CHAPTER NINETEEN - CHRISTMAS FOR ERNIE

Wed, 17 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

6:00 am 
 December 25th

      “Daddy? Dad? Hey Dad, you awake?” asks the super excited 6-year-old of Harry.

      “I am now. Ernie, it’s… what time is it anyway?” Harry stammers and then looks at the clock on his nightstand.

      “6 o’clock? Ernie, it’s way too early to get up. Go back to sleep for a couple of more hours,” Harry said.

      “But it’s Christmas, Dad. Santa may have already come. We need to go downstairs to see what he brought me,” said Ernie.

      “Oh, for heaven’s sake. Okay, but let me make some coffee first,” replied Harry, unaware that Susan has walked into the room.

      “I already made the coffee, and here is a cup to get you moving,” said Susan.

      “Why are you gaining up on me? I prayed that today would be a better day, but so far, not so much,” Harry stated.

      “Come on, Harry, your son, would like to see if Santa brought him any gifts. Let’s go see before Ernie bursts from his curiosity,” said Susan.

      Ernie jumps off the bed and runs to the door. “I’ll race you, Dad,” and he’s out of the room in a flash.

      “I guess he won. Now, back under the nice warm covers,” said Harry as he lies back down.

      “Get up, Daddy! You have responsibilities to your son and the rest of your family as well,” shouted Susan.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN - TWO SOULS ON DIFFERENT FLIGHTS

Wed, 10 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Once outside, Caitlin and Rose stood in silence and disbelief. The warm winter night was now hot. Over 100 degrees and the sky was bright with what looked like fire. The sound surrounding them was that of a tornado of fire, filling their ears with a loud streaming freight train-like sound effect. They placed their hands over their ears to block out the sound.

      They watched as Jack held Rick three feet off the ground by his neck. Suddenly out of the sky, blended in with the firestorm, came a black chariot. Four black horses with large black wings pulled the chariot through the sky and then landed in front of the house. The chariot was driverless, but the horses knew what to do. They were larger than Clydesdales and snorted dark gray smoke, and made a horrific noise as they stomped their large hoofs onto the street. 

      In horror, the girls watched as Jack threw their father into the black chariot, and then Jack walked back to the girls.

      “I’m sorry, girls, but your father murdered Lindsay. There is no tolerance for a child of God to commit such an act, especially one that has been given many chances to follow God or follow Satan. He will now spend eternity with the one he has chosen to follow. He is on his way to hell,” said Jack.

      Caitlin was crying uncontrollably but managed to shout out, “Daddy, we love you! We will miss you! We know you didn’t mean it. Ask God to forgive you!”

      Rick replied, “You be good, my little bitches. Mind your mother, the queen bitch. And I did mean it. I just missed your mom and hit Victor’s little whore.”

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN - GUESS WHO’S COMING TO CHRISTMAS

Tue, 02 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

      At the front door stood Patrick and Megan McCann, Rick’s parents. 

      “Patrick! Megan! What are you doing here?” asked Susan.

      “Susan? Carin’s sister? What are you doing here?” asked Megan.

      “I live here. This is our home. The kids are incredibly happy here. If you are here with a plan of stealing our kids away from us, you are in for the fight of your life. We love these children as if they were our own, and we consider them as such,” shouted Susan.

      “Calm down, Susan. We are not here to take the kids. We believe that they are happy to be here with you. Besides, they would have to be dead to come to be with us, and we wouldn’t want that now, would we?” said Patrick.

      “Oh, my God. You died?” asked Caitlin.

      “Yes, sweetie, a little over a year ago. We both caught the nasty virus that was going around, and we couldn’t recover. First, your grandfather passed, and then I died just a week later,” said Grandma Megan.

      “I’m so sorry for your passing. I apologize for yelling at you,” said Susan.

      “It’s quite alright, my dear. It shows us that you were the right choice all along to care for the children. We have to admit that we have no idea why we are here, how we got here, or how it is possible to be among the living once again. Can anyone explain this to us?” asked Megan.

      “Why don’t you follow me and I will try my best,” said Martha as she took the McCann’s by their arms and into the family area of the home.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN - 6:00 PM CHRISTMAS EVE TWO

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

      As the church bells chimed for the sixth time, the doorbell rang. Harry took a deep breath and said, “Okay, here we go.” He opened the door, and there stood Martha.

      “Merry Christmas, Hill Family!” she exclaimed.

      “Merry Christmas, Mrs. Kennedy,” replied Harry as he hugged Martha.

      “Who ordered this warm weather? I was pulling out my winter coat for the trip, and Joseph said I didn’t need a coat, gloves, or hat this Christmas on earth,” she said.

      “Ah… who is this Joseph dude, Martha?” asked Victor as he hugged her as well.

      “That Joseph dude is God’s most trusted and dependable angel. He manages heaven and gives the assignments to the other angels. Best be respectful to him, Victor, or he might just turn you into a donkey,” said Martha.

      “A donkey!” he exclaimed and laughed but then stopped when Martha gave him a look. “Oh.. you are serious. Okay then… sorry about that most righteous Joseph. I was just goofing around. No offense meant,” Victor replied.

      “Victor, are your ears growing? Look at his butt Rose; any tail growing there?” asked Caitlin. 

      “Knock it off, you guys! My ears aren’t growing! Are they? Oh, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, please help me!” Victor screamed.

      “See, you have known Joseph all along Victor as well as Jesus and Mary, I see,” said Martha.

      “Oh, that Joseph. Okay then. I’m cool with that,” replied Victor as he continued grabbing his ears to make sure they are not growing.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN - CHRISTMAS NUMBER TWO

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

      A year had passed, and life continued for the Hill family. Each, a year older and for a few wiser as well, but the subject of conversation persisted in being would Rick and Carin be joining the family this second Christmas at the magical house on Festive Lane.

      “For December 24th in Chicago, the weather feels more like Florida than Illinois,” said Harry as he finished stringing the lights on the garage roofline. 

      “I know. I’m soaked to the bone from sweat. I need a shower and some clean clothes,” replied Victor, who helped Harry with the lights.

      This year the Hills were much better prepared for the events that would soon evolve once the clock struck 6:00 pm on this warm and sultry Christmas Eve. Susan and Caitlin were busy setting up extra seating in the kitchen and family room, where most of the guests assembled last year. Susan also prepared several turkey and vegetable courses to complement the sweets the guests would be bringing. Last year even the elderly were sugared up and bouncing off the walls from too many sweets. Susan wanted to make sure the guests received a couple of solid meals while visiting her home.

      “Wow, something smells great,” said Harry as he and Victor entered the kitchen from the back-garage entrance. 

      “It’s one of five turkeys I have prepared for our guests. I hope it’s enough,” replied Susan.

      “It’s enough for Harry and me, but I don’t know what the guests are going to eat,” said Victor as he started picking at one of the already cooked turkeys resting on the counter.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN - TIME TO DEPART

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

6:00 pm Christmas Day

      As the church bells rang out, the guests at the house on Festive Lane began to gather their belongings and bid their hosts a good evening until next Christmas. Harry, Susan, and the kids stood by the front door and wished each guest a Merry Christmas and safe travels to their place on the other side. Guests would leave in the reverse order that they arrived; thus, Harry and Susan’s parents, who arrived first, would depart last. The guests walked out the front door and into the night, disappearing into a blizzard one by one. Carrying only the trays that they brought with them, now void of all cakes, cookies, and waffles, the guests filed out in quick order. Now it was Ernest who was preparing to leave.

      “Ernest, what do you have there?” asked Martha.

      “My phone that Santa gave me,” he replied.

      “Oh dear, you are not allowed to take anything back with you that you didn’t bring with you when you arrived,” Martha said.

      “But I have to keep it with me so I can talk to daddy,” Ernest said desperately.

      “Martha, Santa did give it to him. It wouldn’t be right not to let him keep it,” said Susan, unaware that the phone was actually Victor’s old phone.

      “What’s the worst that can happen if he takes the phone back with him?” asked Harry.

      “He won’t be allowed to return to this house ever again,” said Martha.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN - MY WHAT?

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

      With a puzzled look on his face, Harry asked, “What’s that you say? It sounded like you said he was my son.”

      “That’s what I said, and that’s who he is. Ernest, this man is your father. His name is Harry,” said Martha.

      “Daddy? Are you dead too? My momma told me my dad had died in a war,” said Ernest.

