A diverse offering twixt the interesting, the unusual, and the amusing.
Monday, 24 December 2012
CHRIS REA - "DRIVING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS"
Unashamedly schmaltzy, and hopelessly idealistic, I still love Chris Rea's 'Driving home for Christmas'. It reminds me of my mother trying to force a 30 lb Turkey into a small oven, of inordinate amounts of presents under the tree, of long-departed Aunts and Uncles, and of snoozing in front of 'The Wizard of Oz'.
Some of the best Christmases, for me, were in the late 50's and 60's, when my family would drive up to our hill-top cottage in Wales, overlooking the rolling hills of Powys. If it snowed, which it did often, the morning sunrise would turn the hills pink; it was magic.
So, if you're driving somewhere this Christmas Eve, do have a safe journey, and maybe even listen to this song. Cro xx
I think it must have been 1968 when I went up there on a visit back - I remember it started snowing on Christmas Eve and was picture perfect on Christmas morning.
I phoned Tenpin this morning (Christmas Eve) for a chat. Once again Merry Christmas.
One of the best things about The Impossibly Perfect Christmas is that by the time we croak it, most of us in the (Western world) firing line have collected enough pieces to nail a whole one together! Like you, I have some fantastic memories of Christmasses ... except for that one in the late sixties when the last of my grand-parents snuffed it, my parents went away to make arrangements and my sister and I (and the dog) were left at home with a 5,000lb turkey to dispose of. Even the dog wouldn't eat it in the end!
The only happy Christmas memories I have are ones I have made with my family. There are none I remember as a child.....my mom hates Christmas and told us so every year. So now, as an adult, the house is decorated, the food is prepared, the lights are up and my family are here....I LOVE Christmas. Happy Christmas Cro x
I love Chris Rea's Driving Home for Christmas song too. But I guess he didn't have a very good Christmas because the following year he sang Road to Hell! Bonne Noel Cro and Lady M.
Stopping by to wish you a wonderful Christmas and a wonderful Holidays with your loved ones. Thank you for all your lovely comments and visits in the past year. xoxo
It has recently become my favourite 'modern' christmas song. Love it. Thanks for the safe journey wishes. I'm just off to collect my mother (and everything but the kitchen sink if I'm not mistaken). Have a wonderful christmas. xx
This is my first time hearing this song. There's a nice country, travel-ish feel to it. I wonder why it hasn't crossed the water and become more of a hit over here too?
If you were driving up them Welsh hills for Christmas, Cro you'd need a bloomin ark or an Army Duck. You and Lady M, have a great Christmas. Love Molly xx
Happy Christmas to you, Lady M, Bok, and Monty! If i lived closer, i'd have picked up some beef bones for dogs when i got today's roast. I'm sure Monty and Bok would have loved them.
Wintery
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It’s stormy .
I took the Welsh to the beach and we hugged the Promenade wall to keep out
of the wind.
I’ve made a fish pie and the fire is lit.
It was my n...
THE BELLS ..... THE BELLS ..........
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*I guess we all have good things and bad things about where we live. One of
the lovely things about where our house is, is that it's a stones throw
aw...
2 months ago
Optimistic Cro!
The difference between an optimist and a pessimist, is that the optimist enjoys himself whilst waiting for the inevitable! I AM that optimist!
This is a daily, optimistic, 'photos and comments' blog. I make no judgements (only occasionally), just notes. If you wish to comment in any way at all, please feel free. Everything and everyone (except the obdurate and dictatorial) is very welcome.
I was born just south of London, but for the past 50 years I've lived in S W France. I am a painter by profession, and writer by desire. Lady Magnon and I live between an ancient cottage in a tiny village in perfectly tranquil French countryside, and a bijou townhouse in Brighton UK. In France we have plenty of fruit trees, all situated amongst a view that takes the breath away, in the UK we have a handkerchief sized patio. We also have a Border Collie called Billy. I try to treat our planet with respect, and encourage others to do likewise (without preaching).
