Views of the Neighborhood – After The Holidays

~ John W. Howell

Today, we will tour the neighborhood and check out the holiday decorations that are still up but shouldn’t be. Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas today, which is a good reason to keep the decorations displayed. It is also okay to keep decorations up for as long as someone wants, but they should be in good condition and look like they are being done on purpose, not just forgotten. We are only going to see the decorations that have been neglected, not the ones left on purpose. We are catered by Salty Sow of Austin. Our entertainment is Roy Orbison.

Menu

CRISP CHICKEN THIGHS

fried smashed potatoes, neck bone gravy

CANDIED PORK BELLY

collard greens, pot liquor, soy balsamic syrup

RANGER CATTLE WAGYU CHEESEBURGER

caramelized onions, gruyere cheese, pickles, Salty Sow special sauce, duck fat fries
– add béarnaise to fries +1

SLOW COOKED BEEF SHOULDER

mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, fried egg

PETITE BONE-IN FILETS

mixed mushrooms, red wine sauce

SMOKED PORK CARNITAS

avocado, tomatillo salsa, corn torillas, bbq hominy

GENUINE BLACKENED REDFISH

quinoa + lentils, smoked tomato, chipotle Tabasco lemon butter

Picture of an old time school bus

Let’s go

Our first look is some candy canes past their prime. Leaners are losers.

Busted flat in Baton Rouge

Can you say fire hazard? Dry as a bone, I’d say.

Here’s one display that probably never should have been put out, let alone leave it beyond its expiration date.

It’s one of those fan-driven crazy Santa that needs to be put out of its misery.

Tired fawn past its bedtime.

The falling wreaths pass by my window.

What looks like a crime scene of dead inflatables.

Please help me. I’ve fallen and can’t get up.

The best for last. Way overserved inflatables. Just shows that cornhole and vodka do not mix well.

That is our tour today. Relax, have some food, and listen to the music. I hope you have a great week.

79 thoughts on “Views of the Neighborhood – After The Holidays”

  1. It’s a little like hanging around after a concert and they’re taking down the set and you’re just feeling a tad bit deflated after that high . . . like those inflatables.

    Liked by 2 people

  2. Some people just do not have the energy or interest to take
    decorations down. Is it a message of not wanting to let go of the joyfulness of the holidays? I agree the 4th photo shows a display that should not been put up.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I feel the same way, Lori. We force ourselves to do it. I think maybe this post was a result of my jealousy of those who don’t. (Self- made psychological diagnosis.)

      Like

  8. Chicken thighs and Pepsid, please. Such funny pictures. We have the same thing. And one more, it’s a bit late to keep those flashing, circulating strobe lights on your house. Oh, well, I’m trying to be tolerant 😂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. We have a neighbor who has a light tree that the lights rotate. I’m sure it would be a trigger for anyone with a medical condition. The nice part it is on 24/7. We can see it from out coffee machine.

      Like

  11. Wait long enough and they’ll be back in style. That or just throw hearts on them for Valentine’s Day. A few people around here still have their 20 foot skeletons up, but they dress them up for the upcoming holidays.

    Liked by 1 person

  12. I just read an article in the WaPo about people who leave their trees up all year, changing out the decorations for Valentine’s Day, Mardi Gras, etc. That wouldn’t both me at all, but these are just sad and depressing. It certainly takes the air out of any holiday spirit. Thank goodness for your funny captions!

    Liked by 1 person

  14. Sort of sad. Yesterday was the Epiphany, when the Wise Men arrived in Bethlehem, and I’ve been told this is when decorations need to come down. A minister friend of mine (the pastor of Harvard) once gave a sermon on the Epiphany and commented that like the Wise Men, he was always late!
    Today I will throw caution and my waistline to the wind have have the Waygu cheeseburger. What’s so special about duck fat?

    Liked by 1 person

  17. There’s lazy and there’s lazy… Love your captions. Must have been inspired to finally take down my tree. Apparently, there is no one else around to do it so I shouldn’t bother waiting…

    Liked by 1 person

  20. Gee whillikers, that menu is mouthwatering. Some weirdly interesting dishes, but they still sound good. Can you tell it’s lunchtime?
    The decorations are looking rather sad. Your choice of that Roy Orbison song cracked me up. I never thought I would say that. LOL. What a voice he had though. I’m rambling… Have a great week ahead, John. Hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

  21. I’m all for keeping the Christmas tree up until after Epiphany (Jan. 6), but decorations that have passed their prime? Just no. It’s hard enough coping with the gray skies and cold, but having to look at these dreary deflatables really would make me sad.

    Liked by 1 person

  22. I also much prefer overserved inflatables to ones with no air in them, John. I do like to see everyone reach their full potential, which of course in their case means they need to be chock full of air. Wagyu Cheeseburger…I’m in.

    Like

  24. I took down our tree today. It was kinda sad, because both Larry and I enjoyed the lights and decorations. Our neighborhood appears to have moved past Christmas. 🎄🎄🎄

    Liked by 1 person

  28. Hahahaha!
    I’ve never seen your hood so run down.. in a deflated way.

    Suicide jumper wreaths, oxymorons (sad joy) and fire hazards… perfect for catering by Salty Sow. Nothing for me please!
    You sing it, Roy!
    🤭❌ 🫥❌ 🫠❌ 🥴❌

    Like

Comments are closed.