Beginning to look . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . a lot like Christmas!

For some reason, I've not had much time for blogging or anything else regarding use of the laptop this past week. Since returning from the lovely days at the coast, I've been trying to 'put up Christmas' as we used to say. We're just about done, both in and out, other than putting the flood lights out on the front lawn today before more rain arrives. For some reason illuminating the cottage makes a huge difference. Our fairy lights get fewer annually now - such a painful job, literally, climbing and winding those devilish strings around structures. This year they are just along the front porch rail. I admit to buying new sets when I couldn't fiddle about with the hideous tangled mess I dragged from the storage box. Lights on the arbor remain year round so are one less winding job thankfully. A couple of large green wreaths, each sporting a red and black 'buffalo check' bows are hanging and they will be in the spotlight as dusk descends and we hit the switch!  

Photos here give you an idea as to what's displayed around the house. I did not take everything out this year, but enough to bring on the feeling of this special time of year. I have a ton of candles place around for light and woodland fragrance. The small vintage metal tree flickers with mini lights, and around the base is the gorgeous wool yarn I brought back from the Falkland Islands which I've never knitted up. The large faux fir tree (not shown yet) is out in the gazebo as always and I did treat it to new string lights. It's bright and beautiful in the dark night hours. As for the little ceramic tree, wow are they ever popular again, noticing knock-offs popping up everywhere! Ours is an original from the '80's when one of Bob's office colleagues made it for us. Such a wonderful gift. It still has all the little bird lights, the base is a music box which plays "Frosty the Snowman", even the light bulb in the bottom still works. . . .after almost 40 years of Christmas joy!

Lastly, I found a Christmas cactus to replace the one that never bloomed for years despite my TLC efforts. This was in a fresh plant delivery at LIDL this week, healthy looking, loaded with buds that hopefully will open for the holidays. Sold with an attached hanger which I removed, it's on the dining room table looking so pretty - a lot of loveliness for $8.99!