Birds in 2011

The bird images of 2011 were all taken in the garden of the yellow house. 

They bring us much joy.

The hummingbirds steal the show, I realize, but all the birds are beautiful, special, and welcomed by us. Taking photos of the hummers builds character by the way, so if you need some more character just wait out some hummers and start snapping.

may joy and peace surround you

Olive

Flowers in 2011

The year in flowers, most of which can be found in our garden at the yellow house. From the old house are the magnolia seed pod and the Lady Banks roses.

The above gardenia, after a morning rain, is my favorite.

Next post I will share my best bird images, many of which are hummingbirds.

Linking with: Wow us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style

may joy and peace surround you

Olive

Wacky Christmas People Pics

We like silly pictures. 

Our church recently took photos for us to download, for free, from Flickr.

They apparently support silliness as they provided props.

 Joe, Olive, and CC. 

This was not supposed to be the debut of my short grey hair but hey why not?

When you have only twelve hairs defy gravity and stand them up.
I do look different than the images in the sidebar, from two years ago, because of an immuno-suppressive medication (it's essentially chemotherapy in very low doses)  I have to take now. It has wrecked my hair. On the plus side it is saving my joints and that is a very very important plus.

Me and our good friend and Journey Team Leader "Sweet T".

This and the next several images are shots I took off Flickr because I though they were especially cute.

This is our lead pastor and his family. 

I think you can see we are a fun bunch.

I did edit our family photo with some snow just for giggles.

I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday with family and friends.
We did and now we are resting and about to eat some leftovers.

All photos via Flickr account for True North Church

Linking with Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for Table Top Tuesday.   
She is having an open party tonight so these wacky pics are just fine for the party.

may joy and peace surround you

Olive 

Don't Sanitize the Story

Born in a manger, in the humblest of conditions, amongst the straw and stink. 

He is with us, still.

"If we sanitize the Christmas story-eliminating it's earthiness, pain and struggle, we miss the truth of a God who deeply loves us. The birth of Jesus is the moment God came to dwell in our midst, to join us in our struggle." -Author, Shaun Dyer

Merry Christmas

Olive

The Joy of Baking

We are baking today.

 

 

Joe sliced the apples for this apple and cranberry crumble and prepared the topping.

This is the crumble not baked yet. The cranberries are so tart I put about a quarter cup of sugar over the fruit. I do not do that with other fruit. You can find crumble recipes online. This one pictured is a mini dish and I just threw it together sans recipe.

Next in line for the oven is a Sour Cream Pound Cake from a recipe I have used for about thirty years. There was panic at the disco this morning when I thought I misplaced the recipe.

I use the juice of  a lemon and it's zest in the pound cake instead of lemon flavoring. 

I did not stage this photo but saw the lemon and our JOY snoglobe and thought what a cute photo that would be.

Toffee Coffee Bars are cooling on the bar right now. 

Our menu for Christmas Brunch:

Sausage Cheese Grits Casserole

Hash Brown Casserole

Baked Ham and Biscuits

Fresh Fruit Salad

Sour Cream Pound Cake

Toffee Coffee Bars

Wassail

Mimosa's

Coffee and Cookies too. 

Gosh, I think I forgot something but there will be plenty for eight people or more if someone drops by.

Joe, CC, and I wish you JOY where ever you may find it today.

Happy Christmas

Olive

Buffet Part Two

The buffet, in the dining room, has been re-vamped. 

Just as all of you suggested.

I added a runner, elevated the urn, and added the cut holly.

I love this vintage oval print found in Athens, Georgia.

The swan may be the best dressed one in all of blog land. 

Joe gave me this scarf on our honeymoon. 

The vintage riding helmet came from the same sale in Athens.

Cuteness

The vintage tablecloth, hanging on the door of the buffet, was terribly stained but I rescued it with Oxyclean.

Thanks to all of you who helped me re-vamp the buffet. 

The original post is here.

Linking with:

Wow Us Wednesday's at Savvy Southern Style

Happy Christmas

Olive

Making Memories Last

When is an ornament more than the sum of it's parts? 

When it's old and well loved is one answer. 

When it's a vintage treasure is another.

Or when it's handmade from something so precious it is priceless to you.

  That is the case with these ornaments CC and I made with sheet music last night. 

Our Granny had asked me to donate our late Papa's music or keep some for CC. 

I kept a book of songs Papa sang in church.

We loved sitting next to Papa and hearing him sing.

He often performed solos and had a strong low voice.

The music inside these plastic bulbs {the glass ones were sold out} holds wonderful memories of Papa's voice for us.

I know you may be shocked I crafted but I can rise to the occasion when necessary. 

Thanks to the blogger  

who thought of using sheet music this way.

Linking with:

Table Top Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life 

Happy Christmas

Olive 

The Sleigh

This enormous sleigh is to be found on this porch every Christmas. 

I have met the owner of this house and admire her attention to detail.

I am so happy I stopped what I was doing today to take these pictures.

 

Look at the tiny package filled wagon and the dollhouse.

The chalkboard is another level of detail that is marvelous.

A Christmas tree reclines in the rear of the sleigh.

This is the view of the wide porch. 

Not every one can put a big sleigh on their porch but I am glad she does and does it so well.

The Grinch lives across the street from the sleigh and a delightful couple lives in this house.

The wreath coordinates with The Grinch.

Good planning.

The entire time I was snapping these images Mr. Squirrel was making the loudest racket while eating this huge nut.

Linking here:

Vintage Inspiration Friday at Common Ground 

Potpourri Friday at 2805 

Happy Christmas

Olive