Wednesday, December 28, 2011
This letter by Acworth resident Robin Gantek was originally posted on Marietta Patch. We are posting it again here because of the large response it received.
- HOLIDAY GUIDE
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Wednesday, December 28, 2011
‘Twas almost the night before Christmas and all through Cobb County Schools were still open for its students, teachers, and townies. The stockings were hung by the chimney with rushed care, No time for traditions that were typically there. The children were nestled, all snug in their beds But visions of exams danced in their heads. And mama in her kerchief and I in my cap Could not settle down with our family at a last. When all around my house there arose such a clatter I sprang from my bed…I know what’s the matter! Away to last winter my mind flew like a flash, When the three new board members had started to clash. The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow Gave the lustre of mid-day to so long ago. When, what to my wondering mind did…
Sunday, December 25, 2011
A refreshing salad combination of fruits and vegetables for any holiday dinner menu.
In Mexico there is a nine-day celebration from December 16 through December 24 called Las Posadas. It typically starts with a parade each night of children enacting the journey of Mary and Joseph that leads them to the stable where Jesus is born. The last house they visit each night is where the posada party is celebrated. The nine days represents the nine months of Mary’s pregnancy. This salad is served on Christmas Eve, the last night of Las Posadas. It is a combination of both fruit and vegetables which makes for a light and refreshing salad. This salad makes a beautiful addition to your Christmas dinner menu. Mexican Christmas Eve Salad (Ensalada de Noche Buena) 2 beets, cut off roots & stems, wrap in foil & set in a baking dish, bake …
On Christmas Eve morning and all through the day, the toys just kept coming and the dogs did play. The cats were all snuggled and warm in new beds, while visions of catnip swirled in their heads.
The Cobb County Animal Control shelter volunteers brought Christmas to the animals this year: a toy and a blanket or bed for every animal at the shelter. Clean kennels and outings for every dog, and clean cages with lots of cuddling for every cat. The shelter volunteers work tirelessly, everyday throughout the year, to make the lives of the animals, confined at the shelter, better. They come daily to exercise the dogs no matter what the weather conditions. Every Sunday, for years now, the same two women have come to the shelter to clean each cat cage and make sure every kitty in the two adoption rooms has food, water and a clean litter box. Volunteers have been known to wash filthy laundry, bath dirty dogs, and brush tangled coats of fur. …
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Visitors to the Reindeer Cam website can see Santa feeding his herd.
What child wouldn't enjoy a sneak peek at Santa's reindeer? The reindeer are visible at Bjorn's deer farm in Caledonia, MI. Visitors to reindeercam.com can watch Santa feed his reindeer. Santa also opens letters sent to him by children. "The premise is that Santa's had too many nice kids on his list this year, so he's going to need more manpower or reindeer-power," said Adam Loveless, one of entrepreneurs responsible for the website, according to WNWO in Toledo, OH. The "reindeer" are streamed 24 hours per day, with a daily visit from Santa at 5 p.m.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Here are our favorite holiday flicks, but let us know about the Christmas movies you fancy.
No matter how many times we've seen them, those Christmas movies endlessly repeating around the holidays are a tradition for many. Patch has whittled down the stack of holiday favorites and listed our top five. But we want to know about your favorites, too. Tell us in the comments what we've missed, which films should not be on the list, and what you do or don't like about a variety of Christmas movies. Without further ado, our five holiday film picks are: 1. A Christmas Story (1983) “I want an official Red Ryder carbine-action, 200-shot, range model air rifle with a compass in the stock, and this thing which tells time.” Who doesn't love this quintessential Christmas movie? Set in the 1940's, it's about 9-year-old Ralphie and his attempts…
One of the most historic streets in Marietta is Kennesaw Avenue, and a recent stroll down that street found some unique decorations.
Many of the antebellum homes that make Marietta special are located on historic Kennesaw Avenue--my favorite street in town. One of them is Oakton, the oldest house in Marietta, which was built in 1838. Even in the daylight, its grandeur is evident during the holidays. Check out this photo gallery of that stately house and others on the street.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
My family will make a change in its Christmas traditions for the first time in 25 years...and I'm not too sure how I feel about it.
Christmas Day dinner has always been at my house. That's just the way it is. We "do" Christmas and my sister "does" Thanksgiving. Until this year. My sister called to ask if we could "switch things up" this year and come to her house for Christmas. What? Change tradition? Why? It seems her kids now have their own kids and it's a task for them to pack up the babies and bring them to our house. And they want to stay at their houses for a while to play with toys and take in the memories. So, reluctantly, I said yes. My kids are older (one is married and one's in high school), so I guess it's easier for us to pile in the car and drive north. Still, it's unsettling to make a change in tradition. Why is that? What will I do after we open gifts …
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Here are ways to safely enjoy this festive season while you're shopping, traveling, and at home.
- HOLIDAY GUIDE
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Wednesday, December 21, 2011
By Cobb County Police During this festive season of the year, our thoughts turn to giving and receiving gifts, visiting friends and relatives, and delightful culinary experiences. However, there are others who think about unoccupied, appliance-filled houses, distracted shoppers with extra cash in purses and wallets, and charity scams. Don't give a thief a chance this year. Please exercise extra caution during this special season. Trust your instincts: If something does not look or feel right, it probably isn't. Remember, being safe doesn't take a holiday. While Shopping * Park in a highly visible, well-lit space. * Lock your vehicle while driving and parked. * Have your car keys in hand and be ready to open the car door immediately. * …
If you're looking for something to do this week, Marietta Patch has some suggestions.
1. Today: How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Strand Theatre on the Square. Movies are always fun to go to as a family during the holidays--and this one's for a good cause. Dr. Seuss’s much-loved book about the real meaning of Christmas comes alive, with comic genius Jim Carrey starring in the role of a green-faced curmudgeon who plots to steal the Yuletide from the innocent citizens of Whoville. There will be a live organ pops variety show of Christmas music and sing-alongs at 2:30 and the movie starts at 3 p.m. Patrons of this event will have a chance to help share the Christmas spirit with other families who need a hand this holiday season. The Center for Family Resources needs the community’s help to stock their pantries for January, …
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Today is the start of eight days of menorah lightings, food and other events.
The eight days of Hanukkah, or the Festival of Lights, begins today, and there are plenty of events catering to the Cobb Jewish community. Menorah lightings are the central activities, and Temple Kol Emeth will have a lighting ceremony every evening except Thursday and continuing through next Tuesday, Dec. 27. The lightings will take place from 7 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. in the synagogue's parking lot. Temple Kol Emeth is located at 1415 Old Canton Road, at the intersection of Sewell Mill Road. On Wednesday, "Light Up the Night," a community Menorah lighting celebration, takes place starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Fountains of Olde Towne Shopping Center, 736 Johnson Ferry Road. The festivities include "A Taste of Chanukah," featuring live music…
Thom Gray
11:49 am on Tuesday, December 27, 2011
How has the new Cobb schools calendar been working out for you this year? Did you know it will be essentially the same next year? Think a change might be in order? Check out Cobb Parents at http://bit.ly/tjZNyq and consider joining in. more ›