Many years ago, I gave my parents a Waterford set of the Holy Family. And somewhere in her childhood, my daughter acquired a Waterford angel. After my parents died, and after my daughter moved away, I acquired (reacquired?) these items. They are now displayed together on my bookshelf. Not just during the Christmas season, but year around. What “holiday” mementos do you keep on display throughout the year?

We still get a real Christmas tree. Every year I think it might be time to switch to artificial, but so far we still buy real trees. A Fraser fir tree if we can find it. A friend of mine has an artificial tree that looks so real I had to check to be sure she hadn’t put it in water. If I got an artificial tree, I’d want a green one that strives to look real, not a frosted white tree. Which are you — Team Real or Team Fake?

No elf on the shelf in my house, but I have these two figurines of Father Christmas. They both ended up on my mantel this year. Which do you prefer?

I had trouble finding the white poinsettias I usually decorate with at the holidays. But I found this unusual pink with greenish border that complements my decorations. Looks fancy, but I just picked it up at the grocery store! In doing a little research, I came across this tip for caring for poinsettias: “Make sure you pinch off the tip of each node (pinched back) to create a bushy plant and a fabulous poinsettia bloom.” If you have words of wisdom about these fabulous seasonal plants, do share!

Many years ago, I gave my mother silver bells representing the twelve days of Christmas. They were sold by Halls Department Store in Kansas City. It took six years to get the set, as Halls came out with two new bells each year. After my parents died, I reclaimed the silver bells, as I reclaimed the old clock that has been in our family since 1875. During Christmas season, the bells sit beside the clock and remind me of my parents. What old Christmas decorations do you have?

Although I love animals–most of the time, I have a problem with a certain squirrel. He not only likes to eat tomatoes, he also likes to eat blossoms of things like zucchini. That makes for a much less productive garden I’ve planted around the patio.  I tried buying fake snakes. That didn’t work. I run out and chase him off, but he knows when I’m not home and conducts his burglaries then. I replanted the zucchini after he’d eaten every last bloom and put the pot on the table on the patio. He went after those when they set on

Continue reading I’m at War

This is as much decorating as I did for Halloween this year. This is the fourth year we’ve been in our home, and the first time I’ll be open for trick-or-treaters. In 2019, we were the only occupied house on the block. Only one family made it to our door. I hadn’t bought any candy, figuring no one would come down an (almost) empty cul-de-sac, and I promised them treats in 2020. But . . . pandemic. No trick-or-treating in 2020. Last year we were out of town. And so, this year I have no idea how many kids to

Continue reading Happy Halloween!

I have never been a fan of winter and cold weather. So when fall comes around, I’m not too excited. For me, the one redeeming feature of fall is the burst of color it provides. I was afraid the dry weather would mean a disappointing fall this year, but I’ve seem some gorgeous specimens in the last few days! At my house, I have a pretty red dogwood and an awesome orange maple. What’s your favorite aspect of fall?

My favorite thing to do this time of year is look ahead to spring! 🙂 I really, really hate winter! So I’m planting tulip and crocus bulbs this weekend. Are you doing any yard work?

The full moon of October is usually called a hunter’s moon, though this month I’ve seen it called a blood moon as well. Whatever it was, it looked beautiful. This photo was taken on October 8, though the actual full moon was Monday, October 9.