Merry Christmas from the Mudflats! (and a confession)
I have a Christmas confession to make. After the last Mudstock meetup that was held in Anchorage, I felt wistful. It seemed like such a good time, and the Anchorage Mudflatters even made awesome Christmas ornaments with little yellow boots made from duct tape. Best of all, the ornaments were hung in the “tower of power”, the Atwood Building in downtown Anchorage, that houses the offices of the Governor and her staff.
I was convinced that the ornaments would soon be gone, relegated to the dust bin. But mwThatOne, who organized the meet, told me last week that they were still there! I couldn’t resist checking it out. And as I had a meeting in the Atwood Building this week….it seemed that luck was on my side. I spotted the wreaths and sure enough, there they were. I suddenly was overcome with temptation. I looked around, furtively, and then, quick as a wink, I nicked one and stuffed it in my bag. I zoomed out of the building and never looked back, leaving one ornament where it hung.
Once in my car, I took it out and looked at it. It was just awesome to hold something in my hand that came from YOU! And I do think of it as coming symbolically from all the Mudflatters who have been so supportive over these past couple of months. So THANK YOU for my wonderful Christmas present!
It is now the most special ornament on my tree! I hung it right next to my Brian the Moose ornament. Seemed like the right place.
Wishing all of you a Merry Merry Christmas. And for those not celebrating the holiday, I hope you have a beautiful peaceful day, as much of the rest of the world slows down to take a day off.
As I sit here, watching the snow swirling outside in the wind, and my Mudflats ornament shimmering on my tree, I feel warm inside and out.
Enjoy the open thread, and tell us how you are spending your day.
Merry Christmas, AKM!
Peace Out!
I have an ornament on MY tree, too, AKM ! So glad you got yours, no one is more deserving of that token of the esteem of all of us!
To anyone who would like to retrieve the other 3, the easiest to find would be outside on a spruce tree…..one was created by Writing from AK, with several boots drawn on the tape as a belt around the ball. You will just have to search a bit… one inside the restaurant, 2 on separate trees, outside.
Cheers……
Merry Christmas to all from the Show Me State!!!
Merry Christmas! Due to the snow that we usually don’t get, and don’t drive in well, we are staying home this year. We ordinarily go to one of my husband’s sister’s house for Christmas Day. I like staying home, so this is nice. Our kids are grown and doing their own things today, so the house is quiet and peaceful.
They were all here for Christmas Eve dinner, opening presents (from each other – Santa brings things on Christmas Day). Then we went to the candlelight service at church (oldest daughter and I sing in the choir), came home for some pumpkin pie and said our good-nights. Younger daughter and her hubby headed for home, worried that the streets would get icier if they stayed too late, and oldest spent the night to be here for Christmas morning. My hubby fixed bacon and egg sandwiches for brunch, and now the kitchen is cleaned up, the living room has been reclaimed from the paper and bows, and I’m watching another Christmas movie on TV while hubby tries to figure out his new universal remote – the one that really will operate the TV, the DVD player, the DVD/VHS player, the Comcast cable stuff. At least he hopes it will, if he can figure out how to set it up. (That’s why I’m upstairs watching a movie.)
We are still getting a little more snow, but it’s not as cold as last week. At least the squirrels and the birds are back out looking for food. They were hiding somewhere when it was so cold – except the hummingbirds. They are so pretty and stay here all winter. I love it, but it will be nice to not have to bring the feeders in at night to keep them from freezing.
Merry Christmas to all the mudpuppies, and AKM, thanks for bringing us all together. This has been great.
Pat
Those ornaments seem to be the gift that keeps on giving. I just want to say that I got that tingly feeling reading how you ‘connected’ to the group via the ornament. Plus, seeing one of the originals hanging in your home now brings it all full circle.
Since I am one who celebrates Chanukah, I can only imagine how those celebrating Christmas must have felt when reading your “confession”.
You certainly have ended up connecting the world via your site. I know it wasn’t a planned thing, but what a wild ride we are all taking each other on with you as the main musher. The ornaments have become one of the symbols that have touched us all.
