Four stars for Bobbie and her DH! Absolutely fair in my mind to make it a team effort-I have done the same if you remember! Oh, and the Christmas story that Dr. Faulds used to recite was Luke 2:1-20. I still love to hear it, but no one can match his telling. Also, it HAS to be the King James version for me. Three stars for Tm and Nancy who got one and probably for Annette as well although she never got back to post! #1. Yes, it was St. Francis of Assisi who, in 1223, started his Nativity Plays in Italy. The people in the plays sang songs or 'canticles' that told the story during the plays. Sometimes, the choruses of these new carols were in Latin; but normally they were all in a language that the people watching the play could understand and join in! The new carols spread to France, Spain, Germany and other European countries. (Taken from the website-see carols history link below) #2. The Three Ships in the original version were said to be carrying the skulls of the three Wise Men to the cathedral in Cologne. Also see link (Carols stories) #3. Won't go through each of these, but again, the carols stories link goes through them all. I will add to that to tell you that the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit are: wisdom, understanding, counsel, knowledge, fortitude, piety, and fear of the Lord (wonder and awe). The Nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit are: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. All words to live by no matter what one's religion or whether one follows any religion or not. I wish you all joy, health, and laughter this week and throughout the year. Thanks for playing! Cheers, Cynthia Here is a link that might be useful: Lots of fun and info here!

Portrait of the Artist as a Young Dog - Dylan Thomas

Full Speed -- Janet Evanovich and Charlotte Hughes

Normally we do tea in the breakfast room but in December it's the home to our lighted village.