Focus on the Stars - Celebrations

 Christmas time comes with celebrations to cherish.

The beginning of the month of December I picked up a friend and off we drove through the countryside to a farm for tea.

And then I invited my women's group to my apartment for teatime.

I served sandwiches with cucumber, another with smoked trout, and then my favorite black olives. There were also fruit skewers, mince pies, and stollen, plus cheeses and crackers. And of course, there was tea.

My "live-in gardener" and I went out for French onion soup and a sweet. I was enamored by this restaurant Christmas tree.

Our realtor has a party every year where they give a freshly cut tree, greens, or a wreath. Plus the party has soup, hot drinks, and cookies/donuts. Since we used this realtor 23 years ago when we bought our house and then they sold the house for us at the beginning of this year, we are a long-time client. We love their annual party. The past 3 or 4 years we have enjoyed a wreath, but before that we had many trees.

A friend and I traveled to Salem, Oregon for the next celebration. Teatime at a historic house, Deepwood Estate. They had a storyteller sharing the story of Dickens and the Christmas story.

The tea was a rose scented black tea. Isn't the cup pretty?

There were trees decorated throughout the house.

I got to say hello to my little girl. She told me she was happy in her new home.

She was my doll for over 50 years and now lives at the museum to greet visitors.

This desk reminded me of my grandfather's desk. I could picture sitting here writing you a letter and sipping my tea.

There are also early morning personal celebrations just sitting on my green velvet couch with candlelight and tea.

A Christmas concert to enjoy.

Cookies to be baked.

And finally, a church program to attend.

Here is my "live-in gardener" reading The Night Before Christmas.

Christmas season is a time for celebrations, and I love them all.

Hoping you have had moments of celebration in the season of JOY.

I know sometimes there are challenges and sadness that go along with this time of the year, but for me I try to focus on the JOY and HOPE.

Sending love,

Marilyn