Thursday, November 29, 2012

Last Days of November

It’s been all over the place in the weather so I thought I’d get out there and get some snow pictures before it was all gone…as it actually is today.  The day before the snow came along it was really fantastic outDSC02155.  The sun had been so nice in the evening…kissing the top of the trees in such a beautiful wayDSC02156and then it went all wintery where the sun is shiny but gives little heatDSC02157.  Finally the snow began to fall heavilyDSC02158but I didn’t mind because the usual awful bitter cold didn’t come with it…it was barely freezing in fact so it didn’t stick all that much but it looked delightfulDSC02159…it’s so nice maybe I’ll indulge in a little barbecueDSC02160…or maybe not.  Our once delightfully golden tree is quite barren now but the sun provides a delightful shining Christmas ornament don’t you thinkDSC02161?  I’ve grown really fond of this tree no matter what the season isDSC02162.  The sun through this tree always brings me hope in a way I can’t quite explainDSC02163.  A light snow and hard frost made things look like a scene cut from “A Christmas Story” though I didn’t have a Red Ryder B-B gun handyDSC02164.  My mind was playing Dance of the Sugarplum fairies as I looked at the snow dusted rocks which reminded me of some kind of sugar plums themselvesDSC02165.  The field beyond had it’s winter best onDSC02166though now It’s back to its tired browns and golds.  Can anything beat the promise of a snow kissed evergreenDSC02167?  I’m quite glad for our new fangled fence which can withstand just about anything nature can bring itDSC02168

Time to turn our view to the inside don’t you think?  We’ve decorated the downstairs with a chalkboard having a countdown to Christmas for the kids to enjoyDSC02169.  This tree has some unique ornaments on it like this little wooden duckDSC02170and even some things we picked up in Ghana West AfricaDSC02171.  Other things I just like because I’ve not seen too many like it…like these little turtles for exampleDSC02173.  Note:  yes, those are popcorn strands…my daughter makes a mean bowl of popcorn but many went to the tree this time.  We had an extra white tree so it’s near the dinning room table this yearDSC02175.  I thought I’d showcase some of the other nutcrackers that didn’t get any limelight last timeDSC02176.  Those three look down on the dinning room from on top of the cabinet for our better dishes.  This one is closest to the front doorDSC02177…his partner is on the other side of the hall mirrorDSC02178…yes he’s the rat king from “The Nutcracker”.  Some nutcrackers are not so serious…this one reminds me of my time in the tropics…he stands on top of the living room TVDSC02179.  Now last but not least stands this classic next to one of the all time favorite carvings from Africa that we haveDSC02180.  There’s a slice of Christmas before December even begins.  The reasons for the season are so beautiful…they are priceless and eternal.  God Bless you all.

22 comments:

  1. All the excitement is mounting now for Christmas, it seemed ages away and now Saturday is 1st December. A few decorations have been placed in my new abode, but the main will be done on Sunday. My room will have mainly window decorations and I will decorate the windows in the porch area also. I am hoping we don't get the snow, everything (including me :)) grinds to a halt here, when it snows.

    Have a fab weekend - Nita

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't know why it's been such a big decoration-fest for us this year...I think we've more time since our Christmas group isn't going out and singing this year. However you celebrate I wish you the best season my friend...it would take mountains of snow to slow things down here...I don't think I'd ever want that!

      Delete
  2. The pages change, time marches and God provides the moment.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The poet in you is showing again John, I like that!

      Delete
  3. i think that is the best way to have snow, just enough to be pretty and not so darn cold !!! love all the pics Joe, i have notices with all yours pics though that should have have a good bit of snow, that land all around you looks quite flat, is there anywhere close by to do some sled riding ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I used to go with friends to a park near one of the local high schools to sled back in the day...we're surrounded by mountains but this is indeed a valley. Today we hit nearly sixty...not any snow left...can you believe it?

