A Holiday Tour…

I know it’s probably a little late…. but I thought I’d share some of the fun things that went on this month at the ol homestead…
First Decorating…
The tree has  had been up since Thanksgiving.
(Yes.. I know it’s not even New Year’s Yet … but when it’s time to go… it’s time to go. )
Thanks to my wonderful nieces and sister.. it’s a miracle it even got put up.
You may recall Thanksgiving I was not feeling that well, and spent the day in the ER.
After turkey dinner they stopped by to see how I was doing...and offered to help me put the tree up.. In spite of me saying it could wait.
They got it up and decorated in no time..
THANK YOU…. THANK YOU…. THANK YOU…. girls.. It was so nice of you to do that.

After a few days I was feeling a lot better… and starting getting the rest of the stuff out.
I cut back on SO many decorations this year.. I really have a ton that I could put out but decided that perhaps at least for this year… Less is more.
Ironically… while I trying to stay in the “Less is more” theme.. I managed to buy  a couple of new items.. Meh.. what can I say…. I needed a little change.
Here is my lovely violin playing angel…
(She was new last year)

Evidently I did not do a very good job packing her up .
She got an Ouchy…

I just hope she doesn’t call  1800CALLSAM.
(Those of you in Michigan will get the joke)

The SA Boutique stand is being put to good use again… this time it is holding a really pretty  green plant/poinsettia combo.

Like I said… I didn’t put all of my older items out… I did purchase a couple of new things…
This wreath being one ... it was just too cute to pass up… I waited patiently till it went on sale.
If you are a Target aficionado you may recognize it.

(It’s made entirely of wood shavings … How cool is that?)
Thank You Baby Jesus….I got my shopping done pretty darn early this year !!
Here are some of the goodies all lined up.
(Monochromatic much? )
This Home Goods Vase is a standard on the kitchen table.. The bow officially made it more Christmassy.
Here is another new addition.. (Also a Target find)
The Three ringed wreath… I just love it.
After the tree came down.. I decided to put on the front door… at least for a little while.
Well well.. who do we have here?.
The usual gargantuan glass ornaments.
A couple of new towels that match the walls perfectly… besides being cute.

This lovely platter caught my eye at Home Goods… I kept eyeballing it every time I went in there.. one time I actually put in my cart.. walked around..then put it back.. each time I would smile at the little bird on the branch and make myself walk away…
Then one week I went in for something else and decided to pay my little friend a visit.. of course it was gone. I felt so bad.. suddenly realizing I really really like it.. and probably should have gotten it. Bummer.
Then it happened.. I stopped by another Home Goods near work… and low and behold what should appear before me???
I snatched it up so fast.. you could almost see  feathers fly!!
I love it…and … it too is spending some quality time out  on the counter for a while.
My lovely dependable standbys…

St Nick… a sentimental gift from a dear dear friend.

This was the mantel on one side of the fireplace…

This the other.


Now that the place was all prepped for the holidays….
It was time to let the parties begin!
Theses pics were from a holiday party we hosted with some of our oldest and dearest friends..
(Some... managed to elude my camera.. others weren't so lucky !! )

Tony’s wife wasn’t feeling very well that evening..  and we really missed her not being there.
Evidently Tony missed her a lot too…
Which may explain this picture… HmmmmmHmmmm John  doesn't’ seem to mind the extra attention…
Paul Don and Diane checking something or other out on the I Pad.

Lovely ladies..

Wine is fine Lesley.. but liquor is quicker.
No she doesn’t have a drinking problem… I just managed to snap some of the most flattering pictures.
More lovely ladies..

Would you look at those two..

It’s enough to make you believe in love…
Speaking of love..
I loved  getting together with some of my “Church Ladies” at another Holiday party.



Our lovely hostess ( In Red) opened up her home… and put on a wonderful spread.
We had a great night…
The only thing missing was our dear friend Barb.. who was visiting/helping her daughter with a brand new baby!!
We missed you Barb.. but you were there with us in spirit..

(We may have to figure out a way to Photoshop you in !! )
The next party… was again at my home..
We three gals have been meeting up with each other at Christmas time for dinner and gifts for many… many.. many years..and each year it never fails… right around Thanksgiving we call each other up and say…
“Do you remember who’s turn is it to host this year?”
It never fails…
So… this coming Thanksgiving I hope I remember to  refer to this post..
Ya Ya having a little bite of Tiramisu
In Italian Tiramisu means: pick me up… after the meal we had that evening....the only thing we needed was a little bit of a sweet pick me up.

Lesley… all sobered up… um… I mean enjoying a cup of coffee

Next came the gifts..




Thank You ladies.. another wonderful..year spent together.
So there you have it…. a little bit of our Christmas.
I don’t really have any pictures of Christmas day to post.. mainly because I was so busy.
I had everyone here Christmas morning for brunch.. and later 17 tons of other edibles scattered throughout the kitchen.
It was truly a Feast of FOOD & FAMILY !!
We really are so blessed to have each other.
As I looked around the room.. filled with so many of the people I love.. I thought of all those I love that live far away.. as well as those who were with us that day  from heaven.. and I thanked God for being so good to us.
This little guy made it all so much fun…
I could have kissed him all day.

And just when I thought it couldn’t get any better…

It did.
I hope your Holidays were good..
That you had people you love near you.. and if you couldn't be near the ones you love… that somehow you were able to express that love.
I Thank God for all his blessings. LIFE is good.