O Tannenbaum (Farms!)

My holiday trees have gone artificial. But thank goodness I get the "tree experience" with Rick.

We decided to show our Japanese friends the Christmas decorating experience -- and that started with a visit to Tannenbaum Farms to get our tree!

It was a cold, windy day and snow was falling. It looked beautiful and it was a good thing we were bunded up!

A big red wagon pulled by a tractor took us out into the tree area and dropped us off at a little hut, pointing us toward the available trees.

We pulled our wagon behind us as we checked out numerous trees to see if they would do.

Finally, we found one. Finding the right tree is a big "aha" moment!

We let Rintaro start the cutting, with Rick showing him how to work the saw.

Then he was on his own!

That worked for awhile; then Sunny took a turn.

 Pretty soon Rick took over and it was down in a flash!

While we waited for our ride back, we warmed ourselves by the fire.

It was a very popular place!

Meanwhile Sunny checked out a hollowed tree tunnel...

...and I admired the reindeer!

Back at the main building we stopped into the Christmas store to warm up.

It was beautiful with many decorated trees that captivated us all.

No visit would be complete without checking in with Santa!

Back home, we made hot chocolate. The kids got their lesson in "real" hot chocolate (definitely not my 25 calorie packet of Diet Swiss Miss.)

We all got the lights untangled and tree in place.

Then Hiroko arrived and Rick started making pizza. I'm not sure he's ever cooked before a more attentive audience.

A VERY attentive audience!

Of course, then it was time to decorate the tree. We had plenty of holiday music and holiday cheer as minute by minute the tree became more beautiful.

For all of us, it was a wonderful experience, "topped" off with Rick's placing his grandmother's angel at the top of the tree.

Did I mention that many photos were taken?

 

And lots of love and joy was shared.

For our friends, a new experience. For us, one we'll never forget -- the joy of sharing traditions with friends.

On the Shelves

When you have a bunch of Christmas things, you don't stop at the tree!

You can create a fairy village, white with snow...

...or a scene magic and mysterious!

Sometimes overkill is really fun! (More to come!)

December Road Trip

And we're OFF! Off on a December Road Trip that took us to Nashville and Mississippi! While I hate to be away from home in December, we sure had fun! Our route took us through Indiana and Kentucky.

The spirit of the season was present!

Rick, of course had to ride...

...so I took a turn in the historic museum of Munfordville, KY.

I'm not sure the person working there has many visitors and she was delighted to have someone to talk with. So was I!

Here I learned that Kentucky was a divided state in the Civil War and that indeed, brothers did fight brothers.

Nashville was next. First the trade show...

Then a wonderful meet-up with blogger Rosemary and her husband. Rosemary was one of the first of about three or four from my original Google art group that encouraged me to blog! It was the best time!

Once the show wrapped, we enjoyed the honky-tons on Broadway in Nashville.

I loved the lights of the city -- even though it was pouring rain!

And the music was pretty good, too! We spent a lot of time listening to this great group.

No matter where you walked, what window you peered in, there was music. Non-stop!

The next day, with threats of ice storms imminent, we took off for Mississippi to see Rick's youngest, Kevin. We missed the ice but drove through torrential rain.

Kevin lives in Laurel, MS. The town has definitely seen better days, bringing an irony to their slogan.

But the Christmas parade was just what we needed!

I think everyone in the county was on a flat bed (all the queens were in the backs of convertibles.)

Of course there were elves. They had to be a little cold (but not as cold as the cheerleaders!)

It was bitter cold and windy. This guy may have been the warmest.

I especially loved the horse brigade. Here, a spectator hands his child up to ride on one of the horses.

Laurel had a great gift shop and some nice spots that had so much potential. If only the businesses hadn't moved out to strip malls on the highway.

It was fun seeing my guys together. Note, there are leaves on the trees! We haven't had those in Michigan for awhile.

After a great BBQ lunch, we headed back home where Kevin made us jalapeno poppers and other good snacks. (We ordered pizza, too, but we couldn't get a large because Domino's had run out of "large dough." I guess combining two mediums to make a large wasn't in the manual.)

Then we settled in for the MSU/Ohio State game! And it was "victory for MSU," just as the fight song says! (Although there were a few trying moments!)

On our last day we went to nearby Hattiesburg where we enjoyed a brew and great food at the Keg & Barrel. A fun time, despite the rain!

We're home now, up to our eyebrows in shopping, wrapping and finishing up the decorating. I just love this fa la la time of year!

Let the merriment continue!

And let the angels sing!

I'm Not Here in Christmasland!

Hi there!

 

Last year at this time, we were kicking around Las Vegas for Rick's trade show! And no one does Christmas like the Bellagio!

I hate being away from home in December, but when you can see beautiful displays like this, it's a bit easier to take!

I don't know what we'll see at our current destination yet. But I'm thinking Christmas must be in the air!

Till I share, here's a little holiday color. And lots of fun!

 

Wishing you smooth skating this holiday season!

The "White" Tree

I got a bit of a head start on holidays over the Thanksgiving weekend.

One of my favorite trees is "The White Tree." Almost everything is white or silver or glass with a little bit of color, just for fun.

I also include some of my old postcards tucked into the branches.

Every year I discover old friends, a happy reunion from those I've missed a long, long while.

And when the days are gloomy and the nights cold, I love the sparkly lights.

There's just something about it... Wishing you a peaceful holiday!

A Toast to the Season

Let's hear it for the season of lights, of friends, of giving, of tasty treats and quiet delights.

Let's hear it for candlelight and colors, pretty dishes, savory smells.

And let's hear it for sweet, yappy felines who love more or less unconditionally.

Let's hear it for December. The end of the year, the threshold of the new.

I'll be posting a few photos of the season over the next week. Enjoy!