OUD en NIEUW!!

2015 - A New Beginning.......

Truth be told, I am looking forward to the new year with undiluted pleasure.  There are so many possibilities.  New Adventures.

To my most treasured friends, I want them to hear the words of an EE Cummings poem;

I carry your heart with me,
I carry it in my heart.
I am never without it,
anywhere I go, you go, my dear.
and whatever is done by only me is your doing, my darling.
I fear not fate,
for you are my fate, my sweet.
I want no world,
for beautiful, you are my world, my true.
Here is the deepest secret nobody knows,
Here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud,
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life,
which grows higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide,
and this is the wonder that keeps the stars apart,
I carry your heart,
I carry it in my heart.

I am made the better by the company I keep.  I am made more courageous and noble.  What more do I need to face the coming year?

The Unsinkable Molly Brown - "He's my friend

The Warwick Rowers Christmas sing-a-long

HAPPY AT CHRISTMAS

I hope all of my readers are as happy as I am this Christmas...

RON'S PUSSY GOES WILD

It seems that one of Ron's pussies could not control self when he saw Santa on the computer screen.

Matters were not helped by Santa holding a large plate of food.  The very kind that this pussy craved.

HAPPY BOXING DAY

HAPPY CHRISTMAS

Christmas is still magic to me.  From just after Thanksgiving until the 25th of December, the feelings of good cheer and memories keep coming at me strong.  It seems that I can hardly wait until Christmas Eve.  Then Christmas Eve comes and goes and the glow of the holidays starts to fade.

Not all of my Christmas memories are wonderful.  Lucky for me, most of the memories I retain are warm and dear to me.  Christmas is still a wonderment to me, enough so that I long for it each and every day of the year.

This Christmas I missed Ron's Christmas party.  I missed Laura and Margaret.

This Christmas I spent a lot of time adding up my blessings and wondering if I could improve on them in the coming year.  I am quite keen to get started on 2015.

I spent Christmas Eve alone, listening to Christmas music.  I go to YOUTUBE and load up the music and with earphones on, am into the holiday music and nothing else.  I place the telephone in a position to see the light blinking.  With my little snacks and eggnog, I am quite content to looking at the Christmas Tree lights and feel pretty smug with my self.

I have friends who do not view the holiday with the same level of pleasure as I.  They were not a part of my Christmas.  Wish that they were but one has to let them be as they are.

Truth be told, I had a lovely Christmas Eve and am right full of Christmas Cheer this Christmas Day.

CHRISTMAS EVE THOUGHTS

In a perfect world, I would have like to have had special friends come by and share the evening.  It is not a perfect world...

My best friend loathes Christmas and will not see him this evening.  Right odd, but I seem to have many friends this year that are not into Christmas.

I had a Christmas Eve lunch with a good friend.  Scott loves Christmas and is a joy to get together with on this holiday.

I have lighted candles, got my eggnog chilled and have the snacks ready to enjoy.

The telephone has been ringing with calls from friends far away.  I have been connecting on the INTERNET.  I may be alone but I am not lonely.

TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

Robert wishes one and all Happy Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

This old geezer has mates all over the world.  Christmas Eve will arrive at different times, but will be greeted by all with the same pleasure.

May the blessings of Christmas find one and all happy and safe.

I am blessed and will be each and every day of the new year.  I am made wealthy by the folks who have been friend to me this year and every year.  Not all Christmases are equal, some have been more joyful that others.  But each Christmas makes me very aware of how much I have been given.

DRINK YOUR CHRISTMAS DINNER

The high-tech fluid festive feast contains turkey gel, umami-rich gravy, carrot fluid gel, dehydrated Brussels sprouts, potato-infused foam and cranberry 'air'. And it is served with an espresso-style shot of mince pie extract and a spoonful of powdered brandy butter – an extra 38 calories. 

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2882982/Your-Christmas-lunch-straw-liquid-dinner-containing-just-300-calories-unveiled-scientists.html#ixzz3MdI4bHBB
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

CHRISTMAS IMAGES

WARM MEMORIES OF CHRISTMAS IN EUROPE

Every time I look at this image I remember the Christmas spent in Stockholm, Copenhagen and Munich.  I think it has to do with the trams.  Whatever the reason, the time spent in Europe was special and I have strong memories of Christmas.

HAPPY WINTER SOLSTICE

There be some folks who can not abide Christmas.  This makes the perfect holiday for all of the pagans I know.