Contentment is a glass of red, a plate of charcuterie, and a slice of good country bread. Perfect!
I think it must have been 1968 when I went up there on a visit back - I remember it started snowing on Christmas Eve and was picture perfect on Christmas morning.
ReplyDeleteI phoned Tenpin this morning (Christmas Eve) for a chat. Once again Merry Christmas.
I expect we'll phone her tomorrow. Wills was 'blown-up' in a recent storm, so has no phone or computer. ESP will have to suffice for the moment.
DeleteYes, Tenpin mentioned that. Storm here at present.
DeleteWishing you a succulent turkey and overcooked (home-grown) sprouts. Plus lots of schmaltz this Christmas. Have a good one.
ReplyDeleteAt least the schmaltz is guaranteed!
DeleteLove the song! I'm driving south to see the grandson for Christmas Eve and morning, then back home for dinner with the rest of my family.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you, Cro.
One of the best things about The Impossibly Perfect Christmas is that by the time we croak it, most of us in the (Western world) firing line have collected enough pieces to nail a whole one together! Like you, I have some fantastic memories of Christmasses ... except for that one in the late sixties when the last of my grand-parents snuffed it, my parents went away to make arrangements and my sister and I (and the dog) were left at home with a 5,000lb turkey to dispose of. Even the dog wouldn't eat it in the end!
ReplyDeleteHappy Humbug!
The only happy Christmas memories I have are ones I have made with my family. There are none I remember as a child.....my mom hates Christmas and told us so every year. So now, as an adult, the house is decorated, the food is prepared, the lights are up and my family are here....I LOVE Christmas. Happy Christmas Cro x
ReplyDeleteThat's rather sad, but sounds like you make up for it now. Best wishes.
DeleteI love Chris Rea's Driving Home for Christmas song too. But I guess he didn't have a very good Christmas because the following year he sang Road to Hell! Bonne Noel Cro and Lady M.
ReplyDeleteAnd a Joyeux Noel to you too.
DeleteHappy Christmas Cro & Lady M.
ReplyDeletePlenty of walks to burn it all off. Jx
A classic song. I have no idea how many times I spent Christmas on duty so when I managed a family one, I always went overboard!
ReplyDeleteHave a Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year!
Stopping by to wish you a wonderful Christmas and a wonderful Holidays with your loved ones. Thank you for all your lovely comments and visits in the past year.
ReplyDeletexoxo
Btw, this is my most favorite Christmas song.;)
ReplyDeleteIt has recently become my favourite 'modern' christmas song. Love it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the safe journey wishes. I'm just off to collect my mother (and everything but the kitchen sink if I'm not mistaken).
Have a wonderful christmas. xx
Joyeux Noel Cro!
ReplyDeleteThanks Camille; about time you did some writing n'est pas?
DeleteAh, tous en temps utile mon ami.
DeleteThis is my first time hearing this song. There's a nice country, travel-ish feel to it. I wonder why it hasn't crossed the water and become more of a hit over here too?
ReplyDeleteOh, by the way, Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteA Very Merry Christmas to you and the lovely Lady M. Have a peaceful Holiday season.
ReplyDeleteAwful song. Bah humbug.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you and yours Cro.x
A merry Christmas from us on the top of a hill in Powys. Snow looks highly unlikely - but we would be happy just for a spell of dry weather.
ReplyDeleteIf you were driving up them Welsh hills for Christmas, Cro you'd need a bloomin ark or an Army Duck. You and Lady M, have a great Christmas. Love Molly xx
ReplyDeleteHappy Christmas!
ReplyDeleteHappy Christmas to you, Lady M, Bok, and Monty! If i lived closer, i'd have picked up some beef bones for dogs when i got today's roast. I'm sure Monty and Bok would have loved them.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you and yours! The farthest I'm going tonight is to the barn to say good night to the ducks and chickens.
ReplyDeleteMerry merry ho ho ho! :)
ReplyDeleteCouldn't be more different from the sort of Christmas we have here. One day I'd love to experience it.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas