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The Christmas HouseChapter Twenty-One- Thanksgiving AloneThanksgiving Day148 Festive LaneLake Forest, IL6:00 p.m. It was exactly one year to the day that a gas leak explosion leveled the house on this site, killing five very special people. Michael spent most of the year building a new structure on the foundation of the magical old house. Unfortunately, the decorations that Michael and Arianna accumulated over the years were also destroyed in the fire. Michael purchased just a few items to signify his undying faith in the magic of Christmas. Having moved out of his apartm...2025-05-1207 minThe Christmas HouseChapter Twenty-Two- Michael’s Christmas Eve The address on the mailbox clearly read “148”. This home was gorgeous. Compared to the other houses on this block, it boasted a freshness apparent to the naked eye. Not built over a hundred years ago like the other neighboring homes, this house stood out without the aid of holiday decorations. The brickwork was immaculate, as was the crystal clear bay window that captured and then reflected the headlights of an oncoming car The formal dining room featured a dining table made of glass sitting on a black marble pedestal. It looked as if it was just delivered within the...2025-05-1241 min
Volusia Today - A County of Volusia PodcastLibrary ServicesIn this episode of Volusia Today, Lucinda Colee, Library Services Director, and Barry Kukes, Library Services Marketing Specialist, join us to discuss the annual How-To Festival on September 14, a community event featuring diverse, hands-on sessions like DIY auto repair, basic first aid, and pickleball, often led by library staff. They’ll also cover the new reading challenge, the benefits of library card membership—including hotspots and educational apps—tutoring services, and exciting updates like the Keech Street Library reopening and a new partnership with the Economic Development Division. Tune in for a comprehensive look at activities and resources available at our...2024-09-1628 min
The Christmas HouseCHAPTER NINETEEN - CHRISTMAS FOR ERNIE6:00 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,”...2023-05-1716 min
The Christmas HouseCHAPTER EIGHTEEN - TWO SOULS ON DIFFERENT FLIGHTSOnce 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 win...2023-05-1020 min
The Christmas HouseCHAPTER SEVENTEEN - GUESS WHO’S COMING TO CHRISTMAS 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 beli...2023-05-0221 min
The Christmas HouseCHAPTER SIXTEEN - 6:00 PM CHRISTMAS EVE TWO 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 J...2023-04-2507 min
The Christmas HouseCHAPTER FIFTEEN - CHRISTMAS NUMBER TWO 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 light...2023-04-1807 min
The Christmas HouseCHAPTER FOURTEEN - TIME TO DEPART6:00 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 on...2023-04-1111 min
The Christmas HouseCHAPTER THIRTEEN - MY WHAT? 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.2023-04-0430 min
The Christmas HouseCHAPTER TWELVE - CHRISTMAS DAY 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...2023-03-2808 min
The Christmas HouseCHAPTER ELEVEN - CHRISTMAS EVE NIGHT 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 tha...2023-03-2111 min
The Christmas HouseCHAPTER TEN - SURPRISE VISITORS 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...2023-03-1415 min
The Christmas HouseCHAPTER SEVEN - THANKSGIVING DINNER 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 sa...2023-03-0716 min
The Christmas HouseCHAPTER EIGHT - THE FIRST CHRISTMAS EVE 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...2023-03-0725 min
The Christmas HouseCHAPTER NINE - THE HOUSE GUESTS 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...2023-03-0712 min
The Christmas HouseCHAPTER FIVE- THANKSGIVING DAY 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 though...2023-02-1307 min
The Christmas HouseCHAPTER SIX- THE LETTER 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 as...2023-02-1321 min
The Christmas HouseCHAPTER FOUR- THE DAY BEFORE THE FIRST THANKSGIVINGAbout 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 Thanksg...2023-02-1310 min
The Christmas HouseChapter Two- Welcome to 148 Festive LaneAs 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 an...2023-01-2410 min
The Christmas HouseChapter Three- The Carters are Out, and The Hills are InMichael 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...2023-01-2418 min
The Christmas HouseChapter One- A New Adventure for the HillsThis 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...2022-12-2711 minThe Christmas HouseChapter Twenty Three- The Last ChristmasThe 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 LaneLake Forest, IL As the sun...2022-12-2437 minThe Christmas HouseChapter Nineteen- A Test of FaithMay 2nd148 Festive Lane10:00 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, a...2022-12-2224 minThe Christmas HouseChapter Twenty- A Critical Night for Michael222 East Pleasant StreetApartment 326Evanston, IL10:30 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 conte...2022-12-2213 minThe Christmas HouseChapter Eighteen- The First StepApril of the Following YearLake 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...2022-12-1714 minThe Christmas HouseChapter Seventeen- Michael's StruggleEarly DecemberEvanston, 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 re...2022-12-1019 minThe Christmas HouseChapter Sixteen- Thanksgiving It Is NotFestive LaneThanksgiving DayThree 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...2022-12-0422 minThe Christmas HouseChapter Fifteen- Another Year Passes148 Festive LaneChristmas Eve- One Year Later6:00 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, a...2022-12-0220 minThe Christmas HouseChapter Fourteen- The Surprise GuestChristmas Night6:10 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...2022-11-2910 minThe Christmas HouseChapter Thirteen- Christmas Day RevelationsChristmas Day-December 25th148 Festive Lane6:55 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...2022-11-2627 minThe Christmas HouseChapter Twelve- The Reunion"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 Da...2022-11-1943 minThe Christmas HouseChapter Eleven- Christmas EveArianna 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...2022-11-1710 minThe Christmas HouseChapter Nine- A New BeginningNovember 27thThanksgiving Day5:00 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 lon...2022-11-0826 minThe Christmas HouseChapter Ten- Two Days Before ChristmasDecember 23rdLake Forest, IL3:00 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 woul...2022-11-0820 minThe Christmas HouseChapter Eight- The Renovation 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 pa...2022-10-1843 minThe Christmas HouseChapter Seven- Settling in at 148 Festive LaneChapter Seven- Settling In at 148 Festive Lane May 3rdGood Samaritan Hospital10:00 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...2022-10-1517 minThe Christmas HouseChapter Six - The Move ContinuesMichael 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 gara...2022-10-0713 min