BTW, I mentioned this group to my dental hygienist who had voted for the dark side. She told me she had seen a bumper sticker with yellow boots and had wondered what it meant. (grin) I am now on the look-out for the car sporting that bumper sticker!
Peace to all….
AKM, So glad you “retrieved” the mudstock ornament before one of Barbie’s minions, found them and took them, After all, you of course are the inspiration for the creation of the ornaments with the “little yellow boots”
So grateful for you AKM bringing us all together from all over the World!
Wishing Happy Holidays to all Mudpuppies!
It was raining here near SF Cali, and this morning we had thunder & lightning!
I just treated myself to a eggnog and soon I and my BF will go pick up my Son and we are going to a local restaurant for Christmas dinner. Last night watched Chronicles of Nardia, and the white witch reminded me of….well, you know….
I love Aslan, he is my hero!
Blessings of light and love to all! ???
Just home from church, sang a solo – which happily for me – went OK. Doing it again Sunday, come on by if you can find me – ! Love and blessed Christmas to you all.
Holy Moly, AKM — you have a Raven steals the sun ornament! The Mudflats ornament is tres cool : ) What a beautiful tree!
Merry Christmas/Happy Chanukah/Happy Solstice to all Mudpups!
Happy Christmas. AKM and assorted mudflatters.
Merry Christmas AKM.
The ornament looks awsome on your tree. That is a keepsake for sure.
I hope you have the most wonderful year ever in 2009.
I am glad you took an ornament for yourself. You deserve it. I spent a lovely Christmas with my brother, my daughter and her husband in Bethesda. Good food, great gifts and family.A wonderful day/
I bet Trooper Wooten will not even arrest you for grand theft ornament!
Congrats on your score AKM! Warmed my heart on Christmas Day to see that ornament exactly where it belongs.
College kids home for the holidays, Grandma stayed the night….what it’s all about. Cozy wood heat, dinner (turkey, but also Alaska king crab, salmon lox and homemade wild cranberry preserves in the mix). Gentle snow outside, still evening, later, some long-distance ice skating to the glacier under a meager moon & headlamps. Joy!
Thank you AKM for all you have contributed to our world. It’s been exhilarating! I used the “Playing in the mud” tote bags for gift holders to my equally obsessed friends’ gifts. They made great package delivery bags for sharing our wonderful subsistence goodies.
Here’s to Change in the New Year, we can Now believe in.
Happy Holidays AKM & Mudflatters!!
Stay warm, eat lots & safe travels!!
@ Annette, Missouri
Thank you!! And Merry Christmas to all from the SNOW ME STATE. Sorry, couldn’t resist!
Love to all of you.
I forgot to wish everyone a wonderful day, and after reading all these other beautiful posts, I think I best do that before singing off! I appreciate this interesting community and all the communication it fosters. There is something very sweet about this community. Perhaps the originator is at heart a very sweet person!
Merry Christmas, AKM and Mudpups everywhere
CRFlats, I could actually smell the cozy smells of your house.
2 of 3 adult (but just barely) children home, the third coming in from Tokyo on Sunday. We, like Pat and her family, have been somewhat housebound with the unusual snowfall in Seattle, but we are enjoying ourselves. Didn’t make it to our traditional Christmas day movie (Oliver Button will have to wait), but we are 2/3 of the way through the Lord of the Rings. We’ll watch the Return of the King tonight. I remember seeing the first one on this day the year it came out. I don’t think there has been another to compare since.
AKM, I’m really glad you got your ornament. It will become a family heirloom, and the story will be passed down. mwThatOne, what a great gift you made!
Peace to All,
wd
What a lovely Christmas gift to find an open thread here!
We stayed up way too late last night, and slept way too long this morning. It used to be that the kids got us out of bed on Christmas day, but at 18 and 20, we have to drag them out to open the gifts!
We ate the traditional coffee cake, made by my Mom, read the traditional Christmas story, and then opened our presents.
