♫♫♫♫♫♪
"I'm dreaming of a tropical Christmas, just like the ones I use to know..."...♪♪♫♫
♫♪♫♫♪♪
"And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled, till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more."
- Dr. Seuss
Dec 6, 2012: added 30 inside decorations. Still have a few more to take, like the Hanukkah table will get to them later.
Dec 4, 2012: I loaded up 10 out door Christmas Decorations and they all got approved the first time! I will load some indoor photos later this week. Merry Christmas!
Nov 29, 2012:
I need to open a new blog thread before Dec 1st so doing it now while I have a little time.
Hope to get my yearly decorating photos up this weekend.
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Here are my weather Maps. This one had to be removed from my above the blog spot; it was causing my computer problems.
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I found out, these maps are measuring fire hazard and soil moisture, not necessary drought according to rainfall.
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Dec 1, 2012: Grandson Teagan at 4 1/2 mos old.
Dec 4, 2012: Outside Decorations.
I made new front Door Wreaths this year to change things up a little.
Dec 4, 2012: Outside Decorations.
Dec 4, 2012: Outside Decorations.
Dec 4, 2012: Outside Decorations.
Dec 4, 2012: Outside Decorations.
Dec 4, 2012: Outside Decorations.
Dec 4, 2012: Outside Decorations.
Dec 4, 2012: Outside Decorations.
Dec 4, 2012: Outside Decorations.
Dec 4, 2012: Outside Decorations.
Dec. 6, 2012, inside decorations. Yes I made that crane a bright green necktie out of ribbon!
Dec. 6, 2012, inside decorations.
Dec. 6, 2012, inside decorations.
Dec. 6, 2012, inside decorations.
Dec. 6, 2012, inside decorations.
Dec. 6, 2012, inside decorations.
Dec. 6, 2012, inside decorations. Put this tree in patio and Grands are making home made ornaments to put on it. A work in progress. I did thead fresh cranberries on wire and they turned out good.
Dec. 6, 2012, inside decorations.
Dec. 6, 2012, inside decorations.
Dec. 6, 2012, inside decorations.
Dec. 6, 2012, inside decorations.
Dec. 6, 2012, inside decorations.
Dec. 6, 2012, inside decorations.
Dec. 6, 2012, inside decorations. Christopher the Elf left this message this morning on the mirror for Rylee & Nolan.
Dec. 6, 2012, inside decorations. I love this decoration.
Dec. 6, 2012, inside decorations.
Dec. 6, 2012, inside decorations. Our new 2012 ornament the mermaid. Also got a seahorse this year but did not get pic of it.
Dec. 6, 2012, inside decorations. our official Halmark 2012 Ornament. Naughty or Nice? Push the button and find out.
Dec. 6, 2012, inside decorations.
Dec. 6, 2012, inside decorations.
Dec. 6, 2012, inside decorations.
Dec. 6, 2012, inside decorations.
Dec. 6, 2012, inside decorations. this is Nolan's 2012 ornament and he loves Jake. everyday he comes home and runs to the tree to kiss his Jake ornament.
Dec. 6, 2012, inside decorations. This is Rylee's Tinkerbell ornament.
Dec. 6, 2012, inside decorations.
Dec. 6, 2012, inside decorations.
Dec. 6, 2012, inside decorations.
Dec. 6, 2012, inside decorations. Got to have may Cardinals on the tree.
Dec. 6, 2012, inside decorations.
Dec. 6, 2012, inside decorations. Actually not really decorations. Lemons, limes and clementines. Love Clementine Tangerine this time every year.
Page: 1 | 2 | 3 — Blog Index
I like the cardinals in your tree. I have a couple, too - every tree needs a little bit of nature. And I do like that decoration you said was one of your favorites - the hanging glove.
It's such a fun time of year, and you really contribute to it! Enjoy the weekend - maybe with the decorating done (surely it's done?!) you can relax a bit!
Thank you all for your comments. Amazing how most of you think I do so much decorating inside and outside
and I don't think I do anymore! LOL
I use to do about 10 times more decorating that this!
I have done walk/runs for 3 mornings in a row now so I am going to skip it this morning and try to get started on my Cards.
Today is Nolan's 3rd Birthday, cannot believe he is already 3 years old. As you all know they went to Orlando last weekend for his birthday celebration but tomorrow the local family will come by for cake and probably pizza or something easy.
Ylee, yes it would be a little hard to do any jogging with steel toed boots! Walking around in those heavy things for 12 hours is good exercise! My team had to wear those also.
