Merry Christmas to all. . . . . . . . .

It's already the morning of Christmas Eve.

Perhaps you, like me, have a busy day planned.  

We have company, including family, friends and neighbors,

 stopping by tonight to share some Christmas 'cheer' and

to exchange packages wrapped in ribbons, whilst the fire

 crackles on the hearth and seasonal music plays quietly

 in the background.

Later we'll take a drive around the neighborhood to view the 

annual luminarias that line many of the streets. They are placed and

 lighted after dark and as tonight will be perfect weather, no wind or rain

expected, should look lovely and add to the feeling of the special 

Christmas Day we will share tomorrow.

- A bright, sunny Christmas Eve morning -

Yesterday I had what I think is a brilliant idea (I don't have too many of those

 these days!). As my pretty pink and white amaryllis didn't bloom long enough

 to enjoy over Christmas, I cut off the stem, left the still healthy looking leaves, 

and added these red silk blooms that I already had in a vase! 

They add a nice splash of color to the dining room.

Also yesterday, while in a baking frenzy, I took time to trot about the garden

 to clip some pyracantha (firethorn) berries and green and variegated ivy for the mantel.

Other than lighting my red candles in lanterns on the front steps this evening, this

 completed my decorating for this Christmas season.