I was obsessed with this tree outside our building at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
We were fortunate enough to see their holiday light spectacle in snow. From both Scout and I, Merry Christmas!
The former estate of Goodyear co-founder F.A. Seiberling, his wife Gertrude and their children is a magnificent sight to behold any day of the year. They call it Stan Hywet and somehow it becomes even more amazing during the holidays when the estate is decorated both inside and out.
My fella and I were part of the sold out crowd that made the trek to Akron on Sunday to enjoy the spectacle. It’s only appropriate that Christmas is a big deal here because the family moved in the house in December 1915, eager to celebrate the holiday with family and friends.
We got there early to tour the house before the line got too long. This is the entrance to the library.
There is such beauty in every room.
And the details! I especially appreciated the dining room with lots of ferns, mosses and mushrooms incorporated with white lights.
So many lovely trees.
We hung around till dark to enjoy the outdoor lights in the frigid cold.
If you ever get a chance to visit this place, I hope you will go. This was my second visit and it was absolutely worth the time!
For the last few months, I have been laboring under the belief I have all the time in the world to prepare for Christmas.
Turns out, that’s not true. Friends, Christmas is next week. Did you know that? Evidently, I haven’t been paying attention.
My list of people to shop for is pretty short compared to most but I want to get it right and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find things I actually want to give.
This has led to procrastination on my part.
On Monday night, I made a list of all the things that still needed to be bought, wrapped, mailed, baked, cooked, cleaned and otherwise negotiated and it occurred to me that I might be in trouble. But I wrapped almost everything, inventoried baking supplies and got almost all the cards ready to mail.
Almost.
But, as I sat at work yesterday and struggled to focus on a task at hand, it occurred to me that my window for acquiring the last few gift items I needed and some supplies for a potluck dish this weekend was rapidly closing.
So I did something I prefer to avoid and dashed to Chillicothe after work for a quick trip down Bridge Street to grab what I needed.
I had braced for a stressful experience, thinking that traffic and lines would worsen as all us 9 to 5’ers invaded the stores. After all, when you work all day, you fit in those errands where you can!
But it wasn’t too busy, I got what I went for, and made it home at a semi-reasonable hour. Even more notably, most people seemed to be in a decent mood. I thought it was festive and great fun as I turned up the Christmas music and enjoyed the holiday lights along the way!
I’m calling that a success.
In all, the thing I have dreaded and procrastinated wasn’t so bad. That’s usually how it goes!
How are you doing with your Christmas preparations? Are you one of those people who was done in September or do you fly by the seat of your pants like me? Do tell!
Snow came fast and heavy yesterday, prompting me to cancel plans and stay home. I made a pot of tomato soup and watched the birds attack the backyard feeders. Renee Zellweger’s depiction of writer Beatrix Potter played while I idly flipped through a magazine.
This was my first day in I’m not sure how long when I wasn’t required to carry on a conversation, go places, or even use my brain for much.
All my internal batteries have been badly drained lately. There’s been no time to recharge and I’ve been venturing into treacherous waters as my nervous system is lit up like Times Square most of the time.
So, yesterday was absolute, immeasurable, and pure bliss. Was I sad for my cancelled plans? Yes. Was I happy to do what I was doing? Also yes.
This morning dawned cold. After breakfast I ventured out into ankle deep snow to check the bird feeders and snap a few pictures. It was gray then but the afternoon has since transformed into a gorgeous blue sky day. After my walk, I came in for a hot shower with peppermint scented soap and promptly curled up with a book and cup of hot chocolate.
I write to you from a soft perch on the couch where I can see the Christmas tree indoors as well as the snowy day outside.
Classic Christmas music plays in the background while Scout luxuriates in a patch of sunlight.
This is what I needed and I am grateful for two slow days in a row.
Make no mistake, there are a million things that need my attention. I brought home a work proofreading project. Gifts need wrapped and Christmas cards need attention. My house needs a good scrub and I need to pay a couple of bills. I have got to make a list of last minute gifts, stocking stuffers and a plan for baking and cooking.
Things need done and a little planning goes a long way toward simplifying life later.
For now though, I’m going to continue relaxing and simply enjoy being. I hope you will do the same.