And I do have a lot of ornaments on my tree, I think every tip on the tree should have something pretty hanging off!
Karen, so that is where your blog went. I am ashamed to say I have not been out on any of the blogs in so long. I try to come here and then to go FB every morning and I always intend to come back but most of the time I don't.
Santa, so happy to see you stop by my blog and add a little Christmas Spirit! That is why we have to have all those lights on the house outside, so you can make sure you spot our house from so high in the sky and know to leave the Grand kid's presents!!!
Thank you so much.
NEw, Glad you did not stop walking. I actually enjoy walking and it is one of the best exercises we can do for ourself. Keep it up!
Betsey, Scott & kids come in from Boston next Thursday; they are all so ready to come to warm SE Fla! Did you ever finish your house project?
GG, thank you so much! I don't think I've heard of Brooks running shoes before. Will keep an eye open for them. Thanks for stopping by.
Scott, I would love to have like 1 or 2 days to play in the snow.. not here in Florida, it would kill everything, but I would like to go somewhere where there would be snow... and where I could leave all that cold and return home to warm Florida when I am tired if it. As a kid growing up in NE Arkansas we usually only got one maybe 2 snows a year so we loved snow when we got it. We all prayed for snow!
Of course your girls love the snow; only adults dislike snow because of all the work.
Shore, great idea about sprinkling in fresh cranberries... that would look great mixed in with the orange, yellow & green citrus. So you are having a Gamma Day? LOL Hope you can get thru all your errands quickly. And yes, Cardinals and Christmas just seem to go together!
Thanks for stopping by.
Hope all of you enjoy your weekend; we have a busy one in store. Christian came in last night and he will be leaving to go back to North Florida tomorrow afternoon. Nolan's family party is tomorrow around noonish. I hope to finish my cards today and would love to get them in the mail if not today then Monday morning.
Have a great weekend.
It didn't happen often. Just once in a blue moon. And it was a real bummer if it snowed or iced on a Sat or Sun.
We hardly ever got much. Just a light dusting. To make a puny little snowman, you had to roll those balls all over the yard and they had dead grass stuck all over them.
I can only think of two times in my lifetime that we got SNOW. In 1972, Charleston was shut down for 3 days. Then we had another snowstorm in 1979, I think it was. Not as bad as the Big Snow of 72 but it was still a mess.
That second one was the time my idiot brother in law called me to ask me if the street lights were on in front of our apartment building. Hubby and I lived downtown at the time in an old house converted to apartments that had 10 foot ceilings and drafty windows. No insulation in the walls. All we had for heat for the entire apartment were two dinky little gas heaters. If you got more than two feet away from them, you froze.
I told him we had lights. He said, yeah, but what about the street lights? I told him I had NO idea. He then asks me to go outside and look. I told him he was nuts if he thought I was going to open up the door, let out what little heat was in the apartment, just to slog downstairs and look out the front door to see if the street lights were on. And why was he so concerned about the bloomin' street lights, anyway? I told him that, if he wanted to know if the street lights were on, to drive into town and see for himself. I then hung up on him.
I guess every family has one of 'em like that, don't they? This is, what? 30 some odd years later and he's still as dumb as a bag of hammers.
I also got back in the pool today. I haven't been since last Monday. Like you, it's been crazy busy and I just couldn't fit in a swim workout in the pool during the noon hour. So, a few days this week I picked up my walk. I walk at least a mile every single day - before work mostly. But on my days off I try to do more.
I generally start our decorating after our local Christmas parade. That really helps to put me in the spirit. As you know, because of the pictures I put on FB, it was last night.
I have to admit, though, that numerous times today, as hubby and I were decorating, I thought of you doing it all by yourself. Wow, that's incredible!
Another busy week coming up this week, and then the last week before break is as well. Then I'll have 2 weeks off to do some rest and relaxing!
What day do your kids get out of school? Our last day is actually Thursday, December 20th. For some reason we have Friday the 21st off. I mean I do anyway, but so does the district. Weird, but I'm sure everyone will take it!
Bug, most of my inlaws are like that, lol!
Happy Sunday!
I like that bowl of citrus, too. I also like Shore's idea of sprinkling a few fresh cranberries in there. That would really make it pop.
You remember the excitement of getting a tangerine or orange or two in your Christmas stocking? Fruit really wasn't available year round when we were kids, like it is now. The only time you could get anything was if it was in season, unless it was frozen or canned. Those fresh oranges and tangerines were a real treat!
