HAPPY SUNDAY EVERYONE - DAILY JOURNAL SUNDAY TO SATURDAY - STARTING SUNDAY MARCH 1ST, ENDING ON SATURDAY MARCH 7TH, 2026

The coming week's weather forecast. The temperatures are rising. 

As always, it's a long one so happily skip when needed. I have been writing my daily journals for years, and they are indeed very detailed. I learned how to type in my teens, can do so reasonably fast even now, and still type every day. It all fits in with my detailed brain, I miss very little in everyday goings on. I can look over things ad nauseum and still find a typo, which gets corrected sometimes after publishing. I might also tweak a sentence that doesn't flow or ramble, or add things that I remember later. Everything goes in here and it's fun to look back to see what I have written - for both of us as Gregg likes reading them too, now and years down the road.

Sunday, March 1st, 2026: It was son’s day to come over and that’s always lovely. Gregg cooks breakfast, and son tells us about his week as we sit at the kitchen table. After breakfast we move into the family room until it is time for him to pick up our dear d-in-l.

I finished another iPad puzzle after he left, a lovely visual that reminds me of what is to come in the spring, seeing pups play, butterflies - and bees - dancing and spring flowers. I expect many feel the same way.

Monday, March 2nd, 2026: I had a doctor’s appointment for my yearly check-up. It was supposed to snow at 11.30 p.m. but just before we left, around 3.30 p.m., flakes started falling. We drove to the building without a problem. By the time we got there, big flakes were coming down. My appointment was the last one of the day. We were able to get a parking space not too far from the entrance and that’s unusual as we can never find one and have to drive to the multi-story parking lot across the street. 

Gregg always drops me off at the door and I sit in the foyer near the elevators which will take us to the fourth floor. I usually have an appointment early morning so maybe this is the way to go from now on. On second thoughts most likely there were closer parking spaces available because people were leaving early wanting to get home before the weather got worse.  

Photos from the road are below. The middle right of this collage, was taken in the waiting room, shortly after we arrived. The squirrel tried to warn us, but we paid him no mind. I had to keep that appointment today and didn’t want any delays. What’s a little snow? 

Bottom left a stalwart fellow running in the snow in his shorts! "Are you mad, sir?" “No, just stalwart,” he says. You can’t tell by that photo, but big flakes were coming down. I hoped he had strong grips on his running shoes. Good news, the hospital is just around the corner. I put my maternal instincts away and wished him no slipping and sliding in his future. 

Finally, after 20 minutes past my appointment time, it was my turn and the young nurse sat me down in this room at the back of the building. I got my exercise getting there. Not too far now, she told me as slowpoke followed and bless her, she slowed her pace to a snail to match mine. The corridor went on forever, with a few twists and turns. I keep forgetting how big this building is. My dear other half comes with me, and I have his arm to lean on. We both sit while the nurse asks me all appropriate questions. She is very nice and looks like she just left high school. It's a thing isn't it, that the older you get, the younger the young ones seem?

I get the cognitive test, which I absolutely loathe but necessary I suppose. As soon as I know that's coming, I can feel myself getting tense, this upon the tension I already feel. She gives me three words to remember, apple, table, beach. She took my blood pressure before all this and said it was very high, me thinking of this test no doubt as I had an idea it was coming. Gregg knows what I'm like, and suggested she take it again as usually my bp is always on the lower side. When she did that second one, it was a normal read. Okay, who has 'white coat syndrome' out there?

I think real life can somehow write their own comedy skits, in our world anyway, as one of us had a right chuckle about it and told at least three people that day and the next. I was asked to draw a circle where I had to insert numbers as you would in a clock. I've done it before. I didn’t like it then either. This time I was a bit haphazard and drew the fastest circle I have ever done, without thinking much about it, about 8 inches in diameter, because all I wanted to do was get through this and get out of there. When I looked at this dear nurse studying my circle, I saw an interesting look on her face. Gregg saw it too and he got up out of his chair to take a look. I'm thinking, well I want to get out of there and why are we sitting looking at a flipping circle? Let me draw the clock already. But no, we had to discuss it a little longer. She said that was about as perfect a circle as I've seen anyone draw, ever. She looked at me and said, "No really, I'm not kidding." “She's an artist” Gregg said,  and I said to myself in what world would that be? I might have been a tad grumpy but trying not to be. She was such a dear. Next, she said “I’ve seen a lot of circles and that’s about as perfect as anyone has ever drawn one”, this as they looked at each other, then both looked at me like I was ready for the exhibit. The three of us were by this time looking at the circle. I felt I was in a never-ending time loop talking about the circle. There were no ends, no overlapping lines, perfectly round. “Huh!” she said. It could have been drawn by a compass. I said to myself, to heck with this, I still had to draw the numbers within the circle and would be told to put the hands showing 10 to 10. She said, "Put the hands at 10 to 11." Tricky! Take my blood pressure now I thought! Done, done and done! 

She left and a few moments later my doctor came in. I really lucked out on this medical team. I have felt very comfortable with her since day one, once the ball gets rolling, and the medical staff have always been excellent. Even though I was the last person to see, the doctor made time to chat and not just about the medical questions. 

She has a little girl and I asked about her, how was she? With a big beaming smile she said she now has a little sister, and would I like to see a photo of them? They were absolutely precious. Sadly, my doctor is moving to Minnesota to be closer to her in-laws. She seemed very happy about it all and we were very happy for her, though I will be sorry to see her go. She's been my doctor for the last three-and-a-half years. She's also a young-one.

When we left the office, everyone had gone home. No one was in reception, the emergency lighting was on but very dark, and it felt Stephen King eerie. I was supposed to get a blood test done and was told to go down to the ground floor to see if they could fit me in before they left for the night. We got there with 10 minutes to spare. It became apparent that I would be keeping them past their leaving time so I said quick as a flash, "Oh no problem, I can come back next week. I don't need an appointment do I? No? I can just walk in? I'll be back next Wednesday!" I practically raced Gregg to the door, I was out of there lickety-split. I got the usual slow down reminder from the keeper of my safety because my brain was racing faster than my feet, as sometimes happens.

It was still snowing outside, and the light had faded. I was glad Gregg didn’t have far to go for the car. He left me at my seat and soon picked me up at the door. We went to our chicken place for dinner. He had his chicken nuggets and macaroni and cheese. I had a grilled chicken sandwich and waffle fries. A treat after a doctor's appointment. It will be back to salads tomorrow. 

We had poached eggs on toast for breakfast and those were our two meals for the day.  

In the evening I started watching a new show (to me) called Bookish, a British detective drama series, set in 1946 London. It's on Amazon Prime. The story is about an eccentric bookshop owner solving crimes and has six episodes in the series. It looks very promising. I really enjoyed the first episode as the acting is outstanding and believable. I am looking forward to another tonight. 

Tuesday, March 2nd, 2026: looking out the window the snow is 95% gone. The current temperature is 39 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius). The rain helped a lot. 

Nothing morning or afternoon of note. 

Breakfast turned out to be a bagel with cream cheese and I added blueberries on the side. 

It was a late breakfast and we didn't eat again until well after dinnertime. No salad but a healthy chicken and vegetable stir fry, and that is all for today.

Wednesday, March 4th, 2026: I woke up at 6.00 a.m. and read for a while, slowly easing into the day. Breakfast was Weetabix with warmed milk, and the rest of the blueberries, plus handful of chopped walnuts and chopped dates. Dear other half went out with his shopping list, and I dare say he will treat himself to breakfast while out. 

He had a fancy for hot dogs and also bought hot dog buns with a can of Hormel’s chili with no beans for dinner - one of us isn’t too fond of beans. The hotdogs were very good, especially as they were rather small. We have not had them in a long time. 

It’s rainy, a dull day but warmer than it has been, 55 degrees F. (13 degrees C.)

I finished another jigsaw puzzle on my iPad. Hopefully we have seen the last of the snow.

The following image shows how it looks towards the end, a bit of a jumble. I have it set at over 400 puzzle pieces. I have one in a box and am hoping to start a thousand puzzle piece soon. It will have to be set up on the dining room table as I don't have one of those convenient roll-ups.  

Thursday, March 5th, 2026: It rained all day and as I am writing this in bed at 11.04 p.m. it still is. I had a lazy start to the day too as Gregg met up with his old navy buddy for lunch and has been gone since 9.30 a.m. He got home around five this afternoon. These two have known each other since they were stationed on their first ship. I first met his wife when she lived in one of those big old buildings in Washington DC. I hadn't been in the States more than a few months. I remember the three of us - with Gregg’s friend - walking up to her apartment on a higher floor and was amazed looking out at the city. They were girlfriend and boyfriend at that time. A lovely couple I am happy we have kept in touch for all these years. Gregg enjoys driving so the time on the road is never a problem. It takes him two hours to get there and two hours to get back, depending on the traffic, and they usually meet up once every couple of months or so, depending on what we are all doing.  

As for me, I enjoyed my day. I pottered again, doing a few chores, playing on the laptop, doing a little creating, looked outside to see the birds. Only a few Juncos and Mourning Doves turned up in the late afternoon. The weather kept them away probably. I have to get a new water bowl for them. There is a crack in the bluebird one. I forgot to empty it and the water froze, expanded and there you go, there's a hole in the bucket so to speak.

No breakfast today. I didn’t feel like eating anything early.

For lunch I popped a sweet potato into the oven, and ‘fried’ an egg in our small non-stick frying pan, to go on top of the potato after taking it out and splitting it. I come from the food philosophy that an egg in any shape or form is good on 99 percent of things, and rarely sprinkle cinnamon and brown sugar on a sweet potato. 

Dinner was a Thomas’ Corn Toast.R.Cakes. They were also from the last shopping trip, picked up on a whim. I told the man they can be a permanent fixture, at least until we need a change (I see a pairing of a poached egg next time). I am not doing this to give them any advertising, but it’s for me to remember, and maybe you would like to try them too. Has anyone had them? They are delicious and come in a resealable tray. I didn’t feel the need to add butter or cream cheese, just toasted and they come out nice and crispy on the outside, and are lovely and fluffy on the inside. 

I added a couple of dates, the last of the blueberries and a few chopped walnuts on the side. For a thrown together meal, it was very satisfying. My dear other half is not a fan of them, they are too sweet for him. He's a savory man.

The day went fast, as they always seem to do.

Friday, March 6th, 2026: our son and sweet daughter-in-law popped over today, and we all had a lovely chat. They told us about a new bagel place they enjoyed. It is now on our rotation. Are we foodies? We might be, especially at this stage of our lives. Here are some photos they shared with us.

Later we had a FaceTime with brother-in-law in Germany. We all had our inputs, sent each other photos, chatted about everything under the sun and after an hour-and-a-half with no gaps or pauses, it was time to go. I swear, we could have gone on for another hour. I have said it before but he is more like a brother than a brother-in-law.

So, lots of chatting today. 

We had a late lunch/early dinner at our pasty shop, a car picnic in their parking lot, more chatting ensued and then took our purchases home (bangers, bacon, a few Cadbury’s chocolates, and Cadbury’s drinking chocolate).

It didn’t rain but there was no blue sky, and clouds were pretty much socked in.

That was Friday!

Saturday, March 6th, 2026: my dear other half took the car in for an inspection. He waited an hour plus to be seen, they were very busy. Eventually, when the car was checked, they told him he needed work on both rear brakes, an alignment, besides the oil change, and probably a few other things. They couldn't get all the work done that day. He was given a ride home. Tomorrow they will pick him up again when everything is done.

No car but plenty to do around here. 

I had some playtime today and came up with the lady logo below. I asked for dangly earrings in the shape of owls, and socks that had an owl design on them. I like her hairdo. Her outfit is really nice and I would love to have all of it in my wardrobe.

Thanks for sticking with me to the end of this epistle. Always appreciate it. 

I hope you have a great Sunday, 

and a wonderful week ahead.

HAPPY SUNDAY EVERYONE - MY SUNDAY TO SATURDAY JOURNAL starting 2-15-26

Heads up, this is a good long blather here. Skip if you need to.

Our weather for next week, starting Sunday (today, the 22nd) to Saturday, February 28th. You can click on any of the images below for a better look.

Are you looking forward to the crocus blooming? I know I am. This is one of my old photos.

Sunday, February 15th, 2026: each week our son comes over after he has dropped our dear daughter-in-law off at work. He arrives early and usually picks her up not too long after the noon hour when she has finished. That gives us a lovely visit. 

He helped us to get a few things taken care of and was a big help with heavy lifting. 

He also sorted my streaming channel out as there was a disconnect between the TV and my iPad. So, he fixed that for me. He is so much faster with these electronics. We would get there eventually but, in the meantime, he gives us a short cut. Great to have the help. 

Then we settled down to watch the Winter Olympics. We saw women's curling, men's figure-skating, women's skeleton* which is face-down hill on a sled at 80 miles an hour (how on earth they do that on a tiny sled I will never know). There was also the women's half-pipe (snow-boarding), women's 500 meter speed-skating and now the Men's Biathlon. 

We watched the medals being given to two young ladies from the Netherlands who won the gold and silver, and a young lady from Japan who won the bronze. The young lady from Japan asked for a selfie of the three of them as soon as they got off the podium with their country’s flags behind them, all very excited and very sweet. This was for the 500-meter speed skating. Well done ladies! 

It was very noticeable the good sportsmanship between winners and those who weren't the winners but came so close. I was particularly very proud of the young man (a local boy from Vienna, Virginia) - who fell and was so upset after he realized that he had missed his chance for a win, and yet he congratulated so warmly the young man from Kazakhstan who won the gold. Does the heart good to see all that, young people being 100 percent nice to each other. This is the first time we have watched the Winter Olympics at such length, encouraged by our son who had been following the events and wanted to see what was happening (what we were seeing was not live but took place today). This coming from me, who really isn't into sports but who thoroughly enjoyed it all. 

Thank you son for everything you did for us today.

* I asked Google why do they name the winter sport at the Olympics 'skeleton', as in the event, Women's Skeleton? 

The name 'skeleton' for this Olympic winter sport is primarily attributed to the physical appearance of the original equipment used in the late 19th century. While there is no single definitive origin, historians and the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) point to three main theories:

Skeletal Appearance: in 1892, an Englishman named Mr. Child introduced a new metal sled for racing. This sled had a bare-bones, stripped-down design that many thought resembled a human skeleton or ribcage.

Mistranslation: Another common theory is that "skeleton" is a poor English anglicization of the Norwegian word 'kjelke (pronounced 'shell-keh", which simply means "sled" or "toboggan".

Course shape: some early accounts suggest the name came from the original twisting, serpentine courses used in Switzerland, which early participants thought looked like the curves of a skeleton.

Event History and Context:

Origins: the sport was born in St. Moritz, Switzerland, in the 1880s as a spin-off of tobogganing.

Women's Skeleton: while men's skeleton appeared sporadically in the 1928 and 1948 Olympics, women's skeleton was officially introduced much later, when the sport became a permanent Olympic fixture at the Salt Lake City 2002 Games.

The Sled: unlike luge (feet-first) or bobsleigh (seated), skeleton is performed head-first and face-down on a thin metal frame.

And now we know! Yes, everything goes on here. I will have fun reading this when I have forgotten what information I found out and need a memory jogger.

Monday, February 16th, 2026: I am writing this the next day (Tuesday), so let’s see what I can remember.  We went over to Micky D’s for lunch, no breakfast as we were a bit late getting up. It felt good to lie in and read for a bit in bed before starting the day. So, burger and fries and have to remind myself that I ate healthy for the rest of the day.  