 As for little old me, I will buy into anything that has a party connected to it.

Truth be told, if there is a reason for the season, and it means folks will be in a happy mood, I am all for it.

Did I mention that Winter Solstice makes for a perfect reason to give gifts.  Forget that I am a devout Catholic and treat me like a greedy pagan, lusting after loot.....

God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen

FAIR WARNING TO SANTA

What is the point of being super 'good' the whole year if you do not get the loot from Santa.

I am being fair.  I do not want a Bentley, or a cruise down the Nile, or a fancy dinner in Paris.

I want socks, underpants, batteries, cheap novels and even cheaper booze...

RON ADORES CHRISTMAS

Ron at annual Christmas Party

Ron LOVES Christmas.  Each year he plans a massive party.  Everyone who attends leaves with a present and some lucky folks ever get special door prizes.

The big event is Christmas Eve and Ron is busy setting the stage for his Christmas Blowout.  Every year has a theme.  Rumour has it that the theme this year is; 'Even The Gods Celebrate Christmas'.

A CHRISTMAS SNEEZE

HAVE YOU BEEN NAUGHTY???

Just in case, I am going to have a roaring fire in the fireplace.....

OMG!!!!!!! ONE WEEK TO CHRISTMAS

What is one to do?  There is so much left to do to get ready for the big night.

Truth be told, this old geezer is well organized and save for a few items at the market, the makings of a very festive Christmas Eve are well in hand.

I am very keen to see what Santa brings this year.....

LET IT SNOW

With a little luck we might have a White Christmas.

A SPECIAL 'MOOOOOOOOOOO' FOR LAURA

I am just silly about Laura's Birthday.........

LAURA TURNS 60

It is official, Laura is now an OLD BROAD.

I sure do miss Laura and the times we spent watching films together.  Never was a film we did not rent and have a good laugh or cry over.

Laura is more than like getting ready for the holidays.  Singing 'Deck the halls' and not "Happy Birthday to ME".  I hope she gets lots of presents today.

CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTS

Time to get that Christmas Tree up and lighted.  What a warm glow it brings to a home...

CHRISTMAS REMEMBERED

Christmas
Author unknown Every time a hand reaches out
To help another... that is Christmas.
Every time someone puts anger aside
And strives for understanding
That is Christmas.
Every time people forget their differences
And realize their love for each other
That is Christmas.
May this Christmas bring us
Closer to the spirit of human understanding
Closer to the blessing of peace!

YOU AIN'T GETTING SH*T FOR CHRISTMAS

Right, so many of you cheeky buggers who peek in are all wondering what Christmas presents await you on Christmas Eve.  This is one family's way of dealing with...........

CHRISTMAS THOUGHTS

"I hear that in many places something has happened to Christmas; that it is changing from a time of merriment and carefree gaiety to a holiday which is filled with tedium; that many people dread the day and the obligation to give Christmas presents is a nightmare to weary, bored souls; that the children of enlightened parents no longer believe in Santa Claus; that all in all, the effort to be happy and have pleasure makes many honest hearts grow dark with despair instead of beaming with good will and cheerfulness." ~Julia Peterkin, A Plantation Christmas, 1934

Joy To The World

Feliz Navidad

Michael Buble - Let It Snow

Do You Hear What I Hear? - Home Free

Silent Night Feat. Home Free (Violin and Vocals)

Home Free - Angels We Have Heard On High

CHRISTMAS HAMPER

Stuffed with decadent goodies, from Peruvian pink peppercorn cashews to a full leg of cured Jamon Iberico and 12 bottles of Champagne, it’s no wonder that these Christmas hampers are some of the most expensive around. 

And while a £500 price tag may seem steep to spend on festive goodies, it will only buy you the least expensive product on this list.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/food/article-2868831/Inside-Britain-s-expensive-Christmas-hampers.html#ixzz3LdPLvwfI
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

BAD SANTA

Do you remember when Santa smoked?

Hard to believe that not so long ago, smoking was everywhere.

'IN YOUR FACE' Christmas

So, with Christmas around the corner, it was only right that a company invented a seasonal accessory for bearded men. 

