Welcome back! To my Christmas-celebrating friends, I hope you had a wonderful holiday. To those not celebrating, hope the day delivered joy and peace to you.
Because I encountered some unexpected flurries, these pics from an outdoor holiday lights display we visit several weeks ago will accompany the story.
Flurry #1: We decided on a cross-state drive to visit my sister for the weekend. The visit went well, but Saturday was John Erickson’s birthday, thus I was disappointed to miss the festivities.
Flurry #2: Upon returning home, I replied to the comments on John’s tribute post, and then raced through the other tributes. I enjoyed them, but a day late just wasn’t the same as being there.
Flurry #3: Besides catching up on the John tributes, Sunday was also the start of my holiday post. I published it at the planned time, which meant comments were on the way.
Flurry #4: I started Christmas Eve with replying to comments. Throughout the day, in between errands, cleaning, and cooking dinner, I tried to make holiday wishes to the blogs I frequent.
Flurry #5: I receive an honor from highly acclaimed H.E.Ellis because this Naughty Santa video from my Gifts 2012 post inspired this post by her.
Flurry #6: We just finished dinner, and I returned to blogs to answer comments on the gifts post. Through my emails, I see a Like for someone I don’t know … followed by a subscribe notice … following by a comment from Society Red in Seattle, and one I ordered not long ago to shred his citizenship papers: NOW what are you going to do? Freshly Pressed!
Flurry #7: Society Red’s comment created an oh-crap moment, so I scanned the Inbox – and there it was – the notification – and it was already live! … She (the editor) picked her favorite video (Hubble to Oh Holy Night), and included this closing statement: Sorry to have to make you remove your “never been Freshly Pressed” badge. Consider it our gift to you.
Flurry #8: I was totally surprised that post #1,082 made it, so I hastily notified a few. After all, time was short and I knew had to abdicate the throne of the country I formed. I summoned a chopper for making my escape into the dark skies to avoid the potential hysteria.
Flurry #9: From the chopper, I contacted John Erickson, who spread the news. Yet, on this Christmas Eve night, the night known for celebrating joy and peace, I looked at the sparkling lights from the people below with pride and sadness … and as the last light faded away, the a tear hits the floor.
Flurry #10: Now in a new location I realized I had get to church for the handbell choir’s final rehearsal. After participating in two services, I returned home to more messages.
Flurry #11: Christmas Day – Dealing with 800+ visitors on this day, plus comments, and maintaining a personal philosophy of interacting with visitors was a challenge. My in-laws visited in the afternoon and we had enjoyed dinner. In the evening, I finally slayed the last comment … and then I saw this tribute from rarasaur.
Flurry #12: Besides managing comments, the day after Christmas delivered a winter storm dividing Cincinnati in two – snow and wind for blizzard conditions on the west side to rain-sheet-ice-snow mix for those of us on the east side. Fortunately, I was on the good side of the storm.
I safely landed on the other side of NonFP Nation., and warmly greeted by my friends here … and those in my former homeland cheered as well. Suddenly and unexpectedly receiving the never-envisioned was interesting – but it sure made Christmas 2012 was a bit different. I weathered the storm of 2,100+ visits over 3 days – but I also look forward to returning back to my normal routine. Thanks everyone!
PS: To add the pleasure, the FP post about Santa (the one beside mine in the FP image below) I listed in last Friday’s Interesting Reads section of Opinions in the Shorts. Yep, I noted it before WordPress.
I am glad to hear you survived the flurries! You deserve a bit of a break, so slow down a minute. Happy Almost New Year!
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Patti,
Well … I did slow down on visiting for a few days … put on my way to make up for lost time. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
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And then there are the 2013 blogging adventures that start in less than a week!! I can hardly wait. There are always flurries in adventures…
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Clan,
Another thing we have in common – looking ahead rather than dwelling in the past! Thanks for sharing.
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Congrats
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Shimon,
Thank you kind sir.
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Frank, you’re a very busy man … don’t forget to breath. I’m so happy that I didn’t have any flurry at all … anymore. *smile
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Viveka,
It was a busy period … but I foresee normalcy not too far away. Thanks for stopping by.
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Goodness! How exciting and congrats
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TBM,
Exciting & demanding … but routine is also good. Thanks for the congrats!
