Open House

I would love to invite you to a holiday open house. 

 So, come on in and enjoy the festivities.

Thank you, I like it too!! 

I remember the day my daughter in law and I went shopping.  

She insisted I purchase this, she thought it was so appropriate for our cabin.  

Oh, I know, isn't out stable lovely?  

My dad made it. 

 The outside is weathered barn wood. 

 He shaved the other half of the board to look like new wood. 

 Dad made so many of these stables in his retirement, we used to laugh at him, telling him he was the anti-Santa!! 

He'd just smile, and continue delivering the "Message" in his own gentle way.

The shavings, also a labor of love from my dad.  

My statues have the appearance of being hand carved, and the wood shavings are an added touch. 

 Oh yes, it is not Christmas at our house until 

the Manger Scene is in place.  

You like my mantle?  I do too.  

This year I incorporated my cardinal collection with the painting of our cottage, painted by our son.   

 It has so much meaning.  

I hope he'll be pleased when he comes home for Christmas. 

What are these you ask? 

 My daughter  made these, and I can't imagine a Christmas without them!

When her son was three he drew the Santa, and when her daughter was three she drew the reindeer. 

 My daughter traced them on fabric, embroidered them and made them into little hanging ornaments or decorations.  

You are right, it is a wonderful Santa painting. 

 It was a gift from a gal whose friendship lasted over forty years, until her life was taken by cancer.  

I will always treasure it!

Oh yes, they are very old.  

They belonged to my Aunt Nellie. 

 I think they are miniature shiny brites. 

 I keep them in a  'Depression' glass bowl that belonged to my mother.  

Oh, I like these little people and the winter scenes they portray.  

I don't put them away after Christmas, they stay displayed all winter 

They fit perfectly in my hutch. 

 Before we lived here, I had them displayed on the mantle.  

See that little Christmas Angel. 

 My daughter made that for me a few years ago.  

I love it, and has become part of my traditional decorations.

Its getting late, please come back tomorrow to see the rest of my holiday treasures and memories.

And that's the way it is...................