| JJ |
Wanting to keep everyone well fed as they decorated, Catherine offered a choice of either warmed apple cider, or hot chocolate, and for a treat, Catherine set out the Christmas cookies she had made. There were cutouts of Reindeer's with red noses, Santa faces, with fluffy white beards, and Snowmen with top hats.
Catherine had to smile to herself, as she spotted Vincent inspecting the selection, before finally picking out a snowman shaped cookie from the platter.
Meanwhile, for ambiance, Catherine put in "How the Grinch stole Christmas" into the VCR, to play as they decorated. This cartoon adaptation was timeless, and Mouse, Jamie, and Laura seemed to enjoy it immensely. Catherine noticed even Jacob enjoyed Boris Karloff's narration.
Everyone had their thing to do to help ready the cabin for Christmas. Peter, Pascal, and Mouse took charge of stringing lights, while Jamie and Laura had fun placing the assortment of Christmas figurines and stuffed animals about the cabin. Catherine, Vincent, and Rebecca decorated the tree, and after Mary and Jacob finished putting on the chili, they came to help them as well.
As the tree committee sifted through the ornaments for the chosen ones, Rebecca lifted a homemade ornament from the box and asked, "This little Drummer boy looks to be hand painted."
As Rebecca inspected it further she reiterated, "Oh yes I see it is, and you did it. Your name is on the back of it Catherine. How cute!"
Catherine smiled as she explained its origin, saying, "I made that when I was in Girl Scouts. We had taken an 8-week class in ceramics, and I made a few dozen ornaments, and gave them as Christmas gifts.”
Peter laughed as he said, "I know I got a couple of ‘em!"
With a smile, Catherine admitted, "Anyone that was in my gift giving radius, received one that year. Every poor unsuspecting friend or relative of mine, must have an ornament floating around still somewhere in their Christmas decorations."
Catherine then noted, "I believe the Angel you are holding is one of my creations too Father." Jacob looked at the angel a little closer, and said, "Lovely Catherine truly lovely."
After the last ornament was placed on the tree, everyone stepped back, saying it was the most beautiful tree they had ever seen!
With angst, Mary noted one last item in the box, and said, "Ah but we are forgetting the finishing touch." And so she went over and lifted the popcorn garland from its box to place it upon the tree.
Looking hesitatingly at Catherine, Vincent wondered if he should stop Mary from adding the popcorn string unto the tree. But discreetly, Catherine nodded as she privately indicated it would be all right, and after Mary carefully draped the popcorn garland, Catherine said to her, "Mary that looks perfect, just what the tree needed; now it finally looks complete."
By the time they had finished their perspective decorating assignments, the cabin looked so warm and cheerful, and even Mouse said, “Looks like Children’s Wonderland at the Center.”
Wondering if Mouse had been there, Catherine said, “I would go there every year when I was a little girl. You have been there too?”
Mouse, excitedly said, “We all have! Brooke, Laura, Jamie and others. Rebecca took us.”
To which Jacob expounded, “Rebecca? You took them. I don’t recall any discussion about this outing!”
Looking a bit guilty, Rebecca admitted, “It was quite a few years ago, when Jessica was in town, and you had gone above. And well Lou had been visiting us, telling us all about the wonderful Christmas displays there. He then said if we wanted to go, his son was working at the gate, and would let us in.”
Vincent then stepped up, coming to Rebecca’s aid, and said, “Rebecca did ask my opinion, and since Lou was to be there helping his son, we didn’t see any harm.” Thoughtfully, Vincent then added, “I believe we have spoken about this in passing Father.”
To which Jacob scratched his chin, and recalled, “Perhaps we have.”
Pleased Vincent came to the rescue, Rebecca asked, “You are not upset with me Father?’
Knowing Rebecca is a worrier, with a compassionate smile, Jacob replied, “Not at all Rebecca. I am certain you took great care of your charges.”
Looking about at those in attendance, Jacob cheerfully added, “Alas, here’s proof, they are all still alive and well.”
With relief, Rebecca smiled as she said, “Yes, we all kept track of each other, and we had such a wonderful time. There were so many displays! Some had mechanical children moving about in homey decorated rooms of little Christmas houses! And we also saw a display, where there were these furry little animal robots moving around in a forest made of candy.”
To which Mouse added, “Even saw a raccoon robot!”
Laura animatedly signed, “It was so colorful and dreamlike!”
Jamie also added, “Oh yeah it was great! I especially loved the huge Gingerbread House there. It had a million gingerbread people twirling around, holding huge peppermint lollipops! Gee, I would love to go again.”
Thoughtfully, Mary said, “I remember the outing, but I can't recall why I didn’t go.”
To which Pascal informatively said, “You said you couldn’t go, because you were working on the blankets you were knitting for Christmas that year.”
Remembering, Mary expounded, “That’s right Pascal! Now, hearing how wonderful it was, I wish maybe I had gone.”
