Counting down the days -

The Winter Solstice ~

For the northern half of Earth (the Northern Hemisphere), the winter solstice occurs today, December 21 (The Southern Hemisphere’s winter solstice occurs in June.) The winter solstice is the day with the fewest hours of sunlight in the whole year, thereby making it also the “shortest day” of the year. After we reach the winter solstice, the days begin to grow longer again until we reach the Summer solstice—the first day of summer and the longest day of the year.

Brrrrrrrr, a cold morning on this shortest day of this year. This sparrow was just one of many birds searching for water. After refilling the feeders last weekend the birds have been busy in our  garden. Several have been hanging out on the front porch. A plain little female finch is spending the nights in one of the hanging baskets. Despite the Boston ferns looking somewhat tatty and sad now, we like to keep them up to provide shelter. Usually the pair of Carolina wrens tuck in the baskets but this winter, so far, they must have discovered new accommodation!

Inside the cottage it's warm. Our winter maintenance was done yesterday to make certain the HVAC is ready to deal with the extremely cold weather expected here over Christmas. The firewood was delivered and stacked. There will be a fire on the hearth most evenings when we're at home.

For me 'decking the halls' is done but I admit I have more things to check off my 'To Do' list. Mostly kitchen/food related, I have an apron close by and am ready to cook.

Glittering windows in the mall

Stopped in at the mall yesterday - going really early as we dreaded being caught up in the traffic and shoppers. I needed a battery in my wrist watch - I still like a regular (now considered old fashioned I fear) timepiece despite having an iPhone in my bag.  I loved what the jewelry store did - instead of charging for the battery and labor to install, we were asked to make a donation, in whatever amount we preferred, and it would go to 'Toys For Tots' providing Christmas gifts to needy local children.

While there, hovering over the display case showing diamond jewelry, chatting with the sales lady, I tried on beautiful diamond studs. . . . . . . but my personal 'Santa' took off on his sleigh in double time when he saw the price tag!!! I've really never craved a pair, and have always been saddened by stories from the diamond mines and the entire diamond mining business. Now of course there are lab-grown stones, less expensive and just as beautiful. . . . . . and wow, did they ever sparkle with my now silver hair.

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! 

Packing up Christmas . . . . and the loss of a blog friend.

 I have to admit the 'taking down' is taking much longer than planned!

Perhaps if I'd had warm, sunny weather I could have been outside

removing lights, garland etc., and the decorated Christmas tree

 in the gazebo. Instead, I spent much of my time at the windows

 taking numerous photos of the many beautiful birds at the feeders,

 flying in non-stop during this miserable weather. 

They included a first, 6 Eastern bluebirds at one time, definitely a family. 

I'll post some photos another time.

Most of the indoor holiday decor is down and packed away now.

I did edit a little as I have just too many things for this time in my life.  

I love decorating however one needs to stay within somewhat 

smaller bounds as lifting, reaching, hanging, moving etc. become

 more difficult, even painful at times! 

A box will be going to favorite charity shop this coming week. . . .their

 sales benefit domestic animals (spaying, neutering etc.) which makes me

 feel I'm helping somewhat.

This year I found that putting everything onto the bed made wrapping and

 packing so much easier - this photo was when I was just starting - there

 was another load yet to come! 

Thankfully Bob carries the boxes back up the stairs and places them

 in the far reaches of the storage attic.

Next year, hopefully, we plan to do it all over again of course.

I feel here that I should pay tribute to a wonderful lady whom some of you

 may have known from her longtime blog Scene Through My Eyes, and

 her great book Are We Walking To Alaska?

 I learned from the recent post shared by her daughter - link below - that

 JoAnn Dunlap Bayne of Bellingham, Washington, sadly passed away in

 November from what I believe was quite a long illness. 

We had tried to meet up with her in Bellingham a couple of years ago but

 sadly she was unable to make it.