Thanks for sharing some of your efforts with us. I got to enjoy it without even getting in my car to go somewhere.
And speaking of Christmas decorations, I couldn't resist sharing this bit of fun...
BTW, is that Clark Griswold?
Brair, that is funny! Glad you stopped by.
Scott, stay warm!!!
Sandi, so did you get finished? I know from FB that Ogal/Sarah is still working on her tree but she gets a really large real tree and they are hard to do.
Bug, too funny. Glad you stopped by. I figured your area does not get much snow either. Most of the southern states, especially near the Ocean does not get much snow in winter. Yes, citrus (oranges, etc) were treats for us growing up also every winter!
Ylee, Noly had 3 parties, one in Orlando Dec 3rd when they went away, one Sunday here with family. The kids ended up going swimming...but too cold for adults; we just sat around pool and watched... and one at his school on Monday! He did good.
LT, thank you, glad to see you.
Karen, see you did it! Yes I normally do 95% of the decorating by myself.. I enjoy the festive look in the house but after New Year's Day I a ready to see it all go. LOL
Hope I did not miss anyone.. thanks for your comments.
Good 12-12-12 Wed morning. We are going to be perhaps record warm today reaching the mid 80's....
but we have another chance of rain today.
I have a very busy day.. a lot to get done..
Betsey, Scott, Baron & Teagan arrive tomorrow afternoon and we have to pick them up in 2 cars now. These smaller SUV's just will not hold 5 people when 2 are in those bulky car seats...no one can sit between 2 car seats in the back seat.
So Scott's Dad and me will pick them up and take them to Scott's house tomorrow night.
While they will sleep at Scott's house most of the time because we are already very crowded here...
some nights when Christian is gone, Betsey and the kids will stay here (Scott will go back to his house)
Betsey can sleep with Ellen, and Baron loves to sleep with his cousins.
I must get the office cleared out so the futon can be used because Everyone will be here Christmas Eve.
Also need to buy more rubber mulch to put under that trapeze swing in back yard. It has all disbursed and the grands need a softer landing for when they fall from that swing.
Also all the baby stuff we got down from the attic is a mess... I guess after Nolan used it, I just put it away dirty and all!
So busy here today.. will check back when I can...
Have a great day.
We're watching a nor'easter for early next week.Big question rain or snow,or ice.Think its definitely going to depend on where you live.Betsy and Scott probably picked a good time to be down there.
I have a spare bedroom over Christmas... do you want to ship some of your over-spill to me! lol
No, I'm not willing to trade places, either, lol!
Take care!
Sandi and Ylee are right; since you've retired, you don't get online like you did from work. You've had so many projects at home and now, Christmas.
I don't know how you do it all! I get exhausted just reading about it. lol
Sounds like you're going to have a full house for the holidays. I know you'll love it.
Everything is good here. I have appointments this morning and tomorrow morning then some errands. I must get up to see my sister before end of week.
I may be able to get back here to answer you all individually but now I read your posts and thanks!!!
Enjoy your Tuesday!
At work you get morning break, lunch break, afternoon breaks....
and there are times there is not much work to get done so you have to do something to pass the time.
At home I am so busy all the time. My New Year's Resolution is to be here more often next year.
The computer is in the office and that is where I am setting up my art studio so hopefully when I take little breaks I can come here to computer.
These last 3 months since I was "unemployed" end of Sept have just flown by. Also having Ellen and kids have also made it a little busier. Christian should be wrapping up his training at some point this spring and can move back home again.
Karen, those are adorable. I saw them on FB and I know your grandsons are going to go nuts over them. My grands all love and play Angry Bird, especially Ty.
TXPride, good to see you stop by. Yes, the kids all love to "help" during the holidays. You need to pose pictures of your gingerbread house you made.
I have never tried one of those...
The Magic Bars and Chocolate Toll House cookies I made last week are already consumed. I was hoping to make Peanut Butter cookies this afternoon but it is getting sort of late now so will try it again tomorrow.
I had some errands this morning and had to get my pedicure and manicure.. tomorrow morning is "facial day"... geeze I never had to do all this when I was younger! LOL
So after that I drove way to my SE to Bass Pro Shop one of my fav places to pick up stocking stuffer for the grands.. They have those cute little "bags of coal" candy that are adorable and the candy is actually good. Bass Pro Shop has all that old fashion stuff most of us grew up with that you do not see in stores today.. like remember "candied orange slices and orange candy peanuts"???
