No matter how dutifully we resolve not to overdo it during the holidays, somehow or other most of us seem to feel like this by the time they’re done.
Category: Celebrations
Merry Kristi
This is Kristi, the manager of the Safeway floral department in Sequim. She wears a Christmas pinafore and a big smile as people look for Christmas flowers. I’m grateful today for all the kind and pleasant people who help us through the holidays, who support the less privileged among us, and lift our spirits with kind and caring words and deeds.
Be it flowers or Christmas trees, candles, candy, or a holiday toast, I wish you a warm, merry and meaningful Christmas. And joyous, happy celebrations to those who observe other seasonal holidays at this time of year!
Rumor has it. . .
. . .this guy’s coming to town. I hear tell he has a thing about naughty and nice, chimneys, cookies, and reindeer.
He had a tough time this past year, what with that whole “Free the Elves” movement a few of his workers started, but I understand that some skillful negotiations satisfied all parties and they have a new three year contract.
The Mrs. is staying home again. She suggested that she might come along as far as one of the warmer spots. Hawaii and Florida came up. But her book club is discussing a new Claus biography and she felt she really did need to represent the Claus perspective.
So he’ll be out there tonight with Team Fur. Cheer him on and wish him well. And have a merry time while you’re at it.
Three French hens
Butchart Gardens makes the best of the winter season by swapping flower blossoms for twinkling nighttime lighting for. There’s an ice skating rink for the agile or brave. And as visitors walk through the gardens there are lit displays illustrating the twelve days of Christmas. My favorite – and the only one close enough for my pocket camera to capture – was the “three French hens,” vignette shown above. That’s a miniature Eiffel Tower in the background, and on the plate? A croissant, of course!
The rendering of “four calling birds” included a parrot with a cell phone.
The gardens are spectacular, beautifully lit with lights that convey motion, magic, and color.
Holiday spirit
Even Sequim’s “Welcome Elk” seems to be getting into the spirit of things these days. And yes, that is a Rudolph style light on its nose.
Hey, Santa! You’ve got backup here in Washington if you need it.
Christmas according to dog
“Yeah. We’re gonna take it home and then they stand it up and put stuff all over it. It’s kind of a big deal. Don’t get too close to it or they’ll start yelling. Later they tear stuff apart and make a big mess. Everyone is pretty happy. Last year they made me wear a stupid hat with bells on it and then they gave me a bunch of cookies. Then it dies and it all goes away.”
'Tis the season
In addition to the now standard U.S. “Black Friday” sales – the day after our Thanksgiving that launches big retail sales and holiday buying – it’s also holiday bazaar season on the Olympic Peninsula. Churches, service organizations, and even the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, above, give crafters and vendors an opportunity to sell their wares. There are dozens of these events here in November and December.
A side note: Thank you to all for your get well wishes. I prefer to keep this blog focused on photos of the Olympic Peninsula I love but my recent illness has made it hard to be taking daily photos. I hope to be back on my feet soon but I’m navigating a new, unknown, and challenging landscape.