NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY!!!!!!!!!

It is countdown to 2013! I for one do not usually like to say goodbye to a year but like many of you,  2012 has not been the best for me.  It has had it's highs and lows so I say "Onward and Upward" let's get this party started.

We have not gone out to party on New Year's Eve for some time but this year we do have plans. Now perhaps for New Year's Eve in  2013 I will give a party or go to a big one.

I will slip on my little black dress, put on my red dancing shoes and don a party hat.

I will toast the New Year with champagne in perhaps London or Paris as I watch the sky light up with fireworks.

But not this New Year's Eve. This year we have a date with our little doll. We will party until her bedtime (around 9:30) and welcome in 2013 with open arms and hope and optimism for a bright and shining New Year!

 So I will leave you, my lovely blogging friends with this wish for you all and I hope you all have a fabulous New Year's Eve!

IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS......BETTER LATE THAN NEVER!

I hope you all had a fabulous Christmas! Our was lovely although it was a green one until yesterday .

This is what we woke up to. Very beautiful but it would have been nice on Christmas morning.

On Christmas Eve we went to town to see the lights. It was lovely, no traffic, just us and the pretty lights.

We spent Christmas Eve Day at our sons house enjoying our little baby girl. At 22 months she is just realizing what presents and Santa is. I must show you the lovely job our daugher-in-law did on their tree. Beautiful.

We had a perfect Christmas Day on the farm. Rufus, Daisy and Atticus had their first Christmas with us, it was very nice having them romping around the kitchen in the morning.

 But I must say that this little doll made all of the preparations worth while. Watching our sweet girl rearrange the Christmas Tree, unwrap her presents and sing us the Wonder Pets song through dinner made our Christmas magical!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE!

It is here already, Christmas Eve.

From my family to yours I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas.

My home is full of light and carols and last minute wrapping. I cannot wait until tonight when all is dark and the Christmas Tree is glowing waiting for St. Nicholas to bless us with the cheer of the Season. I hope you all ...............

Blessings & Bliss,

Sue

DO YOU HEAR IT, DO YOU HEAR IT?

Christmas is only a few days away. In the forest the animals can hear it.

The reindeer are having one last run before the big show.

They try to catch a peek of the action from below.

They know in a short time the magic will sprinkle from above.

What's that you say?  St. Nicholas is coming...already!

There's still so much to do, let's hurry, he's coming!

There are presents to wrap and bell's to be rung.

Just 3 days and counting before the the night sky is lit.

The Jolly Old Elf is checking his list. His suit is already, the reindeer are fed.

So hurry and get finished, so on Christmas Eve you are tucked in your bed.

WINTER SOLSTICE BLESSINGS TO ALL!!

The Pagan celebration of Winter Solstice (also known as Yule) is one of the oldest winter celebrations in the world.

 Ancient people were hunters and spent most of their time outdoors. The seasons and weather played a very important part in their lives. Because of this many ancient people had a great reverence for, and even worshipped the sun. The Norsemen of Northern Europe saw the sun as a wheel that changed the seasons. It was from the word for this wheel, houl, that the word yule is thought to have come. At mid-winter the Norsemen lit bonfires, told stories and drank sweet ale.

The ancient Romans also held a festival to celebrate the rebirth of the year. Saturnalia ran for seven days from the 17th of December. It was a time when the ordinary rules were turned upside down. Men dressed as women and masters dressed as servants. The festival also involved decorating houses with greenery, lighting candles, holding processions and giving presents.

The Winter Solstice falls on the shortest day of the year (21st December) and was celebrated in Britain long before the arrival of Christianity. The Druids (Celtic priests) would cut the mistletoe that grew on the oak tree and give it as a blessing. Oaks were seen as sacred and the winter fruit of the mistletoe was a symbol of life in the dark winter months.

It was also the Druids who began the tradition of the yule log. The Celts thought that the sun stood still for twelve days in the middle of winter and during this time a log was lit to conquer the darkness, banish evil spirits and bring luck for the coming year.

 Many of these customs are still followed today. They have been incorporated into the Christian and secular celebrations of Christmas.

So a Joyous Winter Solstice Eve to you all. I will be celebrating this evening with smoked salmon, boiled baby potatoes and a lovely mug of glogg!

TIS' THE SEASON.......BELIEVE!

Christmas Day is almost here. With the rush of last minute shopping.

Decorated trees laden with brightly wrapped presents.

Cookies baked and fruitcake ready for a festive table.

Toasting with egg nog.

Kissing under the mistletoe.

Stuffing the turkey for the family feast.

Stockings hung by the chimney with care.

All the preparation that leads up to the big night when St. Nicholas drops down the chimney to make all our Christmas wishes come true.

 With all of the hustle and bustle, the fuss and hard work, we sometimes forget what the Season is truly about.

Take a moment and remember to bless the beasts and children for they are our future.

And Peace on Earth, goodwill to all. That is something I do everyday but especially at Christmas!