Wait for It!

Santa comes to town with a bang...

You only have to wait 48 seconds to understand why I inserted this rendition of one of my favorite Christmas songs. I think it is worth the wait…

Thank You

Before I begin today’s post, please permit me to extend a huge thank you. Many of you wrote such nice things about my artwork. And no one wrote, “You need to take up a different hobby.” Including a photo of my artwork was an agonizing decision. I inserted and then deleted it from my first dozen drafts. It felt like I was posting a naked picture of myself. And trust me, NO ONE NEEDS TO SEE THAT. So again, thank you.

Thursday night we had snow in VRSA. Photo courtesy of Betsy O’Hara.

Yet Another Non-Sequitur

Since many of you have commented on my comedic prose I must offer this little diddy related to the song that opens this post. My parents moved to Florida¹ to live in a Brookdale Senior Living facility. During the first five years, my mother lived in what was designated as independent living. After my father passed away, she wanted something to do. So she took on the job of showing a film (from her Netflix account) to other residents in the community ballroom every Friday night.

As Christmas approached one year she asked my advice. She had exhausted the typical holiday classics … she wanted something new. Our friend, AnnaLee, was visiting at the time. (I mention her by name here because this really was all her fault.) She recommended the modern classic Love Actually. I loved that movie and immediately passed on the recommendation to my mother.

On Saturday morning my mother called…she was very upset with me. You see my mother was a bit of a prude. So when characters playing “adult film” actors appeared on the screen she was embarrassed. When half of the audience got up and left she was mortified. Frankly, I had forgotten that part of the storyline.

Christmas fairies entertained the children waiting to talk with Santa.

It Snowed in VRSA

Thursday night, 30 November, Pai Natal came to town.² Last year he arrived on the back of a red, VW Beetle convertible. This year, I missed his entrance because there was so much happening in the praça. Next to our small traditional Christmas Market this year they installed an “ice rink”.

I never realized a bear could teach you how to skate. Photo courtesy of Betsy O’Hara.

The “bouncy house” was decorated for the holiday and a train ride was installed nearby.

As we waited for Santa’s arrival we sipped warm, mulled wine and posed with characters strolling about.

As you read this, we are in Brussels to experience our first Belgian Christmas Market. I am certain it will be bigger and grander than little-ol VRSA’s, but I am certain I won’t love it more. Walking one block from our front door to this winter wonderland now holds a special place in my heart.

Photo courtesy of Betsy O’Hara. Thank you Betsy!

May you experience such joy in your life this year…

Feliz Natal!

Nanc

NHR UPDATE: The budget was approved with the NHR changes we expected. But this remains a very fluid and often confusing time. If you are trying to navigate this issue, please consult an immigration specialist rather than a part-time blogger (that would be me)!

1. You may recall the story of Uncle Eddie’s ashes.

2. You might think this is an odd day to bring Santa to town…but it is the evening before a National Holiday. 1 December is Restauração da Independência (Restoration of Independence) Day.