Christmas Spirit 2020

 I don't get much time anymore to write this blog, but I felt the need to write about Christmas Spirit, or the acute lack thereof, this year.  It is peculiar times; Covid has cause isolation even in a crowd.  Our masks cover not just our mouth and nose, but our smiles.  Social distancing has caused the absents of hugs and kisses, (Thank you Emmy for not following that and giving me a big, meaningful hug today),

Some people are even spending the time alone at this holiday, maybe for the first time.  A holiday that circles around family.  From the story of a baby, born to a virgin mother and a earthly father who raise Him in love,  Everyone visits that baby,  shepherds, wisemen and if the song is right, a little drummer boy.  That family is why we celebrate with our families and love ones.  That is why we share gifts at the holiday as a symbol of love to each other, sometimes even as a symbol of hope as did the gifts of the Magi, of frankincense, myrrh and  gold, gifts for a future king.

When I have gone shopping this past week the spirit that is usually there every year that you could catch in a strangers smile as they held the door, or talking with people in a long line at the store while you wait to check out, is missing.  You can't talk unless you shout, people can't understand you because the mask muffles your voice.  Handshakes and hugs don't exist and there is a sadness about that.  But what even makes me worry is that this will be an ongoing way of existence.  

All stories from a Peanuts Christmas to Twas the Night before Christmas revolves around people and family.  Will the future Santa wear a Hazmat suit and use hand sanitizer, think of all the cross contamination that man causes.  

How will Hallmark Christmas movies ever find love is a social distance society.  How will Snoopy kiss Lucy through a mask, oh the inhumanity of it all.

Well, I have no answers, only questions and I can only hope and pray that the future will be better.  That the Christmas Spirit will return, that hugs will come back.   

Until then, I wish you peace, love and hope this Christmas, and that's another day in Catasauqua

And the Rocket's Red Glare - J4 Fireworks

What a day!  First a parade past my house.  Then the Mother of all Reunions at the North Catasauqua Playground.  All this ending with a BANG at Alumni Field with some spectacular fireworks and some family time.

Catasauqua - nice job on the fireworks.  You put the Iron Pigs to shame.  I loved the purple and green firework that occasionally lit the sky.

Parke and I left early and got a spot in the parking lot - of course, he will never forgive me for that - oh yeah he will.  We picked a shady spot to wait and soon the Reiter Family, along with the Khouri's showed up next.  Soon the Lynn & Schadler families arrived.  Some food, some snacks and a lot or laughs were next.  Then the rest of my own Werner clan showed up with the Morgans.  You know what they say - the family that watches fireworks together yells ooooooh together.

Catasauqua, I would like to thank you for a wonderful time.  I know there is one more event - the house tours tomorrow.


HISTORIC OLD HOME WEEK HOUSE TOUR
The grand finale of Old Home Week is the Historic House and Garden tour on Sunday, July 6, 2014 from 12 to 5 p.m. This is the grandest house tour HCPA has offered. The self-guided tour explores some of the beautiful homes and mansions in Catasauqua’s Historic Districts and beyond. There are 16 properties featuring original architecture of various styles, including Queen Anne, Victorian, Georgian and Federal styles. The interiors feature original woodwork, impressive staircases, stained glass windows, ornate fireplaces and parquet flooring. Catasauqua’s homes reflect Catasauqua illustrious past as the birthplace of the American Anthracite Iron Industry and one of the most prosperous towns in the United States. 

On the day of the tour tickets can be purchased for $18 at The Biery House, 8 Race Street, Catasauqua. . The ticket provides a map and description of each property on the tour. 

I won't be touring this year and please don't stop by my house, I'll be cutting the grass.  

Sincerely though, North Catty and Catty really know how to throw a party.  I love this town.  Also, without Catasauqua in the name of the blog it would just be another day.  Happy J4 and Old Home Week to all.

and that really is ......another day in Catasauqua