Back to basics.

It always feels good to put away the Christmas decorations. I love them but like a fresh start. 

I like to use white or blue in January. 

Haven’t used this flying frog in years so I flew him under the mantel. 

Ahhh. Simple is best. 

I don’t think she is judging me but….

Love those little short legs. 

Guess who is back at the lake. White pelicans. They are so big and beautiful. See how big they are compared to the chairs?

There were 3 blue herons and 4 snowy egrets enjoying the shallows. 

This was so pretty in person. Full moon. 

Christmas Day

Christmas Day. 

Table set. 

Bustling in the kitchen. 

That’s all the pics I got. 

Glad we were home. Sandy was trying to get something started. 

Gave up. 

Day after Christmas. Bryan took Leo to see Mamaw. She gave him a book and he loved it. Look at that face!

Brown brunch

We decided to have the Brown family Christmas Eve gathering at brunch this year. 

Sophie and Paul welcomed us with beautiful things. 

The table featured their milk bottle collection. Paul’s grandfather was a Borden delivery man. 

Got the Mamaw on board. 

Oyster tree. 

Here we are. Just missing Josh. 

Solstice

Gathered at Margaret and David’s this year for Solstice. 

Chris’s girlfriend Kifer was a new addition. We loved her. 

So fun. 

And delicious. 

I forgot the poppers so no crowns. We played some word games. 

We had a great gathering of wordsmiths. 

Lucky came in for dessert. 

All the company wore him out. 

Got the holly cut and the flowers done. 

Love doing this. 

As I was doing the arrangements, I had this picture out and my sweet Mamaw Brown on my mind. I put on Christmas music and remembered how much she loved arranging flowers. She fed us all fried chicken and gravy on Christmas Eve. 

Had lots of good food and fun this week. If I had to pick the best tasting food I had , it would be this shrimp bisque at Char with Book Club. I hope no one overheard our table as we ate it. Moans and groans of pleasure. 

Followed up with veggie plate. Exchanged gifts and took no pictures. 

Except this one of the blankets I gave everyone. 

Best story of the week. Sophie watches an online auction. A large grave rubbing came up, starting at $5. She asked if I wanted it. Well yes. We won it for $45. I knew the words had a familiar ring. Sophie did some research and it is from Shakespeare’s grave! It is old because they no longer allow rubbings of it. I’ll show you where I hang it soon. 

Had brunch at the Patrick’s house. All three girls, hubbies , Ed and I. I was so happy. No pictures just enjoyed our time. 

A lot going on but not much to write about

So here is the boring blog. 

Sweet but heavy lap dog. 

New sweater from MG making me happy and warm. May not get many days cold enough to wear it. Old neck free of charge. 

Small triumph at Kroger. Played all the games and saved 25%. 

Currently obsessed with this salty and sweet combo. Ed made the oyster crackers. 

Current good book. 

Walk in the yard yielded this pretty color combo. Off to cut some holly for this weekend’s arrangements. 

I had leftover salt and vinegar chips. Bottom of the bag. Crushed them. Spread Mayo on chicken strips. Rolled  in crumbs  

Roasted them along side these. 

Turned out really well. 

Boop in my lap. 

Cute 

Ate some of these….

While I did this. Lazy tree. 

Love dog feet. 

Uh oh. Amy2 called me. I’m trapped in my bathroom. I need to be somewhere in 40 mins. 

Kitten, Binx got in a partially open drawer and pushed it open, blocking the door where Amy was. I had to go free her. What next?