Where's The Heat?

Yesterday I was going to play around with fabric and thread after some inspiration from these, my favorite quilt magazines.But then it was such a nice day, we decided to go here. (my shell-seeking mother with her tootsies in the cold Gulf waters)

Today I'm in the sewing studio for a while before donning my glittery gown and dancing the New Year's Eve away (just kidding - we're grilling burgers with some friends and will likely be home and asleep by 9:00 pm). Happy New Year! --cds

Merry Christmas!

--cds

Christmas Village South

Our new living room features these odd cubby-shelves that are sort of difficult to decorate. They're too deep for books and anything else just gets swallowed up in the space. At the moment, tho, they are harboring my Christmas village because I had no where else to put it. A couple of the houses did not survive the move (I'm a poor packer), but luckily the skating rink is fine - it's my favorite.

There's been an apparent ruckus in Quigley's Tavern - the fiddler is laid out on the floor and Mrs. Quigley is not happy with him. Too much egg nog, I imagine.

--cds

Christmas Decorating

Our Christmas tree is all decorated and sparkly. It seems I've finally collected enough vintage-y ornaments to fill in the entire tree. I've been trying to recreate the Christmas trees of my youth (would have been easier and CHEAPER if you-know-who had consulted me before throwing out her stuff over the years).

I've been trying to avert my eyes from those aired-up balloon snowmen and snowglobes on lawns here in Florida - seems all wrong, especially so when placed next to palm trees. Christmas decorating is tricky in the tropics, but I will persevere. --cds

Looking Forward To Backyard Birdwatching, But This Is Ridiculous.

These guys showed up at our feeder Thanksgiving morning, and I didn't have the heart to shoo them away (and now they've nearly cleaned out the feeder). Besides, they are not the sort of birds that shoo easily anyway. I encountered this same family on my walk the other morning, Father Bird strutting down the very center of the road and I had to veer off into the grass. He wasn't about to move and I wasn't about to disturb His Imperial Highness (note very pointy beak and sharp rip-your-heart-out claw-feet). I've been nervous enough about the wild pigs rumored to be in the area. WILD PIGS! And I thought all I'd have to worry about here in Florida were the 102-year old seniors driving Buicks. --cds