The "Twelve Days of Christmas: Part 2" Story

It was an ordinary day. Getting ready to finish my list of the gifts I would like during the "Twelve Days of Christmas." You ever sing that holiday song? I usually mess up one or two of the verses when I try it. I read in the paper a week or so ago that the 2011 cost of all the gifts listed in the Christmas carol would be $24,263 if you purchased one of each. Now when you purchase all 5 gold rings, all seven swans-a-swimming, all eleven pipers piping and so forth, the total cost would be a grand total of $101,119. The cheapest one is still the partridge at $15 and the cost of the 5 gold rings has actually decreased from last year. The calling birds, French hens, turtle doves, geese, swans and partridge really upped the cost this year because the cost of shipping live birds has increased tremendously. Buying the items by going from store to store is also much cheaper that buying all the items online. Again, because of the shipping costs. All the items combined was 4.4% higher than last year. Well, my list of gifts is a bargain in comparison. Check yesterdays story for the first half of my list, and now I will finish the last 6 items of the list. DAY 7: Seven gallons of Cabot stain that I can use to finish the front and east side of my house. I used to buy it from my brother who had a paint and baseball card store (Yeah, he really did sell both those items in the store), but Walmart came to town and he went out of business. That's a whole different story! I now can buy the stain at Lowe's at a fairly reasonable price. I chose Cabot in the first place because my brother said it was a superior stain and that's what he sold. Two summers ago my son Tad and I did two sides and it's now time to finish the rest. DAY 8: Eight new pieces of art. I love paintings, drawings, ceramics, stained glass and all the rest of the arts. My friend Denny R., when he visits, says it's like being in an art gallery when he walks in the door. I enjoy the purchase and displaying of the art, but a gift of a few items would be even better. DAY 9: Donation to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation of $9, $99 or $999 in my granddaughter Courtney's name would be greatly appreciated. Someday there will be a cure and she will greatly benefit from it. DAY 10: Ten lunch dates along the Chesapeake Bay with my lovely wife. Now this would truly be a neat gift to receive on day 10 of the Christmas carol. Any location such as Chestertown, Chesapeake City, Havre de Grace, or Northeast would be a treat. DAY 11: Eleven Family Birthday Celebrations for the new year starting with son-in-law Dave in February. Now this gift is not really a gift but a time for the family to get together and celebrate not only the person who is having the birthday, but to celebrate the entire family. Always a fun time for everyone. DAY 12: Twelve gallons of Applesauce. Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE applesauce. No matter the price or the brand, I'll eat it and plenty of it. Have to have it with almost every meal. The times we are having apple dumplings for a meal, I can pass on the apple sauce. My favorite is the cinnamon apple sauce, but can eat the regular and even the sugar free if I have to. Well folks, there you have my wish list for the "12 Days of Christmas." I have tried singing it to myself a few times and it works, with a few adjustments. And, I'm sure that the cost of all my requests is a minute part of the $24K, some odd dollars that the original song requires. May all your dreams and requests be filled this holiday season. MERRY CHRISTMAS from LDubs' house to yours. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.