Issue 16
“How in the world do people in the south get into a Christmas mood without snow?” I asked the cashier on this beautiful day in Port A. I awoke and looked anxiously outside for the first snowflakes (always hoping for a white Christmas), but instead, the sun sparkled brightly through my window. I strung Christmas lights from my gutters in perfect 70-degree weather. I listened to Christmas carols all day long while wearing shorts and flip-flops. My living room looks like a Christmas store exploded in it, and yet, it does not seem like Christmas. While chatting at the store, the cashier, who has lived in the south all her life, assured me that people do get in the Christmas spirit without snow. “But what about all those songs about Frosty, Jack Frost, sleigh rides and winter wonderlands, how can you relate?” I asked. “Just fine”, she said, “we use our imagination.” I am still mystified. I think there is a message here somewhere, like, Christmas is in your heart, not in your ski parka.|
Anyway, she then invited me to watch the lighted boat parade, explaining that it would get me in the spirit. Children and parents clim aboard lit-up boats and cruise around the marina singing carols. Okay. I went down to the marina dock and while waiting for the parade I gazed at a great blue heron posed on a pylon, silhouetted in the sunset. I recalled the last parade I attended was the lighted horse drawn carriages Christmas parade, and remembered how bitterly cold it was that night in Public Square. What a contrast! After the sun went down the boats came out all lit up and were amazing in their Christmas decorations. I had only worn a light jacket and after an hour, realized I was quite chilled. No Jack Frost nips, but I did leave for my car and joyously cranked up my heater for the first time. That felt more like the season.
Doug and I have recently become involved with the Port Aransas Community Theater. I suggested that Doug should try out for a part in the up coming show and the next thing I knew I am the assistant director and stage manager and prop mistress and set designer. It is a great ensemble of seven actors, from professional to amateur, and Doug is playing the part of Teddy Joe, the husband who gets cheated on. Now if you have ever wanted to see Doug act in his underwear (and I really feel sorry for you if you have) then come visit Port A in January when the play “Cheatin” will be running from January 5th to the 22nd. Twelve shows and we expect them to be sold out!
I am going to go to the beach now to write my Christmas cards. Hoboy, that’s not going to feel normal either. But it is a beautiful day, so what else can I do? To my northern friends, I hope you appreciate the snow and make a snowman for me, and to all, have a wonderful, peaceful holiday season.
All my love, Janis