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2868265/Forget-Christmas-tree-BEARD-baubles-new-hipster-accessory-December-selling-out.html#ixzz3LaojXSIu
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

WHAT CHRISTMAS MEANS TO ME

"I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round, as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. " ~Charles Dickens

For my part, I always want to remember the great moments of Christmas, that the moments that mean the most in coming years will always be ones filled with hope and gladness. In years to come, I want to mark Christmas 2014, as the year I truly gained a new respect for the true meaning of Christmas and hold that close to my heart all of the days of the coming year.

"Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childish days; that can recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth; that can transport the sailor and the traveller, thousands of miles away, back to his own fire-side and his quiet home! " ~Charles Dickens, The Pickwick Papers, 1836

Received an email yesterday that make me think of more to say on the subject of Christmas and how one must get into the mood.:
1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-
depressant.2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Buy a lock if you have to.
3. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to
__________ today.'
4. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured IN
plants.
5. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli ,
almonds & walnuts.
6. Try to make at least three people smile each day.7. Don't waste your precious energy on energy vampires, issues of the past, negative
thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive
present moment.
8. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed
out charge card.
9. Life isn't fair, but it's still good!
10. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
11. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.12. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
13. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
14. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
15. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
16. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'
17. Forgive everyone for everything.
18. What other people think of you is none of your business.
19. GOD heals everything.20. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
21. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will.
Stay in touch!!!
22. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
23. Each night before you go to bed complete the following
statements: I am thankful for __________.
Today I accomplished _________.
24. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.
25. Please send this to everyone you care about

Mind, the lovely lady who sent on this, is in the business of getting into your head and finding out what is wrong..........sounds to me as if she does it rather well, and the advice forwarded can apply all the year round.

"It is my hope that our paths will cross again soon. Till then it is my hope that your days with filled with peace, truth, and love, that you may continue your wonderful service to our community, the world we live in!!"

My dears, we shall meet again, the lovely lady and I..........need all of the help given to bring me back down to earth.

'Instead of being a time of unusual behavior, Christmas is perhaps the only time in the year when people can obey their natural impulses and express their true sentiments without feeling self-conscious and, perhaps, foolish. Christmas, in short, is about the only chance a man has to be himself. ' ~Francis C. Farley
 

My dears, Got Bless you, one and all!

WHAT A CHRISTMAS PARTY.....

Attended the first holiday party of the season last night.

My friend, Paul, belong to a older gay men's social group call the Prime Timers.  He secured me a ticket to their annual Christmas Party, held at the Sands Casino.  I had been to their Christmas Party in the past and thought it would be 'gay' to repeat the experience.

The room booked was nicely decorated and the table settings were clever.  I was early and had a long chat with a gent who was in charge of bookings.

The room filled up with the members of the club.  Met Mike again, he had sat at same table last year.  Seems he has a new 'partner'.  The next person to show was Ken.  I always called Ken, Gold Lame, as he would band on endlessly about a costume he wore once.  Imagine, claim to fame, stuffing one's self into a gold jock strap.

Ken and Mike had an excited conversation about a planned party that was going to feature the possibility of multiple sex partners.  You have to remember that the members of this club are quite aged.  Hard to believe that sex is so important...

It was an interesting evening.  Mind, the food was lovely and they even served wine.  Nice.  Who knew that there was a special vintage called "Happy Camper"...

I went all out for the party, dressed to the nines and even wore a Santa hat.  Most did not dress up, but am told that is how folks are in Reno.  There was one who had a very clever vest and hat on, but most made no special effort to dress up.

I do not know any of the club members , not really, and conversation was hard to come by.  They and I were into different things.

When dinner was over, I quietly let the room and returned home.  I rather think I will not be going to any more parties held by the club.

Spectacular Christmas lights and shop windows displays in Central London...

Christmas in London 2014

Christmastime in New York City - 2013

NYC Subway Christmas Eve

'RHYTHM OF THE RHYME'

Robert DeFrees Plays Santa

I have a list of folks I know all written in a book.
Every year at Christmas I go and take a look.
That is when I realize that these names are a part
Not of the book they are written in but of my heart
Each name stands for someone who has crossed my path sometime
And in the meeting they have become the "rhythm of the rhyme"
While it sounds fantastic for me to add this claim
I really believe I am composed of each remembered name
While you may not be aware of any special link
Just meeting you has shaped my life more than you can think
Once you have met somebody the years cannot erase
The memory of a pleasant word or friendly face
So never think of my Christmas card is just a mere routine
of names upon a list, forgotten in between
For when I send a Christmas card that is addressed to you
It is because you are on the list of folks I am indebted to
You are a part of the total of many folks I have met
You happen to be one of those I prefer not to forget
Whether I have known you for many years or few
In some way you have had a part in shaping things I do
Every Christmas I realize anew
The biggest gift that life can give is meeting folks like you.


