A Southern Exposure Christmas

We've been Covid-careful this year, not attending Southern Exposure workshops in person. But Jan and I decided a winter walkthrough at Christmas would be safe, mostly outdoors and easy to distance. So, off we went to see what S.E. was doing for the holidays this year.

When I had my mortgage paying party, we gathered in a private room here. That was over a year ago. Now it has been converted into a "Santa's Workshop."

But since Covid, we've been steering clear of group activities, and no more so than recently when our Covid numbers in Michigan are completely out of control. So, when they offered a mostly-outdoor walk, with access to the decorated buildings, Jan and I were all in.

 

And, it was lovely. So, for what may be my last post before Christmas, I happily share some photos from a magical walk, starting with the frozen fountain.

I loved the ice-encrusted roses.

Beyond that, well lit trees and lots of lights.

Inside the Milking Parlor, where we usually have dinner, a lovely chandelier treatment.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care!

I loved this arched window frame with a wreath.

And, next year I need to make one of these for Rick!

 This was quite the tiered tray!

The Corn Crib was Santa's workshop but as you entered you were greeted with several of the fun trees we once made at a workshop.

I've always loved ornaments in baskets and thought this was pretty!

The room is long, with a fireplace at the end. It was charming.

The elves were hard at work!

I love the wonderful horse over the mantel.

These scarves, used as table runners here, were from the Dollar Tree several years ago. At previous dinners, they tied them around chair backs. I bought some after that to do the same and to use in other ways, like around small trees. But as a runner, they look delightful!

Outside, the old car is still hanging in there!

And so is a handsome reindeer!

 The greenhouse has always held charms for me.

This time was no disappointment. What a terrific use for a vintage typewriter!

 

 Another tent had trees decorated by area businesses.

The outdoor lights were magical.

And peeking inside windows brought delights.

The Hog House was decorated, too, with stockings and trees.

A simple ornament and music on a piano's music stand was elegant and simple.

 It was good to be back, even if we didn't stay to make an ornament or sample the spiked cider!

To be honest, as lovely as it was, it was sorely missing the skilled hands of Scott, Curtis and Micah who managed to make "over the top" look fantastic.

But, it was Southern Exposure. With a wonderful friend, enjoying something beautiful and feeling almost normal. That's worth a lot.

I wish you joy.

And many more Southern Exposures to come.