In response, Mouse kindly said, “Don’t be sad Mary. Maybe we could go again.”
Peter thinking that sounded like a fun thing to do, offered, “If Scrooge says its OK, it’ll be my treat. Just name the day, and we’ll go.”
With an irritated look, Jacob replied, “Assuming you are referring to me as Scrooge, Mr. Money Bags, I will say yes, and name the day as well!”
Everyone feeling the excitement of the perspective outing, expressed how they could not wait to go! Mary then noted, “It seems this merrily bejeweled cabin, has put us all in the Holiday mood!”
Proudly Catherine looked around the cabin, and thought Mary was right, the cabin did look quite merry, and, she was pleased the cabin would be all decorated for her Dad, when he returned from his trip.
Since everyone was hungry, they sat around the table, had refreshments, and discussed what needed to be done to prepare for their bonfire by the pond tonight.
Peter took charge of the meeting, giving everyone a job, and after they adjourned, he suggested, “Well everyone, let’s get moving!” And so they did. Peter himself turned on the outside speakers so they could hear the Christmas Carols. And while they played, Pascal, Mouse, Jamie, Rebecca and Laura, cleared the ice, using every broom, shovel, and snow scoop they could find. Meanwhile, Jacob helped Peter ignite the bonn fire, with Mary gathering twigs for kindling.
Catherine and Vincent were to help clear the ice as well, but before they went out, Catherine held Vincent back, and said, "Before we join the others, I want to give you your gift."
Reaching into his cloak, he said, "I wish to give you a gift as well."
As they settled in around the tree, Catherine handed Vincent the first gift she had for him. As Vincent tried to conceal his excitement, he lifted the lid to reveal a long, deep brown knitted scarf.
As he brought it up out of the box, he marveled, "Ahhh, very nice, Thank you."
Catherine smiled as she put it on around his neck, loosely winding it only once, and said, "You are welcome."
Vincent then handed Catherine her gift and said, "This is for you.”
Catherine excitedly inspected her gift before she opened it, and asked, "Did you wrap this for me?"
After he admitted he had, Catherine tenderly folded the wrapping to save, and she opened the wooden box. Inside was the most beautiful pair of earrings she had ever seen. They were made of crystals that matched the necklace Vincent had previously given her. Softly, Catherine said, "Vincent, they will match my necklace perfectly!"
Vincent nodded as he said, "I hope you like them."
As Catherine tried them on, Vincent passionately said, "They look even more beautiful on you than I imagined."
Catherine returned Vincent's loving gaze, and said, “I love them Vincent. Thank you so much."
To be continued
Part Five
Catherine had to smile to herself, as she spotted Vincent inspecting the selection, before finally picking out a snowman shaped cookie from the platter.
Meanwhile, for ambiance, Catherine put in "How the Grinch stole Christmas" into the VCR, to play as they decorated. This cartoon adaptation was timeless, and Mouse, Jamie, and Laura seemed to enjoy it immensely. Catherine noticed even Jacob enjoyed Boris Karloff's narration.
Everyone had their thing to do to help ready the cabin for Christmas. Peter, Pascal, and Mouse took charge of stringing lights, while Jamie and Laura had fun placing the assortment of Christmas figurines and stuffed animals about the cabin. Catherine, Vincent, and Rebecca decorated the tree, and after Mary and Jacob finished putting on the chili, they came to help them as well.
As the tree committee sifted through the ornaments for the chosen ones, Rebecca lifted a homemade ornament from the box and asked, "This little Drummer boy looks to be hand painted."
As Rebecca inspected it further she reiterated, "Oh yes I see it is, and you did it. Your name is on the back of it Catherine. How cute!"
Catherine smiled as she explained its origin, saying, "I made that when I was in Girl Scouts. We had taken an 8-week class in ceramics, and I made a few dozen ornaments, and gave them as Christmas gifts.”
Peter laughed as he said, "I know I got a couple of ‘em!"
With a smile, Catherine admitted, "Anyone that was in my gift giving radius, received one that year. Every poor unsuspecting friend or relative of mine, must have an ornament floating around still somewhere in their Christmas decorations."
Catherine then noted, "I believe the Angel you are holding is one of my creations too Father." Jacob looked at the angel a little closer, and said, "Lovely Catherine truly lovely."
After the last ornament was placed on the tree, everyone stepped back, saying it was the most beautiful tree they had ever seen!
With angst, Mary noted one last item in the box, and said, "Ah but we are forgetting the finishing touch." And so she went over and lifted the popcorn garland from its box to place it upon the tree.
Looking hesitatingly at Catherine, Vincent wondered if he should stop Mary from adding the popcorn string unto the tree. But discreetly, Catherine nodded as she privately indicated it would be all right, and after Mary carefully draped the popcorn garland, Catherine said to her, "Mary that looks perfect, just what the tree needed; now it finally looks complete."
