Waiting for Midnight

Artwork by Inge Look
She is an artist from Finland

I have a few of her postcards and they are all wonderful! They are all of the same two old ladies getting into mischief, like having a tea party at midnight at the top of a clock tower.

postmarked in 2010 with a Finland Aurora Borealis stamp

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I hope and pray everyone had a wonderful 2010. May 2011 be the best year of your life and may all your dreams for the new year come true :D

Town Crier of Shaftesburry on Gold Hill in England

Bob Scott on the famous Gold Hill

Town crier of Shaftesburry, Dorset, England.

postmarked in 2010 with a Great Britain 'Winnie the Pooh' stamp

the sender writes that the street behind is very famous for being featured in a Hovis bread advertisement that introduced "The New World Symphony" to so many people.

Slovak National Theatre - Slovakia

Bratislava

Budova Slovenskeho narodneho divadia

(The building of Slovak National Theatre)

Foto: Alexander Jirousek

postmarked in 2008 with a Slovensko (Slovakia) 25 Peking 2008 Olympics stamp

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The Neo-Renaissance Slovak National Theatre, (renamed in 1920 to the Slovak National Theatre),  was built in 1885–1886 during the time of Austria-Hungary. It was opened as the City Theatre on September 22, 1886 with the opera Bánk bán of Ferenc Erkel, which is one of the most important Hungarian opera. As a sign of this event's importance Kálmán Tisza Hungarian Prime Minister and his all government  took part on this ceremony. The gala performance was conducted by Ferenc Erkel himself. 

The original building was designed for 1000 spectators and was illuminated using 800 gas lamps, while the auditorium had a lustre with 64 lights. The interior was decorated, with frescos of by Pressburg native painter Kornél Spányik and by paintings by Munich artist Leo Lüttgendorf-Leinburg, among others.

The building has housed Slovak National Theatre ensembles since 1920, but today only the opera and ballet ensembles are resident. It was restored between 1969 and 1972, when a new modern technical building was added behind the old building. 

Valletta, Malta, World Heritage City

Malta

Valletta - World Heritage City

Maltese Archipelago

One of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites, Valletta was founded on 28 March 1566.  Its magnificent network of fortifications extend over 27 km and are a perfect example of Renaissance military architecture.  The dignified palaces and churches built by the knights of St. John form an impressive architectonic complex that led it to being described as 'a city built by gentlemen for gentlemen'.

postmarked in 2010 with a Malta 'Blue Grotto' stamp

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Malta, officially the Republic of Malta, is a southern European country and consists of an archipelago situated centrally in the Mediterranean.

It covers just over 300 km² in land area, making it one of the world's smallest and most densely populated countries. Malta has two official languages – Maltese and English – with Maltese being considered the national language.

Throughout history, Malta's location has given it great strategic importance and a sequence of powers including the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Fatimids, Sicilians, Knights of St John, French and the British ruled the islands. It gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1964 and became a republic in 1974, while retaining membership in the Commonwealth of Nations. It is a member of the United Nations (since 1964) and a member of the European Union (since 2004). 

Malta has a long Christian legacy. According to the Acts of the Apostles in the Christian Bible, St. Paul was shipwrecked on "Melite", as the Greeks called the island, and ministered there.

Malta has nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites, most prominently the Megalithic Temples which are the oldest free-standing structures in Europe.

Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas

Allure of the Seas
Royal Caribbean International

Guest Capacity: 5,400 double occupancy
Gross Tonnage: 220,000
Staterooms: 2,700
Decks: 16 high
Length: 1,184'
Max Beam: 184.40'
Draft: 30'
Cruising Speed: 22 knots

unused, bought on the Maiden Voyage, Dec. 5th 2010

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MS Allure of the Seas is a cruise ship and is sister ship to the MS Oasis of the Seas, the two of which hold the distinction of being the world's largest passenger vessels, although it was recently determined that—through an anomaly discovered by design engineers—Allure of the Seas is actually two inches longer than her sister ship, which technically makes Allure the largest passenger ship ever constructed, despite the fact that both ships have identical superstructures. She was designed under the name "Project Genesis". She was ordered in February of 2006 and construction officially began at STX Europe in Turku, Finland, in February of 2008.  She was named in May of 2008 after a contest was held to name her and her sister. The keel of the Allure of the Seas was laid on 2 December 2008.