      Delete
  4. The white we had here melted about as quick as it came. Glad for me because I don't have to shovel it. I am grateful for some warmer temps though so my winter walks can continue with tramping through the snow in boots. I love your decorations..where life takes us we keep memories of the trip. You have been some wonderful places and I am glad you are keeping little reminders for your tree. Lovely outdoor shots.. Stay well and warm this season.. :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It really did melt quickly didn't it my friend? Those ornaments that have memories attached are very special. So many get frustrated with commercialism and drop Christmas but for me I'd rather keep Christmas and drop commercialism. God bless you my friend and Merry Christmas.

      Delete
  5. Hi Joe!
    You has cold snow wins day and we has last two days very hot days.
    Your beautiful looking the sugar plums are nice..
    I like white tree you has beautiful Christmas tree from Africa.
    You having a beautiful photos I love very much Joe!
    Have a wonderful and marry Christmas.
    Michiko

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We've had a very mild season so far but then again it's not even officially winter yet. I really think the decorations this year are a blessing. It takes a lot of work but it's worth it. Only some or aments are from Africa not the whole tree. I think that would be very difficult to find in Africa! Bless you my friend.

      Delete
  6. White trees.sunshine Thats good
    but this morning Accidents Joe The roads snow and wet
    slippery and dangerous With all respect Joe
    I hate the winter. How lovable it is for others. I get nervous thinking that i have to drive tomorrow morning
    But anyway
    Ur house looks so special filled with much love.
    I wish u a nice time in the white.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My feelings about winter are often like that however thus far winter hasn't really even arrived officially or with much snow as it usually does at this point so I'm counting my blessings. We roasted and wilted under the heat and drought of summer...it feels like it's messed all the weather up...we'll see.

      Delete
  7. Joe, What a Beautiful view overlooking your nice white fence. It is nice to have the wide open spaces but I bet it brings with it the cold winter winds at times. We don't have any snow yet, but I sure hope we have a White Christmas. It will be here in no time at all. Time has a way of flying by.
    Loved the tour outside and inside. Your home is so beautifully decorated, anticipating the Season.

    I am with you Joe. Id rather keep Christmas and get rid of all the commercialization.:) Take Christ out of Christmas and that is what you get. If only people realized what it is all about. We are so Blessed beyond measure. :)
    Enjoy the Season Joe, and I know you do.

    P.S I sure miss our music players. Do you have any ideas how we can put music on our blogs? I wish I new of a way. If you have any ideas please let me know. Thanks, Joe
    Dianne :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's a beautiful view for sure Dianne...it's been a bit less beautiful after the terrible drought of the summer and when the snow melts it's very brown and dead out there...still even that is beautiful in it's own way. We are so amazingly blest in realizing the amazing gift of Jesus Christ. The music thing is very frustrating...they shut down the site I used without warning and after much time searching I've found nothing to work like that...it seems much about blogging and programs surrounding blogging is fading these days.

      Delete
  8. Hi Joe. Your photos are lovely. Looks like home or it did today. We finally had some sun and its the first in awhile. I was going a bit bonkers. :) Praying you get lots of snow for the coming spring , summer.
    Stay safe as you get ready for the biggest party on the Planet and were all invited. :)
    Many Blessings.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Only time tells on the weather my friend...as to Christ...well, he's always sure! Bless you my friend.

      Delete
  9. and If you do find music to play let me know. I miss it so much .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hear you Lisa, I've really tried. So many sites offer their own music but I like hosting my own and having it play randomly...nobody that I've found now comes even close to this :(

      Delete
  10. Joe, hope all is well with you and the family. No snow here as yet but I think this year we will get it. Last year as we all had odd weather, it was too warm. Blessings.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We are doing okay my friend, it is what it is you know? I think that we've all been changed over the last month or so in particular and now I feel that the focus of life has been different. FB appeals to me less and less and so it may look like I've fallen off the map but I'm still around. Blessings to you.

      Delete
  11. I can tell by the photos that was one beautiful day with the snow. We have had mostly cloudy days and I am so missing the sun.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gloom doesn't do much for me either. Lately it's been back and forth with that. I totally like a sunny day so much better.

      Delete