A little Holiday shopping...

I like supporting Small Business Saturday, so I was out and about to shop locally.  I found a few treasures just perfect for going under the Christmas tree.  I got a kick out of some of the naughty and nice gifts that make me chuckle. Couldn't resist this kitchen towel.

A 4th Celebration in Denver

I went to spend the 4th in Denver with my brother and his family...usually they all come up to spend it with me at the lake.  So we did some fun things out of the usual.

On the evening of the 4th we went to Boulder and sat in the stadium at CU for their celebration and fireworks.  We got there a little early, anticipating a crowd...but that turned out to be unnecessary.  But, it was a beautiful night, and it was fun watching the crowd as they filtered in.  A group of competitive jump-ropers were warming up for their presentation.  And "kids" in the crowd flew paper airplanes, attempting to get them on to the field.  Pretty darned entertaining! 

The jump-ropers performed, a musical group formed from the park and recreation employees also entertained us in song and lead us in a sing-along of patriotic songs. 

Then, the lights went out, and the fireworks began.  Wow.  They were spectacular.  A nice tribute to our nation's Independence Day. 

Happy 4th of July!

Hope you all have a great day,

Easter Eggs

This may be a little late to be posting egg pictures.  But I tried something new and have to report the findings!  I tried boiling eggs with onion skins in the water to color them.  Apparently this has been  a very common practice in Russia for many years.  Perhaps it is popular in many other countries?  Anyway, it works beautifully, and I rather like the color/effect.   Using natural materials for coloring/dying is very appealing to me.

Botanical Gardens

While in Denver, my family took me to see the Christmas lights at the Botanical Gardens.  It was an eye-popper. Magical. I can't imagine the number of lights it took and the amount of hours spent stringing lights on nearly every tree and bush. It was a winter wonder to see, and many folks were bundled up as we were, walking through all the garden displays.  Simply.....beautiful.  The photos were taken on my iPhone...            
                                                              HAPPY  NEW YEAR!

Sunday Brunch at the Broadmoor

I was in Colorado for Christmas, and what a treat to go to the Broadmoor Hotel for Sunday brunch! I loved the holiday music played on the grand piano as we dined.  The selection of food and the service was outstanding, but I found the festive decorations and displays equally as wonderful.

In one of the rooms was displayed a little western town, all made of gingerbread.  So clever.

 

See the Pirouline wafers supporting the porch roof?

It thought it was very clever to use vanilla wafers for the plywood on the saw horses.

Let's be jolly...

No coal in the stocking this year... but plenty of cheer, good food, good company.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!  
May all who need comfort, peace, safety, and love, 
find it in the promise of 
God's infinite love 
for all Her children.

My Christmas Village

A few photos of my Christmas Village seem appropriate for a December post.  The buildings remind me of my first look at English architecture back in the mid '70's. I especially liked the look of Elizabethan half-timbering.  I fell in love with it immediately.  England's quaint villages, huge cathedrals, and stone fences all spoke to me like fine poetry.   I'm also reminded of cold winters, outdoor activities, rosy cheeks, hot cocoa, savory smells from the kitchen,
warm fireplaces, and family traditions.  There is peace and warmth in these images.  They prompt melodies of Christmas carols running through my mind like sleds  twisting through wooded vales.

Needle-felted Santa and other ramblings...

The drawing for the Christmas give-away of the needle-felted Santa was last night, and the name pulled out of the basket was Laura O.  Congratulations, Laura, and I hope you enjoy him.

Several Christmas concerts are scheduled pretty tightly in the next week.  Last Sunday was the college's concert. It was lovely. I will attend two (maybe three) high school concerts next week.  These events are a highlight of the season for me.

My vocal and piano students are going to perform Christmas songs Friday morning for the Senior Citizens Brunch hosted by the school.  I'm looking forward to that too!

Christmas cards are in the mail.  I designed my own cards through Heritage Makers.  That is one amazing website/program.  I still have to have a little help from my friend Julie F. to get it done, but I'm getting more acquainted with the program and have worked on a couple other projects too.  Can't wait to receive them.

This year I took the time to put up my Christmas Village.  It's a bit time consuming, but I really do enjoy the lighted houses and the general scene it creates.  Pictures of the village...next.