The First day of Winter...

The first day of winter was really something. Here in the mountains we got several inches of rain. It poured cats and dogs yesterday. Thank goodness it was not snow. I love snow, but I still have lots of things to do and snow tends to slow things down a bit. For those who got snow and ice - be safe. Ice can be very dangerous!!! Hope everyone has fun doing those last minute holiday things.

Family Freebies for You,,,

Mommy and Daddy with children All of the children have Daddy's eyes.

Looks like they had a little boy later in their marriage. Surprise! The joys of life.

Older man and a younger woman? Cute kids. Love the checkered dresses.

Daddy raising the kids.

One of each!

Dad with the girls, the books, the parasol,
the hats,the dog...

Mother left to bring up the children...

Sisters helping each other.

With all the kids...

Grandparents left to raise the child.

This is the season we spend a lot of time thinking about and being with our families. I thought these photographs of different families might strike a chord with you. 

Families come in different sizes with different types of people. They say you can not pick your family. Well, after many years I have decided that it is about taking care and loving your family. Accepting who they are and loving them because of or in spite of. Building on that.

I hope you all have a wonderful time with your families. Build incredible, lasting memories. Stop and savor the moment. Enjoy it all.

Digital Photograph - The Old Farmhouse

The Old Farmhouse

As we run around shopping, visiting family, and going to those Christmas parties and open houses let us stop for a minute and remember all of those who have served so that we might have the freedom to do all of this.

Please, remember that so many of our men and women are still overseas fighting for our freedom. Their families are here waiting for them to come home. Many have lost family members. Please, remember them, their sacrifice, their courage. Thank them for our freedom!

Four Letter Words - Noel

Digital Photograph - The Ridge - Two Perspectives

The Ridge

Quote Book #15 - Christmas

Vintage Christmas Tree Cards...

Love the tradition behind this card.

My next door neighbors always had a white glittery tree.

Love this one.

So Pink!

This reminds me of the trees of my childhood.

Mid Century Modern.

So happy. Clever.

This is fun.

This looks hand printed. I like this one a lot.

Very contemporary. Love this one.

The past couple of years I have been picking up old Christmas cards. As I unpacked them this year I realized that I had quite a collection of just Christmas trees. I started looking everywhere and found all sorts of vintage images of trees.

They are such a symbol of Christmas. Where do you put all the presents if you do not have a tree? I love a Christmas tree. I do not think I have ever seen an ugly one, ever. They all are beautiful, no matter how humbly they are decorated.

I hope you are all done with shopping and are sitting around with some eggnog admiring your tree. I still have much to do, but am enjoying doing it. Merry Christmas to all.

Digital Photograph - Master Lock

Master Lock

Sorry to have been gone for so long. I have really been having a thoughtful time. The fall was beautiful, lot's of visitors and traveling. Thanksgiving was spent with my 
boys and their "others". We are expecting a new addition 
to the family in March. A boy. So exciting. A broken toe that hurt like mad. Lots of reading and journaling. I have been out taking pictures, adjusting to winter in the mountains. Short days. Cold nights. Cooking chili, stew, and soups. I have missed you all, but needed this time to nourish myself. Lots of new ideas for the new year...