Father and son got together later and their dinner was more exotic. They drove to Tysons (still a very popular shopping mall) and had dinner from an Indian restaurant called Dhoom, link here. Gregg ordered a stuffed bread with chicken tikka and shredded cheese served with masala makhani sauce. They shared it as it was called a small plate. Both said it was very good. It reminded him of a pizza on a thin crust. Son ordered the aloo gobhi matar which was a medley of potatoes, cauliflower, and peas, sautéed with aromatic Indian spices. Another item, Plain Roti. No photos guys? Nope, no photos! They each shared half of each other's dish. It came with basmati rice and they asked for these chutneys/sauces. Gregg wants to take me there, said I would enjoy it. I would have to look at the menu online before going, there is so much to choose from it would be a bit overwhelming just turning up and I feel rushed to pick something. However, I was happy with having a meal at home.

One more thing was what I learned about their other item described as Scottish Egg Kofta. I love Scotch Eggs, though I haven't had one in years.

Here's the restaurant's description of theirs:

"Scottish Egg Kofta is a traditional Nargisi Kofta - originating from British India (modern day Pakistan), our Scottish Egg Kofta blends history with flavor. This dish, originally from India and later adopted by the UK during the British rule, is now known today as Scotch Eggs. This shareable dish features spiced ground lamb meat wrapped around a boiled egg, in a savory brown curry sauce, served with basmati rice."

I enjoy the history of food and where it comes from. Little did I know that Scotch Eggs originated from India, and from the now modern-day Pakistan. Here is theKitchn's version, link here if you're curious.

Anyhow, I heated up our Thai dish we made again the other day and thoroughly enjoyed. I tidied up a bit and settled down to watch The Night Manager. 

John le Carré book is what the series is based on. Very much an edge of your seat at times but the acting is excellent. I am into the 2nd season that was filmed 10 years after the first. My three favorites, Tom Hiddleston, Olivia Coleman and Hugh Laurie are the main characters, a bit hands over eyes stuff at times but a show that draws you right in. Hugh Laurie plays a very evil man. I am totally invested and no, not everyone's cup of tea. It is so intense I can only watch one episode and then I have to give it a rest and watch a Hallmark movie. Yes, I enjoy both for different reasons. Love cops and robbers/spy shows and I also love a good romantic one. 

Case in point, La Dolce Villa (not a Hallmark movie). If you enjoy rom-com, this one was delightful, a father is worried about his daughter's move to Italy who then bought a villa for 1 euro in a small Italian town. He high-tails it over there to see what's what and I smiled all the way through it. I found it a charming movie. It's on Netflix. The Night Manager is on Amazon Prime.

Tuesday, February 17th, 2026: I broke my reading glasses, the part that holds them on my ears. They are the only ones I can use for my laptop. They are progressives, the blue tint kind so I can't use my regular reading glasses, unless I get my nose right up to the screen. I am wearing the broken ones. A bit of a nuisance and lopsided, but the new ones arrive tomorrow. Everything goes down on here as you know. 

Breakfast was a bagel and cream cheese and while Gregg was out, I had a bowl of raspberries, blackberries and blueberries with a scoop of plain yogurt for lunch. 

Dinner was leftovers again, a vegetable stir fry. A no fussing in the kitchen day. 

Son called, he needed a ride to get to an eye appointment as he is without a car this week. His dad loves these days when they can get together, and makes it known that he is always available (much easier in retirement obviously). I am always invited but I really dislike slowing them down and I can't gad about like I used to. The time goes quickly and hubs is back in the blink of an eye, or so it seems when I get focused on something here.

Wednesday, February 18th, 2026: Gregg and I went to Chateau de Chantilly Cafe this morning. We arrived shortly after 10.00 a.m. and fortunately there were two parking spots available right next to a huge mound of snow still left over. We found a seat inside about half-way down the restaurant, making ourselves comfortable in the easy chairs. It isn't a fancy place as you might think by the name. Shabby-chic comes to mind when describing it. Gregg had his Cheese Danish and I my Dubai Pistachio Croissant. I had a venti vanilla coffee and Gregg his coca-cola. My pastry is very rich and along with the coffee, I don't feel like I could eat any more that day but...

several hours later we had a late lunch/early dinner at home, the mashed potatoes and cabbage dish made recently. The week has been full of leftovers, which I love. I put the recipe on my Monday Morning Recipe Post which you can see tomorrow.