Anyway, I should have gotten them last time I was there about a month ago but I didn't..and they are out of them now...
so since I was already that far east.. I had a bowl of clam chowder and headed north on A1A to check out the beach..
Ft Lauderdale is alive and well and crowded with tourist enjoying our sunshine and warm temps.
All the large Yachts and sail boats are docked in the intercoastal water ways... and it is very busy over there....
Sometimes I wish we lived closer to the beach, but then again, do you want all those crowds and traffic all the time??? plus it is very expensive..
so on way home picked up a few more items we need to finish out the gifts ... these are all "gift cards" not real presents.. all the real presents are under the tree already...
Hope you all enjoy your evening and I hope to be back here tomorrow morning..
Glad to see you are keeping out of mischief....heck, you haven't time to get up to any mischief!
Only a week to go, and then you should be able to relax...just a little! :-)
Yes, you would love living over here, you wouldn't get all the rain you do out west!
Your decorations look fantastic!
You know, I used to live on the beach. Right around the section that's down to two lanes now. I was on the 14th floor of a condo building, facing east. Because of the angle, I could see both the ocean and the intercoastal from my bedroom. I loved it. Except I spent too much time just biking around the beach, and not enough time....doing laundry..grocery shopping..etc.
This was about 15 years ago. I think I'd handle it better now, but I can't deal with condo life anyway.
Ok.. Bed time! I want to be asleep when this whole apocalypse happens. It won't hurt much that way.
Thinking of you and yours this Holiday Season and wishing you all ...
ALL MY BEST TO YOU THIS CHRISTMAS AND IN THE COMING YEAR!!!
MASS.
Have a good day!
And thank you for a little bit of Florida in the sun on my bookcase! :-)
... Wind Chill Advisory in effect from 11 PM this evening to 8 am
EST Saturday...
The National Weather Service in Miami has issued a Wind Chill
Advisory... which is in effect from 11 PM this evening to 8 am EST
Saturday.
* Wind chill values... northwest winds around 15 mph along with
temperatures in the upper 30s to lower 40s will result in wind
chill readings of 30 to 35 degrees.
Precautionary/preparedness actions...
A Wind Chill Advisory means that very cold air and wind will
combine to generate low wind chills. This can lead to hypothermia
if precautions are not taken. If you must venture outdoors...
make sure you wear a hat and gloves.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
We've been low 30's the last couple of nights. It warms up into the upper 50's. It reached 59 today but with the wind? Brrr...
I still didn't wear a coat or jacket to run out this afternoon. Just a sleeveless vest. Over my clothes, of course!
Gams, maybe after the holidays you'll have a little time to hang out. I knew you were online from work a lot because you had breaks, lunch or lulls and the computer was right there in your office. At home, you have a lot going on, what with Ellen and the kids staying, Thanksgiving, Christmas and now, Bets and family in town. Even before all that, you didn't get to the computer as much on your days off.
So, in hopes that you find a few minutes to check in before the Big Day, I want to wish you and yours a wonderful Christmas and happy New Year.
And tomorrow it should start to warm up. High of 73. I hope so - I have tickets for the Dolphins hosting Buffalo. I wonder if billsfaninsofla will be there :)
Hope you enjoy your game tomorrow, Jeff.
Oh my goodness I have not been here since 18th? Got some catching up to do this morning.
Last night we had a Christmas Dinner Party at our neighbor's house. She "sat down" 16 people with full Christmas china and stem ware and all the decorations , etc. They have no children or even family around so she does not celebrate Christmas every year just like every 3-5 years she will get out her stuff and do something. They are the ones that have the lake house I go to sometimes.
Today, is Football Sunday with everyone around. I am making a jumbo pot (the only kind I have) of Jambalaya.
Both my son in laws love it and so do the neighbor's so they will all be down for a bowl or two or three.
but I make plenty.
I use ham bits, sausage and baby shimp.
Then tomorrow is our Christmas Eve dinner. Already have the beef tenderloin and will marinate it tonight in a herb Pesto rub I made up last night.
Then Christmas Day afternoon I do a buffet meal (Ham) for Open House get together.
A busy next 3 days then everything will settle down a little.
Oh yes, that cold front made it all the way this time.
We have been in low 40's at night and yesterday did not even reach 70.
This morning a little better, temps around 64 and high today in low 70's which will make for great football, Jambalaya weather to open the house.
Gorthar, so glad to see you stop by and Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Bills, so glad to see you stop by. Yes, your area would probably suit me much better with more sunshine and less rain! Merry Christmas!
Sandi, I don't have time to get into much mischief lately... I hate to say this but I am getting excited for January to get here so I can get this all cleaned up and start painting again.
BF, thank you and Merry Christmas to you!!!
Ylee, we have been cold now for 3 days..yesterday morning New York was warmer than north Florida .. Tallahassee was down to 28 yesterday morning and we woke up to temps around 40 and just a little north were in 30's..... but things get back to normal Christmas Eve and Christmas Day...
Jeff, thanks for the posts while I was away. It has been too cold for my liking! You are going to the game today??? That is great. We will have it on TV here with a house full of people all yelling and kids playing...
Our house is so loud when everyone is here! LOL
Hope the Dolphins win this one and give us a good game to end the season.
You know Bills will be rooting for her team!
Hi Bug, I see your area getting a little nippy also.
Thanks for stopping by and leaving your comments.
I cannot believe I have not been here in a few days.
Yes, I did have more computer time at work; I did not realize just how much more time I had.
Even on Facebook; I am just not there that much lately. I think things will get easier in January.
Sandi, NEw, Mass thank you and all of you for your Christmas Greetings.
Also got many of your Cards already, Thank you all.. they are hanging up on my wall unit where I put them every year after I read them.
In reality, this year has probably been my easiest Christmas in years since I did not have the full time job and while I was very busy everyday, I could stay on schedule and get my "things to do" list checked off appropriately....and still keep up with everyday chores.
This has been the least stressful Christmas for me in many many years... I have really enjoyed the past few weeks for the most part.
So now I must go to FB and leave a post then get back to the kitchen.
I have a lot of chopping to get done.
My herb/veggie garden is doing great this winter...so nice to get fresh organic herbs right from my side yard garden.
You all enjoy your day and
Thank you all for your friendship over the years.
Merry Christmas... and I will get back here tomorrow at some point.
I do hope to get back here tomorrow or maybe later today...
Just wanted to wish you a Very Merry Christmas!
Been very busy around here, too. Got some last minute stocking stuffers today, so I'm finally done.
I'm notorious for waiting until the last minute!
Anyway, enjoy your family time, I know you are so blessed to have a wonderful family.
Take care
Bay:)
Just wanted to contact you with some final updates on my Christmas Eve flight plans. Mrs Claus and the Elves made the decision just a few moments ago that on Christmas Eve, exactly at midnight. I will call all my reindeers names... Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen. And ask Rudolpf to turn his nose to full power. And then the very first home we are going to visit for Christmas 2012 is yours. Mrs. Claus and I have followed your blog for awhile and have found that your home is full of love for family and neighbors. Both you and Poppy and your children and Grandchildren all have a special love for each other and it comes shinning through in your loving words and wonderful pictures.
So there you have it. It is now official, and I Santa declare to all who visit this site. That Gamma and her family have been officially chosen by Santa, Mrs. Claus and all the Elves as the family that shows the most Christmas Spirit and love for one another. So may God Bless you all real good and may this be the most wonderful Christmas ever.
In Christmas Spirit,
Santa Claus
I don't think you could have picked a more deserving place to start your trip.
Hi All. Had a great time at the Dolphins game. It was a little warm, but fun. We were 7th row, in the corner of the end zone. Remember that fade pattern to Bush for a TD? That was right at us. And his rushing TD earlier in the game. And the final interception to seal the victory..also that end zone.
Sorry Bills..
I got home, and hit the kitchen. I baked 18 red velvet cupcakes (with buttercream frosting), and 18 blueberry muffins. I'm taking them to physical therapy tomorrow. (Did I mention I'm doing PT? I have some tendinitis near my right elbow. It's similar to tennis elbow, but not quite the same thing.)
After work tomorrow, I have to bake a birthday cake for my sister. I'm going to go with a two layer chocolate cake with raspberry filling, and probably the same buttercream icing.
Happy Christmas Eve Eve, everyone.
-Jeff
Merry Christmas!
Have fun!
I have to agree with Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Elves. Your house is filled with life, love and the Christmas Spirit.
Here's wishing you and yours a wonderful Christmas and a happy, healthy, prosperous New Year.
Give everyone a hug from Auntie Bug.
May the spirit of Christmas bring you peace,
The gladness of Christmas give you hope,
The warmth of Christmas grant you love.
~Author Unknown
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