'Tis the Season

When Jessi was only a few years old, we purchased this Nativity set from Sears.  We wanted something that was inexpensive and that she could "play with" and set up and which could be kept in a prominent place that would not require any "don't touch that" responses from us.  It's been 25+ years and it's still in good shape.  The palm trees were given to us by Wally's Mom, Betty, and they are the perfect addition, lending an authentic desert touch.

Since then I've found a few other Nativity scenes that I've added to my "collection".  It's hard to find good ones that don't cost a fortune or aren't too big to display in a smallish house.  This was the next one I found and I don't remember where we got it.  But I like it's simplicty.

This is one of my favorites.  It was made by my dear friend, Jill, and was a Christmas gift about 10 years ago.

I had another one that I loved that Jessi made out of Fimo when she was in middle school, but she's taken that with her...  :)

This one is the most unique ones I've ever seen.  We purchased it at an import store, it's made out of stone and I can't even imagine how the crafter managed to get so much implied detail out of such a tiny object.  It measures only 1/2" by 1/2".  

If I had the ability to travel, it would be fun to collect different Nativity sets from different countries because each would come with its own cultural influence!  I love this season and all the varied ways we can keep in the forefront of our minds the reason for celebrating it!

Man vs. Squirrel

After a few modifications (due to high winds) I'm happy to report that the score for the feeder remodel is now Wally 1 - Squirrel 0 !

Early Christmas Present for All

One of my great joys in life is watching the birds at my many bird feeders.  I've always kept seed feeders, and suet feeders as well as hummingbird feeders in the back and the front of the house.  We have several Anna's Hummingbirds, which winter over in the Pacific Northwest, that have made this their year-round home so we can enjoy them regardless of the season.  

We also have a plethora of other wildlife who like to avail themselves of the buffet.  We have deer who frequent the backyard and who have broken my clothesline twice trying to get at the feeders I had hung there.  I moved them under the eave, that solved that problem.  But we also have a plethora of squirrels who have made it their mission in life to access my feeders no matter what tactic I use to thwart them.  I've tried putting pie pans over the feeders; I've tried putting frisbees over the feeders; I've tried it all...short of the pricey "domes" that you can buy at the farm stores.  This week they managed to knock it down and punch a huge hole in the side of it.  So Wally surprised me today when I got home from work with an early Christmas present...two, not just one, giant feeders that he has rigged up with an overhang so the squirrels can't hang off the roof and get to the them!  We shall see if man vs. squirrel triumphs!

Nick of Time

Our trip up to Artist's Point was timely--the road to Artist's Point was closed for the season yesterday.  It was only open for 84 days this year!  A cold front is moving in tonight and the snow level is dropping.  Our day at the farm tomorrow could be a challenge.  Now where did I put that long underwear?

The Party's Over

Wow, has it really been 10 months since I've posted anything here?  Tempis fugit!  Spring was non-existent, and summer was late in arriving, but did her best to break all records for longevity!  Today we ended the longest stretch of dry, cloudless blue-sky days I can ever remember since I moved here in 1978.  The winters of 2010 and 2011 dumped so much snow on Mt. Baker that the road to Artist's Point was never plowed.  Due to this summer's stretch of warmth and sun, the road has been plowed and the trails are snow-free, so we treked up there on Sunday to catch the last of fall's glory before the snows come again.  The wild huckleberry bushes were aflame with color and the mountains stood out in stark contrast to the clear skies. 

Fluorescent lichen !

Last light!

It's October, so it's Stoney Ridge Farm time. They are open every Thurs., Friday and Sat. in October and we are part of Saturday's work crew. This past Saturday was atypically HOT, even in shirtsleeves! Lots of families came out to enjoy the day and although it was busy, it was not crowded. We always arrive and hour early the first Saturday, so I took advantage of the opportunity to take photos sans people!

The pie building, not to be missed

The newest barn

Debbie, Derek, Lamont, Juan and Zane's home sweet home--Liz and Abbey have flown the coop!

The mini-donut shop!

 

Promise Fulfilled

Merry Christmas!

Holiday Fare

Last night was our church's first (and perhaps annual) chilli cookoff and white elephant gift exchange.....

 We arrived early to help set up, by the end of the evening there were 40 gifts under this tree!

 .

 Tables were decorated festively....



 And 10 different types of cornbread appeared, as well as.....

 17 kinds of chilli.....

 Tables filled with friends, old....

 older and....

 young....

 The judges had a tough job, but someone had to do it!

And the winner was........................me!  With my world famous (actually made it for the 1st time), white chicken chilli !  So far this year I've won a Kindle, a free knitting pattern and a chilli contest....think it's time for that lotto ticket!  :)