The Gypsy Caravan 2023

Tuesday, December 21, 2021

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.

60 comments:

  1. Oh how utterly beautiful I would love a wander here especially at this time of year, I can see why it is a long-time favourite of yours Jeanie! And Yes a bicycle wreath would be perfect for Rick, how very clever!
    Wishing you both a very Merry Christmas
    Wren x

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  2. The nighttime scenes are stunning-- your photography really shows them beautifully. It's great that you had a chance to visit safely. Have a wonderful Christmas.

    best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

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  3. Merry Solstice!! How gorgeous is that place?!

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  4. I am glad that you were able to enjoy a visit to one of your favourite places, Jeanie.

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  5. I'm glad Southern Exposure found a way to safely give its fans a nice Christmas fix. I've only been there once but found that place to really deserve their success. That put a lot of heart in whatever they do.

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  6. What a beautiful place decorated for Christmas! I am glad you got to see it. Stay safe and Merry Christmas.

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  7. Lovely! The elves are an adorable theme...I may use them in a display some year.

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  8. What an absolutely magical place! I don't wonder at all why you love it so much. Thanks for sharing, Jeanie! -Jenn

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  9. Hello Jeanie,

    I am wondering will we ever be rid of Covid. Lovely Christmas scenes and decorations from your favorite place. I wish you peace and joy this Christmas.
    Have a great week and holiday!

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  10. Love the arched white window and cranberry wreath!

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  11. I'm so glad they did a safer alternative so you didn't have to miss it completely because of COVID. It looks so pretty!

    I can't believe how much snow you have there! We ran our a/c on Saturday.

    I hope you have a safe and very merry Christmas!

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  12. OK, I wrote a long comment and lost it. Loved everything! The ice on roses, the bicycle wheel, the arch decorated, and just walking with you in my imagination. So glad you felt comfortable to just go walking there and that they made it so special.

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  13. What a fun outing, looks like the kind of place you could spend hours of creating and eating! Love the decor. Have a Merry Christmas, Jeanie!

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  14. I've always enjoyed the sights and creative ideas at Southern Exposure. Everything looks so festive, and the lights look magical outside. The icy roses on the fountain are so pretty. The three-tiered tray is very nice with all the green. I know what you mean about ornaments in baskets, I feel the same way or even ornaments in glass bowls or lanterns. The lit-up reindeer is delightful. And I love all the red around the trees. Red is my color at Christmastime. I LOVE that window photo, it's magical. Merry Christmas, dear Jeanie. May peace and joy fill your heart all of this Christmas week. : )

    ~Sheri

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  15. I love the frozen fountain and the vintage typewriter the best. Lovely!

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  16. As always, the simplest appeal to me the most, especially the bicycle wheel wreath (!) and the white arched window with the wreath. Of course, the sight of ice-covered decorations was entrancing for me, who's going to be out working in temps approaching 70 or 75 today. As we've said so often, what a difference a few degrees in latitude will make! Merry Christmas to you and Rick -- I hope it's marvelous!

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  17. Southern Exposure has become one my favorites, too, Jeanie, simply through your eyes. It's a beautiful and very creative place. Merry Christmas!

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  18. I love your photos of Southern Exposure. So many beautiful ideas and gorgeous eye-candy! Wishing you a Merry Christmas, my friend!

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  19. How wonderful you were able to visit for a walk without the worry of crowds. I always enjoy your visits here with your photos. This is such a magical place at night. I love the ice covered rose and the horse. Actually, I loved every photo and I'm returning so I don't miss any inspiration! I think that is such a cute wreath idea for Rick. My DIL finds ways to transform old bike part into awesome art. Wishing you and Rick a Merry Christmas.

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  20. Well we are on lockdown again and more restrictions at 6 this evening:(Awful.Omicron spiked to highest levels so rapidly..Such a shame..I see travel..fun in the sun..and wonder what is happening?Who knows..Always a treat NE!

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  21. What a charming place! Thanks for the wonderful photos of your visit. It was a lovely respite from the chaos of the last minute days before Christmas. Have a wonderful holiday weekend!

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  22. All of it is so enchanting. Merry Christmas to you!

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  23. What a beautiful display! I'm particularly drawn to those lovely trees in your first image. I wonder if I could make something similar...

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  24. Lovely night photos. A great way to visit during the holidays. Merry Christmas Jeanie.

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  25. Jeanie, I thoroughly enjoyed this tour, while having my morning coffee. A lovely way to begin the day. My favorite are the frozen roses - just beautiful.

    Wishing you and Rick a beautiful Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year!

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  26. Oh, how Southern Exposure and YOU put me in a festive, joyful holiday mood. glad you got there this year Jeanie and you shared with us all. may your world be blessed with all that makes you and Rick happy.
    Merry Christmas from New Mexico.
    p.s. as a side note I did get to purchase a lovely calendar from Kate. I just love, love, love it. sg

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  27. Jeanie,
    WOW!!! What an amazing place!! Loved the frozen fountain!! So pretty! I should throw a few greens in my fountain bird bath out back and hope for some snow!! Thanks so much for all your visits throughout the year and for your kind and encouraging comments!! They were truly well appreciated!!! Merry Christmas to you , Rick and your families!!! Stay safe, healthy and happy because this is far from over, unfortunately!!!
    Hugs,
    Deb

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  28. What a beautiful place to spend the day :)
    Happy Christmas!

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  29. What an absolutely beautiful post, and your photos are so pretty! I think walking outside is a great idea: fresh air and plenty of fairy lights! Thanks for sharing. This has really put me in the Christmas mood. :D

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  30. So happy that you got to spend time at Southern Exposure. It looks as beautiful as ever.