Then we snacked and snoozed and watched all the new DVD’s – Tim Burton’s ‘The Corpse Bride’ for my son, ‘Juno’ for my daughter, ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’ for my husband, and a new copy of ‘The Princess Bride’ for me.
It was very simple, but practically unheard of, except on those occasional Christmases when we do get to spend the whole day at home, just us four.
I’m so happy to hear how some of you are spending have spent your day, and I wish for you the wonderful spirit of Christmas overflowing into your new year.
Nice bit of “requisitioning” there, AKM.
AKM,
You should add Mudflats ornaments to the Mudflats shop.
I suppose Sarah Paluin decorates her tree with the severed paws of dead wolves.
Any news on the newest Palin pup ???
Merry Christmas, AKM and all who gather here. My chef husband is serving the hoitytoity folks at the hotel where he works. I am housecleaning in anticipation of the arrival of one of my oldest friends, flying in from NYC for some San Diego sun and to recover from his recent job loss. So my holiday will be late tonight, but I am grateful for so much– including the hope offered by the Obama presidency, a Democratic congress, and the work of people like AKM who fight for truth, justice and the American way, off-stage, quietly, and for no other remuneration than a stolen ornament!
Bless you all.
Merry Christmas, mudpups and AKM. Your tree is made extra beautiful by the guerrilla wellies ornament. Raven stole the sun, AKM rescued the sunshiny rain boots, and Brian beams his approval!
Our day was spent with extended family, including two who were present, but not yet fully known. Looks like I’ll be an auntie twice this year!
Thank you AKM and mudpups for a fascinating fall, and thank you Raven, for bringing back the sun!
And hey, I like the Tlingkit totem ornament too! Merry Christmas!
Workday for me, but thankfully, I was able to spend my lunch hour at Daughters watching the grandkids tear into presents. The squeal of delight from the 3 yr old girl over the princess tiara was just priceless. Christmas carols on the drive in, then enjoyed NPR Christmas stories on the way home.(Which had me bawling my eyes out )
Arrived home to find a big bonfire next door and half the neighborhood in attendance. Instead of turkey’s, hams, or roasts, we had hotdogs and toasted marshmallows. Its been just a very wonderful day and I am very grateful to be so blessed.
WOW, what an item of pure beauty that ornament is! I’m glad you got it, AKM. It looks perfect on your tree.
The day here was warm and humid–had to turn on the A/C!
Oldest son had the usual in-law obligations yesterday and today, but he did bring the girls over late afternoon. They loved the presents, and we had a great time playing with their new goodies.
Merry/Happy Christmas or whatever holiday all of the mudpuppies choose to celebrate. And may next year bring much joy and peace to all.
Hello from GA, AKM.
I’ve enjoyed reading your informative commentary for quite a few months now.
I consider myself an “unofficial” mudpuppy since I visit your site several times everyday. Please continue keeping us informed.
Although I have only posted comments a few times, I feel as if I know the regulars who comment here, and I must say I’ve always been very pleased with the upbeat attitude and enthusiasm I’ve noticed here. It kept me from going bonkers during the long election season, especially since I live in a very RED state where it is difficult to find people to talk with who have similar views about politics.
Happy holidays and happy new year to AKM and all of you. THANKS!!
Lovely day, some presents, and warm evening with a movie or two.
Checked in to see what beautiful Joe Biden’s grandchildren had named his new puppy. Ready? “Champ” If you know some of his painful times and ways in which he survived, you would probably agree that Champ is a most perfect name. I’m hoping Jill’s Golden Retriever from a rescue/pound will be named Sparky
Joe and Jill fed the homeless in Wilmington, Delaware, yesterday. They have helped at the soup kitchen before, but this year the secret service presence awed staff and the served alike…they loved it. Joe and Barack are my gifts this holiday season. Much love to all Mudpuppies. Thanks AKM…hey to Brian.
