The News is In!

vi

Twas the eve before New Year's Eve, and all through the nation...wait a minute!  Is it going to be a  New Year everywhere?  YES!!!  As a matter of fact there is a web site showing the time left until year 2017 around the world.  It's called  timeanddate.com

***

Here we are at the end of a year that brought about so many changes...some good, and, some not so good.  I believe we're going to be a stronger people for it.     

I came across some vintage New Year's Eve party photos to share with you tonight.  Boy, these folks took their New Year's Eve parties seriously!

~New York party celebrations, late 1930's

"Many people look forward to the New Year for a new start on old habits!"

~author unknown

~ New York party

"An optimist stays up until midnight to see the New Year in.  A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves!"

~ Bill Vaughan (1915-1977) in The Kansas City Star

~ two cuties keeping time 

I came by tonight, with not a lot to say, but with best wishes for the New Year from my heart!

I hope you all will be careful on this New Year's holiday.  Be considerate of others, drive safely, sing and laugh a lot.  Thank you so much for stopping by.  Please drop in and say hello...I have an open door policy here at the KardKorner.

Thank you:

Google

Yahoo images

Blogger

giffy.com

~Burning the midnight oil!

photo by Suzanne

Hugs to you all * See you next time ♥

The Crib of Christ...in a Cave.

Hello, my dear blogmates!  What a fantastic month it is!  December sashayed into our lives a couple of weeks ago,  dropped some Christmas spirit on us, and, now it's beginning to draw down, and come to a close!   The New Year, 2017, is coming up fast and furiously!

My story begins with St. Francis of Assisi.  We know he was born into a wealthy family...I think he had six siblings, and his father was a silk merchant.   He was actually baptized as Giovanni, but, it seems as though  his father wanted a french name for him, and later started calling his son, Francesco. From my research, I detected some conflict in the original decision of his name when he was born.

At about the age of 20 or 21, Francis went off to a war, between Assisi and Perugia.  During that time he was taken prisoner, and upon being released, after his father paid a ransom, his life ventured in a new direction. Francis channeled his focus toward Christianity and God, preferring to live his life in poverty. However, Francis did need to earn some money, in order to pay his Father back for the ransom that freed him from prison.  He did eventually pay his back his Father, and even went so far as to strip down to bare necessities and give dad the clothes he was wearing!
  That was the last time he and his father spoke.

After Francis had visited the historical birthplace of Christ, he talked the Pope,  Honorious III, into allowing him to construct a manger with hay and the use of 2 live animals.  This was done somewhere around the year 1223, in a mountain cave above Greccio in Italy.  Francis would invite the villagers to come and view as he preached a special Mass, and told the story of the "Babe of Bethlehem".  It is not known for sure, but some sources say that live villagers would sit in and enact the Nativity scene as it was told.

Below is a photo that is said to be the first Nativity location in Italy.

  However, I cannot verify its authenticity.  

*the photo is available on Wikipedia and Yahoo images *

The Nativity became so popular, it soon spread to Europe, and, today, we have continued the custom of building and reconstructing this holy scene during the Christmas season, to celebrate the birth of Christ.  

Here are a few pictures of  Nativity scenes I have taken in my daily travels around town.  I hope you enjoy them.  I know...you're wondering where my Nativity scene is.  I don't have one for the yard, but hope to display one next Christmas.  I do have a small Nativity that I will set up soon near my Christmas tree.

***

* St. George Catholic Church *  Fort Worth, TX * photo by Suzanne

* A neighborhood in Haltom City, TX * photo by Suzanne

* Grapevine Hwy * North Richland Hills, TX * photo by Suzanne

* Branson, Missouri * photo by Suzanne

And, who might this be?

Why it is the 'keeper of the grounds' himself, St. Francis of Assisi!

