Wordless Wednesday

Winter Morning Along the Towpath

Old Home

House in Carversville

March Thaw Pt. Pleasant

Tony's Place

Oil paintings of Bucks County, Pennsylvania
Kenneth Nunamaker (1890 - 1957)

Old and precious

I read an article in the paper this week saying Christmas tree quality is especially good. Last summer was cooler and wetter than our previous scorchers so the trees are less stressed, and hopefully drop fewer needles. I'm sorry, all real trees are messy affairs.

This is a Frasier Pine and one of the nicest trees we've ever had-- so perfect it almost looks fake.  It's really very beautiful, decorated with traditional ornaments.  Just about everything left is delicate and special, with a story or travel memory attached.

A few ornaments go back over 60 years, like the handmade zeppelin that once hung on our German Grandma's tree in Pennsylvania. I was younger than Maya then, but I remember her crocheting around an old light bulb. We called the fellow riding underneath "The Kaiser" and thought he was hilarious.

Honestly, when I see all those bins of decorations down from the attic, I wonder, can I do it AGAIN? So much work! But then I tear into the boxes, and before long, everything finds a little place in the crowded house.

My Tijuana nativity set, a big splurge when I bought in the 1970's.

 The plaster set we played with as kids in the 1950's. By some miracle, only the main characters unbroken.

The delicate celluloid Santa, who incredibly, survived over 70 years of little hands.

And funny old things collected over the years, not valuable, but carefully saved through so many moves and life changes. I suppose most of it will wind up in a Stop n' Shop someday. But in the meantime, cherish the moment. What celebrating Christmas is all about.

Cosmic Crisp lands in Seattle

Now that's a pricey apple. About $2.35 for just one, to be exact.  Years ago, Washington state bet the farm on Cosmic Crisp becoming a big hit. Here they are, but only in upscale grocery stores for the holidays.

When all those millions of trees start producing the price should go down, but the orchardists have a huge investment to recoup in the coming years. This will probably never be a cheap apple.

John surprised me with one from at our pricey Metropolitan Market. This is the store where all common sense about money flies out the window when you walk in the front door.

The verdict?
 Santa says, "Meh, overpriced."
John says, "I'd rather have a Red Delicious."
I said, "Not as good as the best Honeycrisp I've ever eaten, but better than the average Honeycrisp."

Some positives about the Cosmic Crisp: they supposedly keep for months in the fridge without getting brown and mushy. You can also bake with them-- however, that would be one expensive pie. 

And, of course...

A visit with The Man.

Go, Maya!

Small town Christmas

What could be sweeter, and just a few steps from their front door? No fighting our horrific Seattle traffic, just hop on the horse drawn carriage in front of the house. Here's a few pictures Amanda sent of granddaughters Maya and Nova. Everyone had wonderful time at the Twisp Holiday Night.

St. Nicholas Day

Today is St. Nicholas Day, in honor of the ancient saint who inspired our modern Santa Claus. Nicholas was a 4th century Greek bishop who dedicated his life to helping the needy. He's also the patron saint of children, sailors and unmarried women.

We're already into the first week of Advent, and three busy weekends left before Christmas to get everything done. Saturday is Christmas tree day at this house. Oh yea, and I heard there's some sort of big football game on in the evening.

I've just about wrapped up my shopping, other than food, of course, and made a start on the cookies.
Marji and Dad, your package is in the mail!