New Year's Eve Countdown...

Are you ready to count down to the New Year?

10

    9

       8

          7

            6 feet apart...

                 5

                    4

                        3

                            2

                                1...

We wish you a happy, safe and blessed 2021!

Tuesday Tablescape

As we prepare to usher in 2021, I am sharing a tablescape that appeared on the blog four years ago. You remember previous years...when it was safe to have gatherings in your home!

I am partial to these traditional seasonal colors, so this table appeals to me. As you can see, I used my plaid chargers, green and red plates. Clear water goblets and red linen napkins completed each place setting.

The centerpiece was a collection of clocks (our anniversary one and two pocket watches from my husband's family), a dusted poinsettia and gold "streamers".

Are you ready to say hello to a new year?

A Wild Goose Chase?

The coldest temperatures of this season moved into our area on Christmas Eve. The brief bitterness was enough to cause a thin skin of ice on a shallow retention basin in a nearby industrial area and that welcomed a big honking gathering of happy Canada geese!

When we recently drove past the scene, my mother and I both commented on how picturesque the geese looked and so I circled back around and returned to photograph them. We thought  how they were, literally, walking on thin ice. Geese are able to walk on frozen water without much risk because if the surface were to crack, these fowl can go from walking to swimming without any effort!

Gathering out on the ice also offers a level of protection from land predators. Birds of a feather flock together!

Don't you love seeing their little reflections? Notice how the second goose from the left (shown above) is standing on one foot. That is common practice since water birds have unique exchange circulatory systems in their legs and feet. Warm blood is transferred into their upper bodies and that which flows through their extremities is just warm enough to prevent frostbite, but cool enough to allow very little heat loss through that part of their bodies. 

Geese will take cues from one another. While I was snapping their pictures, several stopped grazing on the hillside to join the others on the ice. I guess it's true; what's good for the goose is good for the gander.

Just seeing them out on the ice in the wind gave me goosebumps, but their highly insulated underbellies and more than 15,000 feathers work together to keep them warm. For many years, I wore a long goose down coat when my class and I went out for recess and I must say that I always found it snug and comfy! 

Although temperatures quickly rebounded, we are now expecting another blast of cold air (and maybe some precipitation) for New Year's Eve. I think looking for moderate weather from here on out is going to be like going on a wild goose chase!

Merry Christmas!

As long as I can remember, this angel has been a part of our family's Christmas decorations. My mother made her when I was four years old. The Bible at the angel's feet belonged to my mother's grandma, who had received it from the Order of Eastern Star in 1949.

The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news which will cause great joy for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord. 

                                                    Luke 2:10-11

Happy Christmas Eve!

 We wish you a blessed Christmas! 

A Merry Mantel and Great Room

The mantel was the first thing I decorated the day after Thanksgiving and, somehow,  it's the last to be highlighted before Christmas. I was excited to tackle this area because of an early gift from my mother---a beautiful garland. We have enjoyed it so much!

It is fashioned from a variety of greenery, berries, pinecones and a string of lights. An attached battery pack allows a variety of options for either white (which I am using this year) or multi-colored lights in constant, blinking, fading, etc. choices. It just so happens that our tree also offers a choice of white or colored lights, so I can coordinate the two. The garland is on a timer which is quite handy.

I added ribbon to match what I put on the tree this year and then wired together trios of shatter-proof ornaments which I wove in for pops of color.

A vessel filled with colored ball ornaments and a vintage Santa are on the left side.

Antique readers, Santas and a candle sit on the right end.

Next to the fireplace is the main tree in the room. As I mentioned, it is wired for either white or colored lights and it also rotates.

There is a small tree in a grouping next to the stairs.

Hope your day was merry and bright!

Tuesday Tablescape

Before looking at today's tablescape, I will share just a few of the whimsical snowmen and penguins who have been gracing our kitchen since the beginning of the month. Some of them will stay in place into the winter months.

For starters, check out this adorable Fitz and Floyd snowman cookie jar. Isn't he adorable? A friend gifted me with several pieces last winter and I am certainly enjoying them!

This vignette features an antique quart bottle from egg nog (red printing on the front side and green on the back creates an optical illusion effect) from my childhood and some penguin salt and pepper shakers were a Christmas gift from a student and her family.

This snowman and penguin tea light sits in the corner behind the sink.

This throw rug was a gift last Christmas and I love the characters!

Now it's time for treats with Santa Paws!

You may remember previously seeing these cute salad plates. I bought them at Pier 1 Import's after-Christmas clearance sale a couple years ago. Anything with Boston terriers is certain to catch my eye!

In my opinion, vintage pieces always provide interest. These holiday drinking glasses have been used by my family since the 1960s. 

I think this Boston terrier cookie jar is adorable! 

Rather than glitter confetti on the table, I decided to use mini dog treats (Milk Bone brand) for table scatter. Our sharp-nosed Bostons caught a whiff and they quickly made an appearance in the kitchen. It can be challenging to make good chioces this time of year! Remember that Santa Paws knows if you have been naughty...

or nice! 

(Disclaimer: Some pet staging was exercised for humorous effect. This table was set for display purposes and was not used.)

Oh, Come Let Us Adore Him

Were you able to get outside to observe the "great conjunction" this evening? It seems appropriate to share my largest Nativity set on the same day that we were able to see the Bethlehem Star in the southwestern sky. We always have various Nativity displays around our home at Christmastime and this one is definitely a focal point. The figures are about ten inches tall and have lovely detail. We display it in various locations each season and this year I lowered the piano lid for its base. This is the view from the front door (notice the photobomber in the lower corner?).

This is a view of it from the other direction (and you will notice the other little photobomber of ours!).

Fabric and fur add texture to the composition.

Oh, come let us adore Him!