* photo by Suzanne * my back yard * Fort Worth, TX

During one of my trips back to Kansas City, oh around 1995, my mother sent me home with this wonderful statue of St. Francis.  He has watched over my yard and the critters that visit for many years.  He tolerates nature's moods, he has been knocked over, and, pummeled with mulberries and pecans.  Yet, he still stands tall, and remains devout in his purpose.

So, dear readers...that's it for today.  We'll be celebrating Christmas in a few short days, and, remembering the great story of the birth of Christ!  Until just a few years ago, I had no idea that St. Francis was so compelled to take on a project that would travel the world 'round, and be a lasting symbol for such a precious event.   I am grateful for St. Francis' devotion to all people and animals during his lifetime as a priest.

***  My appreciation goes out to:
Wikipedia
Google
Blogger
Yahoo images
smithsonianmag.com
The state of Texas
Branson, Missouri
***

***  And, I wish to thank you all for coming by just a few days before Christmas and visiting my blog.  I just want to remind you to be safe on this important holiday, in your travels.  And, please don't overload your electrical sockets to keep the beautiful Christmas lights aglow!

I've already blown a fuse in my house by plugging in one too many items.  Thank goodness I thought to check the fuse box, or I would have no TV, and, no Christmas lights...go figure!





***  Please stop in and say hello if you get the chance!  And, have a very
Merry Christmas, from the family of KardKornerKrib! 

Love, health, and happiness to you all! ♥

The Great Log!

Christmas in America is made up of many holiday customs from foreign countries.  Bringing in the Yule is one of these customs.

The Yule log, Yule clog, or Christmas block is a log specially selected to be burned on a hearth as a Christmas tradition in a number of countries in Europe.   The origin of the folk custom is unclear.    Numerous scholars have observed that, like other traditions associated with Yule, such as the Yule boar, the custom may ultimately derive from Germanic paganism holiday customs from foreign countries.

In olden times, everyone had a fireplace.  It was the only source of heat.  At Christmas time it was the custom to bring in a "great log"...larger than any that would be burned during the year.  In the far north, the Scandanavian peninsula, the Christmas season was also known as the Yuletide, and, the great log burned for days.

Early colonists brought the custom to this country.  And, while the log burned, nobody worked...I don't know-can we get away with that today?  Sometimes the log would burn for about 12 days!  I guess that's why they would cut from the largest tree they could find in the forest!

But, just before the log would burn entirely away, the fire was put out, and the remainder of the log was saved for the next Yuletide.

I think we all feel warmth and joy from a lively, crackling fireplace.  They say a blazing hearth is the sign of a happy home.

Do outdoor fireplaces count?  I love to sit outside when it's cool weather and bask in the warmth of this little fireplace.   A nice hot cup of java, and my radio humming the old classic rock tunes is quite a treat.

~photo by Suzanne

Thank you so much for coming by today, on this first day of  December.  I'm already busy here at the KardKorner with plenty of Christmas projects.  I helped my mother compile a booklet of Christmas customs, including Christmas carols, for her Christmas party with the seniors at her church.  They will have a pianist playing the Christmas carols, and are inviting members from another church to join in on the fellowship.  It promises to be a wonderful program!

***

Here is my cute little mom, and my sister, Leta, on a recent trip we made to Branson, Missouri.  Mom turned 90 years old in July, and is still very active in her life.

~photo by Suzanne * November 16, 2016

Branson, Missouri

***  If you have the time, please step in (you don't have to knock), and say hello!  And, come back anytime!  

Thank you to:

wikipedia

google

yahoo images

Some of the information on the Yule log came from an old booklet that mom acquired in the late 1950's, and still has today. 

Have a safe and Happy December!  Be kind, laugh, and love!  

See you soon, my dear readers!♥ 

"There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward."

~Kahlil Gibran

October's Final Hoedown!