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My head is spinning. That sounds like the busiest time. And then you had the weather to battle! Despite it all you sound like you’re in very good spirits. Well done! xx
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Spiced,
Well … in terms of the weather, I didn’t leave the house yesterday. It’s the early morning right now, and the trees are beautiful! But yes – the important thing is all is well. Thanks for commenting.
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congrats–I am so happy for you but not surprised in the least
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LouAnn,
Many thanks … and glad that you had faith because I was convinced it wouldn’t happen.
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Still has not happened to me–but it could not happen to a nicer person who puts together a wonderful blog–glad you got the recognition you so rightfully deserve
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I say just keep doing what you are doing, thus don’t try to write for it … and yes, you deserve recognition!
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I used to think about it–now I don’t — if it happens it happens (and I will be happy) and if it doesn’t–well so be it–but I am glad for you
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I sorta envy the FP thing but I also fear it, I saw all the comments you had, well deserved. I would go crazier if I had to take care of that many comments, I still remember the Movember thing, it had me on the verge, I have nothing to worry about tho, trashing Oprah and WP will never get me there. You are really good at getting back to people, I’m usually a day behind.
I can still brag about being friends with a lot of FP bloggers.
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Doggy,
Well beware … I never thought I’d be there as well … and then, not only does it happen, but on a holiday! Both of us see replying to comments as important, but keep in mind that I currently have time to spare. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
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Frank, I was delighted to see you were FP’d. It was way overdue, but I agree with the WP gods that it was a gift for you. I hope it found you many more appreciative readers.
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Elyse,
Well … you know the drill, so time will tell if any real gains come from it. But it was also fun visiting the sites of visitors as well, thus I have bookmarked a few! Nonetheless, thanks for your support!
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Congratulations on the Freshly Pressed thing, Frank! The never FP club’s membership is dwindling, but it is nice to see former members leave to deserving FP accolades. 🙂
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Sandy,
Thanks … and for me, actually some mixed emotions, but as a whole, good. Dealing with the avalanche is interesting in itself! Thanks for stopping by.
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Bother! I missed all the fun! Congrats and wonderful – wonderful.. NOW, where is that Never Been Freshly Pressed sticker.. I want one! merry christmas honey! c
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Frank, you dawg! You said you didn’t care but you love it! Seriously though, congrats once again, it always nice to have you efforts recognized.
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Fasab,
You are correct because I had given up hope … and sudden nature of it all was a bit of a shock. But yes, nice to be recognized. Thanks for visiting.
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AFrank:
I see that Santa was very good to you. I’m sure that responding to all those comments (I’m jealous) kept you off the streets. Congratulations on being Freshly Pressed. Well deserved.
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Glad to hear you survived the FP experience, Frank – relax and enjoy the “between week” – my favorite time of the holidays 🙂
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Lynn,
I am a survivor … and the experience also got me to rethink my week … that is more on what you suggest. Thanks for stopping by.
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HEAVENS!! You had the most amazing Holiday!! You have to have superhuman strength to have navigated all of the things you needed to attend to over these few short days….SUPERMAN FRANK…TA-DA!! So exciting!!
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Zannyro,
I already felt behind due to the weekend at my sister’s home … then wham … but I made it! Thanks for visiting!
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It really is the coolest thing 🙂 🙂 🙂
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Thank you!!!!
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Big congrats on getting Freshly Pressed! I was inactive over Christmas, so I didn’t realize you received this honor. Well deserved. And you described it perfectly. A ‘flurry’ is definitely what it is. 🙂
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Carrie,
Many thanks for the kind words. I noticed that you were inactive, so a belated holiday greeting of your choice to you and your family. Hey – stop by the Gifts 2012 (previous post) for your gifts! Thanks again!
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I’m glad you have been Freshly Pressed. Your post was wonderful and truly deserved it. Here to the next one.
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Debra,
Thanks for the kind words .. and one thing for sure, it has been a flurry of activity.
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Oh, hooray! Congrats and well deserved!
(Been short on time, so trying to catch up with reading now…will be paging back)
Once again, YEA YOU!
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Mouse,
Many thanks for the congrats … and I know the feeling of short on time. 😉 Stop back any time.
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i will continue to rule in obscurity. not only that, those bearcat helmets look pretty cool. if they lose to Duke, well, that’s just inexcusable.
