By Pauline Tom.
What a “Loving Mountain City Christmas Decor” contest! Cast ballots quintupled in quantity, compared to last year. The simple ballot produced through the work of the “Advance Judging Team”, made feasible the Mountain City household-conducted vote.
The voting produced a route for the hayride for the children and grandchildren of Mountain City during Tour de Lights at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19.
Congratulations to the winners of the “Citywide Awards”:
Grand Prize
213 Live Oak Court, filled with décor front and back
People’s Favorite
317 Live Oak Drive, “JOY” and stars
Sparkle
116 Pin Oak Drive, colored lights and “everything” theme (patriotic, winter wonderland, et al)
Creativity
209 Maple, Santa skiing
Workshop
114 Cedar, dalmatians
CHRISTmas
304 Juniper, “Merry CHRISTmas”
Santa
315 Live Oak Drive, Santa hanging from garage roof
Theme
211 Maple, white lights, blue lake, penguins
Elegance
318 Juniper, white lights with red accents
Look here next week to see “Best of Street” and “Best of Section” award winners.
Years ago, judging was conducted by adults from other neighborhoods. At least one year, teenage volunteers from the outside judged.
Last year, Loving Mountain City decided on an internal vote, with each household voting for each award. With every house in Mountain City eligible for every award, it took hours of work. So, very few votes were cast.
Initial feedback says that this year’s contest worked well. If you have suggestions for a new category for consideration, please send word to me. I’m designated again next year as the “Lead Person” for the Christmas Décor Contest.
Amy Hilton seeks a “Lead Person” for the 2014 City Hall decorating. This year, a little bit of décor got added as an afterthought. If someone will step forward now, that person can give word on what’s needed, in order to secure donations from Mountain Cityians during after Christmas sales.
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Wizard Academy’s Welcome Center (on a hilltop perch overlooking FM 1826, a bit north of Salt Lick) will have hot cider and cookies waiting for you from 6 to 9 p.m. again this Saturday and Sunday evening. Just come through the gates and follow the driveway to start their “Journey of the Wise Men”. You’ll be guided along wilderness trails by a Roman 2,000 years ago, following the Wise Men on their journey to see the newborn King. It’s breathtaking.
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A breathtaking natural event occurred mid-morning recently in Lynn Cobb’s backyard. Our painter, Manuel, looked out on the commotion that, at first, looked like play. A closer look revealed the reality. A lone coyote scrambled a herd of deer and took down a fawn by the hindquarter. The mom rushed at the coyote until it released the fawn. This happened about as fast as our hearts were beating.
On a dazzling nature note, Eastern Bluebirds rimmed our heated birdbath on a recent frozen morning. This was the once-every-few-years’ time when the heater pays for itself. The purchase benefitted bluebird conservation in an auction. And, we benefit from spectacular displays on frozen days.
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New French classes open up in Mountain City in January: beginners on Tuesday afternoons and refreshers on Thursday afternoons. Contact instructor Marjie Kelley at [email protected] for more info. Marjie says, “Merci beaucoup!”
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I’ll say “Merci beaucoup, mucho gracias, and thanks so very much” for tidbits. 512 268 5678 or ptom5678@gmail (with Subject: TIDBIT).
Thanks! Love, Pauline
