Thanksgiving and Home

November 28, 2013November 29, 2013Leave a comment

It’s Thanksgiving morning, and in the O’Shea household we’re busy watching the parade, drinking coffee, baking, talking, and hanging out, enjoying one of the few times per year when all of us are together. Morning sunshine in this small 1957 suburban ranch house – my childhood home – is always a loving place to be, no matter how old I am. No matter where you are – your own home or the home of friends and family, I wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving Day. Take time today to give thanks and count your blessings.

Last week we began talking about home (here and here), and many readers left comments discussing how they think about home. Everyone’s thoughts were interesting to read, and collectively they show the importance of home and similarities between us all. Check tomorrow for more.

Happy Thanksgiving. Thank you, all, for being a part of the Preservation in Pink world and a part of my life. I’m grateful to live in such a wonderful time and to know, whether in “real life” or social media life, all of you.

Previous Thanksgiving Day posts:

Thank You to Our Veterans

November 11, 2013November 11, 20131 Comment

To those who served the United States of America and our citizens, thank you from the bottom of my heart. We in America live the good lives we do because of your sacrifice and your patriotism.

If you see a Veteran today, thank him or her.

Fourth of July

July 4, 2013July 4, 2013Leave a comment

Happy Birthday to the USA! Hope you have a great holiday!

See twitter and instagram for some parade photos from Port Jefferson, NY.

Red, White and Blue

July 3, 2013July 3, 20133 Comments

What are your plans for July 4th? Heading to the ocean? Visiting with friends and family? How do you celebrate the freedom we enjoy in the United States of America?

Memorial Day

May 27, 2013May 26, 2013Leave a comment

To everyone who has served the United State Military in some capacity: thank you. Thank you for our freedom and liberty, and for keeping us safe in the United States of America. Some Memorial Day history (which began as Decoration Day). This marble memorial in Proctor, Vermont is a beautiful tribute to those who fought for us.

Proctor, VT

Proctor, VT: “Dedicated to those who served our country in time of conflict.”

2012 PiP: Memorial Day (Calverton National Cemetery).

Valentines in Montpelier

February 14, 2013February 15, 20131 Comment

Every year the Montpelier Valentine Phantom plasters the city with hearts. It’s lovely. Here are a few images of the historic downtown, heart style.

Flamingo Valentine

February 14, 2013February 13, 20131 Comment

Happy Valentine’s Day!

A preservation valentine to share with you:

The most creative Valentine from one of my dear flamingos, Kerry. Thanks Kerry!

And it was delicious.

Previous Valentine’s Day posts on PiP:

Merry Christmas!

December 25, 2012December 25, 20121 Comment

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas, however and wherever you celebrate! I hope your tree is trimmed, your hearts are full and you are all happy and healthy and with people you love.

Did you trim your tree? Here are a few classic ornaments that always find their way to the O’Shea family tree. These were my mother’s ornaments from her childhood. My sisters and I always think the elf is a devil!

And we have some of my grandmother’s ornaments, too. Sadly a bunch of them broke when our tree fell over – years ago. Our trees are so large, it sometimes happens! But we have a few survivors and the original box.

Merry Christmas one and all!

Christmas Carols

December 15, 20123 Comments

Do you have a favorite Christmas carol or Christmas song? Nowadays options are endless since every singer has his or her own version of Christmas songs. There is something timeless and comforting about Christmas songs; they sing of home, memories, nostalgia, love, tradition, snow, hope — all good things in life. When do you begin listening to Christmas music? Growing up, my mom wouldn’t let us listen until December 1. I say as soon as Thanksgiving has passed, Christmas is fair game.

Here is a list of my favorite Christmas songs. Wishing everyone a peaceful weekend, filled with good thoughts, good memories and hope for a wonderful season and new year. What would be on your list?

(1) White Christmas (Bing Crosby)

(2) Have Yourself a Merry Christmas (Judy Garland)

(3) Santa Claus is Coming to Town (Bruce Springsteen)

(4) Little Wood Guitar (Sugarland)

(5) Christmas Song (Blues Traveler)

(6) We Need a Little Christmas (Angela Lansbury)

(7) Have a Holly Jolly Christmas (Burl Ives)

(8) Gold & Green (Sugarland)

(9) Step into Christmas (Elton John)

(10) I’ll be Home for Christmas (The Carpenters)

Enjoy!