My new computer reading glasses arrived, so no more grabbing for an invisible arm next to the lens or looking down and having them fall off my face. We are creatures of habit, so they tell me.

Thursday, February 19th, 2026: didn’t write anything down for today. I do remember the slice of pizza and a salad for dinner. Funny how I remember meals? I can’t remember much else, but I did find this pretty scene that popped up in a folder.

It reminds me of our early days of marriage living in California, when the California poppies were blooming. I always loved the sound of gulls overhead. This is my imaginary pup, let’s call her Poppet, in honor of the California poppy. I would be very at home in the sweater and blue jeans on a fresh morning looking out at the ocean. Such a lovely walk we have had and yes, my imagination is blooming just like the poppies.

Friday, February 20th, 2026: the electricity has been off for the last hour. Just as I was wondering if it was ever going to come back on, it did after 2 hours, I think it was. At least it felt like it. I kept myself busy doing a few chores and then was able to finish a jigsaw puzzle on my iPad. I had it open when the electric cut out.

Father and son are off out again. In Maryland this time where son had some business to do. He is still without a car this week and his dad loves the journey there and back especially. Son does all the driving. Hubs finds a place while waiting for son, looking around for a while and then heads for a coffee shop for a bit of reading. Then they meet up for their drive home. Journeys there and back make for great conversations. 

They will be the first to admit, they are both talkers. There are times I channel my dear mother-in-law who used to say when hubs and his dad got together, “Let’s get out of here Denise, these two are big bags of gas when they get going!” - this was always said with great affection, as do I now in the retelling. So, I look at my two when they get talking and, seeing they are in for the long haul, talking about things that cover a whole wide variety of topics, and quite loudly, I say in my head to my mother-in-law, “They’re still at it, the next apple didn’t fall far from the tree, the next generation has joined in.” A family joke and a tribute to a very wise lady.

Saturday, February 21st, 2026: we were heading out to the garden to walk around, the first nice day of warm-ish weather, and half-way there we realized we had forgotten so many things, we turned around and went home. The spirit was willing, but two minds went for a break on our way out the door and on the way to the garden apparently. 

On the journey home we took a detour and passed huge mountains of snow, one as big as the second story of a parking lot, shaped like a huge cone. I looked at our grass and there are only a few patches of snow left and one the size of an ice-cube at the side of our garage, which gave me a chuckle. Still hanging in there are you I said?

However, the ice-cube will have company soon as it is going to start snowing tonight. Let's just say I am as happy as this little girl with her snowball. Let's just say I am telling fibs? I am really looking to those first crocus blooms.

No walkies for the next couple of days, if the weather people are correct. 

By the way, there has been no sign of that mouse since we gave our car the peppermint treatment.

                             

This is where I am going to end today's post.

Wherever you are, stay warm or stay cool and have a great day!

SATURDAY MORNING AT THE BIRD FEEDER - PLUS OTHER FRIENDS

 

They had a more exciting time than we did. We happily spent it quietly, toasting the new year in with a glass of sherry. We opened up the back door thinking we would be hearing a few firecrackers but there was nary a peep nor a sparkle. 

And that's how it goes on a 

Saturday Morning at the Bird Feeder.

Thanks for flying in and I hope your year is a great one.

For our international friends to translate:

1st Photo:

"I have discovered a new taste sensation. The leave son the mums are still green. I am leaving the flower heads to the birds. They will love the seeds. I am such a good boy!"

"Excuse me? I am the good boy! And I am not here for any reason at all. The lady thinks I am just so darned cute."

"Hmmm...."

2nd Photo:

The party's over for another year. My waistline is happy. Get thee behind me eggnog. Put the Champaigne away."

