Christmas Music -- The Hunt

Technology changed at a frightening pace in my childhood and early adulthood ... microwaves, VCRs, etc. One of the biggest changes was music. We went from 45s to 8-tracks to albums and cassettes to CDs. Today, you can download anything you want on the Internet.

We played a lot of Christmas music in my childhood home. When CDs became the norm, smart music companies released old, old tracks and albums on CD. My mother and I went on the hunt. We had to find all of our old favorites on CD.

Don't underestimate us. We did it. And we continue to call each other and ask, "Do you have (name an artist) version of (name a song.) There are only so many holiday songs and carols but we all have our opinion of the singer who sings it best.

My parents have CD players in their home and CD capabilities in their car. I have these things too. But, I also have my iPod which allows me to download and program. (When did I become this geek?) I've made this extremely elaborate holiday play list. The great thing is I can plug it in the household sound system or I can keep it just for me when everyone else gets sick of it.

I'm a successful hunter too. Just not for the same things that my animal hunter friends and family do. I can't shoot a deer but if you need some holiday music, come to my house.

I love everything from the hymns to the current (last 20 or so years.) Here's a sampling of my faves:

My Grown-Up Christmas List, Amy Grant
Blue Christmas, Elvis
Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree, Brenda Lee
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Tony Bennett
White Christmas, Bing Crosby
Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer, Gene Autry
Santa Baby, Eartha Kitt
O Holy Night, Johnny Mathis
Silent Night, Barbra Streisand

I have a ton more but I suspect you do too.

Hunting

I went hunting today.

Not like when my cousin Scott goes hunting ... he goes to Africa or South America. He sends me amazing photos and although I don't share his passion for the sport, I am in awe. He's also pretty talented with hunting lucrative business deals.

My hunting is a lot more tame. I don't even need my bullet.

I was supposed to meet my mother for lunch. Something came up with the oldies so I discussed a possible postponement until tomorrow. I said I would call in an hour.

The issue was resolved and I headed out. I called her home. I called her cell phone. I started leaving LOUD messages: Hello! Hello! I know it's going to a recorder but it made me feel better.

I drove to the other side of town, sat in her driveway for a while and then came to a decision: I will find her.

She and my Aunt Judy were having lunch in a cafe that she had mentioned to me. This occurred to me after I'd run through Kroger, stopped at the church, drove through the parking lot at Wendy's and Red Lobster. Finding the little cafe was tricky. I wish I had a photo of the look on her face when I walked in the door.

Scott has nothing on me. I'm a pretty good hunter too.

I Have a Bullet Too

During The Andy Griffith Show, Barney Fife was a buffoon. He was allowed to carry a bullet, but only in his pocket. Every time he broke the rule he ended up shooting the floor or the ceiling. Even though I am anti-guns, I laugh out loud at these escapades.

I come from a long line of hunters and gatherers. My aunt went (or tried to go) through airport security with bullets in her pocket. Hello federal officers!

My cousin sent me some photos today from his recent trip to Africa. He's a big hunter and an adventure hound. I'm impressed with the pictures but I don't think this is something I will ever experience.

Houseboy and I have an ongoing debate about the right to bear arms, whether you're safer or not with a gun in the home, whether hunting is a sport or a cruel activity.

He made me laugh today. He brought me a bullet. I don't have a gun so I'm going to put it in my pocket. If anyone annoys me, I won't shoot them. I'll just launch the bullet toward them.