his 60th birthday, and is the sort of person to over volunteer himself, but though he may admit this fault, he will not please his worried friends by hiring house help to alleviate some of his load!  Over his dead body!  So when a small incident occurs, it is the last straw and Puny Bradshaw is hired. And then there's this dirty stray dog who won't leave him be, but follows him all over town!  And what's worse is the dog chases his newly arrived neighbor's cat, thus setting their first meeting off on a sour note!  And you'll just have to listen to this drama to find out what happens next!!  You will fall utterly in love with this town and it's locals! 

Songs 

Grace got me loving this song!

Mamma, Grace, and I all adore this one!

Yes, I know! What can I say?

"Time to say goodbye".....need I say more!!

Movies



Sense and Sensibility
(2008)
I'm sure many of you have already watched this mini-series, but I just love it!  I confess I love it even more than the Kate Winslet version.  I do sometimes play the "Weep You No More Sad Fountains" occasionally on the piano though, as it is very, very pretty.




Road to Avonlea

Need I say more??  This show is the best thing since soft spread butter!  You will love it if you haven't already seen it! And the best part....it has like 8 seasons!!


Recently Watched



The Guernsey Literary and Potato 
Peel Pie Society

I just watched this over at Sunset Cottage with Jane, Mamma, and Grace!  It was very good, though I will say, as I listened to the book beforehand, that it wasn't as detailed, and therefore a little disappointing since the details bring so much more fun to the story.  But don't get me wrong, this was still a very good movie, and I really, really liked it!  In fact....I convinced Mamma, and Grace to pitch in with me and buy it!  It should be arriving soon!



Goodbye Christopher Robin


We just watched this last weekend, and it was mainly a melancholy watch.  I enjoyed the fun bits, but I don't think I will watch it again as it didn't have enough of a redeeming and equally happy ending for me.



???

Pappa, Mamma, Grace, and I are in the middle of watching something new, but as we have not finished I will wait till we have.  Any guesses on what it is??

Well, everyone, my tea is cold, and my lunch plate is empty, so that means I had better sign off here.  What have you watched, or read, or listened to lately?  What are some of your favorite things that you'd recommend?  Oh, and if your little hearts desire a scone and a cup of tea, do stop in and see us, for Grace has been baking scones this morning!  Ta, Ta!

Katherine

Another Period Drama Tag!

Good evening ladies... and gents if there're are any of you out there *Peers into the darkness* Dearest of dear Catherines, Catherine from 'The Rebelling Muse' has graciously tagged me, Grace Avender, for this tag... and I am ever so happy!!!! So without further ado, here we go!

The Rules
1. Answer the questions
2. Link back to the person who tagged you (Catherine)
3. Tag at least one blogger at the end

The Questions

1. What was the most recent period drama you watched? Share what you thought of it.
    The Finest Hours. Second time around and it's still awesome as ever!!!

2.Do you generally prefer period dramas in the form of a movie or a TV/ mini series? Why?
It doesn't really matter, but a TV series does go on longer, which spreads out the fun!

3.What is your favorite musical period drama? 
    Either Newsies or Bandstand!

Or

4. Read the book first or watch the movie first?

 I would say read the book first, but confess I have never done it meself! I have never been one of those who is so partial to the books, except for The Scarlet Pimpernel and the Anne of Green Gables series. The movies DID NOT live up to the books and it is a TRAVESTY!!!!!!

5. What is the most valuable lesson you learned from a period drama? I don't know. This is a hard one, there are so many dramas to think through! I guess don't judge a person by their first impression... they could be your future husband!

6. Which period drama hero would you be most likely to fall in love with in real life?

    Probably this guy:

I'm a sucker for Robin Hood!

7. Do you ever like to binge-watch a period drama series?
 I would love to, but rarely do; though sometimes we have cutting parties when we have a lot of           produce from the garden to process, and we put on something to distract us from the drudgery of every day life!

8. What things go best with a period drama?
A cozy blanket and a sister to share the best moments with! We have this thing when there's 'a moment', we pat/tap/slap each other to let them know (even though they already know!)