I wanted to celebrate with Chinese food like they do in the big cities: http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2008/12/25/waiting_for_santa_at_shanghai
It seems we have the gift of the majii a bit early this year. So glad you came out out say hello! Season’s greetings, happy holidays, and a muddy Christmas to you in Georgia!
AKM and any mudflatters still on the blog-
Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, and Happy Soltice from the Red state of Nebraska- loved all the spraklies on the tree. We made it here with all the coolers intact, and pulled spiral glazed ham, cooked rolled turkey breast, two potatoe casseroles, praline sweet potatoes, the ubiquitious green beans, pies, gravy…I was very busy before we left Colorado. Stepmom is very weak, and so appreciated not having to cook anything while we are here.
Served Christmas dinner to her and three “orphans”; the fun made up for not being with our daughter for the first time in 30 years.
May you all enjoy family and friends- looking forward to the virtual pj party on Jan. 20
Home from the treadmill, and off to the kitchen for pumpkin pie! AKM – your tree is just stunning. And so is your blog and blog community. I’m enjoying seeing lots of “lurkers” and new names posting here today. It’s almost as much fun to see the names as to read the posts – this is a creative group. Maybe it’s time to change my own?
I hear my PIE calling my name. And I’ll bet President-Elect Obama is listening to his own PIE’S voice, too. Do you think he’s having sweet potato pie or pumpkin pie?
Thief! Thief! Just kidding…
Maybe you should put it up on Snowzilla as a sign of solidarity. He needs all the help he can get.
Merry Christmas All. And all other seasonal holidays too.
On the you can’t make this stuff up front, a friend of ours just sent us a link to a comic called TUNDRA. It is written/drawn by a guy from Wasilla AK. Now the thing that makes this even funnier? We all went to college with a guy whose nickname/userid was Tundra. And he used that until the Toyota truck came out. It is just really odd how small the world is these days
Happy Christmas, Mudfolks. My sweetheart flew home to the Midwest to visit mom and siblings, leaving me alone. I slept late with a pile of cats and at least one dog snuggled on the couch with me. Rather lazily cooked a chicken, roasted potatoes and a squash, and made cranberry sauce from wild berries picked this fall. Logged hours and hours of film, including footage of a bull moose and a black bear who visited our yard earlier in the year. I have only spent one other Christmas Day alone, and as I recall, that day was long and lonely. But today feels sweet, precious. A beloved Fairbanks character was murdered a few days ago, and his three killers were indicted yesterday for his murder. The outpouring of grief and outrage on the local newspaper blogs makes me realize how lucky I am to be on this planet, breathing, participating in community, doing good work. If you are willing, please pause for a second and send warm thoughts to us here in the Fairbanks area as we do battle with the evil that walks among us.
Good on ya AKM! That ornament just came home where it always belonged. Beautiful tree too, also… We had an unusually warm day. Lots of kids, grandkids, good food, good drink, good conversations, lots of expressed love. It was a wonderful day for all us.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, Happy Kwanza, Happy Solstice, oh EVERYBODY just have a Merry and Happy day, week, month. life.
Took the three dogs on a long explore of the woods. Left Christmas offerings of apples, lettuce, pine cones with peanut butter and seeds, and split-open pumpkins for the “wild things”….white-tailed deer, rabbits, racoons and other denizens of the forest.
Apparently we have been successful one more time in dancing the dances and singing the songs…..the days are getting infinitesimally longer again as the sun is returning from its rendezvous with the Tropic of Capricorn. Won’t be winter forever!
But for today….Merry Christmas to AKM and all the posters here! It has been so enjoyable to read all your thoughts these last several months.
Spent the morning in my easy chair…browsing the flats, opened a few gifts, generally resting up for an afternoon of wrapping a couple gifts, fixing a veggie tray at one friend’s place to take to some others’ place for a dinner of crab legs, roast beef strips, sweet potatoes, beans, cranberries, decaf coffee, and a slice of apple & pumpkin pie with ice cream.
Now……have just devoured all the sweet comments of this gang of pups. Sounds like we all had good food to eat.
