Welcome

My house is small, so finding room for decorations is tough. I also have to be sure that a certain quadra-ped with yellow fur doesn't eat the decorations, but that's another story.

So I wasn't thrilled that the most logical space for the creche was just inside the front door.

But then I took this picture, and it seemed a great fit. The manger scene is topped by a chicken scratch Welcome. Seems appropriate somehow.

Mantel

Here's where I am on the mantel. Clear lights, burlap, gilded pine cones and I'm thinking of adding one of my big shells to the center there.

The sparkle snowflakes propped up - one of them - will be hung from the left sconce.

I realized this year just how shallow the mantel is. Looks like something that needs to be remedied this year.

Holiday decorating

So, after years of accumulating holiday ornaments, I have finally figured out what appeals to me because I have seen it this year. It is the natural look that coalesced this year: burlap, shells, silver glass balls, clear lights and twine. It's probably not new, it just finally penetrated my consciousness.

Then I saw this display of vintage looking glass balls in a Pottery Barn catalog and thought of the sconces on the dining room wall.


My interpretation is below. And to tell the truth, I'm pretty pleased. Although, I think I will change out the twine I used for something either more rustic, or with a very light silver or blue color.


Now I've got to try to make the mantle and Christmas tree fit in.

Pictures with Santa

Let me set the stage - the office was set up with goodies on a table in corner of the office. The man with the beard was set up in the treatment area. It was amazing. My girl Cotton is on your left, and Gus, well, Gus is on the right.



There are photos with both of them still, but I think these convey the fun. Gus was beside himself. He wanted to visit with Santa, you know, give him a big slurp and investigate (chew) the pipe. When we finished, he quickly located the snacks.

Gus sort of did his playing dead trick for everyone. He couldn't stay down long enough to really be dead (with all 4 legs in the air), but he got his treat.

This group has seen us through swallowing the latex hamburger, swallowing the plastic greenery, eating the silica packet, ear issues, limps, back injuries, reflux, allergies...the list is so long I think I'm leaving something off. Oh, yes, well dog care is what's missing!

I can't say enough about this clinic. I'd be comfortable with either of the vets - Dr. Jones or Dr. Weyl - seeing my dogs (I haven't met the newest vet, Dr. Rogers) - they all have wonderful, caring personalities as do the whole staff. Josh, Samantha, JR, Laurie, Laura, Susan and more whose names escape me - thanks for being there.

Saturday Bullets

• I had an inspiring moment about niece and nephew gifts, and my SIL liked my idea. I feel giddy with relief.
• A lot happened this week at work: potluck in our department, a co-worker died suddenly at age 37, I took a day off on Friday. Everyone at work was stunned at our co-worker's death. It is truly tragic as he leaves a wife and 7 year old behind.
• Today will be a new day in dog/vet relations: Gus and Cotton will have their photo made with Santa. That Santa normally wears a white coat is a real plus. The last time we were at the vet, Gus lay on the floor with his head against the vent because he could hear the vet talking.
• Observation: there is no mess like the ones we create for ourselves, is there Tiger?
• Made a white chili recipe last night - LOVE IT!
• Took my mom to TOYS-R-US last night. That place scares me. Too many choices.
• Today is decorating day.
• There is a cardinal in my window box. I need to put out the bird feeder.

Have a great Saturday!