A Little Music from Pup

Oh, Christmas Tree

When I was a little girl, we lived in North Carolina. My dad and his brother in law, would go out into the woods and bring home a Christmas tree.

When I grew up and married, my husband and I would go to the Christmas tree lot on the corner and the two of us would wrestle the tree home.

As the years went by, the family grew bigger, the homes grew bigger and so did the Christmas trees.

Every year my husband would say, this year the tree is going to be much smaller. I would agree.

We would bring home a tree that was a just little bit larger than last years. Although we never got one quite as large as the tree a few blocks from home.

I miss that tree. There is nothing like walking down Fifth Avenue in New York City at Christmas time and looking at the store window displays, looking at that tree, watching the ice skaters and then going somewhere for hot chocolate. Or a drink. Whatever warms you best.

Our first Christmas together, it was just the two of us and my little cat. She liked the tree and the ornaments and enjoyed living dangerously by hanging outside of the window ( 6th floor) trying to catch a pigeon. ( not to worry-she lived to be 15)..

Now here we are .. Buenos Aires, Argentina. Land of fake Christmas trees. It is too hot, they would have died and lost all their needles by the time they were shipped here. So there are plenty of artificial trees to choose from and I cannot like any of them. I have considered getting an all white artificial tree, at least it is "honestly" fake, not fooling anyone, here I am , a White Tree..

But I cannot find anything here that looks as good as the White trees in the magazines, I am losing my focus. I am starting to think that what we have already is good enough .. Eucalyptus wreaths, a small brass filigree tree with crystals hanging from the tips of the branches and lots of gold stars with beads on them that used to go on a tree and now hang from chandeliers and doorknobs , and lots of candles.

So I think once again, there will be No Tree for Me... but we will make up for it with Christmas Cheer .

And maybe just a little Champagne and Chocolate .. and a new bone for the Pup.

We won't even notice that the tree is very small and none of the needles will fall off.

Dear Santa

This Christmas, I would like to send my list to you early, considering how slow the mail can be here, I don't want to be late with my Christmas List.

1- I would like a Cold Front for Argentina for Christmas. Not terribly cold but a mild and not too hot summer would be swell.

2- I would like some perfume but my husband might manage that, you can just be there if he needs you.

3- A case of Hellmans Mayonnaise and Skippy Peanut Butter and a box of goodies from Sephora and how about some Donald Pliner shoes just for good measure.

If you have problems bringing all of this through Customs, then just bring the Mayo.

4-I need to see my children so if it is possible ... I know they are too big to fit into your bag ... will you happen to find some Airline Tickets please? Thank you.

5- Pup asked me to tell you that he would love to have some "Cookies" ... I can get those here so we will keep this our little secret and I will just put your name on the package.

6- I would like that old lady who sleeps on the bench in the park to find a new place to live . Somewhere with a roof and running water and warm, fresh food. I know she likes the park, but I worry about her.

7- There are some dogs here who could use a bit of Santa this year too. Old and weary and all they want is someone to be kind to them and feed them and not hit them. Surely there is someone on your list, asking for a dog ?

8- I would like to wake up Christmas morning and speak fluent Castellano. I don't want to sound "cute" anymore, I want to sound like a native. ( without having to go to school for years)

9- In 2011, it would be nice if we got to see some family and friends. If no one has thought of it, you can leave a note in their stocking... just say something like, Buenos Aires is a good place to celebrate a late Christmas!

They will never suspect anything fishy if You say it.

10- Have a Good Christmas. I have been writing to you for many years now and you always come through for me. Oh, and if you like sending my kids to me, how would you feel about grandbabies?

Merry Christmas,

from me,

way down here

in Argentina

A Slow Day

Someone is feeling a bit slow today.

Maybe Someone snuck out last night and hung out at a local parrilla with the other Porteño Pups, having a bit too much Malbec and fooling around with those Tango Pups who stay out all night long then sleep in the park all day .
A walk in the park is always good for what ails you, if only just to get some fresh air, appreciate the beauty of of ones favorite parks in Buenos Aires and then go home and take a nap.
Nice park, nice flowers ... let's go home and take a nap now.

Monday - Look At This Blog !

Un Femme d'Un Certain Age

This blog makes me smile, makes me feel good, makes me want to go buy something pretty. It is a pleasure to look at, to read, to relax with. Her "Thoughts" on the right hand side are so great, the photos and the stories.

It is just a wonderful blog and I admire the skill and work that she does to produce something like it .. that I enjoy every day.

Go look, say hello to Tish for me and enjoy. Then tell me how you liked it ~

Happy Monday ...