~ photo by Suzanne * 10-30-2016

Scary, huh?   Well, today is one of the days reserved for Frankenstein/Monster Day.  I believe the other Frankenstein Day is observed on the 30th of August, in remembrance of its creator, Mary Wollenstone Shelley.  When she was about 19 years old, or so, Miss Shelley was on holiday in Switzerland, and, a storm brewed up heavily, forcing her to stay indoors.  She and some friends had been reading monster stories for fun, and, Mary became compelled to write her own monster story.  Thus, in the year 1818, Frankie (I mean, Frankenstein the monster) was born!  

Frankenstein, the Monster

Would you agree, that this has been one fast-moving month?  October just WHIZZED in and back out again at a pace that would make even "Frankenstein's" head spin!  As if that would be possible with those bolts holding it down, lol!  Nevertheless, hold on to your hats, because November just may sweep us right out of Autumn and into Winter!  Let's hope not just yet!

Meanwhile, maybe we can recap a few of the events that brought my neck of the woods through this exciting month.

~ photo by Suzanne * October 6, 2016

Lots of Mums, many colors available everywhere-

-what a beautiful crop in Texas this year!

WOW!!!  What have we here?

Pumpkins, anyone?

~Not quite into the Scarecrow is he?

~Shrimp Boil?  Well, okay...YUM!  (Oct. 27, 2016)



~Late October Birthday!

~Golf...now THAT'S my game!


...or, IS it???  LOL!


~And, it's off to the races with Dad!




~Okay, Okay...Ladies and Gentlemen, please!  I concur that we are all in agreement ...
October has been one TERRIFIC month!




***  Trick or Treat, my dear readers ***

Please don't worry about giving me something good to eat...believe me, I've already had plenty!

But, allow me to remind you all to be safe this Halloween night. 
Watch out for the children, and, have a Wonderful time!

Thank you so much for coming by.  Please stop in and say hello-I'd love to hear from you!

also thanks to:
Blogger
Google
Yahoo images (Frankenstein ONLY)
My adorable Scooter
Son Rusty
All of the participating Fort Worth Farmer's markets

***  All photos except the Frankenstein photo are property of Suzanne/KardKornerKrib ***



~Which way is it, really???

Mason's Saving Grace!

August 1947 issue of The American Magazine

"The Case of the Crying Swallow"

illustration by Robert W. Douglas

Greetings, fellow sleuths, gumshoes, and, bloodhounds.  Hope you're having a great day, and, gearing up for the spooks and goblins that will be roaming our streets in a few days!

Does anyone recognize the above magazine, I sure didn't!  The American Magazine was founded in 1906, after a series of failed publications, and, having been renamed several times.  I think the magazine primarily focused on human interest stories, fiction, and, social issues.  Hmmm...why, then, was the periodical failing?   Then, in 1915, the magazine was taken over by yet another publishing company, Crowell Publishing Co.

The journey of the magazine shifted somewhat to involve more female readers.  It focused on fictional serials, and short stories, which brought more popularity to the magazine.  In fact, sales doubled in less than 2 years, earning the magazine several O. Henry Awards.  Nevertheless, even though The American Magazine still appeared on the stands, and, with the successful editor changes, it folded in 1956.  Not a bad run, actually!

***  Below are a few more of the American Magazine covers I was very fortunate to find:






~How Safe is Your Daughter * by J. Edgar Hoover
July 1947



~Before I Die * April 1947
This is a short story, published for the first time in The American Magazine.
 The Nero Wolfe mystery novella by Rex Stout, was then published by
Viking Press in book form, in a short-story collection in 1949.
*It was adapted for the 2nd season of the A and E TV Nero Wolfe Mystery Series,
making its debut on June 16, 2002 on A and E television.

***
So, tell me...how many of  my gracious readers, have a favorite show?  I mean, a show you will always LOVE...a show that has spanned over a period of,  let's say, 50 years? (not that I have been watching TV that long, haha).  I know you all have a favorite "TO DIE FOR" standby, I do!  Actually, I have two, but will only speak of one for now!  I heard that "sigh of relief"!

I'm sure you have figured it out by now!  It's Perry Mason!
It's not the original Perry Mason, but...do you have time for me to introduce the
first one?

~Warren William * Dec. 2, 1894-Sept. 24, 1948 *

Warren William was the first to grace the silver screen as Perry Mason.  He was a very popular actor, and, handsome, I must say!  In the early 1930's, being well known for his portrayal of famed detectives, it appears as though this Mason is depicted as a dashing and debonair character, who was known to have love interests!  Otherwise, very little is known about Perry Mason's personal life, or family life, as such is not elaborated on in the novels.  He lived alone in an apartment, and never entertained there.   However, it has been said that in one of the 1930's films, Perry Mason actually marries his longtime secretary, Della Street!  Really!!!



***
So, we're down to the real reason I've asked you here today! 

My favorite TV show is a classic black and white series, and, no matter how many times I've watched this show, there is always something new going on that I missed previously.  This series ran from 1957-1966, and, in my neck of the woods, it makes a twice a day appearance on TV.  This guy is cast as a high profile criminal lawyer, but should have been a detective!   

In The Case of the Caretaker's Cat (1935), his principal antagonist, District Attorney Hamilton Burger, says: "You're a better detective than you are a lawyer. When you turn your mind to the solution of a crime, you ferret out the truth."    


~photo taken by Suzanne * 10-19-16
I took this photo while actually watching the episode via 'MeTV'
I think it was the case of "The Startled Stallion"

And, now, my secret is out!!!  I love Perry Mason...who else would take pictures of scenes while watching a TV show?

Tell you what...I'll stop talking for now, and let you see the slide show I meticulously pieced together from several Perry Mason episodes!

*** Note ***  if you're viewing via email, and you  are unable to see the slideshow, please access from the internet,  http://kardkornerkrib.blogspot.com  for this post.

  ***  The following slideshow was produced by Suzanne Prickett, from photos taken while watching the episodes on television, via METV!  The Perry Mason theme song was also purchased by the same for the purpose of accompaniment to the slideshow ***

Photos are from the following episodes:
  ""The Case of The Startled Stallion
"Paul Drake's Dilemma"
"The Golden Fraud"
"The Absent Artist"

***
Bring back great memories?  My only regret is that I wasn't able to score one photo of Paul Drake in his trench coat with the collar standing up-my favorite look of his!  And, one day I hope to write a Perry Mason episode.  When I do, you will be the first to sample and critique it!

I have to tell you all how grateful I am to see you here.  I appreciate all of the views and comments I have received over the years.  I apologize for not having time to write a spooky Halloween story this year, but, I do have a featured post on my sidebar of a spooky story I wrote a few years back if you would like to read it.

I'd better thank:
Blogger
Yahoo Images
Google
Wikipedia
Amazon
Youtube
warrenwilliam.com
METV
Perry Mason, Raymond Burr





Do stop in and say hello, or,  'trick or treat'!   Feel free to check one of the reactions at the bottom of this post, just above the comment section to let me know how you feel about my post.

And, by all means, if you're getting out on Halloween night, please be safe and keep the kiddos safe!

Hugs to you all-see you next time! ♥



~Love you, Scootie!  Happy 8th Birthday!

Lazy Autumn Days

~Ridgmar Farmer's Market * Fort Worth, TX
photo by Suzanne * October 5, 2016

Welcome all to KardKornerKrib...home of the Autumn produce stalker!
  It's so nice to be feeling the brush of the fall season against my cheeks, and, watching as pumpkins and scarecrows mysteriously appear on the grounds of many farmer's markets in towns everywhere!



~Farmer's Market * Haltom City, TX
photo by Suzanne * September 26, 2016

***

And how about them mums?  Too many colors to choose from, so, I had to get more than a few.  I'll show you my display when it's completed.  But...you may have to pop over to MyTexasGardens to get the full disclosure sometime next week.


~ Home Depot * Fort Worth, TX
photo by Suzanne * October 4, 2016


Pumpkins with Flare!  And, gourds galore!

