The Traditional Tree

The cranberry/popcorn string, the candy canes, the icicles, the red bows and glass balls. . .

The angel I made from a kit some forty years ago. . .

The crocheted snowflakes from Lillian Vernon (is that mail order business still around?)

A heart Justin made in second grade . . .

And a tree from Josie's kindergarten days . . .

John made this Santa almost fifty years ago when we decorated a tree at my grandparent's house. . .

And a mama and baby pig--just one of my many "favorite" ornaments.

It's taken me several days, but The Tree is done! (Josie helped on one of the days.)

 

Winter Solstice Blessings to You

                                                                 

Getting Closer

                                                                                         

 

A Discerning Admirer

                                                                             

Oh, look, it's another of those divorced/widowed lonely generals trolling Facebook for companionship . . .

Vicki Lane Hello there, beautiful  This is Michael. I couldn't help but notice how lovely your profile is and how stunning you look with that wonderful smile of yours.  Despite being divorced, I am hopeful for a second chance at happiness with a genuine woman like yourself.  Your profile and personality truly impressed me, and I appreciate your wit and charm. I usually don't leave comments, but I felt compelled to give you this compliment. I tried sending a friend request, but it seems to have not gone through. If you're open to it, would you please drop a message here on my official page? Thank you, beautiful. 

I particularly like that he's drawn to my wonderful smile. This is my picture on FB--the one that has so enchanted him.

                                                                                                                                            

Looking East

 

Progress!

Work has begun on removing the mess clinging to the supports of the Barnard Bridge. There were two track hoes in the water a few days ago and there's notable progress!

It looks like a daunting task, especially at the center of the bridge where the water runs fast and deep. It will be interesting to see how they deal with this blue container.

This bridge is just a small part of the mess. All along the riverbank are downed trees and flood-deposited debris.

And the river is a source of revenue for the county and the operators of rafting trips. There's a sense of urgency about getting things, if not presentable, at least not dangerous before rafting season begins.

Nature has great restorative powers but there's not much she can do about plastic pipes and sheeting. It's going to take lots of cleanup crews.

                                                           

 

Wishing I Could Read the Future

 

Anticipation

We always look forward to the gift of amarylli from Claui's folks. They bring them at Thanksgiving so we can enjoy watching the fat brown bulbs send up multiple shoots.

Nancy finds the most amazing containers.

And this one is guarded by a little Border Collie--just like our Bailey.

Now we wait for the buds to swell and open!

 

Bit by Slow Bit

The Christmas decorations are going up slowly--today the lights are in place . . .

Next on the list is the tree--when John can go get one.

 

Ha'r or Harrow

 

've

Many years ago, I volunteered at the local high school to help with some kids who were reading well below grade level. One young man, I learned, raised a crop of tobacco every year along with general work on the family farm. 

Hoping to engage his interest, I bought magazines about faming and horses. We were struggling through one article when he came to the word harrow and was stumped..

"Come on," I encouraged him, "you know that word--you've probably used one to get the ground smooth for setting out baccer plants." And I drew a quick sketch of a harrow.

His face lit up. "You mean a ha'r? How come they to spell it like that?"

I had no answer.

Comfort Reading

 Ah, Agatha . . .it's been a long and enjoyable relationship, but this particular book is headed for recycling--as soon as I finish it.

I didn't get into Christie till about 1966, when John and I were living in in what had been his late grandparents house. John's grandmother had been a big fan and she had left dozens of paperbacks which I quickly adopted.  And soon I was hooked.

Christie's twisty plots pulled me in as I tried to guess whodunnit. I soon found that I was only lukewarm on Poirot but loved Miss Marple and Tommy and Tuppence.

This particular book was published in 1922. It's fun, if a little (a lot) farfetched. But it suits my current reading mood--old familiar favorites. I'm also listening to the Lord Peter Wimsey mysteries and reading The Dark Is Rising.

Comfort reading. Anything to avoid the news.

Looking East

 

Glimmer Tree

                                                                                   

I stepped out on the porch just as the sun broke through the clouds, setting alight the millions of raindrops clinging to the river birch in the front yard.

It was a magical, fleeting moment. And it reminded me I need to get the Christmas lights up.

 

Christmas Card Production Line

 

It might seem tedious to some--there are forty to do- but as I work, I keep finding different ways of doing things and small improvements to add or to speed up the process. Plus, the watercolor hues shift about and keep me entertained.

I think of these as celebrating the Winter Solstice but after staring at them a while, decided to add a sprig of holly on the stag's horns as a nod to traditional Christmas.