THE CHRISTMAS ENTRY

"It's raining, it's pouring

The old man is snoring...

...He went to bed

And bumped his head

And couldn't get up in the morning."

An Old Nursery Rhyme

We have been having some very wet and wild weather here in the Sierra foothills of northern California.

The Cottage sits at the bottom of a steep hill, and the above river actually is the street that runs along side of us.  This is what it looked like this morning.

But, while the river raged, we were all merry and bright and had just settled down to another chapter of our Christmas story.

I've taken a few things from around the Cottage and put them to work as part of our Christmas display in the entry hall.

I've had this wreath for a long time hanging someplace else.  It is made up of faux eucalyptus leaves.  I added some dried hydrangeas from this summer's garden, the ribbon that was part of my birthday flowers from the kids, and some pine cones and berries that were left over from last Christmas.

I added some more hydrangea blooms into the faux peonies and roses that I have on the chest the rest of the year, in a bowl and pitcher I made.  The Santa is one I made at the same time I made the witches and my favorite little sheep accompanies him.  I've also added a small Americana tree with a tiny teddy bear and an old ring toss game.

I've had this Merry Christmas sign for many years.  Usually I put it out on the front porch by the door, but decided to change it around this year. Also there is a cross stitched likeness of Maggie, tucked inside a Santa hat, that I picked up at a thrift store, wishing one and all a Meowy Christmas.

I added another Santa that I made to the hall tree, a string of country mittens and some fresh greens with holly from the tree in our front garden.  Since we put up an artificial tree, I don't have any access to fresh greens.  We don't have any growing near by that are legal to pick but in years past we had a neighbor who had a large cedar tree in his yard and he was always very generous in letting us have some, but, unfortunately, he no longer lives there so we found fresh trees at one of the markets in town for $19 for a six foot tree, so that should do.  I really miss the cedar though.  It not only smells good but is so easy to work with and seems to last longer in the house.

"So, now is come our joyful'st feast; Let every man be jolly; Each room with ivy leaves is drest, and every post with holly."

George Wither

Our friendly greeter is adorned with a welcoming wreath and the picture of Teddy is a cross stitch I did in 2000 for Jake's baby room.

I made this wooden Santa many years ago.

Before closing this chapter, we'd like to wish Jake a very happy 19th birthday.

Where did the time go?

Jake, we are so proud of you

and

We love you to the moon...

...And back again.

Love, Grandpa and Grandma

Don't forget to mark your place in the story book and come back later to read more...Judy

I'm sharing with these happy parties:

Homespun Christmas Party

A Return to Loveliness

Home

Make It Pretty Monday

Wow Us Wednesday

What's It Wednesday

Home and Garden Thursday