JoAnn wrote great posts with awesome photos of nature's beauty, flowers, 

farms, wild birds and her much-loved barns scattered throughout the

 scenic Pacific Northwest countryside.

Comments are still open on her blog however do not seem to be published.

JoAnn was a long time friend and sweet blogger and I know will be missed.

http://scenethroughmyeyes.blogspot.com/2020/12/the-turning-of-seasons.html

All Around the House and Poinsettias -

 

We visited a garden center a week or so back to gather some greens

 for the mantel - Santa and reindeers were almost airborne!

The poinsettias were perfect, and there were thousands, but we didn't

 buy any this year with no company coming to the cottage, plus not

 wanting to spend too much time around other shoppers - now I feel

 somewhat guilty.

This local garden center/nursery is one of the top poinsettia

 growers/researchers in the USA - here they grow over 30,000 plants

 annually.  Their displays and greenhouses are a breathtaking sight

around Christmas. 

Usually there are hundreds of shoppers and many photographers.

The gift shop always has the most beautiful ornaments - this was my

 favorite this year.

A few more colorful cottage corners.

Time is getting short.  Today we deliver gifts to little ones and their

parents - just front porch stops, no going into homes, no hugging, no

 sitting and nibbling or drinking and toasting . . . . . . . oh for a real, 

old fashioned Christmas!

Up with the sun. . . . . .

Trying to keep up with everything.

Why does December gallop nonstop across the calendar?

This year may be different but around here it's not any slower.

Everything still seems to be a race. Shopping, cleaning, decorating,

 writing cards, baking, raking and blowing millions of leaves down 

to the road before the city vacuum truck arrives (due this week).

End of year medical checks, the mammogram, the labs. . . . on

and on it goes. 

Not complaining though, just needed to say it and will now move

 along, get it all done, thankful to be healthy, active and able!

Yesterday, while running errands, we were horrified at the number of

young people out and about without masks. 

Please tell your youngsters - especially teens - how important

it is to wear a mask to protect their siblings, parents, 

grandparents, friends, as well as themselves. . . . . . .  and

strangers like us whom they pass in the street or store.

Here's to the busy week ahead!

Stay safe - Be well

Morning light in December -

The sunshine is brilliant but the temperature very low this morning. 

Our coldest night and morning yet this season.

At last it feels like Christmas weather.

Warm socks pulled up around my ankles feel good, and the

 coffee mug warms my hands now starting to feel dry from 

winter's chill. Time for gloves.

Piano music from Brian Cain's album 'A Change of Seasons' is playing softly. 

I admit being obsessed by his beautiful music.

There are many birds at the feeders, some also braving the water

 in yet to freeze birdbaths, tough little feathered friends.

Yesterday I completed my decorating for the holidays.

Lights were turned on.

The tree in the gazebo glittered last evening, the cottage and porch

 glowed warmly from the floodlit front garden. I wandered down to the

street to look back and enjoy the view.

The night was silent and still as cold nights can be.

Later today some shopping for holiday baking items.

Soon a trip westward to the mountains with visits to special friends.

Wrapping and more card writing. 

Deliver gifts to some special little ones.

House cleaning, ugh!  

Cooking plans and such written on refrigerator notepad.

Pick up fresh greens for the mantel.

Make mince pies + brandy butter for them on Christmas Eve.

Prepare my English trifle dessert for San Antonio friends who will 

make a quick holiday stop.

The list grows. . . . . . . .the holiday season always busy.

Thoughts of childhood Christmases so long ago, so far away.

Memories...................

I feel the spirit of Christmas.

No one sees but me. . . . . .

. . . . . . the elderly German neighbor on his early morning walk.

A red scarf round his neck, a cap, comfy walking shoes.

He looks down mostly, perhaps afraid of tripping. . . . or

slipping on wet oak leaves continuing to fall and float

in rain puddles.

The empty, damp morning doesn't phase him, just as the heat

 of July brings him up the street and back, several times

each early morning.

We admire him. We are not so dedicated. 