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I liked the helmets …. but that was a bit too scary for my taste. However, a win is a win.
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yes, win is a win, but it shouldn’t have been that close. now watching UCLA. those are some nice colors.
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Lotsa color … but I switch to ESPN2 for basketball. This is the third of my trilogy of games today involving my degrees … 1-1 so far.
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not a basketball fan.
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and that’s ok … tight game b/w two ranked teams
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1. baseball
2. hockey
3. football
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but no pro hockey at the moment … l loved college hockey back in the day.
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i played (poorly) for my college team. my kid goes to boston u. home of the terriers. not as good as the BC eagles, but good enough.
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BU and BC … very good college hockey.
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BTW – where did you go to college?
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didn’t see this until today. went to college in northern new jersey, william paterson university. at one time was strictly a teachers college.
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Rich,
Wow … you caused me to go back and read my own post.
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i found a place on wordpress that keeps unread messages. i had no clue i had a list of messages i missed that goes back to may. spent two hours reading them last night. as far back as june we were paying attention to some of the CNN staff.
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That’s too funny … someday will have to do collaborative post on the topic!
So where is the unread messages vault?
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click on the W in the circle, upper left. drop down menu says “new post” “reader” “notifications.” click on notifications, and there’s a column on the left. one of the options is “unread.” that’s where i was for two hours.
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Looks like all those flurries added up to a perfect storm, but you weathered it with grace and style, Frank!
Congratulations on a delightfully busy week!
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Guapo,
Whew … and they are still stoppin’ by … and I’m a tryin’. We entertained a good friend tonight, so I’m back to be behind … but I’ll make it. Many thanks for stopping by.
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Those “embarrassment of riches” moments can be quite a stretch! Of all the days, this must have been a very big challenge, but fun, too. It sounds like you had an exciting time and now you’ll have to find another challenge for the new year! 🙂
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Debra,
Fun, challenging, overwhelming, appreciative are a few of the descriptors … and it feels that each day I start in a pit covered with soil. Oh well … because I respond to comments & publish again, I guess part of it is self-induced. 🙂 Many thanks for your faithful support.
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Good morning Frank! I read this post twice and I’m still not understanding it all, BUT!!…. CONGRATS on the Freshly Pressed! Very well deserved indeed! 😀
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Alex,
I was just looking back at 2012 and offering one old post per month. No doubt – you need to revisit March. Thanks again on the congrats … meanwhile, I feel like I’m traveling at warp speed to fall further behind.
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PS: See the comment from afreestyler because I think you will enjoy the video and link. 🙂 … and Good Morning Alex.
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I’m so far behind with my visits and comments, Frank. Hope I haven’t left scorch marks on your post. 🙂
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Paradise,
Oh no … I know you are visiting family … besides, I’m swamped. Nonetheless, thanks for checking in. 🙂
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As they say “Better late than never”. Congratulations for a well deserved award and recognition. As a new follower, I can’t believe it took so long. How lovely that it happened on Xmas. Sorry that I’ve just now realized it and my congrats are late as well.
It couldn’t have happened to a nicer man.
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Rachel,
Many thanks … you were at the post before it happened. It took awhile, and to be honest, I didn’t think it would ever happened as I figured I didn’t write to their brand – therefore FP surprised me. Thanks for the kind words!
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What a great Christmas gift from FP. I love that they said:
” Sorry to have to make you remove your “never been Freshly Pressed” badge. Consider it our gift to you.”
How did you take the picture of the FP page?
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Rosie,
Because you were at the Gifts 2012 page before the flurry, I thought you would appreciate this post – so thanks for visiting. The email had a combination of personal elements and form-letter stuff, which is something I didn’t expect.
As far as the image, if you have a Windows 7 computer, there is a great little tool called Snipping Tool. It is incredibly simple. Without it, I could have captured with Paint and then cropped in PowerPoint. If you are on Mac, I’m clueless on what to say. 😉
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Wow!
You have been busy Frank!
Thanks for the shout out!
Red
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Messenger,
For sure, it has been a wild ride, and I’m starting to feel somewhat caught up …. but not quite there yet. Thanks for visiting.
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Wow – your flurries not only sound a lot more fun, but FAR easier to shovel than the ones I got! 😀
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John,
I can’t imagine shoveling a parking lot of wet snow! Cheers to your efforts!!!!
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