My dears, the above newspaper clipping was old when it was sent to MOI in a Christmas Card many years ago. It meant so much to MOI that it became a marker in my diary and it is seen almost daily. Some times it is just moved from page to page but at other times MOI reads it again and thinks of all of the lovely folks who have been a part of his life.

Many of you are 'au fait' with MOI sending E-Cards. Not a holiday or special event passes without a little something being sent to the folks who are special. A small number of folks write back and tell that they NEVER open the E-Cards, they are afraid that it will have a 'virus' but that does not stop MOI from sending them. Many know that it is just my way of letting all know they are thought of. MOI receives many as well and loves each and every one received.

Last year this clipping was posted and wanted to make sure that all were reminded how dear all are held in heart.

Life goes by at such a fast clip and it is important that one takes the time to let the folks loved know that the feelings are strong and will stay with MOI the whole of life.

TALE OF THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

Christmas Lights

Wrote the following letter to my wife after a recent argument:

Christmas Lights
Hi Sweetheart,
I am sorry about getting into an argument about putting up the Christmas
lights.
I guess that sometimes I feel like you are pushing me too hard when you
want something.
I realise that I was wrong and I am apologising for being such a
hard-headed bloke.
All I want is for you to be happy and be able to enjoy the holiday season.
Nothing brightens the Christmas spirit like Christmas lights!
I took the time to hang the lights for you today and now I will be off to
the golf course.
Again, I am very sorry for the way I acted yesterday.
I'll be home later.


Love you……

WAS SENT THIS AND THOUGHT IT A LAUGH.......TALK ABOUT STRESS AT HOLIDAYS

HOLIDAY CAKE

It's the time of year to eat fruit cakes and Christmas puddings in abundance.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2865505/Does-fruit-cake-forever-Scientists-say-combination-alcohol-dried-fruit-means-puddings-longer-use-date.html#ixzz3LJmRqo4C
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

SANTA IS COMING

Robert plays Santa

I may not really be Father Christmas but it does not stop me from spreading Christmas Cheer.....

The year was 2008 and I was on a mission to save the world.  Actually, a wicked neighbourhood in Fresno, California.

Had received much help and support from many who laboured at City Hall.  Thought it would be clever idea to go and pass out treats to the employees.

Was gobsmacked at how many 'adults' wanted to meet Santa and have a picture with.

ALWAYS COLOURFUL AT CHRISTMAS

Robert 2007

Truth be told, the lei was a bit much......

12 REDNECK DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

What is that you say?  HO HO HO......
MERRY CHRISTMAS.....

The fat man is getting his deliveries ready.

DAVE AND SAM WISH A HAPPY CHRISTMAS

I thought it was rather nice of Dave and Sam to remember the old geezer this Christmas.  They seem every so sorry that I will not be stopping by for an eggnog this Christmas Eve.

Mind, I was rather hoping for a card from The Queen.....

CHRISTMAS ELF

The Christmas Elf wants to know if you have been good.  I know I have been good.  I have been so good it hurts.  That should mean that my tree will have lots of presents under it...

Farting Elves singing

ANNA MAKES A FRIEND

Anna come from the Pacific Islands, where the palm trees sway and the wind is warm.

Anna is weird.  She adores the cold.

My Favourite Time of Year - The Florin Street Band (New Christmas Songs)

CHRISTMAS MOOSE

I have no clue why I am clutching my chest.  Not as if I wear a bra stuffed with cash.....

Might have been checking to see if I was really all there.

DECEMBER RAIN

It is raining frogs here.  Not a bad thing when you consider that we are in desperate need of the water.

Besides, it is a nice December day to sit in from of the computer and dream about all of the lovely presents that may come your way.....

CRAZY PILLS

Mele Kalikimaka! - 2008 Christmas

All I Want For Christmas - HMS OCEAN

Winter Wonder - The Florin Street Band (New Christmas Songs 2014)

WORLD AIDS DAY 2014

CHRISTMAS TREE THOUGHTS

Given that the big day is less than a month away, the tree has been put up and lighted.  One has to get as much 'good cheer' as possible.