I was up early today - dull and wet yet again. I switched on all the lights

before seven to brighten up the rooms while the coffee pot gurgled. 

I unwrapped our annual Italian Panettone sweet bread, sliced it open

and admired how it was studded with golden raisins, candied orange

 and citron peel.

One tall, slim wedge on a pretty china plate was all I needed. 

Yes, I know, the decorations are still here and will remain today.

Tomorrow and Sunday, sunshine is promised and our efforts to put things

 away from both house and garden, will hopefully be a bright and cheery job.

See them? My two amaryllis bulbs from last year are at last coming to life! 

One has three leaves growing fast - I've already had to push a few twigs in the pot

 to steady them. The other one I had given up on until yesterday when there it

was. . . . . . .a tiny green point pushing up, trying to catch up.

I'm excited!

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.

Admiring the Amaryllis "Charming" -

This year I actually have a beautiful amaryllis blooming in time for Christmas.

I purchased this one in November at a hardware store, the only place at that time

where I could find this color which I though would be really pretty in my decorating 

theme at Christmas.

Spending most of the time from early November on the dining room table, where the

 light is good, this beauty started growing and has just kept going, first one bloom

opening and soon followed by three more. I'm hoping they will last through the 

holidays.

I continue to have frustrating problems with Blogger/Google/Safari  - who knows which

 one is creating gremlins - both posting and commenting!

I'm not giving up quite yet but things really need to improve soon as my patience

 is wearing thin!

Meanwhile, this post I'm using Chrome which seems to be working much better for

 me, fingers crossed!

Hope your holiday plans are moving along smoothly.

Enjoy each day of this busy weekend.

Here in North Carolina most of the snow has gone as we have had heavy, nonstop, 

rain for two days. Quite honestly, it's not looking very Christmassy out there, just a

 mass of soggy brown leaves covering everything under leaden skies.

Last evening I went to a fun "Girls' Holiday Wine Night" at a friend's

home - my driver was Bob who transported me through inky darkness

in pouring rain and miserable rush hour traffic, and came back

 for me a few hours later. That made the evening so enjoyable, 

and I was able to enjoy my wine and time with a lovely group of 

interesting women.

Hoping the coming week will brighten up, I need to get out 

and about to finish my shopping and start on my baking!!!!

Staying busy with needles and glitter. . . . . . . . .

Above are two new Christmas items. . . . . . . . the wonderful reindeer plate

 from Pier I (I also grabbed one with an Arctic fox - both on sale!), and my 

vintage version of the Christmas tree made from old music sheets - I'm

 making a second, slightly taller one, today. That will finish my

 decorations around the cottage other than putting the fresh greenery

 on the mantel tomorrow.

I did a little more knitting in the evenings - this sparkly red scarf for the golden reindeer. . . . . 

. . . . . and Fiona did get a new chunky red muffler which brightens her corner 

by the hearth.

When making a quick run to Jo-Ann's Fabric & Crafts to pick up the glitter for

 the paper tree, I found this fabulous reindeer pillow on the sale shelf. Marked

 down from $29.99 to just $8.99, I  couldn't resist, especially as it has the male

 red cardinal (North Carolina's state bird) on its back.

Notice the orange-red candle which is already half-way burned down.

This is Yankee Candle's Sicilian Orange from its World Journeys range and

 apparently is no longer available - discontinued according to our local store.

  I've searched everywhere, a few are available on e-Bay so I may purchase

 from there. It has the most amazing perfume and is the perfect color for 

my room. It brings back memories of my visit to Sicily this year where

street vendors offered blood oranges and lemons from their colorful

stands - the citrus fragrance was fabulous.

How are your Christmas preparations going?  

Yesterday I baked - today I'm cleaning house.

Our weather was wet and dreary yesterday, today the sun

 is shining brightly and the temperatures will hit the mid-50's.

No sign of a white Christmas around here.

Happy Holidays

Merry Christmas

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