"I am heading up north, but I'll be back to visit next year."

DRIVING HOME THE OTHER DAY...

these are trees that I pass all the time. I have watched a few turn color and these were particularly beautiful. I missed the most glorious part with the sun shining directly on them.  But I am happy that I got these photos before they lost all their leaves.

"Love the trees until their leaves fall off, then encourage them to try again next year."

~Chad Sugg~

"Two sounds of autumn are unmistakable...the hurrying rustle of crisp leaves blown along the street...by a gusty wind, and the gabble of a flock of migrating geese."

~Hal Borland~

"There is something incredibly nostalgic and significant about the annual cascade of autumn leaves."

~Joe L. Wheeler~

I made the above into a painting on my ArtCard App.  I haven't done one in a while.

Next are scenes from Halloween.  Some families are starting to put up a few decorations.  These very tall scary looking figures have started appearing this year.  I have seen them in other areas.

Another painting on ArtCard...

and in monochrome.

There was this one also.  I am hoping to drive around to take photos at night before the spooky season is over.  Decorations look even more effective when lit up in the dark.

I found the cartoon and decided to end my post with it, not exactly anything to do with Halloween.  I winced for the poor dog and smiled at the same time, followed by an "awwww".  I haven't seen any porcupines around here, so the dogs appear to be safe from them at least.  I wonder if the cartoonist is taking something out of his own dog's life experience?  A little humor but with a point, no pun intended.

That's all for today.  

I always appreciate your visit.  

Thanks you and whatever your plans are, I hope you enjoy them.

A NEW ADDITION TO MY COLLECTION

 I haven't begun my Christmas decorating yet, but thanks to three things that arrived today, they gave me a little push…starting with a Christmas Angel that I have temporarily put on the mantle with my other collection of dogs.  The dogs were a gift from son many years ago (you may remember this story as I have mentioned it before).  He bought them while away on school trips (two different ones) to England when in high school.  We both love dogs and these are dressed in costume.  I added the King Arthur dog on the right, and the Guardsman on the left, and that was the end of my collection, unless I see something that really jumps out at me when I am looking around.  Angel is in good company at the moment.  

She is holding a sign that says, "Peace on Earth", which is why I wanted to have her on the top of our tree.  I forgot to mention she is a tree topper.   We need her message for everyone's sake, and for our children and for our children's children.  Time to sow some love into the air and spread it wide.

Of course, I had a little playtime.  The country scene background is actually the village I lived in when I met Gregg (also mentioned before).  The church you see is the one where we were married.  I found a lady online who lived in that village.  She painted the most wonderful scenes from my area, and I contacted her and bought a print.  She sent it to me in one of those heavy-duty packaging rolls, I had it framed and it has been over our mantle ever since.

I used my ArtCard app next but not too much of a change.

I have a painting in another room, also showing the English countryside, and a small village, but have no idea where this particular one is located.  I also bought it many years ago, from a shop that sold British items in a nearby town, long since closed.  There's a bit of a story to it.  A couple of years after I had bought it, I was offered a job in a small British tearoom in yet another town several miles away, and a wonderful lady we all thought the world of, was the owner.  

One day she and I were talking art and I told her about the painting I had bought a couple of years previously.  She laughed when I described where the shop was located, as she and her brother were co-owners.  It was miles away from this place.  She also remembered my painting.  Talk about a small world story.  She passed on a few years ago but I remember her fondly and I think of her when I look at the painting in the front room.  My little Angel shows some of that particular painting in the photo below.

The next photos show two new Christmas Tree ornaments.  The first one portrays Clara holding the toy Nutcracker that comes to life in her dream.  I would dearly love to see that ballet live, but content myself with watching it online these days.

Next is a ballerina from The Nutcracker's Walz of the Flowers.

I haven't started a new collection in a long time, but I will be buying another couple of Nutcracker ornaments next year.   

I will be sure to take photos of these when the tree gets decorated properly.  Gregg will be bringing it up from the basement tomorrow.