Ask Mrs Figgins
- Free Advice & opinion on everyday issues – marriage, children, friendship, love, etiquette, politics & faith – dispensed by Mrs Figgins with common sense & good old-fashioned-values!

What’s the Answer?

 

Mrs Figgins Trivia Question!

 QUESTION:

What professional sports league’s MVP trophy is called the Podoloff Cup?

• A:  The NBA’s

• B:  The NHL’s

• C:  The BWBL’s

• D:  The MLS’s

 

ANSWER

The National Basketball Association established the Podoloff Cup, named for Maurice Podoloff, the league’s first commissioner, as the its Most Valuable Player award in 1956. The winner was originally chosen by the NBA players. Since 1981, however, it has been based on a poll of professional basketball broadcasters and writers.

 

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Advice & opinion on everyday issues by Mrs Figgins with common sense & good old-fashioned-values!

Favorite Finds, More Finds, advice

Post Hotel & Spa

 

Post Hotel & Spa

Nestled in a beautiful valley in Banff national park, the Post Hotel offers a stunning panorama of the Canadian Rockies

This is a mountain lodge at its finest where the comfy and romantic interiors make way for spacious suites in pale wood, always stocked with a good supply of logs to warm up your evenings.

Just a few kilometres from famous Lake Louise with its magnificent palette of emerald greens, the hotel’s little log cabins with their red roofs overlook the Pipestone River.

If your muscles are complaining after a few long ski runs ice skating on the lake or snowshoeing to spot the nearby elk- deer or moose- a visit to the Hotels Temple Mountain Spa will surely soothe.

For the more adventurous- helicopter skiing is not far away. Enjoy the award-winning menu based on fresh produce and local game.

 

A Mrs. Figgins Favorite!

Simply Wonderful!

 

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Wedgewood Hotel & Spa

 

Wedgewood Hotel & Spa

A luxurious gem sits in the heart of Vancouver’s thriving cosmopolitan core, amidst the gardens and waterfalls of the fashionable Robson Square. 

Still privately owned and operated, abundant flowers, original works of art, and fine antique pieces grace this elegant boutique hotel throughout.     

Guest rooms overlook the city, the mountains, and in the best case Hornby Street and the Robson Square Gardens, all from private balconies.  

The Wedgewood Hotel & Spa, an intimate oasis in the heart of Vancouver  is all European-style pomp and old world elegance.

 

A Mrs. Figgins Favorite!

 

Simply Wonderful!

 

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Not a creature was stirring – not even a mouse!

 

Throughout this week Mrs. Figgins will share a few of the most loved poems and stories of the Christmas season.   

Next installment shown below.

From our family to yours,

Merry Christmas and Wishes for a Blessed New Year!

Mrs. Figgins & Family

 

Clement Clarke Moore (1779 – 1863) wrote the poem “Twas the night before Christmas” (also called “A Visit from St. Nicholas” in 1822.   

Mr. Moore came from a prominent family and his father Benjamin Moore was the Bishop of New York who was famous for officiating at the inauguration of George Washington.

It has long become the tradition in many American families to read the poem every Christmas Eve – and has redefined the image of Christmas and even Santa Claus.

Before the creation of the story of “Twas the night before Christmas”, St. Nicholas, the patron saint of children, had never been associated with a sleigh or reindeers!

The author of the poem “Twas the night before Christmas” was a reticent man and it is believed that a family friend, Miss H. Butler, sent a copy of the poem to the New York Sentinel who published the poem.

The condition of publication was that the author of “Twas the night before Christmas” was to remain anonymous.

The first publication date was 23rd December 1823 and it was an immediate success.

It was not until 1844 that Clement Clarke Moore claimed ownership when the work was included in a book of his poetry.

 

‘Twas the night before Christmas

by Clement Clarke Moore

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;

And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,

Had just settled down for a long winter’s nap,

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow

Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,

And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;

“Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!

On, Comet! on Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen!

To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!

Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!”

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,

When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,

So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,

With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof

The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I drew in my head, and was turning around,

Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,

And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;

A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,

And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

His eyes — how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,

And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,

And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;

He had a broad face and a little round belly,

That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,

And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,

Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,

And laying his finger aside of his nose,

And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,

“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night.”

 

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Children Issues, Favorite Finds, Love, More Finds, One Village, advice

 

Throughout this week Mrs. Figgins will be sharing a few of the most loved poems and stories of the Christmas season.   

The first installment shown below.

From our family to yours,

Merry Christmas and Wishes for a Blessed New Year!