By the time they had finished their perspective decorating assignments, the cabin looked so warm and cheerful, and even Mouse said, “Looks like Children’s Wonderland at the Center.”
Wondering if Mouse had been there, Catherine said, “I would go there every year when I was a little girl. You have been there too?”
Mouse, excitedly said, “We all have! Brooke, Laura, Jamie and others. Rebecca took us.”
To which Jacob expounded, “Rebecca? You took them. I don’t recall any discussion about this outing!”
Looking a bit guilty, Rebecca admitted, “It was quite a few years ago, when Jessica was in town, and you had gone above. And well Lou had been visiting us, telling us all about the wonderful Christmas displays there. He then said if we wanted to go, his son was working at the gate, and would let us in.”
Vincent then stepped up, coming to Rebecca’s aid, and said, “Rebecca did ask my opinion, and since Lou was to be there helping his son, we didn’t see any harm.” Thoughtfully, Vincent then added, “I believe we have spoken about this in passing Father.”
To which Jacob scratched his chin, and recalled, “Perhaps we have.”
Pleased Vincent came to the rescue, Rebecca asked, “You are not upset with me Father?’
Knowing Rebecca is a worrier, with a compassionate smile, Jacob replied, “Not at all Rebecca. I am certain you took great care of your charges.”
Looking about at those in attendance, Jacob cheerfully added, “Alas, here’s proof, they are all still alive and well.”
With relief, Rebecca smiled as she said, “Yes, we all kept track of each other, and we had such a wonderful time. There were so many displays! Some had mechanical children moving about in homey decorated rooms of little Christmas houses! And we also saw a display, where there were these furry little animal robots moving around in a forest made of candy.”
To which Mouse added, “Even saw a raccoon robot!”
Laura animatedly signed, “It was so colorful and dreamlike!”
Jamie also added, “Oh yeah it was great! I especially loved the huge Gingerbread House there. It had a million gingerbread people twirling around, holding huge peppermint lollipops! Gee, I would love to go again.”
Thoughtfully, Mary said, “I remember the outing, but I can't recall why I didn’t go.”
To which Pascal informatively said, “You said you couldn’t go, because you were working on the blankets you were knitting for Christmas that year.”
Remembering, Mary expounded, “That’s right Pascal! Now, hearing how wonderful it was, I wish maybe I had gone.”
In response, Mouse kindly said, “Don’t be sad Mary. Maybe we could go again.”
Peter thinking that sounded like a fun thing to do, offered, “If Scrooge says its OK, it’ll be my treat. Just name the day, and we’ll go.”
With an irritated look, Jacob replied, “Assuming you are referring to me as Scrooge, Mr. Money Bags, I will say yes, and name the day as well!”
Everyone feeling the excitement of the perspective outing, expressed how they could not wait to go! Mary then noted, “It seems this merrily bejeweled cabin, has put us all in the Holiday mood!”
Proudly Catherine looked around the cabin, and thought Mary was right, the cabin did look quite merry, and, she was pleased the cabin would be all decorated for her Dad, when he returned from his trip.
Since everyone was hungry, they sat around the table, had refreshments, and discussed what needed to be done to prepare for their bonfire by the pond tonight.
Peter took charge of the meeting, giving everyone a job, and after they adjourned, he suggested, “Well everyone, let’s get moving!” And so they did. Peter himself turned on the outside speakers so they could hear the Christmas Carols. And while they played, Pascal, Mouse, Jamie, Rebecca and Laura, cleared the ice, using every broom, shovel, and snow scoop they could find. Meanwhile, Jacob helped Peter ignite the bonn fire, with Mary gathering twigs for kindling.
Catherine and Vincent were to help clear the ice as well, but before they went out, Catherine held Vincent back, and said, "Before we join the others, I want to give you your gift."
Reaching into his cloak, he said, "I wish to give you a gift as well."
As they settled in around the tree, Catherine handed Vincent the first gift she had for him. As Vincent tried to conceal his excitement, he lifted the lid to reveal a long, deep brown knitted scarf.
As he brought it up out of the box, he marveled, "Ahhh, very nice, Thank you."
Catherine smiled as she put it on around his neck, loosely winding it only once, and said, "You are welcome."
Vincent then handed Catherine her gift and said, "This is for you.”
Catherine excitedly inspected her gift before she opened it, and asked, "Did you wrap this for me?"
After he admitted he had, Catherine tenderly folded the wrapping to save, and she opened the wooden box. Inside was the most beautiful pair of earrings she had ever seen. They were made of crystals that matched the necklace Vincent had previously given her. Softly, Catherine said, "Vincent, they will match my necklace perfectly!"
Vincent nodded as he said, "I hope you like them."
As Catherine tried them on, Vincent passionately said, "They look even more beautiful on you than I imagined."
Catherine returned Vincent's loving gaze, and said, “I love them Vincent. Thank you so much."
To be continued
Part Five
| Catherine and Vincent’s Christmas in Connecticut! Part Four |