It's beginning to look. . . . . . . .

. . . . . . a little bit like Christmas!

Yesterday we did venture out for several hours of necessary 

shopping - food for now, and for Christmas. 

This included a visit to the World Market store as they are now stocking

 the shelves with international delicacies such as British goodies. 

I must have jars of Robertson's sweet mincemeat to make my traditional

 mince pies, a Walker's Christmas pudding (I no longer make my own), 

a big tin of Quality Street chocolates (Brits reading this will understand)

 and other, yummy items which I only see during the holiday season. . . . and

will erase dieting from the to do list for a few weeks!

Speaking of coming weeks. . . . . . not many remaining before the 25th!

This cute December barn board calendar caught my eye in Target ($5). 

Even I will remember the day as I move the wreath on the way to

 pour my morning coffee!

I've started decorating and today I plan to finish up, both inside

and out as rain is coming tomorrow. Not doing quite as much this year

 for obvious reasons - the main one being no parties indoors.  

I still want to enjoy candlelit holiday evenings sitting by the hearth

 though, and perhaps, if lucky, the weather will be kind over the holidays

 and allow some distanced porch sitting with some family and friends.

Are you planning to decorate?

We should share our favorite Christmas ornaments in the 

coming weeks - it would be fun.

A perfect place for tea time and sunset -

On that lovely late fall afternoon last week, this is where

 we went for a little outdoor tea time with a sunset view.

The North Carolina Museum of Art.

Named one of the top 25 museums in the country, it's a

great place to visit.

All photos taken with iPhone 11 Pro.

Just a ten minute drive from home, these lovely outdoor open

 spaces are now seeing more people enjoying art without even

 stepping inside the buildings. 

There are timed tickets available to view exhibitions inside, with

 COVID restrictions in place, but I felt safer just enjoying walking

through the outdoor areas prior to pouring a cup of tea and

watching the sun paint the sky.

We will be be doing this more often now the cooler weather 

has arrived.  Winter jackets, hats and boots. . . . . . . and perhaps

hot chocolate next time!

My last pre-COVID inside visit to the NC Museum of Art.

HANDWASHING ~~~~~~~

 

December 1-7 is National Handwashing 

Awareness Week

One of the best ways to stay healthy now is to suds up!

Research shows that 97 percent of people don't do it right.

The biggest mistake is not washing long enough. Use hot water.

Scrub for at least 20 seconds as we have been reminded during 

COVID~19, including the backs of your hands, between

 your fingers and under your nails.

A nail brush is always a good little tool to keep close. . . . . 

. . . . . . especially after kitchen chores such as kneading dough.

My favorite bath soap and hand soaps

Stay safe - wear a mask, distance, and wash your hands often.