      Harry stood there dumbfounded and looked at Susan, who was as confused as Harry.

      “See, there… I was never in the service and thus proves I am not this boy’s father,” said Harry.

      “His mother just told him that, so she didn’t have to tell him you were just a one-night stand,” said Martha.

      “One-night stand?” Moi? Why I never… how long ago… was she a blonde…oh oh,” said Harry.

      “Oh-oh? Oh-oh? What do you mean, oh-oh?” asked Susan doing the math in her head. 

      “How old is he again? When did he die?” questioned Susan.

      “Don’t get crazy, Susan; his mother was a one night stand with Harry about a year before Harry met you,” replied Martha.

      “Now I remember her but not her name,” said Harry.

      “Ernest, what was your mother’s name?” asked Susan.

      “Mommy. I called her mommy,” said Ernest.

CHAPTER TWELVE - CHRISTMAS DAY

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0400

      7:00 am-

      As the sun shines into the master bedroom, the interior is bright and bold. Harry squints to see the alarm clock on his nightstand. 

      “7:03? It’s Christmas morning, for Pete’s sake. Why can’t I ever sleep in? If it’s not the kids, it’s Max. (Max pushes the door open and enters the room, jumping up on the bed.) Speak of the devil. Susan, are you going to let this beast get away with this? Susan?”

      Harry looks to the other side of the bed, but it is without his wife. Max makes himself at home and lies belly up as Harry rubs the pooches’ tummy.

      “I bet you would like to go outside, wouldn’t you?” Harry asked Max.

      “WOOF!” is the reply.

      “Okay, big guy, let’s proceed to the backyard post-haste, shall we?” Harry asked.

      Max leaps from the bed and is out the door in a flash. Harry dons a pair of sweats and throws on a ball cap as he slips on a pair of slippers and begins his trek down the stairs to the kitchen. As Harry walks through the house, the reality of the previous night sets in once again. 

      “I thought maybe I was just dreaming the whole thing, but no, there are 70 dead people in my house. I feel like that kid in that movie… I see dead people.”

      Harry lets Max out to do his morning business and then grabs the orange juice from the fridge. As he pours himself a glass, a little boy comes up behind him and pulls on his sweatshirt. 

CHAPTER ELEVEN - CHRISTMAS EVE NIGHT

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0400

     As the hours passed, Susan's immediate family, Harry, and the kids talked to the magical house visitors. Susan had explained the circumstances of the evening to Rose, Caitlin, and Victor. As predicted, Caitlin questioned Susan why their parents hadn’t come to the house for a visit. When Susan explained a grieving period, Caitlin immediately pointed out Doris's presence, who had just passed weeks before. Also, Lindsay wasn’t even at the house to take advantage of her recently deceased mother's surprise visit. Susan reminded the kids that Doris was also a friend to their family and was visiting for that reason and not necessarily to see Lindsay.

     It was nearing midnight on Christmas Eve, and Martha suggested that the guests gather around the Christmas tree to sing Silent Night. As the guests made their way to the family room, suddenly, Max began to bark. He ran to the back door leading to the garage. His tail wagged non-stop as he jumped at the door as it slowly opened. 

     “Max, get down, buddy. It’s just me,” said Lindsay as she entered the mudroom.

     “Lindsay! We were so worried about you. Are you alright?” asked Caitlin.

     “Yes, I’m fine. I-80 and I-5 are both closed going west to Omaha, so I had to stop and turn around. I was thinking of getting a hotel room but decided to come back instead,” Lindsay replied.

     “Lindsay, I’m so glad you made it back safely,” said Victor as he wrapped his arms around her. How far did you get, Iowa?”

     “Iowa? Are you kidding? I didn’t get to Ottawa. The roads are terrible,” responded Lindsay.

CHAPTER TEN - SURPRISE VISITORS

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0400

      The house on Festive Lane was once again filled with over fifty guests, all deceased but allowed to return for twenty-four hours due to the magic of the Christmas House. Some of the guests had been dead for only a short time, like Doris. Some had been dead for over a hundred plus years. In most cases, Harry and Susan didn’t even know the visitor because they were twice or three times removed. Great grandparents who had passed on before either of them were born visited the home to share the advent of Christmas.

      It was now 9:00 p.m., and Martha was sure that all of the visitors, who were going to attend the reunion with life thanks to Harry and Susan, were already present. Unfortunately, Rick and Carin were not present.

      As the guests settled in, Martha asked Harry to help her up onto the coffee table to be seen and heard. Once standing a foot above the crowd, Martha began.

     "First of all, welcome to the Christmas House. The reason you are all here is that this is a magical house. This house has allowed spirits from the other side to rejoin their loved ones for over 100 years. My family visited me every year, just like this, until I passed away, and then I joined them. When I found out that I was going to die, I had to pass on the wonderment of this house to a family that would appreciate and utilize the magic that this house offers. Selling this house to a family that had no use for it or that would tear it down was not an option. Michael and Arianna Carter met the requirements to be owners of this home, and in turn, Michael sold the home to Harry and Susan Hill based on the same criteria. 

CHAPTER NINE - THE HOUSE GUESTS

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 08:00:00 -0500

      As the doorbell's tone faded into silence, Harry, Susan, and the kids all stood frozen in anticipation and disbelief. Susan stood up and walked to her father. She reached out her hand and poked him in the shoulder. His physical body was real. 

      “Daddy? Is it really you?” she asked.

      “Yes, sweetheart. It’s really your mother and me. Your sister could be waiting just outside as well. You might want to answer the door,” he replied.

      Susan looked at Harry, and Harry turned to the kids.

      “Are you guys ready for this? Rose honey, do you understand what is happening here?” he asked.

      “Sure… we live in a magical house that is bringing mom and dad back to me. What are you waiting for? Open the door,” she replied.

      Harry hesitates and stops short of opening the door. He looks at Susan.

      “Can we talk privately for a second, Susan?”

      “Sure, Harry,” she replied.

      “Do not open the front door. Just give us a second,” Harry told the others.

      Harry and Susan walk toward the back of the house into the family room, just past the kitchen.

      “This is frickin unbelievable, but how do we handle this knowing that Rick killed Carin?” he asked.

CHAPTER EIGHT - THE FIRST CHRISTMAS EVE

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 08:00:00 -0500

      Thirty days had passed since the Hill family celebrated their first Thanksgiving at the Festive Lane home. Unfortunately, Lindsay’s mother, Doris, had also died during this brief period. She was placed in a hospice center on December 2nd and passed away in her sleep on December 5th.  Lindsay was at her side when her mother drew her last breath. Victor had asked Harry and Susan if Lindsay could stay with them instead of moving to Omaha to her Aunt Maria’s, but Harry and Susan agreed that they should honor the wishes and arrangements that Doris had made for her daughter. Lindsay did stay with the Hills on Festive Lane after the funeral. Her Aunt returned to Omaha to make arrangements for relocating Lindsay but felt it would be better to move her after the first of the year. Aunt Maria asked the Hills if they would mind letting Lindsay stay with them for a month while attending to the details. The Hills agreed and moved Lindsay into the guest room temporarily. Harry made it clear to Victor that he was to stay in his own room to sleep each night, or a padlock would be placed on his door and windows. Victor agreed.

      Caitlin loved having Lindsay stay at the house. Lindsay was a significant influence on Victor and was beginning to have the same effect on Caitlin as well. Lindsay was just one of those great girls that would do anything to help out a fellow human being. She was not quite as accommodating when it came to dogs. She had been bitten by a dog when she was 6-years old and ever since had been scared of all dogs regardless of size or demeanor. Lindsay shunned even Max, a very sweet dog, out of fear. A week after moving into the house, Lindsay didn’t close her bedroom door all the way, and Max pushed it open and jumped up on her bed as she laid there. 

CHAPTER SEVEN - THANKSGIVING DINNER

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 08:00:00 -0500

        Victor parked the car on the driveway because the garage floor area was cluttered with boxes and extension cords due to the decorating mission.

      “Wow, it looks great, Uncle Harry and Aunt Susan. You put up all the lights since I left? I was only gone for an hour or so. You guys are fast!” said Victor.

      “Your aunt was a great help since she is fearless when it comes to heights. She was hanging off the eaves and bouncing the ladder over a few feet at a time. She was scaring the hell out of me,” Harry said and then continued. “Hey, Lindsay! Don’t you look beautiful tonight!”

