More Christmas Mice

Over the years, I've put together a collection of Christmas Mice.  It started back in the 80's, when I'd take my son to Lekvold's Alpine Acres in Granite Falls, WA, to trek through the woods in search of the perfect Christmas tree.  We'd cut one down, put it in the back of the truck, and take it home.  While we were there, we'd also pick up our wreaths and visit the Holiday Hut, a little cabin in the woods filled with handmade Christmas ornaments made by three generations of the  Lekvold family who lived on and ran the tree farm.  Their cutest ornaments were the tiny mice they crafted out of felt and little buttons.  I picked up quite a few of them, and then added mice from other craft shops over the years.

This year, while visiting Sky Valley Nursery, I found the best (and largest!) Christmas mouse to date.  Here they all are, living in this great basket at the top of the stairs.  They add so much to the Christmas spirit in this house!

 

 

 

 

It's Christmas!

Christmas morning finally arrived, and we enjoyed a light breakfast of quiche and fruit before we started the preparations for the turkey and ham.  Once they were in the oven, we transformed the table into a lovely tableau of elegance to celebrate the day in style.

After appetizers at noon, we had Kaila's Christmas Scavenger Hunt, and then settled into the routine of making the rest of the Christmas dinner.  By 3 p.m., we were ready for the first course of Butternut Squash Soup. 

We enjoyed the meal, the company, and the true meaning of the day that we celebrate.

 

 

 

 

Birthday Flowers

My best friend Liz sent me this beautiful bouquet of flowers for my birthday and Christmas this year.  It will make a lovely centerpiece for my holiday table, and the touches of pine will add to the fragrances of the roses, carnations, and lilies.  It's a thoughtful gift from my best friend.

Sky Valley Nursery in Monroe, Washington

While on a drive to Duvall last week, I took the highway loop heading north out of town, and landed in downtown Monroe.  Just before town, there is a well-known nursery known as Sky Valley Nursery.  I had heard of it from the locals, but had never been there.  I was on a mission to find a perfect tiny live tree to put on the back deck, adorned with colored Christmas lights.  I was hoping Sky Valley would have what I wanted.

Boy, was I surprised at this place!  It was huge, and had many outbuildings filled with bistro tables and chairs, pots, and all things garden. The gift shop was filled with elegant, high-end items with a garden theme, and I had a good time finishing my Christmas shopping there.  Also, I did find a perfect tiny live tree.

  

 

Match Coffee and Wine in Duvall, Washington

I was intrigued by the new coffeehouse and wine bar in Duvall, so last Saturday, I stopped by to check it out.  It's in an old building that has been renovated, and the interior was all wood and glass, and very upscale and inviting.  There was a large fireplace in the main room next to the coffee shop, and a long bar covered each long wall of the building.  The second picture below offers a great gift idea for a Christmas wreath for the wine lover!

It's a great venue for wine tastings, or coffee and hot chocolate on a cold, wintry day.

 

 

 

 

 

A Trip to Molbaks

On my week off, I braved the crowds at Molbak's in Woodinville, and had a wonderful time touring the garden area, buying gifts and ornaments, and getting a lovely Poinsettia.  It's always a wonderful holiday experience spending time in that lovely store that put Woodinville on the map many years ago.

Here is the poinsettia tree and a shot of all of the various types of poinsettias that Molbak's grows.

 

 

 

 

 

The Front Porch

A front porch tells a visitor a lot about the occupants of a home, and I hope there was a story somewhere in the contents of my front porch this Christmas Season.  I had so much fun putting everything together!

The lovely Christmas Cross came from Flower World, and I've never seen a Christmas wreath in this shape before.  The little red child's chair came from M&M Antiques in Monroe, and the two red lanterns also came from antique shops in Monroe.  The red plaid thermos belonged to my step-father many years ago, and the new red doormat is new this year.

Christmas is all about country living, and that was my message this year.