I know I haven't been around much over the past couple of weeks. My trip to North Carolina to take care of my father was exhausting and I came back home with my plate full. I've only been on the water once since mid-November... This past Friday I had my annual Christmas party for my staff. Beforehand I took these photos of the house being decorated. |
| The Living Room |
The problem with artificial trees is that they look the same year after year. Outside, temperatures have remained in the 70s (and it's going to be in the low 80s today).
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| The mostly unused fireplace in the den |
I haven't had a time to try a night shot of the entrance and there is also decorations in the foyer and dining room. I took these photos with an iphone. May you enjoy the holiday season!
Other news... Two weeks ago I was contacted by the Michigan DNR (Dept of Natural Resources) looking for permission to use some of my winter photos of cross-country skiing in the Yankee Springs area in their publications and websites. I agreed and was honored that they sought me out. No snow shots in my near future here in Savannah. I'm wearing a short sleeve shirt to the office today and yesterday afternoon and Saturday I was in shorts.
Another problem with artificial trees is that they don't smell. I love the perfume of a freshly cut tree filling the house. For me, nothing gets me in the mood for Christmas than freshly cut red cedar. The white pine this year smelled good for the first day but it certainly wasn't a red cedar.
ReplyDeleteI agree, but not having a tree has also made us well at Christmas time as the trees often bothered our allergies. Out west, I loved pinions but was always stuffy around Christmas and it didn't matter what kind of tree for my daughter would always get sick and she had a strong allergy to them
DeleteI'm experiencing Christmas Tree Fail this year. Lights, some candles, a few traditional decorations from the past is about all I can manage. We at least had some rain and clouds this week. That helped make it feel more like Christmas for a while.
ReplyDeleteYou still have ten days to get into the spirit! Rain and clouds are about all you'd get here from the season.
DeleteIt is looking a lot like Christmas here on my house by Florida isn't getting the memo. We're in the 80's.
ReplyDeleteHow awesome that they want to use your photos! And I hope your father is well.
Thanks, he is doing better. Our weather is a lot like Florida, just not quite as hot.
DeleteSo different here in NYS from last year. We had so much ice last winter, that this mild temperatures are to treasure even if they mean some global warming.
ReplyDeleteGlad your photos got noticed. Going to have to get back in the woods for more.
It looks like Michigan, where I had lived the previous ten years, will be having a much warmer winter than the previous three that were brutal. Enjoy this years weather--climate change may keep us guessing if it's going to be a hot or cold year.
DeleteCome February, I'll probably long for your 70 degrees. For now, though, I'll welcome a little real winter.
ReplyDeleteGood luck, 70 degrees in Minnesota in December sounds like a warning for the Apocalypse
DeleteI wore a tshirt on my walks both Saturday and Sunday. 65 degrees in December ROCKS! Merry Christmas to you!
ReplyDeleteYep, I am wearing short sleeves most days--it's too cool off a bit this weekend, but only down into the low 60s
DeleteIt's ridiculous how warm it is here in Georgia. I want some snow!
ReplyDeleteYeah, your end of GA does get cooler weather, maybe you'll get lucky and see a flake or two (if not, drive two hours north into the mountains)!
DeleteI might have to do that!
DeleteI wanted to thank you for stopping by my Ten Zany Birds party page and leaving a comment. I appreciate that!
Tonight I went to the Governor's Mansion for a party and it as 72* when I left at 7:30. I wish it would stay warm at least until we move.
ReplyDeleteTo answer your question; we are moving to Cary to be near our daughter. We will live in an over 55 community.
I hope your move goes well, Judy. Cary used to be a nice little town, now it must be in the top five cities by population in NC.
DeleteIm agree with artificial trees haha.always are the same.
ReplyDeleteSigh. When I was little we always had a real Christmas tree. And I love how smell and still I remember.
Really nice shots.Hope your dad is doing well.
Difficult care our dads.
Mine is a little sick.
Hugs!
Sorry to hear about your dad, Gloria. Prayers for his recovery. Mine is recovering.
DeleteSorry to hear about your dad, Gloria. Prayers for his recovery. Mine is recovering.
DeleteIm agree with artificial trees haha.always are the same.
