My Christmas Tree is Finally Up and Decorated

My tree looks about the same every year. No lights, only old glass ornaments that reflect the light in the room and wooden cranberry beads. I'll probably take more pictures later. I don't know why I didn't put it up earlier since it is faux but I didn't. Christmas comes but once a year and I'm never ready.

The stockings are hung by the chimney with care in hopes that St. Nicholas soon will be here. Merry Christmas.

Sleeping on The Laptop

Snoring too.

Webster and Piggy are ready for a long winter's nap.

We are all so tired we can hardly move.

Is it dark yet?

We just got back from the last walk of the day and this was the 5:15 pm sky.

Snow on Wreath on Barn in Maine

At least someone is going to have a White Christmas. via

Christmas Around the Fireplace

Faux fireplace full of real wood. How do I know it's not real? Look at the floorboards -- there's no hearth. I think this room looks beautiful, don't you? Maybe the wood isn't real either...it might be a photograph. Anyway, it looks nice. via

Trio of Holiday Mice with Free Knitting Pattern

© Barbara Prime
Free pattern -- Download PDF Here.
Details here.

Anna (my mom) and Piggy

It looks as if she's trying to choke him.

They really love each other as you can see.

My mother was 91 this past October. Doesn't she look great? She doesn't dye her hair and has always been blessed with great natural beauty. She is legally blind due to macular degeneration but is otherwise healthy. Having her share my cottage is my greatest blessing. Maybe she will start a trend of mixing prints with plaid. She always wears jumpers and she doesn't look like herself in anything else.

Great place to bake Christmas Cookies

But wait -- where's the oven? I'll take this kitchen even if it doesn't have one; I adore the commercial cooktop. The ovens are probably in the island or on the wall just to the right. I bought a great big fat cookie cookbook this week that I love and I've been doing a lot of virtual baking while reading it. It's on my coffee table instead of in the kitchen. via

Here is an example of an island oven. via

Small Tree, Big Presents

The benefits of a table top tree. via

Hierarchy of Punishment

I guess they are all on Santa's naughty list. Wonder what they did? via

Beautiful Christmas Room

I don't know the source for this lovely room. I've had it saved on my upstairs computer forever. Isn't it perfect? I love the Airedale Wirehaired Wire Fox Terrier by the fire.

What I'm Liking This Morning

A colorful knitted sock monkey bearing gifts. Image found on Tumblr.

100% Christmas -- please follow these instructions.

And last but not least. I couldn't resist these otters.

It is drizzling rain and my quest to get ready for Christmas continues today along with the rest of the world. See you later.

Follow the Rooster

Those girls are not about to let him get away, are they? via

I adore this woodcut and watercolor Christmas card. via

I love this early Christmas greeting card showing Santa holding his sleigh bells. I got a lot done today inching toward the big day. via

Knitted Advent Swag ... Love It!

Wouldn't it be fun to wake up in this bed each morning in December? Other super-creative ideas for advent here.

Happiness is . . .

not having to share the oatmeal pot. Webster got the yogurt container so he was happy too.

It's Time to Say Goodnight

Another exhausting day comes to an end. Piggy loves the special tiger we keep for him here at the cottage. Webster is asleep on my bed and I'm not far behind. Goodnight.

Early American Children

Sturtevant J Hamblin (American artist 1817-1884)

I've always love folk portraits by this artist. Let's pretend these youngsters are dressed in their Christmas finery. via

Santa Claus Drawing by Thomas Nast

Iconic Santa image by Thomas Nast circa 1881