Mrs. Figgins & Family

 

Eight-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon wrote a letter to the editor of New York’s Sun, and the quick response was printed as an unsigned editorial Sept. 21, 1897. The work of veteran newsman Francis Pharcellus Church has since become history’s most reprinted newspaper editorial, appearing in part or whole in dozens of languages in books, movies, and other editorials, and on posters and stamps.

Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus
The New York Sun – 1897

We take pleasure in answering thus prominently the communication below, expressing at the same time our great gratification that its faithful author is numbered among the friends of The Sun:  

“DEAR EDITOR: I am 8 years old.
“Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus.
“Papa says, ‘If you see it in THE SUN it’s so.’
“Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?”VIRGINIA O’HANLON.
“115 WEST NINETY-FIFTH STREET.”

 

VIRGINIA, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except [what] they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no VIRGINIAS. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You may tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood. 

"Believe!"

 

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That’s so funny!!!

 

Dear Mrs. Figgins:

With all the problems nowadays, I thought your readers would enjoy some good laughs.

Jack, New Haven

Question: If you could live forever, would you and why? Answer: I would not live forever, because we should not live forever, because if we were supposed to live forever, then we would live forever,but we cannot live forever, which is why I would not live forever.
      - Miss Alabama in the 1994 Miss Universe contest
      
Outside of the killings, Washington has one of the lowest crime rates in the country.
      - Mayor Marion Barry, Washington, DC
      
I’ve never had major knee surgery on any other part of my body.
      - Winston Bennett, University of Kentucky basketball forward       

Whenever I watch TV and see those poor starving kids all over the world, I can’t help but cry. I mean I’d love to be skinny like that but not with all those flies and death and stuff.
      - Mariah Carey, pop singer      

I’m not going to have some reporters pawing through our papers. We are the president.
      - Hillary Clinton commenting on the release of subpoenaed documents

 The police are not here to create disorder. They’re here to preserve disorder.”
      - Former Chicago mayor Daley during the infamous 1968 Democratic Party convention
      
 China is a big country, inhabited by many Chinese.
      - Former French President Charles de Gaulle
      
 I haven’t committed a crime. What I did was fail to comply with the law.
      - David Dinkins, New York City Mayor, answering accusations that he failed to pay his taxes.
      
  The Internet is a great way to get on the Net.
      - Republican presidential candidate Bob Dole
      
 Things are more like they are now than they ever were before
      - Former U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower
      
 Traditionally, most of Australia’s imports come from overseas
      - Former Australian cabinet minister Keppel Enderbery
      
 We’re going to turn this team around 360 degrees.
      - Jason Kidd, upon his drafting to the Dallas Mavericks

Researchers have discovered that chocolate produces some of the same reactions in the brain as marijuana…. The researchers also discovered other similarities between the two, but can’t remember what they are.
      - Matt Lauer on NBC’s Today show, August 22
      
It’s like an Alcatraz around my neck.
      - Boston mayor Menino on the shortage of city parking spaces
      
Half this game is ninety percent mental.
      - Philadelphia Phillies manager Danny Ozark

They’re multi-purpose. Not only do they put the clips on, but they take them off.
      - Pratt and Whitney spokesperson explaining why the company charged the Air Force nearly $1,000 for an ordinary pair of pliers
      
It is wonderful to be here in the great state of Chicago.
      - Former U.S. Vice-President Dan Quayle
      
I was recently on a tour of Latin America, and the only regret I have was that I didn’t study Latin harder in school so I could converse with those people.
      - Former U.S. Vice-President Dan Quayle
      
It isn’t pollution that’s harming the environment. It’s the impurities in our air and water that are doing it.
      - Former U.S. Vice-President Dan Quayle
      
The streets are safe in Philadelphia. It’s only the people who make them unsafe.
      - Frank Rizzo, ex-police chief and mayor of Philadelphia
      
Smoking kills. If you’re killed, you’ve lost a very important part of your life.
      - Brooke Shields, during an interview to become spokesperson for a federal anti-smoking campaign
      
The president has kept all of the promises he intended to keep.
      - Clinton aide George Stephanopolous speaking on “Larry King Live”
      
After finding no qualified candidates for the position of principal, the school board is extremely pleased to announce the appointment of David Steele to the post.
      - Philip Streifer, Superintendent of Schools, Barrington, Rhode Island
      
That lowdown scoundrel deserves to be kicked to death by a jackass, and I’m just the one to do it.
      - A congressional candidate in Texas
      
Without censorship, things can get terribly confused in the public mind.
      - General William Westmoreland, during the war in Viet Nam

 

Dear Jack:

I’m still laughing as I write this response.

Thanks for sharing!

Mrs. Figgins

Favorite Finds, Love, More Finds, Relationships, Retirement, advice

The art of the picnic.

 

 

Plan a romantic al fresco picnic for two, an intimate group of friends or the entire family. 

Picnics are special, affordable and a fun way to show you care.   They build wonderful memories. 

Create simple snacks, lunch, hors d’oeuvres or light dinners.  

The initial investment for the staples (picnic basket, blanket & accessories) can range from the very affordable to extravagant.  However, once you have the staples, your costs will be mainly for the food and drinks. 

Rule #1:  MAKE IT LOOK LIKE A BREEZE.  

Don’t over pack!  Remember it’s the quality of the time spent together, enhanced by elegant simplicity.  It is not the quantity of things you schlep.   

Location:  If you know of a great picnic spot, stick with it.   A new location can bring unwanted surprises, so if you’re selecting a new location, make sure to take a dry run.  

Your picnic area should be reasonably close to your auto.  Expect that you’ll need to return for one thing or another.

Check List: 

• Picnic blanket

• Picnic basket with accessories.   There are many lovely disposable accessories, including plates, cutlery, water glasses, wine glasses, napkins (make sure to pack plenty).   Try them, you’ll like them!    You don’t want to schlep unnecessary items back to wash at home.  You’ll want to relax after a lovely picnic.

• Small cooler (optional).

• CD (not too loud if there are others close by!)

• Food

• Drink 

• Candles for evening rendezvous!

Back up:  Check the weather conditions ahead of time.   In areas where the weather is unpredictable, have a back up location.   Indoor spots can be every bit as wonderful.

Picnics are supposed to be fun.  Once you master the romantic art of the picnic, you’ll be hooked!

Leave your worries behind and make beautiful memories. 

 

Check out Mrs. Figgins picnic food & drink ideas!

How To, Love, More Finds, Relationships, Retirement, advice

 

The Home Ranch

 

The Home Ranch

Located near Steamboat Springs, Colorado, The Home Ranch is bordered by one million acres of the Routt National Forest.

In the shadows of the majestic Rocky Mountains, few Ranches offer the service or comfort Colorado’s Home Ranch.

Home to some of the world’s best skiing in winter, the beautiful summers offer hiking, brown trout fishing along two private miles of river.

The ladies will enjoy the comforts and the men can feel like John Wayne.   Laidback and comfortable, weekend cowboys can ride 365 days a year.

For those of you with children, the ranch is the ultimate playground for the entire family.  Kids are welcome, and the summer program is of wonderful activities with counselors, who are active participants in all the activities, are available from morning until evening.

You’ll have a truly memorable time!

 

A Mrs. Figgins Favorite!

 

 

Simply Wonderful!

 

 

Favorite Finds, Love, More Finds, Relationships, Retirement, Travel Finds, advice

Brown’s Hotel

 

Brown’s Hotel

Brown’s is one of the most historic hotels in London, with quintessential English elegance and charm. 

Set in the heart of Mayfair, Brown’s was opened by Lord Byron’s butler, James Brown, to provide ‘genteel’ accommodation for discerning people.   

The hotel was founded in  1837 as London’s first ever hotel,  and has always had an air of exclusivity and refinement, which has been further enhanced with it’s wonderful restoration. 

 It has 11 Georgian town houses and all 117 bedrooms (including 29 suites) have been individually designed with a sophistication that has become a trademark complemented by its warm and personal service.    

 Classic English style and sophistication are the hotel’s legendary  hallmarks.

A Mrs. Figgins Favorite!

 

Simply Wonderful!

 

Favorite Finds, Love, More Finds, Relationships, Travel Finds

San Ysidro Ranch

 

San Ysidro Ranch, Santa Barbara, California

Ysidro Ranch is located just south of Santa Barbara, California  in the exclusive enclave of Montecito.  The magnificent setting, sprawls over 500 rolling acres of unspoiled coastal landscape into the lush foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains. 

Built in classic bungalow style, this ocean view dream has provided a tranquil retreat for discriminating travelers for over a century.  

The legendary hideaway has a blend of exquisite natural beauty, romantic heritage and classic luxury.

Forty individually decorated private cottages, suites and ranch rooms wind along San Ysidro’s hillside creek- and tree-lined paths.

Myth and history are part of the romance with it’s fragrant gardens.  Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier were married at San Ysidro and the Kennedys honeymooned there. 

The most important guests…will be you.    

 

 

Unforgetable…

 

A Mrs. Figgins Favorite!    

 

 

Simply Wonderful!

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