Some amazing things you will find and do on The Allure....

It is the first time passengers will enjoy entertainment and events with DreamWorks characters
The first Britto Store at Sea
Broadway show Chicago (with an AMAZING cast!)
Show 'Blue Planet' which you have to see
How to Train Your Dragon 3-D Movie then go the the How to Train Your Dragon Ice Show
Madagascar Aqua Show
Full-sized carousel with hand carved animals
The Cupcake Cupboard, buy a cupcake or like me, take a decorating class!
Many pools and whirlpools
2 FlowRiders
2 Rock Climbing Walls
A Zip Line!
Go to a high dive show in the AquaTheater
Laugh at the Comedy Show
Dance in one of the many clubs around the ship
Try ice skating on the Ice rink (Yes, there is an ice rink on the ship)
Then there is the food, my favorite, was the hot dog stand - all kids of hot dogs and bratwursts with your choice of toppings, sauerkraut, grilled onions, grilled peppers etc.  also the pizza stands, ice cream and more that are all free.  Then for a fee, you have a Starbucks Coffee stand, Johnny Rockets, and many fine dining restaurants.  The best ever is 150 Central Park.  If you go on the Allure, you must eat here at least once! - In case you can't tell, we had an amazing cruise and I can't wait to go on The Allure of the Seas again.

A Little Christmas Humor :D

"Here!  wait a moment till I check up this account and see if you've got all the things I ordered".

unused

too funny!

Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday Jesus - Thank you for coming down from heaven for us.

Baby Jesus with Mary, Joseph and Angels  

the sender writes:

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas to spend in perfect Peace and total Harmony with all the people you love and care for the most.

postmarked in 2010 with three Italy stamps. (One is just like the blue envelope below, only it is green and for 0,20.  Some of it is covered up so I couldn't scan it.)

 

Santa and Coca-Cola

In 1931, The Coca-Cola Company commissioned Michigan-born illustrator Haddon Sunblom to develop advertising images using Santa Claus. What started as an advertising campaign soon became a tradition that has captured the public's fancy for the last 75 years.

bought at The World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta, Georgia

unused, from 2008

Christmas in Norway

God Jul og Godt Nytt Ar

the sender translates as: Wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

postmarked in 2009 with a Noreg (Norway) 12.00 stamp

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It is common for children to pay visits to neighbours where they are given candy, nuts and clementines. Each area has a fixed tradition for this; it varies throughout the country. It's called Julebukk or Nyttårsbukk. In some places, kids may go out every day between Juleaften and New Year's Eve, and in other places, they may only go out on New Year's Eve. In most areas, the children dress up, somewhat similar to the American Halloween tradition. They are expected to sing a Christmas carol or perform in some other way.

Christmas in Russia

This is from Russia. The sender writes Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, but I'm not sure that is what the above translates to.

The grey you see in the snow, along the buildings roofs, and in the trees is all glitter! It's a very pretty postcard.

Postmarked in 2009 with two Russian stamps

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Christmas celebration in Russia is not as widely followed as in Western countries in favor of the New Year celebration. Christmas is celebrated on the 7th of January. The tradition of celebrating Christmas has been revived since 1992, after decades of suppression by the communist government. It is centered on the Christmas Eve "Holy Supper", which consists of 12 servings, one to honor each of Jesus' apostles. The Russian traditions were largely kept alive by shifting some of them, including the visit by gift-giving "Grandfather Frost" and his "Snowmaiden", to New Year's Day. Many current Russian Christmas customs, including their Christmas tree were brought by Peter the Great, after his western travels in the late 17th century.

Santa Water Skiing of Course!

What else would santa be doing this time of year?
:)

Santa Claus on Water Skis, Miami, Florida, 1950's
Photograph by Paul Popper

unused, bought in 2010

Elf, Starring Will Ferrell

Will Ferrell

elf

with James Caan

In Cinemas December, 4th 2003

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Elf:

Buddy was a baby in an orphanage who stowed away in Santa's sack and ended up at the North Pole. Later, as an adult human who happened to be raised by elves, Santa allows him to go to New York City to find his birth father, Walter Hobbs. Hobbs, on Santa's naughty list for being a heartless person, had no idea that Buddy was even born. Buddy, meanwhile, experiences the delights of New York City (and human culture) as only an elf can. When Walter's relationship with Buddy interferes with his job, he is forced to reevaluate his priorities.