~Farmer's Market * Haltom City, TX
photo by Suzanne * September 26, 2016


You say something is missing from my fall portfolio?  Exactly!!!  No Autumn foliage or trees!!!  Well, in my neck of the woods I don't get to see many orange and gold leaves-they turn straight to brown, crumble, and fall to the ground.  But, I promise, to keep searching for that perfect Texas Autumn tree, and I will post it as soon as I find it, haha!




Well, my dear readers, the time has come to be honest about my visit today.   I will have to take leave for 2 or 3 days from blogging.  My computer is going in for a transplant.  I have a laptop that crashed over a year ago, and when I took it to be worked on, they stripped one of the screws on the back and said they couldn't get the back off to get to the hard drive!  So I had to buy another computer-the PC I use now.  This poor laptop has sat for another year, and I am sick about it because I had many photos and wonderful memories on it, that are lost!  But, I took it somewhere else, they got the back off, and discovered that the mother board is READABLE!!!  And, they can transfer my files from it on to my PC.  So, off we will go for the procedure on Friday morning, and, hope for the best!




I promise to catch up to you all once I'm back on the road, lol!  I know...I do have a phone, but, I have a hard time communicating with it!  However, I can be reached by email.

In the meantime, if you get the chance, and like some of the old time music, pony over to Rockabilly Rock, and see who's dancing over there.  
Thank you so much for coming by...stop in and say hello if you can!

* Have a lovely and safe Autumn weekend, I'll see you soon!

One Hot Day's Cool Retreat!

In an effort to escape the sweltering Texas heat, most folks opt to stay indoors.  But, inevitably, cabin fever sets in, and, pandemonium is abound!  I'm here to tell you, if your air conditioner goes out on you, it may take a few days for the Air Conditioner service to come knocking at your door with relief!  In the meantime, the nearest motels are capitalizing on your misfortune...that is, if you can even score a room during  summer vacation time on a moment's notice.  And, if you need to bring your pet, be prepared!  $50.00 minimum per night for a pet!  AAGHGH!!!

*  I guess you have figured out, that I've been through all of the above this past summer.  It did double duty on me, my patience, and my pocketbook!  But, I got through it with positive determination and a new Air Conditioning guy (hugs to you, Clarence)!

***  

One rather hot July day, I felt I had to get out for a while, and, the grocery store just wasn't going to do it for me!  I needed something different to look at instead of tomatoes and baby back ribs!  I wanted to find an antique store to browse through, somewhere in Fort Worth.  Well, after searching the internet, I didn't have much luck finding anything that is still operating.  But, as I came across one name in a familiar area, I set out to see if I could find it.  No luck there, however, I ventured into the parking lot of a strip mall that was at one time a real hot spot with shops and cafés.  I saw a large sign atop one of the shops that read Flea Market!

* The rest is in the eyes of the beholder!

The following photos were taken by Suzanne
~July 2016

  

Well, you get the idea!  This was a very large, indoor Flea Market, and so well cooled.   Although I didn't find anything that I just couldn't live without, I enjoyed browsing through the multitudes of items.  They even had a kitchen where you could order burgers, or other foods that were prepared and cooked right there.  It was just what the doctor ordered for me!  New, friendly faces, and all kinds of neat stuff to look at in a very cool place!

*** So, if you're ever in a fever, and need to get out for a while, look to your nearest Flea Market for new faces and exercise.  Who knows...you may find something you just can't live without!

***
Here's how my little Scootie handles the heat.   
"Oops, Grandma...I didn't mean to get wet!  I was just trying to move the sprinkler!


~July 20, 2016 

Giving thanks to:
Google
Blogger
Yahoo
Scootie

***
* I'm sending Hugs, and, a special thanks to you, my dear readers for taking the time to stop by and check on me.  If you get the chance, step in and say hello! 

No excuses...don't be shy!  
♥♥♥ Be Safe, and Be Kind ♥♥♥