{ Twas The Night Before Christmas... }

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, especially not the mouse! As her catnipped laden stocking was hung by the fire with care, sweet dreams of sugar covered kitty treats danced in her head. As she drifts off to sleep, she heard a voice say, "Good Night, Ophelia. Please don't wake us in 3 hours to play."

Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night!

{ Happy Eve of Lights }

Some of my "family" are celebrating Hanukkah tonight while others are celebrating Solstice. On this the longest night of the year, I survey my dark, frozen snow filled landscape and contemplate my luxuries. A home that is warm, water that is hot, a soft bed, food aplenty and I know that I am blessed. As my far away family members light their candles to honor and remember the traditions founded in faith of brighter days ahead, I send them all my love and good wishes.

To a bright tomorrow filled with family, love and joy.

{ Sing it, Bing! }

I don't need to dream of a white Christmas, it's here! This is the second day of heavy snowfall and I'm working from home today. This is the long view into the vegetable garden. This long area surrounded by hedges is heavily shaded by an 80 ft. fir so you can image how much snow we've had. My privet hedge will lose their leaves here pretty quick, I'm sure the only thing still keeping them attached is that they're frozen.

This little table and chairs sits underneath my little gazebo. Up until late October I can usually have my morning cup of tea here, but clearly, I won't be sitting out here again until late Spring. The household gardener is off from work today and is currently trying to dig out several newly planted evergreens so they don't snap under the weight of snow. Talk about dedication. Oh, I'm going to boil the kettle and make a cup of Candy Cane Tea!

{ Winter Wonderland }

Have I mentioned how much I love where I live? It's my own corner of paradise. Last night we hosted Tribal Dinner and half way through our feast we were delighted with our first snowfall of the season. We had turkey, sweet potatoes, stuffing, carrots and the best pecan pie! The gathering was small but the laughter was uproarious and the music was awesome (thanks, Chet)! When the snow began to really come down, we had to pack our friends up and send them out the door so they could all arrive home safely.

These photos were taken today by a tribe member, Susan, who lives on the other side of the island and has fabulous views. Her day job is as an English teacher extraordinaire but she is an artist at heart. Aren't these photos lovely? Winter has come a few days early and that's just fine with me.

{ It's All About the Little Christmas }

Years ago, as I was at the bottom of the attic ladder listening to rummaging and grumbling from up top, when a clear voice called out, "we have WAY too much Christmas!" Well, that was just crazy talk! Ask every contractor or friend that has helped us with any project around here the last 7 years and they'll tell you the bottom line mantra around here: "It's all about the Christmas." Here's a typical exchange with a carpenter:
"How do you want this to look when we're done?" As I explain and their eyes glaze over inevitably they will hear me say, "It's all about the Christmas, I want it pretty all the time, but especially at Christmas." Somehow, they usually get that. It doesn't seem to matter if I'm talking window trim, soffitt covers, porch railings or mantel details...they get the Christmas reference. But this year only the most treasured boxes left the attic. The little 3 foot treee, instead of the 7 1/2 foot tree. Only the Santa collection from my Honey Mom (grandma) and the Snowman collection from the kids are displayed. Even the lights outside are minimal. Next weekend we're hosting an open house for friends and neighbors. Nothing big, just hot cider and snacks. No gift exchange, just food and friends. We're keeping it simple...we're keeping it small. We've spent very little this year but where we have spent, we have known the shopkeepers. We've donated to local charities with both a little money and time. So while it will always be "about the Christmas", some years like this one, it will be a little Christmas with a mighty heart.

{ Mukilteo Coffee Has Exciting News! }

Our very own Mukilteo Coffee has exciting news! Executive chef, Jess Dowdell (formerly of Hedgebrook) has just come on board. I've been the happy recipient of many of Jess's meals and I can tell you, they have quite scored quite a gem. I'll have reason to look forward to breakfast meetings from now on! Living in this small community has it's perks (pun intended). I'd encourage all visitors to make the time to wander out to the have coffee in the woods.

{ Buying Local to Help Feed Our Neighbors }

Hooray for Tillamook Cheese! One of the oldest farmer coops in the region (100 years in 2009), is giving a portion of their proceeds on ALL products they sell to Northwest Harvest. While my specialty cheeses are still supplied by Donna Leahy of Chef's Pantry (who by the way, is also sponsoring a food drive for our local Good Cheer Food Bank), Tillamook's baby loafs of cheddar and colby jack are still my daily staples for tacos and mac and cheese. I love it when local companies reach out to the communities that support them, don't you?

{ Great Holiday Opportunity! }

Traditionally each year I have opened up large catalogs and ordered food baskets to send to family and friends who are far away. This year, I have an option that supports my "spend money with the businesses you know and love" philosophy and 10% of purchases are given each year to charity AND my friend, Kim, owns the business! How cool is that?! Soul of the Rose Gifts is a lovely website, with many many gift options, not just food. Kim is offering free shipping (see website for details)!

Also, I have to share this lovely story. My friend, Lidy Baars of French Garden House, has the most amazing things. I purchased myself a gift this year. This small lovely bell ornament is to continue the bell collection started by my Mom. Lidy wrapped it beautifully, enclosed a nice not (and it's not just because she knows me, she spoils all of her customers) and sent it off to me. Now, I know you are all saying, "that's not local" but remember, ultimately, my philosophy is to shop local and support those you know and love. Lidy is located in my home town and I definitely adore her!

BTW, yesterday's holiday tea at Queen Mary was lovely. We strolled one of the larger shopping centers in Seattle and then went up the hill to tea. The goodies were delightful and the company was boisterous, as usual. While I spent only a few dollars on a small vanilla steamer to tide me over until lunch, my girlfriends worked hard to stimulate the local economy!