On Christmas Eve

Angels from the realms of glory..............

It came upon the midnight clear,

That glorious song of old,

From angels bending near the earth.

To touch their harps of gold.

"Peace on the earth, goodwill to men,

From heaven's all gracious King",

The world in solemn stillness lay

To hear the angels sing.

A Gift of Thanks

little gift of thanks to all who have stopped by this year to read my words, view my images, and leave heart-warming comments. In turn, you have shared the moments of your lives and I too have been gifted by getting to know you. It's been wonderful meeting several of you in person and sharing time together here in North Carolina or across the pond in France in October. In Spring I'll be going home to England again ~ yes, more cottages and Devon cream teas ~ and meeting up with friends. I hope you will journey with me again.

Early in this coming New Year, I will be making my 500th post! At that time I will be gifting a dear reader with something special. Who wouldn't enjoy a little package to unwrap on a cold, blustery late Winter day as we long for green trees and warm breezes..........so keep on visiting please.

Many of you are now taking blog breaks, quite understandable as life is hectic as we ready for Christmas. If I haven't been able to stop by with a personal wish for the holidays, know that I have thought about you.

Stay safe if you are travelling to visit your loved ones.

Blessings of peace and joy to each of you and your families.

Thank you, yes I mean you, for being such a special friend.

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Just A Dusting!

I know many of you are assured of a White Christmas this year.................do enjoy it and then send some my way................just a dusting would be fine! Meanwhile, here in central North Carolina, it's more like a soggy, cold Christmas season so far. Raining again today but not cold enough to change to snow. Very cold later after the rain stops so again, no snow. The tall piles of sodden leaves at the curb are ugly now, a dusting of white would turn them into mini-mountains. Children would climb, pretending to be mountaineers. Grown-ups would sigh with joy knowing 'just a dusting' would mean passable roads to get out to finish the Christmas shopping, and visit family and friends.

A recent sunny day was a pleasant surprise between the damp drizzle and 'pouring cats and dogs' rains that have plagued us.

The porch looked pretty and it was warm enough to sit on a chair and just think about all that needed to be done for Christmas.

So, here are the words, clear and bright........................I'm ready for it, but 'just a dusting' please!

Thanks be................

My dear one made it home after spending most of the day at the airport. The snow was swirling across the runways. Delta had him on and off the plane twice due to problems de-icing. He made an airport hotel reservation for tonight, just in case, however I canceled it when I heard he was really on his way home, hooray!

It's been a frustrating day ~ we are all home safe, warm and dry. Christmas is almost here. It won't be a white one in North Carolina but that's OK. We plan to enjoy it quietly at home.

New York can wait.............perhaps a trip in the Spring will be easier.

The best laid plans...............

..................of mice and men...............and girls trying to get to New York City in a snow storm!

Robert Burns penned those famous words as "the best laid schemes o' mice an' men (from 'To a Mouse').

Confucius said "plan ahead or find trouble on the doorstep" ~ I think we tried that. Even Will Rogers told us "plans get you into things but you must work your way out".

Found solace today in these words though. "When defeat comes, accept it as a signal that your plans are not sound, rebuild those plans, and set sail once more toward your coveted goal". Napoleon Hill, American Author, Speaker, Motivational Writer.

I had already asked my angel to watch over us knowing how wings get slick and need de-icing this time of year. As I loaded the bags and heavy jackets into the car this morning, the phone rang and Delta announced flights from here to New York canceled. Thick fog and very warm here, huge storm headed toward New York with up to 6" of snow in Manhattan today, more 'wintry mix' tomorrow and then a second storm following close behind. Weather Channel showed 2,000 snow plows at the ready, tons of salt to spread...............and smiling faces of the natives thrilled to be getting a white Christmas perhaps. Lucky them, sulky us!!

However, we are fortunate compared to many others around the country who are having extremely severe weather and loss of power.

Snow is falling, blanketing the grimy streets and sidewalks of the city. It will be pretty. I'm sad we'll miss it.










And where is my dear husband? He's already up there in New York City. Left yesterday for a business meeting and is now trying to get home as our weekend is canceled! I'm beginning to believe there is no place like the safety and warmth of home.

Friday's Favorite Family Foto

he envelope bore a pretty English Christmas stamp. The Christmas card was a beautiful winter snow scene. The words from a cousin across the pond were thoughtful and full of good wishes.

But the other small envelope inside held the treasure. Several rather time worn photos of my mother and her twin brother, both deceased, and two of me as a child. My mother's brother's wife recently passed away, age 96, and my cousin found the photos among her possessions and kindly sent them to me.

My mother Gladys and her twin Edward (Ted) ~ no date on the back unfortunately, but I'm guessing late 1930's. Taken in Devon, England I'm sure.

I love my mother's camel coat and wonder if she made it. She was apprenticed to a London dressmaker who made clothes for royalty. She became an excellent seamstress and tailor.

Receiving these long lost photos are the best Christmas gift.

Thank you David.

Please pay a visit to Deborah at Pictures, Pots & Pens, our hostess for Friday's Favorite Family Foto ~ there are always great photos of great family members being shared.

Heading North

Tomorrow I'm leaving the comforts of home behind for a few days. Packing a light bag with warm clothes, tall boots, hats, scarves and gloves. Grabbing something to read.

Flying northward to New York City.

City lights, Christmas glitter, window dressing, busy shoppers, Rockefeller Plaza, skating, skyscrapers, riverboats, Lady Liberty, high kicking Rockettes, yellow taxis, bells ringing, children singing.........and snow expected!

Hopefully I'll capture some images showing the 'Big Apple' dressed for Christmas.

See you next week in time for the joyful celebration ~ and I just know you'll have done all your shopping, decorating, baking and wrapping.................you promised, remember!