The Naples Walk 2013

Nothing's as mean as giving a little child something useful for Christmas.  ~Kin Hubbard

12/18/2013 First We Need Energy.... Dining At Preveza

We dine before we take the trip to Naples.

Dining at Preveza prior to walking through Naples
Our neighborhood Mediterranean dining location


We knew it would be a great evening becuase after golf,
we had a sky with clouds containing silver linings

In Summary....

Dining at Preveza prior to walking through Naples

Dining at Preveza prior to walking through Naples

Now The Details....

Dining at Preveza prior to walking through Naples
Over the teeth and through the gums,
Look out tonsils... here is comes!

Dining at Preveza prior to walking through Naples
Brian tells us of Christmas in London

Dining at Preveza prior to walking through Naples
Jan confirms it... and it is cold and dreary this time of year

Dining at Preveza prior to walking through Naples
Ah ha... Saganaki is being served....

Dining at Preveza prior to walking through Naples
Flaming cheese... The proper way to warm you up

Did You Know? - Saganaki (Greek σαγανάκι) refers to various Greek dishes prepared in a small frying pan, itself called a saganaki, the best-known being an appetizer of fried cheese.

The word saganaki is a diminutive of sagani, a frying pan with two handles, which comes from the Turkish word sahan 'copper dish', itself borrowed from Arabic صحن (ṣaḥn).

Dining at Preveza prior to walking through Naples
Greg sings to the Saganaki... In Japanese??

Dining at Preveza prior to walking through Naples
More Saganaki on its way

Dining at Preveza prior to walking through Naples
Saganaki is really a Danish dish... Tonight only!

Did You Know? - Lucia Night Is A Danish Tradition - According to the Catholic Church Lucia is the saint of light (lux = light in Latin). She is celebrated on the night between the 12th and the 13th of December, especially in schools, retirement homes, hospitals and other institutions all over Denmark, with small girl processions and traditional singing.

Legend has it that Lucia, in order to keep her hands free, wore a wreath with candles on her head so that she could (illegally) feed the poor Christians on the hide in the catacombs of ancient Rome.

Dining at Preveza prior to walking through Naples

Dining at Preveza prior to walking through Naples
Selections for dinner have been made

Dining at Preveza prior to walking through Naples
More Saganaki on its way....

Dining at Preveza prior to walking through Naples
Bring it right here.... The Saganaki Kids

Dining at Preveza prior to walking through Naples
Bob looks up "Saganaki" to see if it is Danish

Dining at Preveza prior to walking through Naples
Yeah! Irene joined us for dinner!

Dining at Preveza prior to walking through Naples
Bob pops up to grab the wine bottle ... Before it disappears

Dining at Preveza prior to walking through Naples
Little hat... Big _____?

Dining at Preveza prior to walking through Naples
Our matching outfits courtesy of Diane Porter....
We have been wearing these for years and years

Dining at Preveza prior to walking through Naples

Dining at Preveza prior to walking through Naples
Greg and Irene

Dining at Preveza prior to walking through Naples
Bob got all of us.... But where is Bob??

Dining at Preveza prior to walking through Naples
We must be singing

Dining at Preveza prior to walking through Naples
The toast.... To Family, Friendship, and Paul's Birthday

Dining at Preveza prior to walking through Naples
Greg also provides a nice toast for the evening festivities

Dining at Preveza prior to walking through Naples
"Careful... Do not burn yourself"

Dining at Preveza prior to walking through Naples
Gosh... If there were 69 on this the whole thing would melt

Dining at Preveza prior to walking through Naples
Sue got Paul some mistletoe for Christmas...
Flower likes it

Dining at Preveza prior to walking through Naples
"All gone!"

Dining at Preveza prior to walking through Naples
Fun Fun Fun

Dining at Preveza prior to walking through Naples
OK... Time to head out and exercise

Dining at Preveza prior to walking through Naples
Nick, all of a sudden, came to a screeching halt.... Wonder why???

