Bill W

No, it isn't the day Mohammed Ali fought Joe Frasier or George Foreman. Boxing day originated in the mid 19th century from the custom of giving tradespeople a Christmas box on this day. History.com explains that one theory of the holiday's origin is that the day after Christmas was when boxes filled with small gifts and money would be given to household servants and employees who had to work on Dec. 25. The gifts were meant as a thank you for their service throughout the year. Boxing Day is an an official bank holiday in Britain, Canada, New Zealand and most of Australia. While boxes aren't typically given to the poor anymore, it's not unusual for service employees to get bonuses around this time of year, says Britannica. Some countries, such as South Africa, now refer to Boxing Day as The Day of Goodwill.

And another new piece of information. And if many of them are sparkling wines, maybe the bubbles do something to negate any metallic tastes, or the manufacture is just treating them like soda. Anyway, it's interesting that they're now putting wine in cans now.

That's very interesting and I'm learning all kinds of new information from my readers today.

I didn't realize Australia was responsible for the cardboard/plastic container for wine. And Cardonnay is a dry white wine. There are many other varieties of white wines, including Sauvignon blanc, Pinot grigio, and Riesling, along with at least 13 other varieties of white wines.

Yes, cardboard boxes with a plastic lining, and vinegar comes in plastic bottles, as well as glass bottles.

Yes, they use pop-top cans for many beverages, but not for wine. I'm not sure if they're afraid if the wine might become affected by a metallic taste or not, but they'll stick to bottles and cardboard boxes with a plastic bag inside for now.

For a vinophile, there are many suggested rules to follow, which are often ignored by those less refined in the art of the grape.

Yes, the Centennial State has many things to offer, whether you like winter activities or something to do in the warmer weather. I hope I might have inspired some of you to visit there sometime and explore those options.

Merry Christmas, y'all!

Hmmm, that would be interesting. If they were to do that, however, I hope they would choose to transition into a smaller dinosaur, like maybe a velociraptor - but a kinder, gentler one.

I will correct that error. Thank you for pointing it out. It has been corrected.

It's true, not everyone's parents are this adventurous, and those adventures can come in many different formats, as you shall see. And Merry Christmas to you as well. 🎅

I won't say this is great Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa reading, but it's great reading just the same. Enjoy.

I love to use my stories to give the readers a Christmas present (no matter the time of the year) by giving them ideas for trips and activities they can participate in if they've got the time and are near such places. Merry Christmas to you as well. 🎅

Thanks, Al, and another one that will leave a film and that's common for this season is eggnog. Enjoy and have a terrific Christmas Eve and Christmas Day! 🎅

Thanks, weinerdog, and I'm glad you found the trip so interesting. Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks? Have a wonderful Christmas and you'll hear from me again next week.

My favorite heartwarming movies are "Dead Poets Society" (1989) and "Lady and the Tramp" (1955)

Chapter 48 – May Madness Shortly after the alarm went off at 6:30, the phone in our room rang. “Good morning, Mom, and we were already up,” I said upon answering the phone. “I just wanted to check and make sure you were awake.” “I know, but I already had that handled. “Ok, then we’ll meet you out in the hallway just as soon as you’re both dressed.” “Ok, we’ll see you in a few minutes then.” We quickly used the toilet and sloshed some mouthwash around

The word comes from the Latin rubicundus, with its roots of rubere, "to be red," and ruber, "red." Rubicund first entered English in the late Middle English period. The earliest known use of the word rubicund was before 1425 in Grande Chirurgie by Guy de Chauliac. Synonyms of rubicund include "florid", "ruddy", and "sanguine".

I know someone that will be getting coal this year. No one messes with Santa, not even an inflatable Santa. 🎅

Someone put catnip in the egg nog! A little Christmas cheer for all.

Santa's Pony Express!

That would be cheaper than paying for Viagra or Cialis, if you happen to need assistance.

Quote: @wildone But then again sneaking around in the dark would be easier for any randy teenagers out there . That's if they don't freeze their randy bits off. On a more serious note, I'd like to wish all of you Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Joyous Kwanzaa, Happy Festivas, or whatever seasonal greeting is appropriate for your circumstances!!

The word "rhapsodic" comes from the Greek word rhapsōidikós, which is the Latinized form of rhapsōidia. Rhapsōidia means "recitation of selections from epic poetry". The word "rhapsodic" entered the English language in the mid-1700s. The word "rhapsodic" is an adjective that means "extravagantly emotional" or "rapturous". Synonyms of "rhapsodic" include: elated, elevated, enrapt, entranced, euphoric, exhilarated, giddy, heady, intoxicated, and rapturous. The word "rhapsody" has multiple meanings: A recitation of selections from epic poetry A literary form, such as a collection of miscellaneous writings An extravagant expression of sentiment A musical piece with an irregular form and improvisational nature An epic poem, or part of an epic poem, that can be recited at one time The word "rhapsode" comes from the Greek word rhapsōidein, which means "to sew songs together". A rhapsode was an oral epic poet who would build a repertoire of myths, tales, and jokes to include in their epic poems. Think of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" or Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue".