Saturday, December 31, 2011

365 / 365 That’s a Wrap!


With this entry we wrap up the year, putting a bow on our blog as we thank our faithful readers for following us on our 365-day adventure.  Although I am leaving daily deadlines behind, you can follow me over at my Tree Fishing blog, where I’ll be adding entries as the spirit moves me.

I wish you all the best in 2012… take care.

Friday, December 30, 2011

364 / 365 Transition Time


During the last few days of December I feel a mix of nostalgia and anticipation as I wait to cross over into the new year.  Yesterday my sister S and I sifted through fifty years of family slides, culling twenty-one trays down to a thousand keepers.  Today I’ve been going through a stack of old photos S gave me of relatives long deceased.  It’s been a week of honoring the past.

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

362 / 365 Grade-A Memories


Today I’ve been taking pictures of some of the Christmas ornaments that my sisters and I made as kids under Mom’s direction.  I’ve always loved these egg ornaments, but they are extremely fragile.  The only surviving one that Mom made herself is on the far right… it’s over forty years old.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

361 / 365 Within Reach


Yes, this is a pool cue… and no, we do not have a pool table.  This was a creative Christmas gift from my loving husband who wanted me to be able to reach the Hush™ Button on my new smoke detector (also a thoughtful gift).  It seems I have a tendency to set the current one off when I’m cooking, and H thought of this win-win solution.

Monday, December 26, 2011

360/ 365 Tea Time


I’ve been trying to cut back my coffee intake and broaden my appreciation for tea.  My thoughtful sister L gave me several varieties of bulk-packaged, full-leaf teas for Christmas.  I’ve tried three of the six and love the black teas, but one of the green teas is going back on the shelf.  Who knew that tea could taste fishy?

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Saturday, December 24, 2011

358/ 365 A Piper Piping


Every Christmas our decorations include this charming nativity that my sisters, Mom, and I made many years ago.  The scene is pretty standard, but if you look closely you’ll see an unexpected piper playing a merry tune.  I’m not sure where he came from, but he’s always been part of the setup.  H refers to him as the “Kenny G of Zero A.D.”

Friday, December 23, 2011

357 / 365 Mug Shot


My niece J and I spent the morning at a local pottery studio honing our creative skills.  We each chose a mug from a collection of unglazed earthenware and decorated it.  Once the pieces are fired next week, the flat colors that you see will transform into rich and brilliant hues. 

Thursday, December 22, 2011

356/ 365 Up in Smoke


Today is the Winter Solstice, the shortest, darkest day of the year.  Although it is the official beginning of winter, the date is also associated with change and rebirth as the days begin to lengthen.  Tonight, in the spiritual company of a group of women all over the world, I created and burned a symbolic bundle representing the “stuff” I want to release for 2012.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

355 / 365 All Wrapped Up


A small Korean congregation holds its Sunday services at the church where I work.  Today Reverend K and his wife surprised and delighted us by giving each of us a case of Korean pears.  These huge fruits were exquisitely wrapped and absolutely beautiful in their packaging.  We were touched by this thoughtful Christmas gift.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

354 / 365 Services Rendered


Because the forecast called for rain, our yard crew (see previous entry) transformed itself into a box-recycling crew, moving inside to break down several years’ worth of old cartons.  This is the invoice they presented to us after their raking and breaking work was completed.  (Note price differences between large, medium, and small boxes.)  It’s good to see math skills being put to practical use.

Monday, December 19, 2011

353 / 365 In the Bag


For a small fee, my two nephews A and M are happy to rake and bag leaves for us.  The yard looks great;  M, however, has an interesting technique for opening the bag. 

Sunday, December 18, 2011

352 / 365 A Glow in the Night


This evening H and I visited the Garden Lights/Holiday Nights show at the Atlanta Botanical Garden… close to one million lights, glowing and twinkling throughout the gardens.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

351/ 365 Putting on a Show


The Chattahoochee Nature Center has a Wildlife Department that focuses on education and rehabilitation.  Several aviaries house injured birds of prey that cannot be released back into the wild.  H and I observed this Turkey Vulture stretching in the sun. You’d never guess that she has nerve damage in her right wing.  She won’t win any beauty contests, but I found her magnificent.

Friday, December 16, 2011

350 / 365 Here We Come A-Caroling…


This charming little village sits on a table at my sister S’s home.  It reminds me of going Christmas caroling as a kid… all bundled up, joyfully singing, and enjoying a mug of hot chocolate on the return.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

348 / 365 Standing Guard


This fellow stands guard with three other sentries on the porch of a historic home turned office in neighboring Roswell.  The columns are huge and the soldiers are well over seven feet tall… a most impressive showing.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

347 / 365 The Tip Top


The Christmas tree has been decorated, but the job is not complete until this delicate glass tree-topper takes its rightful place.  It has been a treasure of H’s for over twenty years.

Monday, December 12, 2011

346 / 365 Hold the Fudge, Please


Tonight at dinner we had this healthy salad – a nice change from all the crap we’ve been eating.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

345 / 365 Making a List


This little Santa watched over us as we ate breakfast this morning at our favorite local restaurant.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

344 / 365 Winter Walk


H and I spent the afternoon hiking the Gold Branch trails of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.  The day was crisp and clear, the woods full of energy.  H took a panorama shot while we stopped by the water’s edge.  Take a peek… you’ll feel like you’re right there with us.

Friday, December 9, 2011

343 / 365 Ringing in the Holidays


H and I took his mom M to the Christmas Festival Concert at a local church this evening and had a delightful time.  When the music ended, M stood up and announced:  Now the season can begin.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

342 / 365 Fold and Crease


These gorgeous origami ornaments were created by one of the teachers at our church’s preschool… she brought them in to decorate the children’s Christmas tree.  I’m mesmerized by the intricate handiwork.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

341 / 365 A Frosty Gathering


The snowmen are assembling for the holidays across the street at our neighbor’s house.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

340 / 365 So Good


Don’t let this beautiful fruit fool you… it is actually made of marzipan, a sugar and almond paste.  These treats were left last night by St. Nicholas (see previous blog), no doubt as confirmation that H and I have been so very good all year long.

Monday, December 5, 2011

339 / 365 A Visit From St. Nicholas


In the lowlands, 5 December
Is a date that all remember
As the birthday of St. Nicholas,
Known to the locals as Sinterklaas.

Along with his helpers, good old St. Nick
Travels by horse… you can hear the clop, click…
To deliver small gifts to good girls and boys
Into shoes they’ve placed to receive their toys.

Much to our surprise, St Nicholas left treats for us on this side of the Atlantic.  Just this afternoon, H’s mom was astonished and delighted to find this wooden shoe filled with a chocolate letter and marzipan fruit.  Gifts are often accompanied by clever poems… which is why I felt compelled to write one myself.

Sunday, December 4, 2011

338 / 365 Winter Wonderland


No, it hasn’t been snowing here; in fact, it was in the mid-fifties today.  These are flocked Christmas trees, encountered at the local nursery.  H and I liked their look, but eventually opted to go for an old-school live green specimen instead.  We picked ours up this weekend and began the process of decorating today.

Saturday, December 3, 2011

337 / 365 Good Enough to Eat


H and I met with friends tonight for our annual Christmas gathering at a private club that happened to have a gorgeous gingerbread house on display in its lobby.  This thatched roof is made of Shredded Wheat biscuits, icing, and candy toppers.  It was quite magical.

Friday, December 2, 2011

336 / 365 Past Becomes Present


With the holidays gearing up, I’ve been going through my cookbooks and files looking for the perfect treats to make.  Mixed in with a collection of favorites from family and friends are these recipes of Mom’s.  I love looking at them because they’re in her own handwriting… a small thing, but it keeps her in the present for me.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

335 / 365 Simple Goodness


This sweet little note was on my desk when I arrived at the office this morning.  It’s the handiwork of the associate pastor’s young daughter.  What a lovely way to start my day.