Monday, December 27, 2010

A White Christmas Arrives
In the Carolina Foothills

Hello Frosty!

Frosting

At 9:15 a.m. on Christmas morning soft, fluffy flakes began to fall and they kept
falling well into the night. It was a special, divine gift to have a white Christmas,
a snow day when we had no choice but to stay home, kick back and relax.
It was a pleasure to watch the cardinals, chickadees and nuthatches flying
in to feast at the bird feeder.  The day was spent frolicking in the snow,
surfing the web, reading books and magazines, watching "Scrooged"
(for the umpteenth time), and playing with an old dog and young pup
by the hearth while the hubby whipped up a batch of his spicy
white bean chicken chili.  






Hubby and Gus playing by the Christmas Tree




Thursday, December 23, 2010

'Tis The Season
Photo taken on a bitter cold January day in the community of Dudley Shoals NC

Christmas is barking at my heels like a mad dog.  So many details, so many places to be, so many gifts yet to wrap.  This year has been particularly difficult in an economy that has left those of us in the middle class suburbia strapped to the point of . . . well let's not go into details.  I will say, however, I've grown very fond of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch.

Anyway, here I am in my tiny little home office surrounded by an explosion of wrapping paper, ribbon, bags, etc.  I've been perplexed about what to give my brothers this Christmas.  We'd all agreed not to purchase each other gifts except for the family's two young grandchildren.  Nonetheless, I feel compelled to honor my siblings, as they have been the source of much joy and frivolity over the years.  Not to mention, always being in my corner. 

So . . . I picked out the one photo I've taken this year that is my most favorite (shown above).  I've just printed it out and I'll frame it in inexpensive, yet attractive frames. Christmas simplicity . . . it doesn't get any better than that!  Still, it's nothing compared to the love I've received from these gents over the years.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Oh Christmas Dog

Santa "Paws"

Oh Christmas dog, oh Christmas dog, your nose is bright and shiny.
Oh Christmas dog, oh Christmas dog, so is your hiney.
You light the night so bright and free though I know you’d rather be inside with me.

Oh Christmas dog, oh Christmas dog, please guide me through the rain and fog.
You light the way to my front door which keeps me from tripping up and getting sore.
I plug you in again and again to me you’re man’s best holiday friend.

Oh Christmas dog, oh Christmas dog, you’re so cute to me.
Oh Christmas dog, oh Christmas dog that’s why so I placed you near the dogwood tree!

Season’s greetings everyone.  I don’t normally go in for a lot of outdoor holiday lighting. Some of it can be as tacky as bright red fingernail polish.  But, this year, I found a little lighted 30-inch white dog advertised in a local store flyer and found it so endearing I just couldn’t resist. His red and white Santa hat is offset by a sparkly green neck scarf.  Of course then I had to decorate the picket fence behind the little fella with red and white lights.  Uh, and then I put a Christmas tree lit with red lights up in the window. So, if any of you see me out and about wearing bright red finger nail polish, shoot me …with a water pistol.

In this season that represents new birth and possibilities, I wish you one and all the very best. May your blessings be many, your needs be few and may peace settle gently over you at the end of the day! From my house to yours: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!