      “Hi, Mr. Hill. Thank you as usual. This is my mom, Doris… Doris Dunne,” Lindsay replied.

      “Hello, Doris. How very nice to meet you. My name is Harry,” he said as he took her frail hand into his and gently held it.

      “Very nice to meet you, Harry. Thank you for inviting Lindsay and me to join you for dinner. That was very nice and much appreciated,” Doris said.

      “Hi, Doris. I’m Susan, Harry’s wife, and the kids’ aunt,” she said as she placed her hand on Doris’s back and gently rubbed it.

      “Hi, Susan. Nice to meet you as well. I was going to say that you two look nothing like Victor. Now it makes sense that you are his aunt and uncle,” Doris said.

      “Mrs. Dunne, I don’t look anything like my parents either. I was adopted from Uruguay as a baby, so I have Latin blood and steamy good looks,” Victor said and then laughed.

      “Are your parents in the house?” Doris asked.

CHAPTER SIX- THE LETTER

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 10:00:00 -0500

      Susan removed the letter from the light pink envelope and could smell Carin’s scent on the stationary. The fragrance brought her back to an earlier time when she and Carin were in high school.

      “This letter is scented. Carin scented the letter for me. Aw, isn’t that sweet? It smells just like her, too,” Susan noted.

      “I wouldn’t know. I never sniffed your sister. Will you please read the letter? The suspense is killing me!” said Harry.

      Susan looked around to make sure none of the kids were within earshot, but they were all still asleep.

      “Okay, here we go. It says…”

      “Hi Sis, If you are reading this letter, then I have died. It was just a matter of time before he killed me.”

      “Before who killed her? Rick?” asked Harry.

      “I don’t know. What in the world?” replied Susan.

      “We haven’t been getting along for over a year now, and I have asked him for a divorce, but he refuses due to the children. He said if I file for a divorce, he will kill me. I guess he wasn’t making just idle threats because here we are. I hate to lay this in your lap Susan, but you are the only one I can trust to protect my kids. Go to the police and tell them that Rick killed me. I don’t know if they have already figured that out, but the kids need to be taken away from him before he 

CHAPTER FIVE- THANKSGIVING DAY

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 10:00:00 -0500

      It was a bright and sunny morning on this Thanksgiving Day, although a bit on the cool side with a temperature in the low 30s. Harry walked out to see if there was any mail from the previous two days. Harry would get so involved in working from home he would forget about almost everything else, including getting the mail and taking a shower, which Susan did not appreciate. Harry often took his morning shower at 6:00 p.m.

      As Harry walked out to the curb's mailbox, he noticed most of his neighbors out decorating their homes. He thought to himself, “Jesus Christ, it's 7:00 am on a holiday. These people are crazy.”

      The neighbor from next door met Harry, still in his robe and slippers, at the mailbox. 

      “Hi, there, neighbor! My name is Charlie Reynolds. I just moved in next door about a week ago. I guess it’s a Thanksgiving tradition that we all decorate our homes to the max on Thanksgiving Day until dinner is served and football begins.”

      Taken back a bit by Charlie’s ramblings, Harry introduced himself as well. 

     “Hi Charlie, I’m Harry, Harry Hill; I just moved here about nine months ago, so I’m new to this as well. Where did you come from?” 

      “From right next store; I told you that already Harry; not a morning person, are we?” Charlie replied.

      “No, I meant, where did you live before moving here?” Harry clarified.

CHAPTER FOUR- THE DAY BEFORE THE FIRST THANKSGIVING

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 10:00:00 -0500

About seven months had passed leading up to the first anniversary of Rick and Carin’s passing. Thanksgiving was but a day away, and the tension was building in the house on Festive Lane.

      Harry and Susan had discussed taking the kids away to Hawaii or Florida for the holiday to change the setting as much as possible. Still, a friend of Susan’s who is a therapist advised Susan that running away from the anger and sorrow is not a very effective way of dealing with the situation's reality. They decided to stick it out for Thanksgiving, and if things did not go well, they would take a trip at Christmas to avoid another meltdown.

      The holidays are difficult for anyone who has lost a loved one, but it is very challenging when the loss occurs so close to or on a holiday, as in the case of Rick and Carin.

      Susan took her last train ride from downtown Chicago to Lake Forest for a week due to taking a few extra days off to recharge. Despite her troubles with juggling the kids' demands with her job demands, her bosses extended her an offer as a partner, and she now works for Milner, Polk, James, and Hill as an Executive Vice President. She couldn’t resist the offer of a partner. She had worked most of her life trying to attain this position, and she couldn’t say no just because of suddenly having three kids.

      As the train pulled up to the station, Harry was standing by Susan’s car.

      “What are you doing here? Is everything okay?” she asked.

      “Yes and no. Let’s sit in my warm car, and I’ll explain,” Harry replied.

Chapter Three- The Carters are Out, and The Hills are In

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 07:00:00 -0500

Michael followed a moving truck to a new yet smaller home in Algonquin, IL, at the end of March. Algonquin was a lovely middle-class suburb just 60 miles west of Lake Forest. Michael sold the house on Festive Lane to Harry and Susan Hill, who believed the home would be a fresh beginning for the three children they had taken into their family due to the tragic deaths of their parents, Carin and Rick McCann. 

      Carin was Susan’s sister, although you would never know it. Susan, a tall and thin natural blonde, could easily have been a model in her younger years, whereas Carin was short and stocky with dark, almost black hair. Rick and Carin owned a bar and grill located on the Northside of Chicago called McNasty’s. 

      When Susan and Carin’s father died from complications from a gallbladder operation, the hospital was found guilty of negligence and the doctors of malpractice. After attorney fees were paid, each sister received around $2,500,000.00. Carin and Rick bought a bar and grill on Lawrence Ave. and renovated it from top to bottom. It had been a dream of Rick’s always to own a restaurant and bar. Rick is the source of the bright red hair that his girls inherited. 

Chapter Two- Welcome to 148 Festive Lane

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 07:00:00 -0500

As Harry, Susan, and the children entered the home at 148 Festive Lane, Michael offered them hot chocolate and some freshly baked cookies.

      “Oh no, thank you, Mr. Carter; we won’t be here that long. We just wanted to take a quick look around,” said Susan.

      “Don’t be silly. Come on, have some hot chocolate. Please let me take your coats. Come in and sit down. There are several trays of cookies just out of the oven waiting for a hungry kid. Any hungry kids around here?” he said as he shaped his hands like binoculars and scanned the hallway.

      “I’m starving!” shouted Rose.

      “You are? And who might you be, little one?” Michael asked.

      “My name is Rose. My daddy calls me his little Rosebud. It’s cute, but I think I’m getting too old for silly names,” she said.

      “You are never too old for silly names Rose. My little girl is named Nicole Miracle, but I only use her middle name when I am upset with her,” said Michael as he winked at Harry, thinking he was Roses’ father.

      “Is she here? How old is she?” Rose asked.

Chapter One- A New Adventure for the Hills

Tue, 27 Dec 2022 08:00:00 -0500

This is the first chapter of the sequel to The Christmas House. This book is The Christmas House II, Martha's Return. The story continues.

It was a cold day in March, even for Chicago, but the sky was a bright blue, and the frigid winds embraced the city as it has done for hundreds of years. A brisk 18 degrees above zero was not the best day to be house hunting, but this family of five huddled into a luxury Mercedes sedan, braving the cold to find a much-needed new home.

      “Yes, that’s it up ahead. East Townline Road, route 60. Take that exit and go east toward Lake Forest,” said the adult woman sitting in the passenger seat.

      “Aunt Susan, this is far from our school and all of our friends. I don’t think we should look this far out,” stated a cute 10-year-old redhead girl with freckles.

      “Rose, we all decided that we cannot stay in your current house. There are just too many memories of your parents." Susan replied, we have to find a new home and have a fresh start,” Susan replied.

      “This is a load of crap! I hate this area of the city. Every year, we play against Lake Forest in football, and they are so stuck up. The girls here think they are better than anyone else. I can’t go to Lake Forest High School. I won’t go,” said a cocky young man of 16-years old.

      “Victor knock it off, or you can walk home, you little piss ass. You will do what we tell you to do. You are lucky you aren’t in jail after that stunt you pulled, taking my car out for a joyride. You don’t have a license yet, you idiot. Then to sideswipe another car on Washington Street downtown and run from the police, thinking you would be safe if you made it home. What the hell were you thinking?” asked the man driving the car.

