Sibling Assignment #138; "A Christmas Carol" Muppet Style

I gave the assignment again this week. What book or story most connects you to Christmas and why? I never read Dicken's "A Christmas Carol" in school. My only memory of the book was "Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol" in cartoon form. I was always annoyed with Mr. Magoo and wished he would just put his glasses on. I do remember being a bit scared of the ghosts in the cartoon.
When I began teaching middle school "A Christmas Carol" was written in a play format in our literature book. I read it for the first time. Students needed some background on what life was like in London during the time the play was written, but this play was key to introducing or emphasizing character traits and how a character changes through a story or play. I decided when I first taught this play I would analyze the different versions of the movie just to see how Scrooge was depicted in the different versions. It was a fun exercise in class right before Christmas break.
I was pleased when I began teaching middle school again at Inchelium that the same play was in the literature book. I have taught this play/book now for about fifteen years. I have seen Goofy as Jacob Marley, Kermit and Mickey Mouse as Bob Cratchit, George C. Scott, Michael Caine, Patrick Stewart, and Bill Murray as Scrooge ( I have not shown the last one in class). Each actor depicts each of the characters in a unique way.
I haven't seen the new version with Jim Carrey playing Scrooge and all the ghosts. We will watch it this week. I have to go out on a limb here though and say that my favorite version still is "Muppets Christmas Carol". There is nothing like Miss Piggy telling off Scrooge, Marley and Marley doing their song and dance routine, and Michael Caine pulling off Scrooge very effectively.
This story reminds me of what is important at Christmas. Students learn how a character can move from being a miser to feeling forgiveness and compassion for others. The quote that always stays with me is "It is required of every man," the ghost returned, "that the spirit within him should walk abroad among his fellow-men, and travel far and wide; and, if that spirit goes not forth in life, it is condemned to do so after death."- A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens. Now this story connects me to Christmas.
Enjoy a favorite part of " The Muppets Christmas Carol" with me.

Silent Night, Snowy Night

 It was a silent night and very snowy night.

 It was a fun night to try night pictures with our small offering of outside lights.

 

No cats tonight to pounce down the walk. They are in keeping their paws warm!

Hello... My Name is William

I know I am not one of the cute kittens that gets top billing these days on the blog, but I wanted to reintroduce myself. My name is Sweet William. I have been told by TM that I am very handsome. During the summer I love hanging out on the old ladder that my mistress hangs the pots from in front of the garage. This time of year I sneak in the house after the dogs go to bed and sit patiently in my mistress's "office" until she is done on her computer. Then I jump up in her comfy chair and sleep until morning.

I have a sister Lily that likes to spend more time outside than inside. If she can though she loves staying in the greenhouse. Here she is a few weeks ago.

I try to get along with Kit, but he has his own ideas. I still don't quite know what to think of those kittens.

 By the way, I am not the cat that moved the ribbon, moved the gifts that were already wrapped, messed up the Christmas blanket or knocked over the lamp. I was safe and out of trouble. See... I just straightened up the blanket.

Now McDuff is my buddy. He needs a little support in his "older years" and I am always keeping an eye on him and the treats he gets! I better jump off this chair and get back on my cat perch. I think I hear IEG coming back.   Sweet William

Snow Scenes from Home

 Our snowman friend is now by the front door to greet guests.

 Another snowman brightens up the garage wall and a flag to welcome guests.

 

 

Kit hanging out in the snow!

My reflection as I try to capture photos of the plants through the greenhouse window.

I think the little fairies should have been put away, but I like them as snow angels.

Christmas Is In The Air

  Filling our home with the sights and smells of Christmas is the best part of December.I even found fresh flowers to match the decor. JEJ was part of the project today when it came to lights. Now I can sit back, sip a Christmas drink, listen to holiday music and enjoy the season.

Green and silver and white are ready to greet me at the door.

JEJ hung the snowflake lights in the greenhouse windows.

 We also decided to add lights again to the house this year. The new porch is perfect for colorful lights.

As the sun shines through the greenhouse window in the kitchen it picks up the red and green colors and adds light to the room.

Hello, My Name is Isabelle!

My name is Isabelle. I am The Queen Feline at the home of InlandEmpireGirl. I realize since the kittens have been here, I have had to take a back seat to pictures on the blog. Believe me  I am still alive, cute, smart, photogenic, and well. I was so pleased to see my mistress pulled a lovely photo of me out of the archives today for the banner on her blog. I made it my mission in life today to pose for some cute pictures. See how I did. I posed on top of the entertainment center hoping I would look just right in the sunlight.

 My mistress put a fabric box on the washer. I just jumped in it like I did as a kitten and posed. It worked. She went and grabbed her camera telling me how cute I was.

This isn't my best side, but I was teaching "one of those kittens" the skill of walking the fence. I am going to keep trying to get some more photo opportunities. Stay tuned for more beautiful pictures of yours truly.
Best regards,
Isabelle