Bit of Holiday Cheer

A big orange cat is sitting beside me this gloomy Sunday morning. I'd like to think it's too early for him to be trolling for treats, but the fact it, it's never too early or too late. Not receiving satisfaction, apart from a couple of rubs of the head, he jumps off.

Much to do, yet I can't seem to get any of it done. Well, I've finished a bit. Yesterday I bought a lovely wreath which I jazzed up with lots of floral pics that I've saved from past arrangements. Pretty cheery.

My inner door arch, bought a couple of summers ago at an antique shop, needs less decoration. Just a simple "believe" ornament.

I've been bringing out some -- not all -- of the Santas. (Most of the snowpeople don't appear till January.) You'll see those later, but I did add a bird's nest to the mantle with pretty wee blue glittery and shiny balls.

Trees. I do serious trees. This year, I can't seem to make myself drag the ornaments up. This one in the kitchen was easy -- small tree, small box of ornaments right beside it. It's cheery cooking in a decorated kitchen!

Most of the other trees were put away with lights on them. Only the big one is stripped. One by one, over a period of days, they are coming up. So far, no decorations for the most part. My sun-moon-stars tree (aka the Solstice tree) is nearly devoid of its traditional thematic elements. Instead, I started throwing whatever was available and at hand on it. Dried hydrangeas from fall's arrangement, some dried golden pods from the store, again for fall.

(Frankly, I'm not so sure about the hydrangeas... I think they're a little large for the tree. But it was quick. I can edit later.)

I need to photograph some of the clipboard ornaments I made. Haven't yet.

I did have a fun shopping bit with friends one evening last week at a store called Grace.

Holly (on the right with Sharon) organized an "after hours" at the Old Town boutique.

I'm anything but a clothes horse, but I really appreciate locally owned-and-operated businesses and I'll do what I can to support them.

Most of the stuff is a little pricey for my budget and more sophisticated than my cords-and-sweater style, but really beautiful, and I did find a few stocking stuffers.

Shopping local is a goal for me this year -- if I don't make it and you can't eat it, then it had better support a local merchant.

Summer, the owner, graciously welcomed our small group with champagne and truffles.

Kate was loving the green scarf, but opted for a purple sweater.

Writer Judy and TV news anchor Jane, two of our fashionistas, both found some treasures, too!

Laundry and other tasks call. Maybe a nice, upbeat holiday CD. If I get trapped into Hallmark movie marathons (and I always do), I'll never get anything done. (Honestly, you see them over-and-over and I still watch and still cry!)