Vintage Christmas Ornaments

Here a some photos of the vintage ornaments/decorations my sister and I found when we were cleaning out my father's basement. I remember all of these treasures from my youth. There was a time I wondered why my mother kept all those 'old' things...now I'm thrilled that she did.I love these little elves and the gnome. Some have faded a little but they still bring a smile to my face. I guess I'll share them with my sisters!


These paper mache houses date back to the 1950. I remember them as a child. Notice the PINK bottle brush tree. That's my favorite!
The houses are still in very good condition, considering their age. A few of the bottle brush trees did not 'age' well.


I love these vintage Christmas ornaments. Rather than hang them on my tree and fear that they will be 'touched', I'm going to hang them over my kitchen sink on fishing line at different lengths. (Stay tuned for photos of that in a few weeks.)
We also have a 1960's silver Christmas tree with the color wheel. We were the first on the block to have one and I thought our family was 'so cool'. It was a lot of work to assemble as each branch had to be placed in the 'trunk' individually, and then taken out and put back in the box when Christmas was over.

Veterans Day 2008

My father's condition made it impossible for him to live alone, so earlier this year he went to live at a local veteran's home. The facility is lovely and the care he is given is excellent. I went to spend some time with him today, and as I drove up the road to the Soldier's Home, I couldn't help but notice the road was lined with American Flags. Today is Veteran's Day.
My Dad served in the US navy. This photo was taken in 1944 when Dad was 19. I am fortunate to have his Navy uniform. (My dad was a small-built man, and the waistline on the wool bell bottom pants is about 24".) The Soldier's Home had a very moving ceremony today, as I knew it would. After the usual singing of Star Spangled Banner and the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, the names of all the Veteran's who passed away at the "Home" since May 2008 were read and the families in attendace stood and were presented with a red rose. When this ceremony and various speeches were over taps was played; that music always brings tears to my eyes and today was no different.

I brought some balloons to decorate Dad's wheelchair. This is a terrible picture of me, but not too bad of Dad. So I decided to let him have the 'good picture' day today to honor his service. It was a very moving experience to be in a room with Veteran's from 96 years of age and down.
We owe these men so much...so very much.