ReplyDeleteSigh. When I was little we always had a real Christmas tree. And I love how smell and still I remember.
Really nice shots.Hope your dad is doing well.
Difficult care our dads.
Mine is a little sick.
Hugs!
Congratulations on having your work appreciated and selected by the Michigan DNR. Quite a feather in your cap. I hope they give you credit for your work.
ReplyDeleteTHey said they will give credit.
DeleteThat's great about your photos being selected. Your home looks lovely with the decorations.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteDid the state at least promise to send you the print materials they are using your photo's in Jeff or did they want you to provide a stamped self addressed envelope? Your tree looks nice, I dunno we haven't ever put one up in all the time the old lady and I have been together--not any statement or anything being made just *meh* in attitude.
ReplyDeleteThey said they were interested in using it online and in on an internal publication.
DeleteLovely to see your Christmas tree! It's mild here, but dull ...
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a Merry Christmas, Caroline
DeleteSage: Sounds like you're adjusting to the day by day things, and no doubt you'll be back on the water. :)
ReplyDeleteI do plan to sail (race) on Saturday!
DeleteIs all OK with the sugar thing. That can be a reason for feeling down and somewhat exhausted.
ReplyDeleteI do hope your dad is on the mend and all OK up in the Carolinas.
Good to hear some of your shots are going to be published.
Thinking on your dilemma re the tree. Have you thought about chopped Ceder with no bark. That should have a winter smell without hitting the girls sinuses.
Sunny Christmases are nice. We may or may not have one here.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your photos being published, Sage.
Be well, warm, and safe.
Congrats on the photos, and Merry Christmas! We put a tree up last weekend, the first "real" one we've had in several years. I've missed them.
ReplyDeleteHope your dad is OK!
ReplyDeleteIt's warmish here, too - even in north Georgia.
Your Christmas tree and decor are beautiful. It's been close to 90 degrees almost everyday in Florida. I'm ready for it to cool down. I'm currently in Vermont and it's 50 degrees with no snow :( Happy Holidays and I hope your dad is alright!
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome that they wanted to use your photos. Love the photos this time.
ReplyDeleteCelebration adds more colours and meanings to life. Though the tree is articlficial, the Christmas mood may rise beyond that. Hope you are doing well. Merry Christmas. God bless.
ReplyDeleteI can't say I would mind such a warm winter.. I could live with that. Your tree does look lovely.
ReplyDeleteBig congrats about your photos. Yay for you!
Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas.
Every year we say we should buy an artificial tree, to save a real one, but we haven't done it yet. We put ours up on the 24th of December.
ReplyDeleteAs for the weather, we've had the warmest November and December that everyone around remembers. Tonight though... the first snow!
Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones!
Beautiful Christmas decorations and tree! I hope all's better with your father. It's not easy as our folks get older and it's just my brother and I living in different cities but close enough where we'll be there in a heartbeat if either one of our parents needs help. Hope you are able to relax and enjoy the holidays. So cool they were so impressed with your photos to include them in their publication and website. You do take amazing shots, my friend. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
ReplyDeleteWe've had a lovely rain all night last night and most of today. I didn't realize how much I missed the sound and feel of it, the sticking of the doors when they swell with moisture, the smell of the wet air and the duck and cover run to the mailbox. I'm in heaven.
ReplyDeleteYou're amazing. You decorated after all that you've had on your plate. I'd say it doesn't matter what kind of decoration, but that you took the time to do something for the holiday. And it looks great.
Have a wonderful end of the year. And congrats on those pictures being used. That's very exciting. Point us to that website when they're published.
We're a little farther north than you are... about 17 miles NE of Atlanta... and the weather finally got a little cooler here... for now. It's supposed to be back into the seventies later this week.
ReplyDeleteWe've gone a step farther with the artificial tree. Ever since we adopted a pair of rambunctious kittens six years ago, we've had a cardboard tree. Yep... I said cardboard. My hubby cut it out in the shape of a tree, and spray painted it green. He put bubble lights and twinkle lights on it, and just this year, we added some cut-out paper ornaments. It hangs in front of the picture window. Suits us!
A very Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Lovely looking tree!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the photos!
Happy Christmas!