I am grateful for this blog and all the info and fun; Am willing to head up a committee of MFOrnament Makers, and maybe AKM store would take orders for ornaments for next holiday season AND/OR to have as token hanging things we could send out to posters as they attain a certain level. [Any monies made by ordering them would go to AKM as a donation & for postage....not sure how this would work. We could send a dozen+ to the store as needed....anyone want to be on the committee? Wait, I'll get permission first.... ]
Merry Christmas and Seasons Greetings to one and all – and a big Christmas hug to AKM for making this a wonderful place to be!!! I don’t have a tree this year as I’m in the middle of moving house, but my “imaginary tree” has a Mudflats bauble on it…
Hello everyone,
It has been a while since I commented but do keep up by reading the blog daily *waves to everyone*
Merry Christmas to you all, or whatever seasonal tradition you celebrate.
We here in Australia are ‘in summer’ and envy all of your stories of snow. Today, being a day ahead of you it is Boxing Day. It was quite hot. We watched a game called ‘cricket’. This year we, Australia, are playing South Africa and it is a 3 game series. They (SAfrica won the first game)
We hope to win the other 2 games.
We as a family have our main meal on Christmas Eve. We chill and play with our new toys on Christmas Day. This has always been a tradition in my family. I think it started as being from the southern hemisphere it was always too hot to have a hot mid day meal (though many do this) My two boys were home with DH and me. The one is an actor and the other in the army. (Chalk and cheese) It was wonderful to be together.
Here’s wishing everyone a Verrrrry Happy Christmas and a Wonderful New Year.
AKM…thank you for everything. I have learnt so much, not only about the US political system but so much about Alaska. I love learning about new places and I lurve Brenda and Brian !
I have also ( and also, also ) ‘met’ so many wonderful people on this blog.
I even made a ‘sparkleball’.
Mwah to you all and Happy Christmas.
I would personally like to wish you a very merry christmas…and a wonderful 4 years..ha..
you made the later part of the election some of the best times ever with your blog…first time ever I was envious of you Alaskans…you are terrific people who stood up and took a stand and spoke out loud and clear…Goddess blessings on you from an ole West, Texas Yellow Dog Pagan…
Frohe Weihnachten und einen guten Rutsch ins neue Jahr 2009
from Berlin, with special wishes to you, Brit and Jamie!
Happy Boxing Day Folks!
Wonderful yesterday. The Nine Nice Newfs got presents from Santa which kept them mostly silent. Love the story on grabbing the Christmas Ball, AKM! The actor son is here, the artist son comes on Sunday with his significant other and their dog.
We received a DVD of A Colbert Christmas. We had watched it on TV, but the DVD has looped Yule log burning. We put that on while my sister and family came over. They said “Where did you get that channel?” just when books are thrown on the fire. Yes, it’s a Colbert book burning Yule log.
Wonderful! Being poor this Christmas, I made up a card came for my nieces and nephews (youngest 16) and called it F*** It. They love the game. It’s the best present I’ve ever given them. They are VERY LOUD when they played it. They are the Beta testers. I told them after they’ve played it a couple of months, they can give me feedback and if any of THEM want to take it to stores, that’s great, just give me a percentage.
Do you know how long it takes to cut up 9 packs of 81 cards???
To all of us: Peace, Joy, Love!
Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. But let’s not forget the lives that the Bush Crime Family have destroyed these past 8 years. It just might make your head spin. I’ll be thankful when January 21st comes.
Nice!
How wonderful that you have your own handmade Mudflats ornament. Sure to become a family heirloom!
I spent the day cooking WAY too much food for just us two, but that means yummy leftovers through the weekend that can be eaten picnic-style on a blanket in front of the fireplace while reading Mudflats on the laptop.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF YOU AT MUDFLATS!
AKM
your tree looks beautiful and of all people who should have the yellow boots, it should be you, after all it is your thing.
I got my christmas present…rain and about freezing temps to wash away the now dirty snow and 5 inches of ice.