Chapter Twenty Three- The Last Christmas

Sat, 24 Dec 2022 14:00:00 -0500

The story doesn't end with this chapter. To listen to the sequel, The Christmas House II, Martha's Return, visit www. minicooperproductions.com for options to download the book. Thank you for investing some of your time to explore the lives of the Carter's and Martha Kennedy. A prequel is under development called, The Christmas House 1845 - 1997. Experience the exploits of Martha as a young girl and then as an old maid as she navigates tragedy, love, and challenges before meeting the Carters.



8:00 a.m.
148 Festive Lane
Lake Forest, IL

     As the sun peered through the open draperies in the main bedroom, Michael slowly opened his eyes to see the clock on the nightstand. 

     “Wow, 8:00 already. We have to get up. Only 10 hours left.” 

     He turned to feel for Arianna but felt nothing except the coolness of satin sheets beneath his hand. He sprung up into a sitting position and frantically looked around the room. The fireplace continued to burn, and the music was still playing from the night before. He jumped out of bed and ran over to the bedroom door. As he swung open the door, he ran out of the room and into the hallway. The door to the guestroom next to the main bedroom opened as well. Uncle Wally walked out of the guestroom with a cigar hanging out of his mouth. As Wally turned to close the door behind him, he noticed Michael standing a few feet away.

     “Ha! And you talk about me. At least I wear a sheet when I cruise the hallway looking for babes. Really Michael,” he said.

     Michael suddenly realized that he was standing in the middle of the hallway, stark naked. As he tried to cover himself with his hands, he explained to Wally.

     “I was looking for Arianna, but she wasn’t there when I woke up and… ”

     “Spare me the gory details, Michael. It’s painfully obvious that you are looking for Arianna, you goofy humans. Go get some clothes on and come down to breakfast,” he replied. 

     Michael continued to plead his case when Arianna’s mother suddenly exited the guest bathroom. 

     “Michael! Did you forget something this morning?” she asked.

     “Oh my God!” shouted Michael as he ran bare-bottomed to the main bedroom and slammed the door behind him.

Chapter Twenty- A Critical Night for Michael

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 15:00:00 -0500

222 East Pleasant Street
Apartment 326
Evanston, IL

10:30 p.m.

      Sharon slid her key into the lock of the eggshell-painted door with the number “326” displayed at eye level as Michael stood behind her. 

     “This is a pretty nice building for being so old. You can tell a lot of renovation work went into keeping it up to code. I like the ornate trim and cove molding at the ceilings. It’s very distinguished,” he said.

     “Yes, I looked for an apartment in this area because I like older buildings. There are more problems to contend with, but you can’t beat the old-time construction quality for warmth and quiet,” Sharon replied.

     As she opened the door to her apartment, she reached around the corner and flipped on the wall switch that lit a table lamp sitting nearby. The apartment was very nicely decorated, but that was expected, considering Sharon was a decorator. The door opened into the living room area, which boasted hardwood floors covered with custom-designed area rugs. 

     The walls were painted a light gray with dark and light beige accents ruled lines toward the top of the walls. The furniture featured a modern set of dark green leather pieces, including a couch, a love seat, and an oversized chair. Glass tables could be found throughout the area and very modernist works of art and oil paintings.

     “Wow, you have very modern tastes for yourself. I can’t believe that you were able to suggest the Victorian-style furniture that you did for my house,” Michael said.

     “Decorating is based on the person that lives in the environment, Michael. I have to judge the person and then make a recommendation. I have different tastes for different rooms. Excuse me. I need to use the bathroom. I will be right back. Make yourself at home,” she replied.

Chapter Nineteen- A Test of Faith

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 15:00:00 -0500

May 2nd

148 Festive Lane

10:00 a.m.

          As Sharon drove up to the front of the house and parked across the street, she noticed Michael’s red pickup truck was parked in the driveway. A smile came to her face as she pulled down the visor and checked her makeup in the vanity mirror. As she opened the car door and placed her long bare legs on the street, several male workers at the job site couldn’t help but notice her allure.

     Sharon exited the car, grabbed her briefcase from the back seat, and strolled toward the house like a peacock performing a mating dance. Her sensuality was ever-present and turned the head of every man within view.

     She greeted many of them by name. 

     “Morning Joe, how are you doing, Kenny? A beautiful day isn’t Bob?” she said as she walked through the house's front door. The men acknowledged her greetings. A few added “come on” phrases such as, “Looking good today, Sharon,” and “Hey, if those legs were any longer, we wouldn’t need ladders around here.”

     Sharon just smiled, for she knew she was beautiful. She could lure almost any man into her lair, but her sights were set on a challenging man who ignored her advances.

     Michael was leaning over a worktable covered with blueprints in the middle of the dining room. Sharon walked up behind him and purposely rubbed her briefcase across Michael’s right leg as he talked with the electrical contractor.

     “Morning, Michael; did your appointment go well yesterday?” she asked as she set her case on the floor and took a seat on a sawhorse a few feet away.

     Michael, startled by the brush against his leg, turned swiftly.

     “Oh. Hello, Sharon. Yes, my appointment went just fine.”

     Sharon crossed her bare legs and let her high-heeled shoe dangle off her toes on her right foot. 

     “I have some fantastic ideas for you, Michael,” she said.

     The electrical contractor replied under his breath to Michael, “I’ll bet she does.”

     Michael dismissed the man’s comment.

Chapter Eighteen- The First Step

Sat, 17 Dec 2022 15:00:00 -0500

April of the Following Year
Lake Forest, IL

     Over the last four months, Michael struggled with many challenges. His faith in life, love, and God was still uncertain. He tried to focus his energies on rebuilding the house, hoping his faith would come along in time. With every wooden two by four that was nailed and every brick laid, Michael rebuilt the house and his faith simultaneously. He stopped drinking and started to eat again on a more regular schedule. Although he acted as the general contractor for the house's construction, he decided to work side by side with the other workers, swinging a hammer and ripping floorboards.

     The process of the reconstruction of the house had been lengthy. The cleanup alone took two months. Although still intact after the explosion, the home's foundation needed significant repairs. The foundation planners argued with Michael repeatedly about knocking down the old foundation and starting fresh. They just couldn’t imagine why Michael would want to limit the construction of a brand new home to the existing foundation's footprint. There was more than enough land to expand the layout of the house to be four times the size of the original. Michael insisted that the old foundation be utilized.

     Springtime arrived, and the structure of the house was in place. Michael and his fellow contractors were now working on the interior, putting up drywall, taping walls, laying floors, etc. 

     Michael tried to design the home's interior to match the original house as closely as possible. In many cases, this task was impossible due to the modern-day building codes in force. All in all, the house closely resembled the original 150-year-old mansion that once stood at this location.

May 1st
148 Festive Lane
8:00 a.m.

     Carpeting and wallpaper installers arrived at the house on this bright and sunny day. May's warmer temperatures were a welcome change from the bitter cold that seemed to have lasted forever.

     Michael was walking to the job site with a cup of coffee in one hand and rolls of wallpaper under his other arm when a workman approached.

     “Morning, Michael, is that the paper we’re hanging in the main bedroom?” asked one of the wallpaper hangers.

     “Morning Jimmy, yes, this is as close as I could come to what was originally there. Sure hopes she likes it,” Michael replied.

     “Sure hope who likes it?” asked Jimmy.

     Before Michael could answer, a voice came from the foyer area of the new house. 

     “Hoping I like it, Michael?” a female voice asked.

     Michael turned to see Sharon White, the newly hired in-house decorating consultant for the construction company. 

     “Sharon, good morning,” Michael said.

     Sharon walked into the house, stepping over loose floorboards and buckets of plaster. 

Chapter Seventeen- Michael's Struggle

Sat, 10 Dec 2022 16:00:00 -0500

Early December

Evanston, Illinois

     A few weeks passed since the demise of Michael’s friends and family. The funerals were held a few days after the explosion and attended by many of Arianna and Michael’s friends. Most were work-related associates who paid their respects to Michael as they passed five closed caskets in the Lake Forest Funeral Home.