9. Which period drama would you fit into best?
I am having trouble thinking of non- musicals! Off the top of my head, I'd say 'Larkrise To Candleford', but maybe Road to Avonlea... I'm not sure!

10. If you could have any period drama character for a best friend who would it be? And why? I honestly have no idea... Maid Marion?... ,maybe Demelza, so I could slap some sense into her! 

11. Show us a picture of a period drama costume you wish you could wear in real life.
     It's a toss up between this one:

and this one:

Vastly different I know, but hey, there're both so pretty!


12. Are there any period dramas you like to watch during a particular season/holiday?
      Not that I can think of.

13. Which period drama has your favorite soundtrack?
      Oh dear! I don't have a whole favorite soundtrack, I like a few songs from each, but if Pirates of the Caribbean counts than I'd say that one.

14. Dream cast your actors and actresses into a period drama of your choosing: tell which parts they would play and why *** deceased actors do count!
I don't know if this is supposed to be a pre-existing drama or not, but I'd LOVE to see 'The Witch of Blackbird Pond' as a movie. Casting though... hmmm let me see...

Kit would be Elanor Tomlinson

Judith: Jessica Brown Findlay

Mercy: Ellise Chappell

John Holbrook: Kyle Soller

William Ashby: Robert Lenzi

Prudence Cruff: Bailee Madison

And the ever beloved Nat: James Murray

15. Are there any period dramas you like more than one version of? Not really, I've watched different versions of Pride and Prejudice, Emma, Persuasion, and The Scarlet Pimpernel, but I like our version the best! The only exception, is while our favorite Pride and Prejudice is the 1995 version, I like certain parts of the 2005 version, such as Mr. Darcy showing more emotion.

16. What are your top three period dramas on your to-watch list? Dunkirk, BBC Robin Hood and the new Mary Poppins.

17. Show a picture of your favorite period drama hairstyle?
      I know it's the same picture as above, but I just love it so much!

18. What was your favorite wedding in a period drama? Well I could be very depressing and say Robin and Marion's wedding (BBC version)

 so instead I'll say either Anne and Gilbert Blythes wedding, 

or that of Maria and Captain Von Trapp!

19. What is your favorite biographical period drama? Miss Potter.

20. Which historical novel will you forever recommend to anyone and everyone?
      Wings of Dawn by Sigmund Brouwer.  My absolute favorite book out there... so far!

I tag: Hamlette @ Hamlette's Soliloquy

Well this has been very fun and thought provoking! Ta ta for now and we'll talk again soon!
Grace

A Turning Of The Years

     23 years ago a father stepped out of a hospital room and addressed his three children sitting in the waiting room glued to the TV. "It's a GIRL!" The children looked at their father... and back to the Tv where 'The Sound Of Music' flowed on majestically. Therefore, as we say, Katherine was born to the Sound of Music! I met her four years later and since then we've been practically inseparable!

     The best of friends, playmates and just-above-me sister. I have never known someone so considerate, gentle, funny and talented. You lift our spirits when we are down, egg us on when we are up, nurse up back to health when we are sick and patch up our wounds with your kindness!

The Family Hairdresser

Cake Decorator (currently she's working on an Olaf cake!)

Baker Extraordinaire

Best Friend And Confidant

All Around Awesome Person!

     I love you so much Katherine and I can't wait to see where you will go in the next year, what you will do and how you will grow as a child of God and as a member of this crazy family! Here's to making 23 a year that will stand out from all the rest! Happy Birthday O Dear One!

Grace

Just a quick update!

Good Morning... or what ever time it is when you read this! I wanted to drop you a line or two to say that we are here... just extremely busy!

     Joy has come to Sunset Cottage in the form of a fourth boy, born late September to my dear sister, Jane and her dearly beloved Warren! Taylor was 11lbs 2 oz and is already lifting his head and eating ALL THE TIME!!!

     Katherine and I have been taking turns staying at Sunset
Cottage to help out with the other three boys; which has
been fun and challenging, as three boys between the ages of
one and six are bound to be!

     The youngest, Little B,  has some medical challenges so that has been a lesson in
serving and being brave!


     I've been here for two weeks? Yes that's right due to Katherine getting sick and am getting quite sick of dishes and laundry! We'll switch out soon and I will convalesce!

 

     Hopefully things will get back to normal soon and we will have the time and brain power to conjure up some delightful posts!

     Until then stay classy, live long and prosper, have fun storming the castle and we'll see you later!

   

     Grace at Sunset Cottage

Vacation Recap!

     Hello again, dear friends,
We are back from an amazing vacation to the Outer Banks, North Carolina! We had such an fun time, and now, to the details:

      

     First of all, our ever so dear friend Joy came with us!!! (Our parents conspired together if an effort to surprise us, but unfortunately Katherine and I are professional snoops and got very suspicious!)  We drove out to the Outer Banks, and let me tell you from experience that you get lots of bonding time when 5 people are trapped together in a mini van for 18 hours! With it being Joy's first time out of the state and to the beach, she was very excited and that made me all the more excited to share the experience with her!

 

   

     For most of our "vacation life", we have been blessed with being able to rent a beach house in the Outer Banks with our family. This year our brother, Richard, and one of his daughters, Cossette, who we haven't seen in 2 years since they live in England, were able to come for the week, along with our grandparents on Dad's side. It was awesome to see everyone again and enjoy the house and the beach together!

 

     The Beach......it was wonderful! The first day the waves were just perfect for body surfing and Joy, Katherine and I were having the time of our lives, getting slashed and pummeled by the waves, tasting the salt water (having it burn our eyes) and swimming between waves! Joy, a very good swimmer, encouraged me and Katherine to go out farther than we ever would have on our own and I am very glad of it. When the waves got really big and we swam over them like little ducks, it was sooooooooo much fun!!!!!

 

   One of our traditions when we go to Duck, NC is to visit all the thrift stores. On our second day there, we ventured out and revisited our favorites, finding all sorts of goodies! Joy found a book that had been recommended to me by my Grandmother and proceeded to read and ignore us all for the rest of the week... not really! She did finish it by the end of the week, and I don't blame her for reading it... well... maybe a little!

     On our last day, we drove down to Hatteras, and took the ferry to Okracoke Island. There was some rough water that really made the boat rock, which was awesome! Joy kept saying that if she could, she would dive into the waves! We had lunch at a restaurant and walked around the small town and got some of the best ice cream I have ever had! Coffee and Chocolate peanut butter Mmm Mmm!!! On the way back to the ferry Joy, Katherine, Cosette and I rode with Richard, who blasted a very interesting mix of 80's and country music in his neon blue rental car (so Richard)! We waited about an hour for the ferry and nearly didn't make it on with the rest of the family, who were in our mini van, a few cars ahead!  'When all hope seemed lost', and we thought we were facing another hour wait for the next ferry, they squeezed us on at the last minute!  As Richard said, 'the fender was hanging off the boat'!  For the rest of the ride home, Richard sang and did BeeGee impressions, I laughed my head off in the front seat, and Joy and Cosette pulled a full on Disco in the back seat before they fell asleep! It was definitely one of the highlights of the trip!

   

      Our dear niece, Cosette was so much fun! It wasn't her first time to the beach, but I think it was her first time riding waves! She is a daredevil, half mermaid! Since she lives in England, she has the most adorable accent that just melts your heart and makes you want to squeal when ever she talks....which we did more than once!!! We all got to sleep on two bunk beds in the same room and Cossette woke up at 5 or 6 every morning and then tickled our feet to wake us up. She is a precious girl!

     

     But of course, all good things must come to an end......so we made the journey home at the end of the week.  It was so wonderful to be reunited with the sea, to feel the sand in between our toes once again, to spend time with Richard, Cosette, and our grandparents!

So.....did any of you go on vacation this summer?  Where did you go?