In my humble opinion, this is one of the funniest Christmas movies ever made.

Fiesta de las Luminarias, Texas

San Antonio, Texas
During the Christmas season, lighted candles are set in bags along the Paseo del Rio for the Fiesta de las Luminarios, lighting the way for the Holy Family.

Photo: Cuck Hatler

unused, from 1999

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Fiesta de las Luminarias, one of the most beautiful events of the winter holiday season, takes place on the River Walk where the river is lined with 7,000 luminarias (candle-lit, sand-filled bags) to light Mary and Joseph's path as they search for shelter on the night before Jesus' birth. The procession is a Mexican-American tradition and takes place on nine nights in December. The festival procession has been held on the River Walk for over 40 years.

Disney's Animal Kingdom 3-D Postcard, signed by Harry Moore!

Disney's Animal Kingdom

1. Baloo - The Jungle Book - 1967
2. Simba - The Lion King - 1994
3. Little John - Robin Hood - 1973
4.  King Leonidas - Bedknobs and Broomsticks - 1971
5. Bernard - The Rescuers - 1977
6. Bianca - The Rescuers - 1977
7. Tantor - Tarzan - 1999
8. Rafiki - The Lion King - 1994
9. Lady Kluck - Robin Hood - 1973
10. Maid Marian - Robin Hood - 1973
11. Brer Fox - Song of the South - 1946
12. Zazu - The Lion King - 1994
13. Goofy - Mickey's Revue - 1932
14. Pluto - The Chain Gang - 1930
15. Minnie - Steamboat Willie - 1928
16. Mickey - Steamboat Willie - 1928
17. Donald - The Wise Little Hen - 1934
18. Kaa - The Jungle Book - 1967
19. Brer Bear - Song of the South - 1946
20. Madam Mim - The Sword in the Stone - 1963
21. Big Bad Wolf - The Three Little Pigs - 1933
22. Dumbo - Dumbo - 1941
23. Reluctant Dragon - The Reluctant Dragon - 1941
24. Lambert - Lambert, the Sheepish Lion - 1952
25. King Loui - The Jungle Book - 1967
26. Brer Frog - Song of the South - 1946
27. Brer Rabbit - Song of the South - 1946
28. Sebastian - The Little Mermaid - 1989
29. Fifer Pig - The Three Little Pigs - 1933
30. Fiddler Pig - The Three Little Pigs - 1933
31. Practical Pig - The Three Little Pigs - 1933

unused, but bought in 2008

I have two of these postcards - I met Harry Moore, the amazing artist who drew and designed this postcard, and he gave me one with his autograph on the back!  (2010)
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Columbia Icefield Tours in Canada

Columbia Icefield Canada

Photography by: Tokio Onishi

unused - from around 2007

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The Columbia Icefield Glacier Experience reveals the most unique attraction in the Canadian Rockies. Massive Brewster Ice Explorers, specially designed for glacial travel, take passengers on a remarkable excursion onto the surface of the Athabasca Glacier. Each 80 minute journey is lead by an experienced driver-guide, who shares a wealth of information about glaciers, icefields and their impact on our environment. Mid-point in the tour, passengers can safely step out onto the glacier and stand on this powerful ancient ice.

World War 1 'Beware of Female Spies' Poster Postcard

Beware of Female Spies

Women are being employed by the enemy to secure information from Navy men, on the theory that they are less liable to be suspect than male spies.  Beware of inquisitive women as well as prying men.

See everything

Hear everything

Say Nothing

Concerning any matter bearing upon the work of the Navy

Silence is Safety

International Spy Museum

Washington, DC

A World War I poster warned Navy personnel to guard against the wiles of female agents.

postmarked in 2010 with a 28 cent polar bear stamp

Santa in Purple Suit - 1909 Postcard

With All Good Wishes

Santa in a purple suit with embossing

has some writing on the back, but was never mailed - with the year 1909 written on it

Laughing Zebras

Een dag niet gelachen, is een dag niet geleefd.

(A day not laughed is a day not lived.)

Postmarked in 2010 with a Netherlands 2010 stamp

 When I opened my mailbox and saw this I started laughing!  What a great postcard, it can't help but put a smile on your face!