     Since the accident, Michael had not been back to work and was not planning on returning anytime soon, despite numerous calls from his boss urging him to come back as quickly as possible. Michael was not ready to face life again, much less the everyday challenges of his job. He wasn’t concerned about the money he was losing by not working. The one thing Michael did have was a considerable sum of money. The trust fund he put away for the kids’ education was now fully available. The house was insured for the appraised amount of $4.8 million, and the life insurance policies on Arianna and the kids amounted to over $1,300,000.00. Michael decided he could afford to take a leave of absence from work, a very extended leave of absence.

     He moved into a small, one-bedroom furnished apartment in nearby Evanston. For the last several weeks, he spent most of his day crying and the other part of it drinking. He seldom left the apartment and had lost a considerable amount of weight.

     He counted the days until Christmas Eve. He would travel back to the burned-out site once his home and wait for Arianna and the kids to arrive. He prayed that God would allow him one more day with his loved ones.

     Michael contemplated suicide almost continuously since the explosion but remembered Uncle Wally's statement about how suicides were treated in heaven. He did not want to jeopardize his eternal soul by taking his earthly life at this time. He didn’t even know if he would be allowed into heaven. After the way he cursed God for what happened to him, he had his doubts.

     Day after day, Michael wasted away in the small East Side apartment, drinking, crying, and sleeping. Garbage filled the small rooms, for Michael had no incentive to clean up after himself. Empty half-eaten containers of carry-out food were turning green with mold as they lay on the floor near a couch Michael called his bed. He spent every waking and sleeping hour on this couch, waiting for the time to pass. Empty bottles of whiskey were scattered about the apartment. Michael only left this poor excuse of existence to take a short walk to the nearby liquor store or to pick up the occasional Chinese dinner.

     As the days passed, Christmas Eve was fast approaching. Michael was convinced that Arianna and the kids would still visit him at 6:00 p.m. that evening, even though the house was gone. He lost all of his faith in God and was concerned that his punishment was far from over. He continually asked the question, “Why?” 

Chapter Sixteen- Thanksgiving It Is Not

Sun, 04 Dec 2022 10:00:00 -0500

Festive Lane

Thanksgiving Day

Three years later

     Several years passed, and the Carters were very fortunate during this time. It had been five years since they first purchased the magical house on Festive Lane. David grew by leaps and bounds as he quickly approached his sixteenth birthday. Nicole had become a beautiful young lady with a very proficient vocabulary for a five-year-old.

     Michael had been promoted to management in the same construction company and was now a building inspector. Arianna was the dispatch supervisor for the local Lake Forest Police Department. Their lives were relatively uneventful over the last three years. Accept for the Christmas holiday celebration and the annual visit of Tony Cesario trying to purchase the Festive Lane property, life remained steady.

     Every Christmas, the guests arrived and visited with the Carters. Dennis joined the celebration all three years but would not be attending the upcoming holiday gathering due to accepting a new job in California. He still considered the parents who raised him to be just as much his parents as Art and Marie. He felt being closer to them geographically would be beneficial. 

     Since last year, Michael has been busy at work and home. He liked his new management position because it gave him more flexibility to be with the kids and Arianna. At home, he finally installed a new furnace in the house's basement. Unfortunately, the unit wouldn’t stay lit for more than a few minutes at a time. He had to keep shutting it off and re-adjusting the gas flow. He just tried to fix it again yesterday, but the problem persisted. 

     This morning, Michael left a note on the thermostat to warn Arianna not to turn on the furnace until he came home. He would stop at the hardware store before they closed early for the holiday. He needed to get a few parts that he felt would resolve the problem with the furnace. He placed the sticky-backed note on the thermostat cover in the front foyer so Arianna would be sure to see it. 

     It was Thanksgiving Day, and as usual, Jack and Wanda were invited over for Thanksgiving dinner. It was early afternoon, and Wanda watched the kids while Arianna worked at the police station. Michael had to approve some job sites for last-minute inspections before the weekend and ran late. The kids helped Wanda make cookies for dessert as Jack was up in his office, working on some investment paperwork. While laying out clumps of cookie dough, Wanda ran out of cookie sheets and decided to borrow a few from Arianna’s kitchen.

Chapter Fifteen- Another Year Passes

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 08:00:00 -0500

148 Festive Lane

Christmas Eve- One Year Later

6:00 p.m.

      “Chime, chime, chime, chime, chime, chime.” The grandfather clock announced that it was once again 6:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve, exactly one year later.

     David ran to the front door and swung it open.

     “Merry Christmas, David!” yelled a group of eight people.

     “Merry Christmas,” David shouted back to the people entering the house.

     The first to arrive this second year of Christmas were Michael’s parents, his brother Billy, Arianna’s parents, Uncle Wally and his wife, who now joined him, and Dennis Kowalski from down the block.

     “Mom, Dad, Billy!” Michael said as he came to the door from the kitchen. 

     “Merry Christmas and welcome back; God, it’s great to see you!”

     Uncle Wally being the proverbial wise guy, said, “God? Yes, I am mistaken for him frequently, but no, it’s just me, Michael, just old Uncle Wally, and my lovely wife, Louise.”

     “Aunt Louise! Sorry to hear of your passing, but we’re glad you are here with us! Come on in,” Michael replied. 

     As Wally took off his coat and handed it to Michael, Michael asked in a hushed voice. 

     “So, how’s Aunt Lucy taking the arrival of your wife, Uncle Wally?”

     “Michael, she was agitated at first. I thought she was going to kill me, but then I realized, too late! I’m already dead! Ha! Ha!” Wally said.

     Michael just laughed.

     “You will never change, Uncle Wally.”

     As Arianna entered the foyer, she greeted her parents. 

     “Mom, Daddy. Merry Christmas!”

     “Merry Christmas, honey!” responded Art and Marie.

     They hugged their daughter, and as she looked over her father’s shoulder, she saw Denny Kowalski.

Chapter Fourteen- The Surprise Guest

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 08:00:00 -0500

Christmas Night

6:10 p.m.

148 Festive Lane

     Michael and Arianna stood on the step in front of the house, shivering and calling out to David. Arianna’s tears froze on her face as she openly wept. Michael yelled out at the top of his lungs, “DAVID!”

     Suddenly, a small image appeared from out of the darkness and moved toward the house. 

     “Wow! It was so cool. They all just kinda walk into the darkness and then disappear!” said the familiar voice of David.

     Michael and Arianna ran to David and dropped to their knees as they embraced him.

     David, not realizing what was happening, started to apologize. 

     “I’m sorry, Mom and Dad. I didn’t mean to worry you. I stayed right out front as you told me to.”

     Michael picked up David in his arms, and they walked back into the house.

     As Michael put David down in the kitchen, Arianna leaned forward and unzipped his coat.

     “Now, why don’t you tell us what happened to you when you were lost yesterday? And start from the beginning,” she said.

     “I was waiting for you to come back to get me by Santa’s Workshop, but you never came. Santa left, and a man told me I had to leave the area because it was closing. I remembered you saying you were going to the Men’s Department, so I went there. I couldn’t find you there, so I thought maybe you went back to the toys to look for me, but you weren’t there either. Then I heard this loud voice come over the speaker system saying that the store was closing. I ran out of the store and tried to find my way back to the car. I guess I got turned around cause after I had walked for about 20 minutes, I ended up at the lake,” David replied.

     “Then what happened, David?” Michael asked.

     “I got scared, so I started to run back in the direction I came from, but I guess I got lost. I was freezing and hungry. I saw some men standing around a garbage can on fire, so I went over to them. They asked me where I was from, and I told them I was lost. They said they couldn’t help me find my way home because they didn’t want to get involved with the cops. They let me share the fire and made me a hot dog. It was really cool, Dad. This one guy put the hotdog on a stick and then held it over the fire. It was the best hot dog I ever had!”

     “That’s because you were so hungry. Go on, then what happened?” Michael asked.

     “Then I got sleepy and laid down on some cardboard boxes. I guess I fell asleep because the next thing I remember was that some other kids were trying to take my coat off. I woke up and started yelling at them and fighting to keep it. They were dragging me through the snow and the slush. That’s how I got all wet.”

     David continued. 

     “Then they all stopped and ran off. It was as if they had seen a ghost, but it was only Martha. She picked me up, and then we started to walk home. It was snowing hard, but we just kept walking. We finally made it home last night.”

Chapter Thirteen- Christmas Day Revelations

Sat, 26 Nov 2022 14:00:00 -0500

Christmas Day-December 25th

148 Festive Lane

6:55 a.m.

