Take A Peak: Our Christmas Tree

Need a Break?

We're full into the holiday season and this is when everything is kicked up a  notch. Full speed ahead. Damn the torpedos. 

Before the whirl of excitement and activities and to-do lists make you dizzy, stay seated and take a breather.

Here's a little touch of Christmas from our corner of the world.  We went to the tree farm on Saturday. Tromped for a short bit, back and forth between a few trees until we narrowed it down even more. Then away we went with our tree.

Don't they look so sad when you get them in the stand. Once their inside, it's like their standing their naked without a stitch of clothing.

I like my trees to have a natural habit, less manicured and trimmed. I like a tree that's been left to do it's own thing.  There has to be room in between the branches so it really shows off all the ornaments I've been collecting since I was very young.

This is the angel my Mom made me when I was really little.  It has 'Pammy' written on the back. She always gets the most prominent spot.

A stocking my friend's mom made our entire kindergarten class. I told you I'd been collecting ornaments for a long time.

I have many patriotic ornments. I must wear my patriotism on my sleeve.

I even have more than one flag.....this is one of my Waterford ornaments. I have also collected Waterford for years. See the snowman in the back....you got it, I collect them too.

Another Waterford I received from my husband. We have a thing for penguins. You see Gar has a history with them....it started when he teenager and his friends threw him into the penguin exhibit at the Dublin Zoo (or if you're from Dublin....the Zoological Gardens).  Then, when I worked for the Chamber of Commerce in Exeter, I needed someone to wear the Chilli The Penguin costume for WinterFest. Oh yes he did.

My Mother has been giving some of her vintage ornaments.

Others have given me ornaments too......this one is from my Godparents.  She's made from cornhusks.

You might have guessed, I made the snowman next to her, many moons ago.

My friend and bridesmaid Robin gave me this. We lived in the same neighborhood and always visited each other's homes on Christmas Eve.

This bell, is Cambodian silk and my bookclub pal Pearl gave it to me the year her and her husband brought their twin boys home.

I made this Santa in 4th grade. He's wrapped around a can tab.

Does your tree hold just as many memories? It's on of my favorite things about Christmastime. Sitting down at the end of the day and enjoying all the memories my tree brings.

Simply magical.

OK, time to get back to work.

Time for A Birthday Celebration

It's my husband's birthday today. He deserves the best.  I am so glad I found him and wouldn't want to go through life without anyone else.  He's my bud.  My best friend. My cohort in crime.  If I could 'lasso the moon', I would.

via Bates Mercantile Co.

We'll be heading over to my parents later for birthday cocktails.  I'm sure we'll have a few laughs wondering where the time goes.  Honestly....where does it go?  Happy Birthday Gman. Wishing you many happy returns of the day. 

"If you live 100 years, I'd want to live to 100 years minus one day so I never have to live without you." - Winnie the Pooh

{this picture is a few years ago, but I love it. We look happy. Of course, that might be because we're sitting in an pub in Ireland.....just sayin'}

Have a good day in your corner of the world and we'll do the same in ours.

Ciao for now,