December....

Madeline and I were witness to a Friday night at the York farm.....pretty happy crew.


We only got to witness Cole at what appears to be an Ugly Christmas sweater party via photo....


Sue and I headed out on a Cold December night for our annual Finley Street progressive party


It was, as always, great fun.


A chilly view of the empty spot where my new garage is supposed to be....they say this week..???


Winter has officially arrived on my patio...


And on my urns...


And outside my dining room window...which was the smartest way to welcome some snow...through the window. Because baby, it was SOOOO cold outside.


Cole and Jon helped the Statler family welcome in the holiday season....imagine that...those two celebrating anything!!


Official end of harvest? Yes, when favorite son in law shaves off his beard. Welcome back dimples!!

December

My first dinner party..celebrating the Deal family visiting


Watching football...smiling to be nice...he's always nice





We had a Stars Hollow day downtown... Shopping our locally owned small businesses and we really shopped!!!


Even baby Tal enjoyed the day


They went shooting. Truth. They shot guns. At old pumpkins. They even dressed the part.


Meanwhile I stayed home and made my annual holiday roping.


And stuffed my urns with fresh greenery...and I did it all myself. Yes, patting myself on the back.


Love the finished product. But my hands..oh my poor bloody hands. No kidding, they are a mess...pine needles and wire and my hands do not get along.


Finley is much smarter....well ok, her mama is.. She made garland with ribbon and ornaments.


And oh how it sparkles, she's a worker,


No, this is not Santa's bedroom. It is my cheery guest room. But since Cole was born an hour after Christmas, it will be his room for the Holidays. Ho Ho Ho,


And the biggest, brightest news...smart Annie Deal was accepted at her first choice for college, early acceptance. One and done! Rhodes College in Memphis, here she comes! Yay sweet Annie. And me, more visits to the Jungle Room!

Location:Finley Street

Thankful

I am so thankful, for friends and family who have been there for me through some tough days...


Grateful for a table set with love, the chairs soon to be filled by people I love...


Favorite sin in law and Madeline


Fin and Mil


Baby Ju and Harmy


Favorite son in law and Steve


My sisters....


Annie, Harmy and Lucy


Family!


Maggie and Carter


Jean and Lucy


Fin and Hen



Thankful for a delicious meal and the Thanksgiving blessing Steve prepared...along with the gourds grown by Jake and Mad.


And just so in love with this oh so typical photo of my sisters....if a picture paints a thousand words...I love it,


Family gathered in my living room


A favorite new Christmas decoration


So, I didn't get to take a nap in Maggie and Adam's new bed...but I did score their old bed!! So, if I ever did nap, I would gladly nap at home now. And, I hope they keep shopping for new furniture...it helps fill my house! I know, shameless!!!


I am grateful for happy children....Jon and Cole in DC in, um, their, lovely sweaters...


Greg, Dan, Cole and Laura preparing their friendsgiving meal. So glad they were reunited..and grateful to Laura, because I stole the photos from her.


Cole prepared the above...venison, quail and duck. Ok. Proud of him. I'll stick to turkey, thank you very much. And FYI, Cole, my kitchen does not accept game...just turkey, ok??


I love the start of the season in my hometown...


We went to see the Santa parade...downtown looked magical


And these two looked comical!
And one more thing that I am extremely grateful and thankful for....


Work finally started today on my new driveway and garage...Yay!!! But, have you ever seen anyone dig a trench with an axe? New to me....

I am grateful for the upcoming Holiday season and the effect it has on those I love..happiness and anticipation radiates. I remain, grateful!

Location:Finley Street, Jacksonville,United States

Happy Thanksgiving!

It was hair day in Boston, and while there, my friend Penny took photos of the pretty urns she saw, knowing how much I love them!


My urns...pre-Christmas decorating...just you wait!! I swear, you I'll be impressed...


Annie's friend Sophie made these turkey cupcakes for school. This girl has skill!


Sue and I ran into CJ at dinner...and she loaned me her ozone machine...to get rid of the smoke smell in my cute house...yes, the previous inhabitant smoked...in the house! Rather amazing machine!





Sweet Annie turned 18.


A little help with the candles....


Adam, fresh from the post harvest job of plowing, with baby Tal.


Uncle Harmy with baby Tal. Oh yes, still baby obsessed around here. As well as extremely grateful.


A family favorite.....baked Gouda. Oh yes, we love it.


Gross, right? Jake knocked his head. Rather hard. He does not have a Rowe head...meaning HARD. I have been told my head could be used as a deadly weapon. What!??? But seriously, who has hair color that naturally beautiful in their twenties? No, not the bloody part, the blonde!!


Maggie and Adam have a gorgeous new bed. Makes me want to take a nap...doubt they would appreciate finding me there. Oh well, a girl can dream....


Have a great day!!

Location:Jacksonville