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  31. Thank you for the virtual tour of Southern Exposure. Each vignette was gorgeous, I love the frozen fountain. There are many fabulous ideas for future Christmases. Wishing you and Rick a joy-filled Christmas, my friend!

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  32. Interesting walk and reminiscences before the Christmas holiday!
    Here people are getting ready to receive the fourth vaccine, probably next week.
    Joy and Happiness to you!

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  33. This was a lovely tour at Southern Exposure, Jeanie, even if you were not inside creating and celebrating. Grenville and myself send our best wishes to you and Rick for a peaceful and joyful 🎄Christmas and we hope that the coming New Year will be a better one for all. Thanks for sharing your life and adventures through your blog posts this past year. And, thanks for your comments on ur blog as well. See you in 2022 !

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  34. So much beauty in these heartwarming photos. Thanks for sharing. Happy Holidays, Jeanie.

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  35. What a magical Christmas wonderland event! Thanks for popping by my blog today. I'm glad to have the opportunity to come over and see yours as well. Have a super Christmas!

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  36. Looks like a marvelous outing! The frozen roses and typewriter are my two favorites. Have a joyous Christmas, Jeanie, and a Happy New Year!

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  37. The fountain indeed is very magical and beautiful!
    And the bell! I was in my 20´s already. My Dad "forced" Bro and me upstairs and we had to wait till he rang the bell, cause that signaled "Santa" had been there.
    Wonder if Bro´d kept the bell!
    Cool car, too. So many beautiful things.
    Thank you and have a very Merry Christmas! xx

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  38. How beautiful, lots of things to feast our eyes on and to give festive cheer. Happy Christmas.

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  39. a loVely Christmas walk - my favorite image is the frozen fountain. It looks almost eternal. I'm wishing you blessed and happy Christmas. God bless

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  40. Love this place, thanks for the tour !

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  41. Merry Christmas Jeanie and Rick.

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  42. Wow...the ice on the flowers looks amazing! I love all the pics. Everything is so pretty! Christmas is right here upon us.....Merry Christmas.

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  43. What a special holiday event, it all looks lovely! And yes, you definitely need to make a bicycle tire wreath for Rick!
    Jenna

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  44. This is so magically decorated! What a creative team they have here. I love the idea of using a scarf for a table runner. Brilliant! Now you have a year to find the perfect bicycle wheel to make one of those amazing wreaths! Wishing you a very Merry Christmas Jeanie!

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  45. I had planned to stop by yesterday, but had to run out for last minute shopping before attending a small get together that ran late into the night. It was great that you had the chance to walk the grounds and enjoy the delights they always offer. From all the photos, it appears you enjoyed your walk through as much as you do your meals and crafts afterwards.

    As I was perusing the lovely photos, I noticed the beautiful horse from afar. Imagine my surprise and delight when you even pointed out the photo was for me.

    I always love when you take us to Southern Exposure, but this was magical. In case I don't have a chance to visit again before Christmas, have a wonderful, safe, healthy Christmas filled with the JOY you shared with us.

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  46. That looks absolutely charming, Jeanie. But cold! Still, it would be lovely to wander about, perhaps with a little glass of something? I'm intrigued by the nottion of a mortgage paying party; is this where you persuade people to pay off your mortgage? If so, please send instructions.
    Meanwhile, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and nothing but the best for the New Year!

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  47. That sure was a lovely and inspiring walk around the Christmas decorations. I really like the outside fountain with the ice on the roses. They put a lot of work in this and it shows. Having seen your recent posts I think this is right down your alley.

    Have a lovely Christmas, Jeanie!

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  48. I'm glad you were able to visit your happy place, ven if you couldn't be there for a crafting workshop.

    Merry Christmas.

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  49. Fabulous, fabulous, fabulous.

    Lovely to see all of your photographs.
    I like the bicycle wreath, and like you, I've always loved ornaments in baskets, they do look very pretty.

    Merry Christmas Wishes, enjoy the season.

    All the best Jan

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  50. WOW so many beautiful displays! I agree, you need to make that bike wheel wreath for Rick. He will love it! I also loved the frozen birdbath and the lights at night. I have always wanted to visit the Detroit Zoo for their Wild Holiday Nights, but never have yet. I have been to Holiday nights at Greenfield Village many times, and always see something different when I have gone. I so love the simple displays using Nature and wish I could do it in my own home, but am afraid my pets will eat something and get sick. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! BTW if you were in Port Huron, our stores were only 20 minutes South from there along M-29. Janice

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  51. WOW! What a magical place!

    I absolutely enjoyed the enchanting photos.

    Merry Christmas!

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  52. Wow! What a colorful and celebratory place! No wonder it's a favorite for you! Merry Christmas! Card for you packed up and ready to go.

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  53. Wonderful that you live so close to Southern Exposure! Thanks for sharing the pics so that I can virtually experience it. Have a Merry Christmas, Jeanie, you and all yours!

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  54. Now I have another place to add to my "to-visit" list. I looked at TMC and "Christmas in Connecticut" was playing at 2:00 am a couple of days ago. I'm on the lookout for a more civilized time. Wishes to you for a bright and blessed Christmas!

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  55. That place looks like fun! Love that frozen fountain! All of the images are wonderful.
    Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

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  56. I could wander in this place all day. Magical. I like the bicycle wheel also. Maybe I'll make one next year.
    Merry Christmas.

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  57. What a delightful walking tour! I am so glad you were able to do this as I know how much you love this place. Their decorations are so stunning! You definitely need to make a bike wheel wreath for Rick next year!! How clever!

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