      Michael was sleeping soundly, spooning with his lovely wife as they lay in their king-size bed under the warmth of a down comforter. His eyes opened slowly as the aroma of freshly brewed coffee titillated his nose. Still half asleep, Michael thought Arianna had gotten up and made breakfast until he realized she was still lying beside him.

     It dawned on him that yesterday was not a dream. It actually happened. The laughter and music he could barely detect from downstairs confirmed his thoughts. He sat up in bed and yawned as he put on his robe. He hoped that the guests had not wakened David or the baby. During all of the previous night's chaos, Michael forgot to place the Christmas presents by the tree for the traditional Christmas morning ritual of opening the toys Santa delivered while they all slept. He knew David would be very disappointed if he ran down from his bedroom and into the family room to find a tree without colorfully wrapped presents surrounding it. 

     “Poor kid will think Santa left his toys in Florida instead,” Michael said to himself.

     As Michael walked out of the bedroom, he shut the door softly not to wake Arianna. Toward the winding stairway, he heard laughter and giggles coming from the guestroom down the narrow hall. 

     He knocked on the 6-panel hardwood door. “Hey! You two better be of age in there.” 

     Michael started to walk away, laughing and then heard a response from the room. 

     “Don’t you worry about us, Mikey. We’re doing just fine.”

     “Uncle Wally?” asked Michael. “Who’s in there with you?”

     “Just little old me, Michael,” responded Arianna’s Aunt Lucille.

     “Aunt Lucy?” Michael asked. 

     “Uncle Wally, you should be ashamed of yourself. Wait until Aunt Louise hears about this.”

     The guestroom's door flew open and Uncle Wally, wearing only a white sheet, came running after Michael.

     “Mikey, hold on a minute, son,” Wally said in a shallow soft voice. “Let’s keep this our little secret, okay. I love my wife, and I know she will be joining me soon, but Mike, I’m dead. She’s in a nursing home a thousand miles away, and I can’t leave this house to see her. I promised at the altar, “Until death do us part.” I died, we parted, and now I’m doing Arianna’s, Aunt Lucy. Hubba Hubba!”

     “Uncle Wally!” Michael said. “Why don’t the two of you get dressed and come downstairs for breakfast before everyone knows what you, or should I say “who” you are doing up here!”

     “Relax, Michael. They already know. Hey, I haven’t been with a woman in over 20 years. Don’t you think I deserve a break?” Wally asked.

     “Well, I guess you’re entitled. Besides, by this time next year, your wife may be here, and you’ll have to be good again,” Michael replied.

     Wally’s smile turned to a frown. 

     “Wow, Mikey, you really know how to take the wind out of a guy’s sails.”

Chapter Twelve- The Reunion

Sat, 19 Nov 2022 10:00:00 -0500

"DAD!” David screamed as he ran into the house and Michael's arms.

     "David, David... we were so worried about you!" Michael replied ecstatically as he knelt on one knee and hugged David tightly.

     "Where have you been? My God, you're soaking wet! Is it snowing that hard out there?"

     Before David could answer Michael, Arianna burst into the room.

     "David! Oh, thank God you're all right!” she exclaimed as she wrapped her hands around his head and kissed him over and over again. Jack and Wanda entered the room, smiling and relieved that David was safe.

     "Did the police bring you home, David?" asked Jack.

     "No, Martha did," answered David.

     "Oh, David, stop joking around! How did you get home?" Arianna asked sternly.

     Michael interrupted, "No, he's not joking. Martha did bring him home. She is standing out on the front step."

     As Arianna, Jack and Wanda walked past David and Michael, still holding each other, they looked out the front door, which was still open. 

     Michael looked at David and said, "Get upstairs, dry off and change into some fresh clothes before you catch your death."

     "Okay, Dad," David said and ran up the stairs.

     Arianna turned back from the front door, looked at Michael, and then back out the door again. She then turned to Jack and Wanda. They both were as puzzled as Arianna.

     "Michael… honey? Did you say Martha was standing out here?" asked Arianna.

     Michael stood up and walked toward the door as he looked out. 

     "She was here just a second ago. I swear I am not losing my mind! She was here. She spoke to me. She said, "Michael, I think I have someone that belongs to this house."

     "Then what happened?" asked Jack.

     "Then David ran into my arms, and you guys came in," he replied. "And now she's gone."

     Arianna walked up to Michael and placed her hand on his forehead. 

     "Honey, maybe you better lay down for a while. I think the lack of sleep and all this stress has gotten to you. Are you sure it wasn't a policewoman?"

     Michael took her hand and moved it away from his forehead.

     "I know what I saw and what I heard. I am telling you David is telling the truth. Martha did bring him home!"  (listen now)

Chapter Eleven- Christmas Eve

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 12:00:00 -0500

Arianna sat at the kitchen table, feeding Nicole when the phone rang. She jumped to answer it.

     “Hello?”

     “It’s just me, hon; any word yet?” asked Michael.

     “No. The only one I have heard from is you,” she replied. 

     “Michael, come home. You have been up all night. You must be exhausted. Is Jack still with you?” she asked.

     “Yes. We are at a donut shop having some coffee. He flagged me down on Wacker Drive about three hours ago. We’ve been meeting every hour ever since,” Michael replied.

     “Come home, Michael; all we can do now is wait,” she said in a sleepy, groggy voice.

     “Have you slept at all, honey?” asked Michael.

     “No. Wanda has been here all night as well. She called the morgue and thanked God, David, or anyone even close to David’s description had not been found,” she said.

     “Okay. I guess you’re right. We are on our way home. We’ll go out again later today,” Michael said.

     Arianna said goodbye and told Wanda that Jack and Michael were on their way home. Wanda brought Arianna another cup of coffee and sat down with her at the kitchen table.

     “This has been one hell of a year for you, hasn’t it?” she asked.

     Arianna smiled and replied, “Oh, gee, let’s see. First, we buy a house for next to nothing and almost lose it. I start to hemorrhage when we are moving and almost lose my baby.  (listen now)

Chapter Ten- Two Days Before Christmas

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 08:00:00 -0500

December 23rd

Lake Forest, IL

3:00 p.m.

     A snowy, gray Saturday afternoon brought shoppers by the thousands to downtown Chicago. Of course, it was the last few days and the last weekend before Christmas, and time was running out. The stores were open a few hours later today to accommodate their customers' last-minute shopping needs. This winter started with a jolt, as 10 inches of snow fell on the city of big shoulders just a few days earlier. Arianna was happy, for she dreamed of having a white Christmas, especially since they would be in sunny Florida for the actual holiday. Michael read the Farmers Almanac, and based on the scientific fact; he knew there would be snow by now. 

     Arianna took Nicole and David downtown to finish up the last of her shopping and to make a visit to Santa. Bundled up from head to toe David could barely walk down the street. He had his wish list in letter form already and was even asking Santa for presents on behalf of Nicole. He handed the list to Arianna, and it read as follows. 

     Dear Santa,

     I would like you to bring me this stuff for Christmas. A new sled, a new stereo, a football, a new bat, a train set, a basketball, a new guitar, a drum set, and 40 inches of snow on Christmas Eve, so the airport shuts down. If you can’t do the snow thing, then I will not be home for Christmas, so you need to deliver this stuff to someplace in Florida. It’s by the ocean. I hope you know where that is. Oh yeah, please bring my baby sister some diapers. She can’t talk yet, so I’m asking for her. 

     Your pal, 

     David Carter 

      “Don’t you want to go to Florida, David? I mean, if I can guarantee you that Santa will find you there, would you then like to go?”

      “Not really, Mom. I wanna wake up on Christmas morning in my own bed at my own house. I wanna play in the snow with my new sled first thing; it won’t seem much like Christmas looking at the ocean wearing a swimsuit.”

     “Believe me, David, I know how you feel. I don’t want to go either, but your father is looking forward to this trip. Maybe it would be the best Christmas present we could give him?”

     “Yeah, I guess. But all my friends will be home for Christmas break, and I won’t get a chance to play with them,” David replied. 

     “Sometimes, we have to make sacrifices for the ones we love, honey. Next year I promise we will stay at home, okay?” she asked.

     “Yeah... I guess,” David despondently responded.,, listen now

Chapter Nine- A New Beginning

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 08:00:00 -0500

November 27th

Thanksgiving Day

5:00 p.m.

