One last message on this December night...

Wonder if it will snow...

Cherished ornaments went back into their boxes. Tree was taken apart and stored. But a few things were left out just in case snow makes an appearance
next month. The kitchen window sill and the den mantel are decorated for January.

 Made a batch of reindeer noses with Nicolas and Lucas.

Relaxing tonight, trying not to wonder about tomorrows.

Restful Days

The house is extra quiet now that all the kids have returned home. We had a good Christmas. Just being together was such a blessing. Very pleased with my "Dirty Santa" reindeer on the den mantel...family fun that has become a tradition.

Hope you are finding time to relax as the the final days of 2014 slip away. 

Merry Christmas

Christmas Comes But Once A Year...

I see the peppermint jar needs refilling.

Kitchen smells nice due to cinnamon ornaments. 

Candy canes are a must every Christmas. 

Little brown crock always gets these three.

simple toys under the tree

Our three cats like to cuddle on this Christmasy plaid blanket.

Lester and Pennee arrived late Friday night with their two little girls, Kiera(3) and Chloe(1). Saturday they played with their cousins, Nicolas(7) and Lucas(4).

The next arrivals will be Lauren and Ryan on Tuesday. On Christmas Eve we will have our large family gathering.

Thank you for your time and interest in my blog. I wish you merry times with your family and friends.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Getting Mail

One reason I enjoy December is the arrival of Christmas cards. It's wonderful to open each envelope to see the art designs and messages...then to read the handwritten notes and signatures. This year I folded book pages to make a card display. Pinterest, thanks again. 

WOW!
A spectacular card was delivered today...a real beauty from Mary.
It's another keeper.

The advent calendar has been one of my favorite decorations this year.

a new bird ornament

 

Can you believe how close Christmas is to being here? 

Forms of Art

Sometimes a bold splash of color attracts attention. This booth item caught my eye, and its price was ridiculously low at four dollars.

A sale discount lowered it to three dollars. Now that's a steal if you like modern art. On the back was this T. J. Maxx sticker.

I propped it against a wall over in the apartment that was Mother's. Red was one of her favorite colors. It added a pop of color. 

Another art picture is hanging in a patient waiting room at my doctor's clinic. It's a soothing picture with a peaceful scene. Wish I could have brought it home. 

I happen to like both art forms. However, the house in the field is more me.

Open House

Plantation Antiques had its Christmas Open House today, and I enjoyed being there for a couple of hours. Refreshments, door prizes, Christmas music, and sales in every booth=fun time for shoppers.

Of course, I looked around, too, and spent only six dollars on my three finds. 

small stag on marble base

banner

and a bright red modern art picture I'll reveal in an upcoming post.

Treasured Objects

It seemed so strange not to head to the nursing home today. I am thankful my mother is no longer suffering, but it's hard to face that she's no longer with me. There's a lonely feeling to my world. However, I believe she will be having her most beautiful and glorious Christmas ever. 

Having my daughter home for four days was comforting. She was by my side during Thursday's visitation and rode with us to Louisiana for the burial on Friday. Over the weekend we managed one visit to Plantation Antiques. The tiny handpainted gourd reminded me of loft visits in my grandparents' barn. It was signed J. Duffy. 

Through the years my friend Mary has sent me lovely and unique Christmas cards. Five are resting in front of a line of  journals.

My mother gave me many treasures, often spoiling me on birthdays and Christmases. This Santa was in her collection. She gave it to me 'cause she knew it was my favorite.

I think every room now has some Christmas decoration. I am almost finished with this year's decorating. It has given me joy to bring out treasured objects.

In Loving Memory

Essie Mae Barnes Crum

November 21, 1922 - December 2, 2014