HIGHLIGHTS FROM CHRISTMAS

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. I know I did.

My niece, Kate was home from New York.

Our holiday started with a traditional Christmas Eve meal of

Brisket, Potato Latkes, and Home-made Apple Sauce.

We woke up the next morning to a delightful "White Christmas"


We eased into the morning with hot coffee and a
fabulous Christmas roll we stole from Privet & Holly.
It was Heaven!


Christmas mornings are best when taken slow.

We opened our presents. I found hats and scarfs, socks and books.
A copy of my second favorite Western, the original True Grit.

In our Christmas cards from Rick and Terry, these

wonderful hand made ornaments.

This one is Kate's, it's dusted with white glitter snow.

These two are Susan and mine. I'm showing you the

front and back views because they are so special.

Kate is also quite an artisan. She made me this cracking Robin's egg
with Santa looking on.

She also made me this gray Catbird ornament.

Hope your Christmas was as special as mine and that

you have a shining New Years

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Linking to

French Country Cottage

SEASONS GREETING

May this Christmas find you twirling and whirling in delight.

Seasons Greetings from Nanniepannie.

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image found on Google

ALL THUMBS

Have you ever seen a kitty like this...he's polydactyl.


If you've ever visited Ernest Hemingway's
Home & Museum in Key West, I'd say you are
very familiar.




The museum and grounds are home to over 60 cats with
just this condition.




This is a whimsy adaptation of the home by
United Nations Peace Prize Winner
Herbert Hofer.
I think it captures the essence of the place
quite well.



Polydactyl means extra toes. The kitties look almost like
they are wearing mittens.



The cats at the Hemingway House come in all shapes and sizes.
The story goes that Mr. Hemingway was given a six toed
cat by a ship captain...
and...well that's where it all began.



I toured the Home many years ago, but it made quite an impression
on me. Everywhere you look you see cats,
lounging, sleeping, eating.



When you find yourself in the paradise of Key West,
don't miss this tourist spot.
By the way, my own sweet kitty, Dixie, is polydactyl.

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I'm linking my post with Angela's
Animal Link Party
Tuesday's Show and Tail @
West Virginia Treasures
and
My Romantic Home
Show and Tell Friday

Sweet Surprises In My Mailbox

Sweet surprises arrived for me yesterday from my sister- in-law, Terry.

Every year Terry sends me hand made Christmas ornaments,

most she makes herself.

This year a glittered crane along with an Origami book.
Last time I visited Terry and Rick, I told them
of my interest in learning how to make the Origami cranes.
I have visions of Origami canes
dancing in my head.


The second package contained this sweet white
gardening glove ornament.
Of course you know "gardening" is my all time
favorite past time.


Here's a look at some of the creations she's sent me
over the years.

You also know my love of cats.

This wreath, she sent me many many years ago.

I still love it!

Thank you Terry and Rick

I can't wait to dig into my Origami book.

Merry Christmas.

BIRDS OF CHRISTMAS

Seven Swans A Swimming.

Six Geese A Laying.

Four Calling Birds.

Three French Hens.

Two Turtle Doves.

And A Partridge In A Pear Tree.

Remember to keep your bird feeders full this Holiday.
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Thank you to Google Image

THE ICE MAN COMETH

Thursday morning we woke to a

crystal ice world.

Crabapple tree with her berries encased in ice.

This Privet bowed to the weight of it all.

English Laurel covered but still shining through.

Yes I still had to be at work at 6:15 AM.

Such is life.

Oh My Darling "CLEMEMTINE"

"The Christmas Orange"

From far away places like

Marocco and Spain

Smooth and glossy.
Sweet and tasty.



Treat Yourself!

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Images found on Google Image

GIFTS OF THE SEASON

The Christmas Tree

Mistletoe

Pine Tree

Cranberry


Kalanchoe

Holly

Christmas Cactus

White Poinsettia

Red Poinsettia

The Evergreen

Amaryllis

Rosemary

Paperwhite


Nature's Christmas gift to us,

and all favorites of mine.

Happy Gardening

and

Merry Christmas

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I'm linking this post with Laurie @

My Favorite Things Saturday
Party