 Traditionally, Lake Forest residents decorate their homes for Christmas no later than Thanksgiving Day just because they wish to enjoy the fruits of their labor for the entire holiday season. This year was no exception. The homes were decorated to the extreme. Hundreds of hours were invested in each house as the owners expressed their Christmas spirit in their own unique way. 

      A large crowd gathered toward the middle of the block of Festive Lane. 

     The house sitting at 148 Festive Lane was no longer the ugly duckling home of the neighborhood. It may not have been the largest or the newest home, but it was, without a doubt, the most festive and cheerful. 

      A large Plexiglas-covered display centered on the front lawn just below a large beautiful bay window, which recently was installed. The display on the grass was lit from within, where the lights shined on an array of mechanical characters that moved and sang. The theme was "Twas the Night Before Christmas," as was indicated by a red and white sign that acted as a marquee attached to the top of the display.

     As the elves loaded Santa's sleigh with lots of shiny wrapped presents, Santa and Mrs. Claus watched from the house's bay window. Audio speakers played various Christmas melodies, including one long-forgotten tune called "Hardrock, Coco, and Joe." 

     Red, blue, green, white, yellow, and orange bulbs lit up the entire area with a warm and pleasing glow. At the very top of the house was a sleigh with Santa inside calling out to eight life-size reindeer, "Merry Christmas to all a goodnight!" The sleigh and reindeer gave the illusion of flying in mid-air, but in reality, it was connected to this grand old house and the most contemporary mansion that stood next door.

      A young couple and a small boy walked out of the house carrying more decorations. As they walked toward the display on the lawn, the crowd still gathered, applauded, and some of the people shouted, “Hey, nice job,” and “It looks beautiful!” The young man carrying a string of colored lights waved as he smiled at the gathering.

     As the crowd migrated down the block to the next estate, they undoubtedly could recall that this old house was the neighborhood's eyesore less than a year ago. The exterior improvement included newly painted gray and white trim and eaves, the richness of the deep reddish-brown brickwork tuck-pointed and sandblasted. Also, newly installed windows and freshly planted evergreen bushes and trees landscaped the home impeccably. This was, once again, a stunning home... listen now.

Chapter Eight- The Renovation

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 07:00:00 -0400

     Michael kissed Arianna and Nicole goodbye as he was dropping David off at summer camp and then off to the job site. 

     The last few months had been hectic at the Carter residence. Michael spent most of his time working at home and the job site while Arianna was busy caring for Nicole and David. 

     Jack and Wanda remained a constant support channel for the Carters. Michael felt very obligated to both of them. If they only knew how little money Michael had left after the significant repairs made to the house and substantial monthly mortgage payments, they would be amazed. Even with their financial and moral support, Michael was running out of funds quickly, and except for a few minor improvements, the house was still far from being completed.

      As the sun shined brightly through the kitchen windows, Arianna poured herself a cup of coffee and sat at the table, making out a list of what she needed to do this day. Nicole was in her playpen positioned near the fireplace in the family room. A television played in the background. Just shy of being three months old, Nicole couldn’t understand television, but she sure did like the movement of the lovely colors on the screen as she stared at it undaunted for several minutes at a time.

Chapter Seven- Settling in at 148 Festive Lane

Sat, 15 Oct 2022 14:00:00 -0400

Chapter Seven- Settling In at 148 Festive Lane

 May 3rd

Good Samaritan Hospital

10:00 a.m.

     It was a glorious day for early May in Chicago. The sun shined brightly and warmed the air to a delightful 68 degrees as Michael and David drove to the hospital to bring Arianna and baby Nicole home for the first time.

     Having recovered nicely from the night of the move, Michael was well-rested but still a bit wary nonetheless. For the last two days, he had been placing the furniture where he felt it should go in each room. He was sure Arianna would walk into the house and say, “No, no, no.... that should go here, and that should go there.” He couldn’t very well leave all of the furnishings in the garage, so he did the best he could. He realized he would have to move it all again when Arianna came home.

     Additionally, Jack and Wanda were a God sent during these two days. Jack was over every day, helping Michael clear out garbage and finish up a few minor repair projects at the house. Wanda cooked some excellent meals for Michael and David since the only thing Michael knew how to make was a reservation at a restaurant. When Arianna was around, she did all of the cooking except for barbecuing, which Michael prided himself on being the master chef. However, with the kettle barbecue still packed away somewhere in the house, Michael readily accepted the offer to dine with the Stevens next door...

Chapter Six - The Move Continues

Fri, 07 Oct 2022 14:00:00 -0400

Michael pulled onto Festive Lane. He drove down the block for about a 1/4 of a mile until he approached the driveway to the house. The address on the mailbox read, “1-8” because the four had fallen off and never been replaced. Michael drove past the old iron gates at the front of the driveway and then backed the truck up so he could unload into the garage.

     “BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP,” sounded the truck as Michael backed up in reverse, using the mirrors to watch his distance to the garage. Michael stopped about 15- feet short of the garage door, giving himself enough room to pull out the metal ramp under the truck that he would use to roll down the two-wheel cart.

To order the audio book visit https://www.audible.com/pd/B0BHF79H1P/?source_code=AUDFPWS0223189MWT-BK-ACX0-325202&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_325202_rh_us

Chapter Five - The Move

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 15:00:00 -0400

April 30th

Lake Forest, IL

      Since the closing, Michael, Arianna, and David spent every evening and weekend at the house at 148 Festive Lane. Cleaning, tearing down wallpaper, ripping up carpeting and tile floors, rodding out plumbing, and doing whatever else they could that did not cost hard cash, only hard labor.

     Michael inspected the furnace thoroughly and found it was not as bad of shape as he had originally thought. He replaced the flue and the filters after giving it a good cleaning. It seemed to make the difference, and Michael was pleased to have saved thousands of dollars that would have been spent on a new furnace. Unfortunately, with the electrical wiring, he was not as lucky. When he inspected outlets and light switches, he found frayed and bare wires that were a serious fire hazard. 

     As he pulled the old wiring out and replaced it with new, he ran into light fixtures and fuses problems. The old wiring was BX, long since outlawed by today's building code standards would have to be replaced with a conduit that was now the industry standard. The wiring replacement would cost them thousands of dollars he saved by breathing extended life into the old furnace. Every time he saved money on one problem, he had to spend those savings plus more on another.

     The house was still a disaster area with walls ripped open and floorboards removed, leaving gaping holes that looked directly into the basement from the first floor. Michael barricaded the opening to alert anyone who walked in the area but promised Arianna that he would have the floors repaired by the baby's birth. Martha had left behind several pieces of furniture, including all of the guestroom furnishings and the ominous grandfather clock that still chimed every hour on the hour as it stood in the corner of the dining room.

Listen now.

Chapter Four - The Closing

Sun, 18 Sep 2022 08:00:00 -0400

April 9th

Lake Forest, IL

      Martha remained extremely busy during the months preceding the closing. Before moving into the small studio apartment that she found in nearby Morton Grove, there was much to do. The apartment was in a retirement center and was fully furnished. She realized that she wouldn’t need any old and worn furniture left in the house, so she conducted several estate sales. She was amazed at how many people wanted to purchase useless junk. But she was just happy to get rid of the hundreds of pieces lying around collecting dust throughout the house, garage, and basement. Martha was packed and ready to vacate the premises. The closing was tomorrow, and she would give Michael and Arianna possession at that time.

     During this same period, Michael and Arianna were busy as well. They managed to sublease their apartment and would be out of their lease by April 30th. Michael was disappointed at first since the closing was on the 10th, and he was stuck paying for the apartment for the entire month of April. Then Arianna pointed out that the time lapse between the closing and having to vacate the apartment could be used to clean and fix the more minor problems at the house. Michael, being the go-getter, decided to work on the house's interior during this time. Maybe even strip some wallpaper and paint a few rooms if time allowed.

     Their son David was very excited about the move as well. The house they moved from in Las Vegas was a small two-bedroom townhouse. The Festive Lane house living room was larger than their entire home in Vegas. He had already planned how his “rooms” would be decorated. Yes, David decided that the house was so big that he could master two rooms instead of just one. 

     Just 10-years old, David was already quite the musician. His father was teaching him how to play guitar, and David was catching on fast. Michael recently bought David a used electric guitar and amplifier. David was planning on making one of his rooms into a music room. He hoped to make friends quickly at his new school and possibly start a rock band.

