Blog Caroling, 2016

Copyright 2016, CABS for Reflections From the Fence

footnoteMaven has started the songs again, the joy of music of the season. It's Blog Caroling time again.

For at least 4 years, I have posted Little Drummer Boy by John Denver.

However, this year, I heard bells, the clear tones of handbells.  Off to YouTube I went. I found bells.  Trouble is, there were soooooo many videos and that was just of "Carol of the Bells".  I had been hearing that song in my minds ear for weeks.

So, here are just a few different versions of "Carol of the Bells", just bells, no song.  Bells ringing clear and with tones never to be denied, beautiful.

The first example is the first I found.  There is a bit of background noise, but, it is delightful, simple, perfect.  Handbell Choir of First Baptist Church Eastman, GA. , performs Carol of the Bells.

This version is much more professional, and should be, it is by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

This version is for the visual as well as the music.  Actually, the visual might be better - - you judge.  Carol of the Bells (handbell choir in black lights), posted and performed by Northside Baptist Church.

This is a nice presentation, "Carol of the Bells" by Impulse Handbell Ensemble.  Note: They have a Facebook connection.

I did find a flashmob presentation of the work, in Hawaii.  Played by the Aloha Ring 2015 Workshop players who surprise Safeway shoppers.  They win for having the true spirit of the season.

Possibly the most unusual I found was Carol of the Bells by  Cast in Bronze. It's a mobile carillon, wait till you see this.  Do note the musician and his "costume".

And, yes, I did do a bit of research on carillon and found:  "A carillon is a musical instrument composed of at least 23 carillon bells, arranged in chromatic sequence, so tuned as to produce concordant harmony when many bells are sounded together. It is played from a keyboard that allows expression through variation of touch. The keys are struck with the half-closed hand."

I hope you enjoyed this years submission to the Blog Caroling Carnival of 2016.

Happy Holidays to all.

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A Holiday Story, Of A Different Sort

Copyright 2016, CABS for Reflections From the Fence

If you have diabetes or know someone that does, you know that part of the challenge is the highs and lows. For me, the lows are more physically challenging, I shake, and feel like crap.

I will say, the new regiment of shots and pills, and such, I don't have nearly the issue with lows that I did before. It's been pretty good.

BUT, now and then - - WAM!!

Today, I had a wam! I tanked. And, it was fast. Which is of course, a nasty part of the equation.

I ended up walking into a coffee shop (not naming on purpose, the name would add nothing to the story or discussion).

I said to the young man/clerk, "I am tanking, what might you have that is sweet?"

He took one look at me and said,"hold on". He came back with some yummy to the tummy desert, and said, "I paid for this myself, see if it helps."

I said, "I have money", he said, "nope, just feel better".

I ate, I felt better.

Just so happened I saw him about 30 minutes later as he was taking the trash out. He yelled over, "was it good??" I said, "it was!"

I proceeded to thank him again and gave him a big ole hug!

Then, he tells me, "my parents are both diabetic, I knew what you needed and how fast."

I'll tell you, those parents raised a special young man.

Gave me a huge hunk o 'holiday' spirit, let me tell you.

Happy Holidays to all.



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Tis the season - -

Copyright 2016, CABS for Reflections From the Fence

I’ll fess up, I have had a rough time writing my annual holiday letter this year.  2016 has been full of ups and downs. It was full of losses and happy days.

A summer wedding of nephew.  Lovely, beautiful people and family.  Beautiful setting. May they continue to radiate the true meaning of love and happiness.

We helped orchestrate the sale of a family home.  Lots of decisions had to be made in a timely manner.  But, it allowed me the fabulous opportunities to visit the home where my grandmother grew up, and several cemeteries I had been hunting for.  It was the right time to visit those cemeteries, kismet abounded.

Man and I are gaining in years, and thus, we are facing more health issues.  Happens. My own, the Demon diabetes, is a buggar, and I have now added shots to the mix of drugs that attempt to keep it in control.  It is a constant battle.

One of the issues that has been stressful was the bullying and stalking (perceived or otherwise) I experienced over the last year or so.  Sadly, I have said good bye to many peeps with whom I had friendships and acquaintances. In the end it was a good decision/act on my part, as it freed me up from much stress.  It was something I had to do for ME.  So, I did!  I am using the “free” time and less stressful life to concentrate more on research and hopefully will get back to posting here on Reflections more often. I have so many travel photos/stories I would love to review and share, over 3 years worth!  YIKES!

We are still Rving whenever possible.  This summer, in a 6 week blitz, designed to keep us off the internet grid, we made a bucket list trip to Nova Scotia.  Man’s grandmother was born there and we had long wanted to visit.  The research did not tell us why she cannot be found in any records from Canada or the USA from 1901 till 1918, but, we enjoyed the time away. Nova Scotia is wonderful, like Maine, but, on steroids! This is the view from Tana's desk at one of our stops.  It's a miracle we came home.  

This winter we will be spending our time in Arizona, or that is the plan.  You know us, we drift with the wind, dust and sea mist.  No sea mist here, but, we have wind and dust.  And beautiful desert, mountains, and saguaro and the SUNSETS!!!  

We have continued to enjoy Winston, AKA, Sir Winston, the sweet and sassy yorkie.  He is quite the character and has his own “page” at Facebook, “Winston’s Wonderful Wanderings”.

We end the year thinking of the many dear friends and family that are also facing health issues.  You know what they say - - Getting old taint for sissies - - Isn’t that the truth??

To all of our friends that celebrate during this season, Christmas or another holiday, we wish you all the same, a holiday full of family, fond memories and great food, celebrating your reasons, your beliefs.

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Living the Dash - - Isolde Ingeborg Hagen Bock - - RIP

Copyright 2016, CABS for Reflections From the Fence

Though you deserve your rest our hearts are overflowing with sorrow. 
 Seeing you suffer and not being able to help you was our greatest pain.

 We say goodbye to my beloved Isolde,
 our mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, sister, sister-in-law and friend

                            lsolde Bock
                            Nee Hagen

       09 September 1946 - 31 October 2016

 In affection

 The funeral will be held on Tuesday, 8 November 2016 at 2 pm at Korntaler
 Cemetery.

On October 31, 2016 our family lost another.  Isolde had suffered and fought cancer for a number of years.  She will be dearly missed by her husband, two children and five grandchildren.




*My profound apologies to the family for the unforgivable delay in publishing this post.

** My sincere thanks to internet friends who helped with the top photo and who helped me translate the German death notice.

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