persistent

This little fellow (or was he a she?) was determined to get through the window to play this morning.

Defeated, he left his calling card smeared widely by flapping wings just in case we wanted to get in touch with him later.
Was it a crested finch or a female red cardinal? On Christmas Eve the most impressive male red cardinal called, prompting many wishes, and (of course) the female is far less impressive in plume.

I am also enjoying the grey squirrels which scamper across the lawn and scramble nimbly up the trees. The large pecan tree guarantees plenty of mishcievous company these clear but chilly mornings.

Today I am grateful for the big outdoors.

my favourite photo

One of the more interesting photographs from the drive-through; click to enlarge, and let your imagination dance away...

something for everyone

if you are into Christmas lights, that is.



The photos above give a hint of what one family had put together for Christmas lights. The display covered three or four houses, and had a road running through it and along one side so there was good access without getting too cold.

Apparently this is an annual contribution to the spirit of Christmas, with messages to santa from the children of the family propped up alongside various displays.

Today I am grateful for crisp clear air.

looking back

Ready,

set...

GO!!!


Today I am grateful for photographs.
.

so santa was green?

This interesting history of Christmas tells it "Like it was".

Now to remember the nativity... buried somewhere under the cash registers of the modern world.

The Little Drummer Boy and Snoopy's Christmas have to be long time favourites!

The original Silent Night was written in German. Here it is sung by Nana Mouskouri.

Wishing you a blessed family time, Buon Natale, and Merry Christmas, everyone!

Today I am grateful for baby Jesus.

'twas the night before

I avoid the shops at Christmas time. I don't enjoy stress or crowds. I am anti-consumerism and hate to see people over-spending to purchase things they don't need and ultimately wont want.

Give me some gentle Christmas music, the smell of home cooking, and peace on earth.

Yesterday a neighbour called, bringing a gift for our little man. He remembered me, chatted a while, then walked across the lawn to his home. There is no fence between us. I like that.

I have, once again, woken far too early. It gives me wonderful meditation time. This is what I have been contemplating just now. Tali, once more, provides clear thinking in her blog. Agree or disagree, it is your choice. In fact, to read it or not is also your choice. Perhaps, because it is Christmas Eve, you are too busy.

It will soon be Christmas morning in the land where I was born. just this one last sleep to go. Three and a half hours to wrap the last presents, go to church, sing some carols, check that the fridge door is still safely closed. To my friends and family on the other side of the world, may your days be merry and bright, and may you stay sun-safe from morn till night.

Today I am grateful for learning.

and the rain came down

It seems more like Noah's Arc weather than Christmas!

Why is it that when there is so much to be done it is easier to do nothing? Resting is important, I say!

My great discovery of the day is that the "far too sweet" chocolate fudge is the perfect foil for too many pieces of ginger (interspersed with cashew nuts).

Take one cube of crystallised ginger and half a slice of soft fudge. Wrap the fudge around the ginger. Enjoy with a cup of wildberry tea.

Mmmmm...

Perhaps it is nearly Christmas after all!

Today I am grateful for a warm, dry house.