Ilona Cole, Guest Author, Story 163

A Happy and Great New Year 2024! A little story, a big gift, great blessings. This Christmas of 2023 is the 6th Christmas without my beloved husband, Hal. It does not become easier, it becomes more depressing and sadder each added year. But having to admit, there are rewards. Big gifts to me are my …

Ilona Cole, Guest Author, Story 161

Christmas Time in Germany Christmas time starts with the four Sundays prior to Christmas day, called Advent. On most tables in the dining rooms or even kitchen tables, beautifully decorated Advent wreaths go center stage. There are four candles on that wreath and each Sunday one additional candle gets lighted and by Christmas eve all …

Ilona Cole, Guest Author, Story 160

The Classic Carolers My beloved husband Hal was searching for some unusual Christmas decorations for his library. We had seen at Molback’s Nursery’s gift shop these wonderful Victorian Carolers, dressed in garments from the 1800s, beautiful, handmade and nostalgic. We were going to put together several adults and children, to have a large group of …

Ilona Cole, Guest Author, Story 158

My Most Interesting and Adventurous Job My husband, Hal, and I, Ilona returned from a seven week visit to Germany and as I entered my favorite Drug Store in Bellevue, where we resided, the nurse behind the counter waved at me and asked me to talk with her if I had the time. She told …