That Festive Time of Year - part two

It's Christmas Day, and we're going to spend the day and overnight with Sara and Grant.  On our drive into town, which was magical in the snow, I left Kyria and Jeffery off at Chandler Road so they could run the last 5 miles. (brrrr!).  Sara and Grant had their home all be-decked and smelly-good, and we were joined by Kristine, Travis, Kinley, Savannah, and Dick for visits, gifts, and dinner.  Such a merry time.  I didn't take many photos, so I advise you to go to Sara's Facebook page for better ones, but here's a few, and a few of the days following the holiday.

Kristine, Travis, and Kinley

dark shot of the dinner table from one end.  Kyria, Jeffery, Kristine, Kinley, Savannah, Travis, Grant, and Sara

Now you can see Dick, too!

Kyria and Kinley

Twins in the beautiful vests our Mom gave us.  The one Sara is wearing is handmade by Mom's friend, Barbara W.  Fabulous, really.

of course we took the traditional neighborhood walk to see the lights, despite the 23 degree temp.  We watched the full moon rise as we strolled back towards her warm home.

Boxing Day morning thermometer.  Kyria took a run in this cold.  She, Sara and I walked the mile up to breakfast in a bit warmer temps.

Our 2015 breakfast ladies group.  Candy, Lea, Kyria, Nadine, Chance, Karen, Sara, and Rose (and me)

My new village additions from Kyria: a bonfire and the people to sit around it.  I got sticks from the yard to act as seats.

This year's handmade gift ornaments from Isabelle, Emaline, and their mama, Ruth are hung in the window to be seen daily.

I moved the bonfire group away from the edge of the melodian, so that if they topple, they stay close.  Now they're at Dorothy's Skate Rentals and Lessons, near the frozen pond, and they have a rock to sit on.

the beginning of our hike up the Ben Lomond Trail this morning.  It was 29 degrees with a fresh sugar-coat of snow

The fluffy crystal snow sat so lightly on everything.  This is a dark shot, I know, but it is what we saw.

close up of a waterfall wall along the trail

here's a longer view of the waterfalls-on-rock

the standard Maple Leaf shot, in snow

a long, leaning log had icicles hanging from its end and underside, with yellowish tint of unknown origin

here's the prettiest one

There we are.  Caught up past all the holidaying that was, and ready to see the new year in.  Happy 2015 to you all, and may 2016 be better than ever.

That Festive Time of Year - part one

Boy do we love Christmas-time!  Here are some shots, (some taken by Kyria), of the days leading up to and including Christmas morning.

Stopped at the Bank while shopping, and was treated to a youthful music presentation!

Christmas Eve day, the turkey gets ready to go in the oven

the view of Tobin Ridge from Rock Crest

went to share gifts and fun with our neighbors, which was lovely.  Kids do make Christmas.

the turkey is done, and will be bagged up for tomorrow's dinner and snacks.

Christmas Morning 2015 - Santa came!

A dusting of snow greets us!

Kyria is making green pancakes with red butter

shaped like Christmas trees!

daylight comes on and reveals the beautiful morning

the reindeer love the snow

Dad's powdered pancake - or Scottish crumpet, if you will

view of Christmas morning

Kyria caught this lovely shot of her Dad near Dick's tree after he turned the lights on

we miss you Matthew and Wendie!  Merry Christmas!

Kyria frolicks in the snow

Now it's time to get dressed and get on the road to Sara and Grant's Christmas gathering!!

I have been so busy after Christmas that I must split my C-Day posting into two.  I have to go hike with Brenda, so I'll be back with more later!

End of Autumn

All sorts of things and weathers and doin's have happened, so here they are:

Two weeks ago, the river began to freeze in many places; here at Chipps Creek in this photo

then rain came.  lovely rain.

the colors of Christmas cover the ground

One inch of rain fell, caught in the drainage waterways, and turned Jackass Creek into a torrent.  

a half-hour later, the waterfall's flow has begun to subside somewhat

The tree is up, and takes up more space than anticipated

Grant and Sara came down for a visit, and helped us put up the reindeer and Santa on our deck

that same night, we bedecked the tree!

when I step out my front door, this is the sight that greets me!

We got a cold storm that sugar-coated the mountains.  This is Bald Eagle Mt. over Roger's Flat P.G.&E. camp.

the trees are frozen white beauties!

The little couple that Sara made me so long ago.  I'd not been able to find it, but lo!  it was in one of my metal house tins.

The dueling chainsaw noises were a larger crew than I'd imagined.  They are mowing the hillside like a flock of sheep; close to the ground like a lawn.

We had helpers to put up the wooden figures we display at the resort.  This is Oakley.

Oakley and Autumn and their parents came for Tea and Crumpets after the decorating.  (as many have asked, what the heck is a crumpet?  I tell folks that it's the mountain where the Grinch lives, but really, a crumpet is an English muffin!  We served Walkers shortbreads instead)

We are expecting more rain, and perhaps some snow for Christmas.  We'll see you again soon.  Happy Days!