December nights . . . . .

Last evening brought an unexpected surprise. 

Following the damp day, the temperature plummeted into the 30's

around dusk.

A pleasant visit from granddaughter Jasmin included her artwork

on the kitchen blackboard. . . . . . . . and, no sooner had she finished,

when I noticed through the window SNOWFLAKES falling, big fluffy

 ones! They lasted only about 15 minutes but enough to mark the

 calendar "First Snow" of this winter!

 

Notice Fiona the penguin is now wearing her red muffler!

Definitely ready for winter.

We finished our decorating for the holidays by putting out

the flood lights. We have white fairy lights along the porch railings

and the arbor, but on the dark nights the floods give the cottage a

warm appearance from the street which our neighbors seem

 to enjoy. 

Captured just before the sky turns really dark, you get to see

our tall oak trees. . . . . and, although leaves have been falling 

for several weeks, there are still plenty more to keep us raking 

and blowing for a while longer!

Are you hoping for a White Christmas? 

I'd love just an inch or two of light powder covering the ground and

dusting the trees and shrubs. 

Then I'll be taking bird photos again - be patient with me - you

know how I love them in the snow!

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

Believe!

On Monday we dragged the big green boxes out of the attic and 
Christmas decorating began!!!

Early Tuesday morning the new amaryllis was starting to open its buds.

Above is my vintage metal tree prior to adding ornaments, always displayed

 in this corner of the dining room for Christmas. This year I'm wrapping the

 base with the beautiful hanks of soft, snowy yarn purchased when visiting

 the Falkland Islands on my expedition journey to Antarctica in

 January 2013.

This morning the first two buds opened and there are three more, 

not bad for one strong stem.

Amazing bulbs! If I had more bright spots around the house

 I would grow dozens!

As you can see the tree is now ready for the Christmas season.

I'll be sharing more holiday decor during the coming week