To purchase the audio book, visit Amazon.com. The full audio version should be available by Thanksgiving 2022.

Chapter Three - Martha’s Birthday

Sun, 18 Sep 2022 08:00:00 -0400

February 11th

148 Festive Lane

Martha’s Birthday

3:35 p.m.

         Several months passed, and despite numerous showings and a half dozen Realtors representing the property, Martha was still without a buyer for the house.

     Over thirty interested and potential buyers inspected the house. Many made generous offers of over $4.3 million for the prime location of the four-acre estate. Martha was not concerned with the money. She only wanted to sell the house to someone that would live in it and love it. Unfortunately, none of the serious buyers was interested in living in the house, much less loving it. They were only interested in demolishing the structure and rebuilding on the property. Martha ran out of potential buyers as well as willing Realtors. After the first open house, every Realtor she signed to represent the house quickly canceled their listing agreement. They assumed that Martha was senile and unstable due to refusing offer after offer regardless of how generous the amount was. She would make each Realtor very uncomfortable when she would ask a potential buyer about their personal family history and the status of living relatives and friends. Time after time, the buyers would respond to how big and caring their family was, but Martha would dismiss their offer.

     Today was Martha’s birthday, and she only had a few months remaining to sell the magical old house to a deserving family. Having scared off every available Realtor in the area, Martha was forced to sell the house on her own.

     It was an unusually warm day for February, and traffic in the area was more congested than in several months. Martha was working down in her basement, trying to clean up some of the mess accumulated over the years. The dark, damp basement was dimly lit by the shadow of a bare incandescent bulb hanging from a black frayed electrical cord casting its light. Martha rummaged through the effects of corrugated boxes when she came across newspapers dated 1936 that shouted headlines about a new Zeppelin being introduced in Germany. She found an old ten-ounce soda bottle that bottlers hadn’t used for over 20 years. The more memories she uncovered, the more depressed she became. Every item brought back a memory that made her think fondly of better days. 

     As she moved throughout the cellar, she passed in front of a ground-level basement window that looked out to the front yard. She could see the “For Sale by Owner” sign she had placed there two days earlier. 

     She moved away from the window, and as a beam of light shined past her. It cast a natural spotlight on a mouse gnawing at a box that sat on the floor. Martha screamed!  The mouse was just as startled and scampered off in a flash. Martha regained her composure and grabbed a nearby broom. She quietly and slowly moved toward where she last saw the mouse runoff and slowly raised the broom over her head. She turned the corner to a stack of boxes ready to pounce on the furry rodent, and the doorbell rang. She screamed again! Jumping back and dropping the broom, she tried to catch her breath. Her heart was pounding a thousand beats per minute. She slowly made her way up the basement stairs to the kitchen area when the doorbell rang again. 

     “Just a moment; I’m coming,” she shouted.

     When Martha opened the front entry door, a young man, a younger woman, and a small ten-year-old boy greeted her. 

     In his thirties, the handsome young man asked, “Excuse me, but is this house still for sale?” 

     “Why, yes, it is. Would you like to come in and look around?” Martha asked.

 Listen now.

Chapter Two - Christmas Day Approaches

Sun, 18 Sep 2022 08:00:00 -0400

December 24th

148 Festive Lane

11:45 p.m.

      The party was still going strong as the grandfather clock ticked closer to midnight, and the advent of Christmas Day would soon find its way to the dilapidated old house. Martha was sitting in a large dark burgundy upholstered Queen Anne-style chair. She struggled to keep her eyes open, but it was of little use. It had been a very long day, and Martha was exhausted. As she drifted off into a sound sleep, her guests visited with one another. The few children at the party were playing with several dogs in the family room toward the back of the house. In their late twenties, a younger couple walked hand in hand to the foyer that led to the second level of the mansion. As they ascended the carpeted stairway, they glanced down to the lower level to see if their actions were noticed. The guests below were absorbed with each other, and not a soul was aware of the young couple's absence. 

     The couple reached the second floor and proceeded down a dimly lit, long, narrow hallway. They walked deliberately as if they knew their way and passed several closed doors on either side of the corridor. As they reached the end of the hallway, they stopped at the very last door on the right. The entrance to this room was complete with dark wood six-panel door that hosted a tarnished brass doorknob. An engraved pewter-colored plaque affixed to the door at eye level with the words, “Guest Room.” The young man reached for the doorknob and twisted it to the right as the door opened with a slight creak.

     The room was obviously a guest bedroom and was adorned regally. The furnishings were antique in style, but this room showed no signs of wear or damage, unlike the rest of the house's furnishings. The bed was a solid, dark wood frame with four tall hand-carved posters. The room ceiling was at least 12 feet high and was covered with inlaid copper tinted foil. The double-hung windows boasted beautiful ivory satin window coverings that appeared to be brand new. The top of each treatment had an extensive swag in perfect folds and was complemented by extra full pleated draperies below. A cherry wood dresser directly across from the bed matched the frame. A large ornate gold-framed-looking glass was centered on the chiffonier. An old-fashioned white with blue flowers porcelain washbasin and pitcher set on the far left side and a lace doily runner that flowed from each end of the antique bureau.

     The couple entered the room, and the young man closed the door behind them. Their tryst was complete. As he walked over to a small two-drawer nightstand that sat along the right side of the large queen size bed, the attractive young woman took her place quietly on the opposite side of the bed. The young man lit a long white candle in a polished brass holder with a small finger handle on its base. The candle softly illuminated the room as he turned off the overhead chandelier. 

      He climbed into the bed and placed his hands on the shoulders of the young woman. She softly sighed. In the distance, they could hear the muffled sounds of conversation overshadowed by Bing Crosby singing “White Christmas” as a holiday album played on the phonograph in the dining room below. He kissed her gently and wrapped his arms around her waist. 

“I love you with all my heart, Alyce. Merry Christmas, darling,” he whispered into her ear...

Listen now.

Chapter One - Christmas Eve

Sun, 18 Sep 2022 08:00:00 -0400

Not your typical Christmas novel. Amazon reviews-

5.0 out of 5 stars

 A Delightful Christmas Story

The Christmas House was the embodiment of the Christmas Spirit. Magical, wondrous, full of the warmth generated by the company of family and friends during good times and hard. This book hits you with a healthy dose of reality, but it also takes you on a fantastical journey filled with hope and joy, grace and forgiveness. If you don't examine it too closely, but just let the words transport you on a trip that will engage your emotions and give you cause to ponder what can be real, what may be true - if "close your eyes" and open your heart, this book will bring it all to life and make you believe. I found this book engaging from the first chapter, it kept drawing me in, pulling me into the world of the house and those who live there, as well as those individuals who visit once every year at Christmas. This story is not without tragedy, but it is also infused with the glorious strength and bright light that the human spirit is capable of producing, with a little divine help and the steadfast support of the people who love you. I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning, wanting to see what happened next, anxious to find out what happened to the characters in the book I had grown to care about. The story surrounds your senses and brings the sights and smells, the many textures of Christmas to your heart, as it lifts your spirit up and makes you wonder...

5.0 out of 5 stars

 Highly Recommend!

This was an amazing read from an author I’d never heard of before. It contains a healthy dose of love, romance, tragedy, sacrifice—with a generous dose of wonderment and magical realism that seems to bring families together and to heal many broken hearts at once. If you could imagine a wholesome, warm and cozy Twilight Zone episode, this is it. This is a Christmas themed book that I started during this past holiday. But don’t let that stop you from reading it at any time of the year. It will be a long time until I forget this one. Would love to read a sequal. I got this from Daily Free Kindle eBooks in December. The cover was different than the one shown. Highly recommend!

Episode One sample-

Chapter One- Christmas Eve

 Chicago, IL

December 24th

5:45 p.m.

     As the late December winds whistled through the city, a chill in the air embraced the pedestrians cluttering the streets as the temperature hovered slightly below freezing. Light snow began to fall as the skyline of the city cast towering shadows over the pavement.

     The holiday ritual of last-minute shoppers as they scurried from store to store searching for the one final perfect gift they surely should have purchased weeks before was ever-present. Sounds of the season were in the air, and the magic of Christmas would arrive once again in a few short hours.

     Many miles away from the city's bright lights and hectic activity, the Christmas spirit found its way to the aristocratic destination of Lake Forest, IL. 

Listen to the story now.