Dining at Preveza prior to walking through Naples
Ah ha.... We now know why! Fiona and Lisa!

Dining at Preveza prior to walking through Naples

Walking In A Winter Wonderland (Nat King Cole & Perry Como)

Dick Smith, a native of Honesdale, Pennsylvania, was reportedly inspired to write the song after seeing Honesdale's Central Park covered in snow. Smith had written the lyrics while in the West Mountain Sanitarium, being treated for tuberculosis, better known then as consumption. The West Mountain Sanitarium is located off N. Sekol Ave. in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

The original recording was by Richard Himber and his Hotel Ritz-Carlton Orchestra on RCA Bluebird in 1934. At the end of a recording session with time to spare, it was suggested that this new tune be tried with an arrangement provided by the publisher. This excellent "studio" orchestra included many great New York studio musicians including the legendary Artie Shaw. The biggest chart hit at the time of introduction was Guy Lombardo's orchestra, a top ten hit.

We Has Arrived At Naples

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights

In Summary

The Devil Is In The Details

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
Decorated to the hilt!   To the fountain to meet up with everyone

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
Where do we go??? Around in circles

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
Charlotte meets Tiffany and Kyle at the fountain!
We all know how to do this!

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
Bob and Sue... A pair to draw too!

Remember - Christmas is a time when you get homesick - even when you're home.  ~Carol Nelson

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
Carri introduced us to the "Naples Walk" years and years ago

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
Brian and Jan know how to dress for the cold

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
Scarves and bright colors

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
What is a jumper?

Did You Know? - A Jumper in England refers to a long-sleeved pullover that is a sweater that is donned by pulling it over your head.

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
The proof.... We are on Naples Lane and ready to walk....

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
A dare-devil must have decorated this one....

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
Snowmen and palm trees... Must be California

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
Brought to us directly from London

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
ENGLAND silly.... Not NEW ENGLAND!

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
Across the stream houses even play music

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
We met new Jewish friends and their house was beautifully decorated
Sue met the baby doggie....

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
Yeah Mazel Turk!!

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
A very happy Hanukkah

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
Plain and simple

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
Oops

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
Something fishy here

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
You guys are going on the naughty list unless you provide milk and cookies

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
A beautiful manger

Did You Know? - A manger, or trough, is a feeder that is made of carved stone, wood, or metal construction and is used to hold food for animals (as in a stable). Mangers are mostly used in livestock raising. They are also used to feed wild animals, e.g., in nature reserves. The word comes from the French manger (meaning "to eat"), from Latin manducare (meaning "to chew").

A manger is also a Christian symbol, associated with nativity scenes where Mary, forced by necessity to stay in a stable instead of an inn, placed the baby Jesus in a manger.

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
Kyle and Tiffany making magic wherever they go!

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
Up and down the stairs

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
Beautiful wreaths were everywhere

Did You Know? - A wreath is an assortment of flowers, leaves, fruits, twigs or various materials that is constructed to resemble a ring.

In English-speaking countries, wreaths are used typically as household ornaments, mainly as Christmas decorations to celebrate the birth of Christ. They are also used in ceremonial events in many cultures around the globe. Wreaths have much history and symbolism associated with them. They are usually made from evergreens and symbolize strength, as evergreens last even throughout the harshest winters. Bay laurel may also be used, and these wreaths are known as laurel wreath.

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
The flash worked well to light up the white flowers

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
Wonder what the light bill is

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
The boat was really moving... OK... So was the camera!

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
Charlotte takes in the lights

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
LED illumination in Viborg, Denmark

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
Strings and strings of lights adorn this home

Did You Know? - Christmas lights are lights used for decoration around Christmas. The custom goes back to the use of candles to decorate the Christmas tree in upper-class homes in 18th-century Germany. Christmas trees displayed publicly and illuminated with electric lights became popular in the early 20th century.

