God Jul

Last night we enjoyed Christmas Eve the same way we have for the past 20+ years.  We feasted on the traditional Swedish smorgasbord that Dave prepares for us each year.
We enjoyed cheeses, eggs, rye crisps and herring...

Ham and scalloped potatoes for me...

and wine and dessert for all...

Most importantly, however, we spent it with those we love...
(That would be my goofball family :)

Brenda and DJ

Nana and Daniel :O

Mom and Santa (he's tired)

Brenda and Nate

It was a night filled with great food, games and laughter.

I wish the same for you today.
A day filled with great food and laughter.
Merry Christmas!!!

Another's Perspective

Any guess whose perspective it is?

:)

“When you have once seen the glow of happiness on the face of a beloved person, you know that a man can have no vocation but to awaken that light on the faces surrounding him. In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.”  - Albert Camus

Magic

is everywhere...
I see it in the blanket of white surrounding my pond...

and in the homemade star that adorns my tree...

Magic is everywhere.
You just have to know where to look for it :)

Thanks to a Little Help

from my family...

Nana

 the Christmas tree...

DJ

is finally decorated...

Mike

And, what a...

See my new tree skirt!!! Never had one before!!!

beautiful tree it is :)

No Matter Where Life's Road Takes One

may you always know that here there will be a place for you to rest your head...

familiar and comforting items will be available within an arm's reach...

and those that love you...

will meet you at the door with  a smile on their face and joy in their heart.
These things I know for sure :)

A Little Baking

We had our first real snowfall for the month of December yesterday.  I took a video of it.  However, I have to remember to make sure that when I am videoing that I have the camera held in a horizontal position as opposed to my preferred vertical position ;)  So, no video for you today.  Instead, you get pictures of cookies!!!
I baked over 100 Greek Christmas cookies yesterday.
I am not Greek, however, my entire family loves these cookies.

My Mom came over and she helped :)

That's my Mom and some of the cookies.  There are more on other counter!!!

She made sure the honey syrup did not burn...

The cast iron pan was given to me by my Dad's Mom.  It is my favorite pan.

Once the syrup had boiled for 10 minutes and reduced in volume, I turned off the stove, placed as many cookies into the the hot syrup as possible, and then submerged them using my spatula...

I then removed them and placed them in another dish.
Don't they look delicious?
They are!!!
You know what else they are?

They are the perfect gift :)
Because they are made with love.
Homemade really is the best.
Have a great day :)
Edited to note that the recipe has been added to my Recipe tab above!!!
Have a great Christmas!!! 

There's A Play

today...

at 4:00 PM :)
May you never lose your childhood sense of adventure and imagination.
Have a great day.

Vintage Chic

"Vintage chic!!!" 
That's what my daughter called this little number.

I purchased the scotch box in October for $2.00 because why wouldn't I?  I mean look at it - Christmas cheer, a man in a kilt, and scotch whisky on the outside.  If you haven't guessed yet - I like most things Scottish.  Check out my side bar (Violet - the Scottish terrier).  I'm all about Scottish.

A blanket in the bottom, a $6.00 poinsettia, $2.00 greenery (I probably should have just gotten some from the property - but I didn't) and for $10.00 my daughter called it "vintage chic."
Vintage chic.
I like it ;)

A Little Bit of Christmas

Although I do not have my Christmas tree decorated or in the house, I do at least have it.  There were some extenuating circumstances that prevented me from doing both.  The Buffalo Bills to be exact.   Although they probably have no chance at even a wild card seat, we are loyal fans and love the Bills - winning or not.

I did manage to get the house spick and span clean and made sure that I at least got most of the pre-Christmas decor up.

There are two people in my house today that I haven't seen for a year - Santa and his elf :)

Aren't they cute?
I am so glad to see them.
My sun porch is decorated with beautiful poinsettias...

 

pine cones...

snowmen...

and cherished family photos :)

I have made sure my other family members (Snoop and Violet) have their dog biscuits attractively displayed.  I actually bought the bear cookie jar at a Wyoming County SPCA Christmas fund raiser many, many years ago.  It has seen better days, but I cannot and will not get rid of it.  

I have incorporated different types of fabrics into my decor.   I purchased the striped pillows at Big Lots and purchased the crocheted pillow at Volunteers of America several years ago.  I use the crocheted pillow year round, but I think it looks especially pretty at Christmas as the pattern reminds me of snowflakes :)

I love it when my house feels warm and cozy and I love that my kids appreciate the season.

Now, if you will excuse me, I am going to sit by the wood stove, admire my candles and vintage tablecloth and reflect on what this season means to me.

Have a wonderful night :)