Thursday, January 5, 2012

Have you forgotten me?

I have been away from my blog so long, you've probably forgotten me.  Blogging crept to the bottom of my priority list just before Thanksgiving, though I continued to read as many posts of yours as I could.  We put the garden to bed in late November - composting, mulching, dividing, transplanting.  Many of the potted plants made their way indoors.  The lack of daylight in the early morning and evening put a stop to my habit of taking pictures before work or just after returning home.  And so my garden blogging  has been in hibernation.  I wish I could show you with photos that the Professor Sargent Camellia is blooming, the birds are busy at the feeders, and the holly and nandina berries are bright when I look out my windows.  Soon I'll be out taking pictures again.  But first I'll have to say good-bye to the Christmas season - just one more day to enjoy it.

Tomorrow, Epiphany,  will bring the season to an end and I will have to tackle putting it all away - a task that always makes me blue. But rather than think on that, I'm going to re-live a little of the season, beginning with Thanksgiving, and share it with you.

I love Thanksgiving - the joy of family, good food, togetherness, and gratitude.  There were 19 of us gathered at our house this year, including 8 children age 6 and younger.  It was a beautiful day with lots of outdoor activity, including a pre-feast Turkey "Wog" through the neighborhood.   The walk we took AFTER the meal was not nearly so brisk.

Soon after Thanksgiving we dove into preparations for Christmas, including two sessions of cookie-baking with the grandchildren and having their help in decorating my angel tree.

 I have always loved angel ornaments and had collected so many that they deserved a tree of their own.  But the fresh tree we put up is also decorated with ornaments we've collected and been given over the 40 years of our marriage.  Each ornament reminds us of a person, a place, or a time that we love.
The weekend before Christmas each year we travel to one of those places we love (Charleston) to be with people we love (my husband's brothers and sister and their families).  This year the weather was balmy - balmy enough for a nice run - a treat after the long drive.
I use my phone as a GPS to measure and time my route.
And then a beer at the Rooftop Bar with a great view.

Another tradition we love is hosting an open house for friends and neighbors.  
This year we took a few pictures before our guests arrived.
It has been a full and busy season full of precious moments, including the moment I opened this gift from my husband on Christmas morning
He had a little book made for me, telling the story in pictures of our sweet Bear, who loved Christmas.
I hope all of you had a joyous holiday season and are off to a happy start in the new year!

10 comments:

Sherri B. said...

Thank you for sharing your holidays with us..I did enjoy it, I also get blue when it is over and all of the lights are turned off and the decorations are gone. Your trees are very nice and how fun to have your sweet helpers do up your angel tree just right. xo

Beth at PlantPostings said...

Welcome back! The photo of the grandkids is so precious and magical! And your house looked so pretty all decorated before the guests arrived. Happy New Year!

HolleyGarden said...

I laughed at that big red bow on Bear! The memory book is such a sweet present. Glad you had a good Christmas. I'm looking forward to spring and seeing some blooms, too! Happy New Year!

scottweberpdx said...

Ah yes, the Holidays always make it harder to blog...but I'm glad you put family first...your priorities are straight!

Indie said...

Sounds like a wonderful holiday season full of precious moments! Happy 2012!

Donna said...

I greatly missed you and your blog Ginny...what wonderful traditions you and your family have...I know how the darkness prevents those pictures...Happy New Year!!

Casa Mariposa said...

Glad your back! Your holiday sounds wonderful. I love Charleston!

Toni said...

Welcome back! I have found it difficult to fit it all in at times, as well, so I can relate. Happy New Year!!!

Alistair said...

Certainly did not forget about you,we all need a break from the blogosphere. Gorgeous holiday shots.

Hoover Boo said...

You've spent your time wisely, with the family you love. Balance in all things, even gardening. :)