By the mid-20th century, it became customary to display strings of electric lights as along streets and on buildings Christmas decorations detached from the Christmas tree itself. In the United States, it became popular to outline private homes with such Christmas lights in tract housing beginning in the 1960s. By the late 20th century, the custom had also been adopted in non-western countries, notably in Japan.

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
These puppies are big... Used to belong to the Jolly Green Giant

Did You Know? - Christmas lights (also called twinkle lights, holiday lights, and mini lights in the United States and fairy lights in the UK), that are strands of electric lights used to decorate homes, public/commercial buildings and Christmas trees during the Christmas season are amongst the most recognized form of Christmas lighting.

Christmas lights come in a dazzling array of configurations and colors. The small "midget" bulbs commonly known as fairy lights are also called Italian lights in some parts of the U.S., such as Chicago.

The types of lamps used in Christmas lighting also vary considerably, reflecting the diversity of modern lighting technology in general. Common lamp types are incandescent light bulbs and now light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which are being increasingly encouraged as being more energy efficient. Less common are neon lamp sets[citation needed]. Fluorescent lamp sets were produced for a limited time by Sylvania in the mid-1940s.

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
Just us....

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
Enjoying an evening out with family and friends....

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
Tiffany assisted in finding Robin and Nick who got lost...
She fiddled withthe phone and they showed up.... Tele-Transportation?

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
Wild animals on the lawn should be feared

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
It was nice out this evening.... The water made interesting reflections

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
Beary Christmas.....

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
Neat icicles... They actually dripped (electronically)

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
Frosty and Santa watch all the visitors

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
Guess who was here???? Leah! What a pleasant surprise

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
The palm trees get into the act

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
Great scarves....

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
Robin has returned safe and sound....

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
Sue was bundled up and stayed toasty all evening....

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
Lights everywhere

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
A different kind of happy face

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
Pals at work

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
Did they miss anywhere????

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
Just hanging around

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
The Grinch

Did You Know? - The Grinch is a fictional character created by Dr. Seuss. He first appeared as the antihero of the 1957 children's book, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

The devious, anti-holiday spirit of the character has led to the term Grinch, or an Ardi in Eastern Europe. coming to refer to a person opposed to Christmas time celebrations or to someone with a coarse, greedy attitude. In fact, a document in the live-action film (the Book of Who) stated that "The term Grinchy shall apply when Christmas spirit is in short supply".

The Grinch has since become an icon of the winter holidays, despite the character's hatred of the season, and has appeared on various forms of memorabilia such as Christmas ornaments, plush dolls, Halloween costumes, and various clothing items.

 

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
Tiffany and Robin coordinate

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
Our group was asked to sing but we decided against it....
We could get time fore too much noise

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
Interesting colors

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
Stop

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
Now that there is a stocking


Courtesy of Ian Bailey MSU
Creator In Chief - Jupiter Media Group

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
Time to head for home....

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
Gathering for the parting pictures

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
Paul set up the picture for the nice lady who took the shots

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
We make a nice looking group....

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
OK... Home to a Christmas movie

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
Sue, Paul, Robin, and Mr. Nick

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
"Ah Grandma... In front of everyone????"

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
Dressed for Alaska

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
Charlotte is ready for golf....

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
"I hope it does not rain tomorrow"

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
I love California....

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
"Blimy mate...."

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
Watering the grass at night before a rain storm???

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights
The moon was almost full

Walking through Naples to see the Christmas lights

Sound: Walking In A Winter Wonderland (Elvis Presley)

Singer-songwriter Johnny Mercer took the song to #4 in Billboard's airplay chart in 1946. The same season, Perry Como hit the retail top ten. Como would record a new version for his 1959 Christmas album.

Due to its seasonal theme, "Winter Wonderland" is often regarded as a Christmas song in the Northern Hemisphere, although the holiday itself is never mentioned in the lyrics. There is a mention of "sleigh-bells" several times, implying that this song refers to the Christmas period. In the Swedish language lyrics, Vår vackra vita vintervärld, the word tomtar is mentioned.