Icebergs off the South Pole, Antarctica

Postcard Book
The Earth From the Air
Yann Arthus-Bertrand

Icebergs off the Adelie coast, South Pole

These drifting icebergs recently detached from the glacial platforms of Antarctica, as can be seen from their flat shape and the ice strata that are still visible on their jagged sides. Like the rest of the 480 cubic miles that detach every year from Antarctica, these icebergs will slowly be eroded by the winds and waves before disappearing. Antarctica is a place of extremes: temperatures reach as low as -94 degrees F (-70 C), and winds reach speeds of 200 miles (300 km) an hour. The continent has an area of 5,500 square miles (14 million km2) and contains 90 percent of the ice and 70 percent of the freshwater reserves of the planet. Antarctica has been governed since 1959 by the Washington Treaty, which gives it international status and restricts its uses to scientific activities. The Russian station at Vostok has extracted, from a depth of 11,800 feet (3,623 m), chunks of ice that have made possible the reconstruction of more than 420,000 years of history of the climate and atmospheric composition. The atmosphere's current content of carbon dioxide - the main gas responsible for global warming - is higher than it has been for 160,000 years.

unused, from 2002

Royal Viking Star in the Panama Canal

The Panama Canal - a fascinating trip through jungle-lined lakes and huge locks that raise each ship 85 feet, then lower it to sea level again.  The three all First Class ships of Royal Viking Line cruise the canal throughout the year.

Royal Viking Star, Royal Viking Sky, and Royal Viking Sea

Of Norwegian registry. And spirit.

postmarked in 1981 from Antigua & Barbuda with an Antigua 'Hibiscus' 25 cent stamp

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On May 1 1976 the Royal Viking Sky and Royal Viking Star became the first sister ships to have transited the Panama Canal simultaneously in different directions, the Sky sailing westbound and the Star eastbound.

Lunchtime by Steffen Deutch

Lunchtime
by Steffen Deutch, 1954

postmarked in 2010 with two Germany stamps

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Steffen Deutch was born in Europe, but worked most of his life in Chicago, Illinois.

Some 13,000 of Deutch's photographic prints, transparencies and negatives dating back to 1932 are now held in the archives of the Chicago Historical Society, where they will be available to show future generations how Chicago was-and how human nature in all its heartbreak and humor never changes.

Glorieta Baptist Assembly in New Mexico

Postcard 1) Plans for the building (1953)

Postcard 2) You can see the new building being built in the background on the right (1953)

Postcard 3) The Glorieta Baptist Assembly (1958)

"New Mexico Hall"

(Administration Building)

Glorieta Baptist Assembly

Glorieta, New Mexico

Lobby-Lounge 210', contains four of world's largest fireplaces constructed of native flagstone, dimensions: 16' wide by 30' high.  Building is 750' overall in length, it will house Assembly Business Offices, Library, Stores and Shops.  This building is now partially completed and will be a fine south-western style structure, when entirely finished.

postmarked on July 29, 1953 with a 2 cent John Adams stamp

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"Presenting Glorieta - In the Land of Enchantment. Comprised of some 1,300 acres, nineteen miles from Sante Fe,  New Mexico.  Home of the Baptist Assembly of 22 states and the District of Columbia.

Color photo by J. Hobson Bass

postmarked in 1953 with a 2 cent John Adams stamp

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New Mexico Baptists gave the funds with which to erect this first unit of the Assembly Administration Building.  Two additional units of equal size are to be added later.  In this building are located the Registration Desk, Post Office, Snack Bar, Photo Counter, Gift Shop and Book Store.

Photo by Merrill Moore.

postmarked in 1958 with a 2 cent Jefferson stamp

Christmas, Michigan, World's Largest Santa

The back of both cards read:

Christmas, Michigan

On Highway M-28, 3 miles west of Munising

The spirit of Christmas can be found at 'Santa's Workshop' in the heart of Christmas, Michigan.  Home of the World's Largest Santa Claus which stands 32 feet high, and 17 feet across the skirt, towering beside the North Pole.  He is a welcome sight to all who are young at heart.

both are postmarked in 2010 with this 32 cent stamp (Flowering Trees)

I have this card too from there:

Christmas, Michigan

Christmas Zoo

On hwy. M-28, 3 miles west of Munising

Santa's Gift Shop in the heart of Christmas, Michigan is the home of Santa's Reindeer, where these beautiful animals play the year.

posmtarked in 2010 with a 32 cent stamp

I Love Lucy - Return Home from Europe, 'Cheese Episode'

