Saturday, December 22, 2012

Saturday Evening Christmas Post

Our view from the hot tub on our last evening.
 


 
These woods are lovely dark and deep
But I have promises to keep
And miles to go before I sleep
And miles to go before I sleep.
 
 And so, we returned to Amarillo
to prepare for Christmas.
 
 
What happened to the wine?
Well, here it is...
 

 
And the second batch?
Just completed
 
 
Bottled
 

 
Corked
 
 
Labeled
 
 
I do love Amaryllis!
This one travelled from SC with us.
It was a screaming deal at Home Depot
on Black Friday.
 
 
Our Christmas table.
Pretty red chargers are from Walmart.
(.99 each ~ shhhhh!)
 
 
My Merry Hearts Bible Study
has a fun party early in December.
Early is a key word for me,
as it gave me plenty of time to copy this
cute cute party favor from our sweet hostess, Bobbye.
The plastic stem glasses are just $1.98
at (YES) Walmart.
 
 
No Christmas Tree at our house. :(
For about 10 years,
I have bought these beautiful poinsettias at Sam's Club.
We do miss seeing our collection of 42+ years of ornaments,
but.... hmmm...  maybe next year?
 
 
So, here are the gifts that weren't mailed
wrapped in brown paper and Christmas duck tape.
 
Christmas dishes? 
 
 
These Longaberger Made In America pieces
are my favorite. 
 
 
The hearth room mantle
complete with hanging baskets,
instead of stockings.
 
 
Wreath Basket with the
Longaberger greenery and the
Cinnamon Stick candle.
 
 
This was a steal,
literally, I stole it at a naughty Santa
exchange and placed it in this basket.
 
 
My giant wreath has been a work in progress,
adding a Tree Trimming Basket each year
for the last 14 years.
 
 
Latest addition?
Top Hat Snowman.
Isn't he cute?
 
 
This sweet Nativity Set was
purchased after Christmas 35+ years ago 
with my gift money from my father-in-law.
 
 
Lenox China Jewels Nativity
For several years, we added pieces to this set
and to sets for our daughter and daughter-in-law.
It is now retired.
 
shopping done
cooking done
baking done
decorating done
BRING IT ON!
 
Merry Christmas!
 
"For unto us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be
on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God,
Everlasting Father,
Prince of Peace."
Isaiah 9:6


Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Keens, Beans and Mountain Things

 
I recently took a hands on class with my daughter
where we learned to chalk paint. 
This is a fun, easy and fast way to paint just about anything.
I brought my Annie Sloan paints and waxes
and gave this tired little bench in our bathroom a new look.
 
 
Watch for more of these projects as I am inspired.
 
 
My new little platter.
 
 
Thank you, Carolyn.  I love it!
 
 
Where our Keens and Beans took us today.
(I didn't realize that Mickey was wearing his LLBean cabin boots.)
 
 
Our view fron the hot tub this evening.
So peaceful and quiet.
 


Sunday, December 9, 2012

NM Mountain Retreat Update

Dear Retreat Friends,

We so enjoy our time with you in the mountains. After nine years of hosting retreat weekends with only one price increase, we are forced to raise our rates in 2013. 
The new rates are on the website and are shown here:
Two nights, $225 pp for 4 or 5 guests and $175 pp for 6 to 8 guests.
Three nights, $275 pp for 4 or 5 guests and $225 pp for 6 to 8 guests.

What are the added amenities? New menu choices added, Keurig brewed coffee provided, and blu-ray capability for your entertainment pleasure.

If you book your date and your full group deposit is received by December 31, you will pay the 2012 rate. Any deposits received after December 31 will reflect the 2013 rates. As always, all deposits are non-refundable and non-changeable, but can be transferred to another guest.

For additional information, go to

Be sure to check out the blog at

We so appreciate each of you and are anxious to see you in 2013!

Merry Christmas!
Betty and Mickey

It is good to be home

Yes, the cabin feels like home.
 
 
It has been a snowy day.
But we are loving the warm and cozy rest inside.
 
 
Come warm by the fire with us!

So, where have we been?

 

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving trip to Spartanburg, SC.
 

Pink Pie Plate Party

 
I wanted to teach my granddaughters how to make pie crust.
We schduled a party/class.
The materials included pink pie plates and a pink recipe book.
 
 
They are good students.
 
 
It's not easy to get the edge right.
 
 
But, we had lots of fun.
 
 
And their pies were delicious.
 
 
Jack, Mitchell and PawPaw had a project
that appears to be questionable. 
 
 
It involved saltpeter and sugar and pyrotechnics.
 
 
 Pretty impressive, huh?
 
 
After the smoke cleared,
there was no evidnce left at all.
 
 
There was a turkey to fry.
 
 
And a little girly wine.
 
A road trip to NC took us to a Christmas Tree farm
to cut a tree.
 
 
 The only rule is that the entire family must agree
on just the right Christmas Tree.
 
 
And so the search began...
 
 
The perfect tree was found.
 
 
And our "Lumber Jack" took it down.
 

Wrapped.
 
 
 Loaded.
 

 
 Who are all those people?