A START ON CHRISTMAS

I'm finally getting a slow start on the Christmas decorating.  I couldn't decide which direction to go; so by default, I'm continuing last year's theme:  Tradition, Plaid, Nature, and some Vintage Farmstyle thrown in!

 I doubt my amaryllis blooms will last until Christmas, but they are so pretty with the pine cones and feathers.

 The red bucket is one of several wooden buckets I've accumulated over the years.  It usually holds my clothespins for transport to the clothesline.  The candle holder is a disc spacer from the farm equipment salvage yard.

I'm joining the following parties - please, check them out for a lot of inspiration for your Christmas decorating.

The Vintage Farmhouse for Creative Things Thursday

No Minimalist Here for Thursday Open House

Delightful Order for Delightfully Inspiring Thursday

The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home Friday

Common Ground for Vintage Inspiration Friday

Funky Junk Interiors for Saturday Nite Special

The Dedicated House for Make it Pretty Monday

My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia for Tuesday Treasures

Coastal Charm for Nifty Thrifty Tuesday

A Stroll Thru Life for Table Top Tuesday

Cozy Little House for Tweak It Tuesday

Knick of Time Interiors for Knick of Time Tuesday

Vintage on a Dime for Welcome Home Wednesday

Primp for Primp Your Stuff Wednesday

Old Time Farmhouse for Farmstyle Christmas Decor on Mon. 12/3

Fishtail Cottage for Natural Christmas Decor on Tues. 12/11

Have a Daily Cup for Vintage Christmas Decor on Thurs. 12/13

Southern Hospitality for Christmas Vignettes on Tues. 12/11

Savvy Southern Style for Christmas Vignettes on Sun. 12/2

WEATHER, THOUGHTS ON SNOWBIRDING, AND AN AMARYLLIS

I occasionally need to do a post that is all over the place -- today is the day---

"Red sky in the morning, sailors take warning.  Red sky at night, sailors delight."

Amazing photo taken by granddaughter, Caitlin

Our weather has certainly been delightful -- in the 70s most days, which is unusual here in late November.  However, we definitely need some moisture.  THINK SNOW!!!

And, thinking of snow; my friend, Jan, and her husband are snowbirds.  They spend six months of the year (Summer and Fall) here in Colorado, then they head south in their travel trailer for six months in Texas and Arizona.  They love it, have a grand time and are always anxious to hit the road when the middle of November rolls around!  

I'm afraid I just couldn't be a snowbird.  There are just too many things I would miss about not being at home in Colorado, including the following: 

#1 - To me, there is nothing better than a Colorado winter.  Sure it occasionally gets cold and snows; but within a few hours the sun comes out and it is glorious!    

#2 - I'm spoiled and lazy.  I don't want to spend six months without my dishwasher, washer, dryer, and recliner!

#3 - Even though our house is not huge, we do have two bathrooms plus there is room enough to have time apart.  

#4 - I would miss our local church home.  There is something comforting about knowing what our routine is every Sunday morning.

#5 - Even though I complain about cleaning house, I would miss my stuff.   

#6 -  I need to be home for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and birthdays - I don't want to miss any available time with our family. Our son is close enough that he comes to visit for a couple days whenever he is on a school break.  And, our daughter and grandchildren live within a couple of miles from us and they pop in frequently.   I don't want to miss a single silly moment of that. 

I don't think I'm cut out to be gone from home for too long.  I do enjoy a vacation for 2-3 weeks, but not six months.  How about you?  Could you snowbird?

Before Jan left, she gave me this amaryllis for my birthday.  It sure has been enjoyable watching the blooms unfold.  What a wonderful reminder at the beginning of this joyful season of God's plan for everything !

Thanks, Jan, and have a great trip!

Join with me in checking out these weekly blog parties:
Little Red House for Mosaic Monday
Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia for Tuesday Treasures
Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesdays
Have a Daily Cup for Share Your Cup Thursday
The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home Friday