I Love Lucy

"Return Home from Europe"
(on the set May 14, 1956)

unused, made in 1997

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Return Home from Europe is the final leg of the European Tour story arc on I Love Lucy.  As the group plans to go home to New York City, when they receive mail that’s been forwarded by Lucy’s mother, Mrs. McGillicuddy, who’s been watching Little Ricky.  True to form, Mrs. McGillicuddy has forwarded an urgent telegram, inviting Ricky to perform at New York City’s famous Roxy theater.  Ricky quickly calls to make sure that the offer is still open, but now instead of taking a leisurely boat ride home, they have to take an expensive airplane flight home.  This means that Ricky is going to be watching expenses more than usual, and Lucy can’t afford to bring home a special souvenir to her mother—a 25-pound piece of cheese.  So the question then becomes, how to ‘smuggle’ the cheese aboard the plane flight?

Lucy’s creativity is up to the challenge, however.  She wraps the cheese up in a blanket, and tries to pass it off as a baby—this leads to a wonderful segment where she is seated next to Mary Jane Croft, who has her own baby, and the contrast between how she takes care of her baby and how Lucy takes care of her ‘baby’ is very funny—until Lucy finds out that babies don’t travel for free on international flights.  Now the question is, how to dispose of the cheese?  After an aborted effort to eat it (with Ethel’s help), she comes up with a different idea ... but Mary Jane is terrified now that Lucy’s ‘baby’ has disappeared!

This leads to a problem with the customs officials, who are trying to find out what happened.  At the same time, a newspaper reporter wants to take photographs of Ricky and his band, and their deadline is approaching.  But where did Lucy hide the cheese?  Ricky’s band provides the answer, in a very gooey fashion—a very funny ending to a funny episode.  (You can see on the above postcard where she hid the cheese :)

Navy Yard, Bremerton, Washington

Noon Hour at the Navy Yard, Bremerton, Washington

postmarked in 1911 with a one cent stamp

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Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PSNS & IMF) is a United States Navy shipyard covering 179 acres on Puget Sound at Bremerton, Washington. Historically it was known as Navy Yard Puget Sound, Bremerton Navy Yard, and Puget Sound Naval Shipyard.

It is the Pacific Northwest's largest naval shore facility and one of Washington state's largest industrial installations. PSNS & IMF provides the Navy with maintenance, modernization, and technical and logistics support. Perhaps the most visible feature of the shipyard is its huge green hammerhead crane, built in 1933. The PSNS hammerhead crane is 250 feet (76 m) tall and 80 feet (24 m) wide with a lifting capacity of 250 tons. The hammerhead crane has not been used for many years.

Christmas Stamp Puzzle Postcard from 1989

Christmas Stamp Puzzle Postcard from 1989 - 25 cents
Santa's Sleigh
United States Postal Service

The back reads:
"Greetings" Christmas Contemporary 1989
This stamp was created by Stevan Dohanos, a noted artist and illustrator of Westport, CT.  He was attracted to this 19th century sleigh during a visit to the Fenimore House Museum in Cooperstown, NY.  The illustration of the sleigh was chosen by the U.S. Postal Service as 1989's Christmas 25-cent stamp.  The sleigh which has never been exhibited to the public. is on display at the Fenimore House until January 1, 1990.

This postcard is unused.  The instructions are to peal off the protective plastic on the front, then use it as an actual puzzle.

Little Girl on Santa's Lap with a ... Sword ?!?

Nothing says Christmas like a little girl sitting on Santa's lap holding a dagger! 

Wishing you a Merry Christmas (early 20th century).  From the collection of Gabriella Oldham - 1989

This is a reproduction postcard - unused

Peanuts Harvested in Georgia

Georgia Peanuts

This versatile crop is grown in abundance in Georgia.

unused, from 2010

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Harvesting peanuts occurs in two stages. In mechanized systems a machine is used to cut off the main root of the peanut plant by cutting through the soil just below the level of the peanut pods. The machine lifts the "bush" from the ground and shakes it, then inverts the bush, leaving the plant upside down on the ground to keep the peanuts out of the dirt. This allows the peanuts to dry slowly to a bit less than a third of their original moisture level over a period of 3–4 days. Traditionally, peanuts are pulled and inverted by hand.

After the peanuts have dried sufficiently, they are threshed, removing the peanut pods from the rest of the bush.