"A baker works quietly in the kitchen,
preparing holiday treats.
Someone tucks a small package beneath the Christmas tree,
and a child tiptoes to a bedroom window,
too young yet to know
that magic comes from inside."
Country Living magazine
December, 2002
In the last two weeks,
we have gathered together the Christmas sights from around the Cottage.
If you missed them you can find them (here) and (here).
Today, our journey is almost done
and we will be greeting a new year,
but first we have some unfinished business to take care of...
...help yourself to
something warm and delicious...
...the door has opened
and you are invited into
the Christmas Kitchen at the Cottage.
Come in from the cold and stay awhile.
So many of you have said how much you love my kitchen.
I feel the same way
and when it comes to Christmas it is the easiest and most fun room in the Cottage to decorate.
Even though, I absolutely love all the wallpaper throughout the Cottage,
I think it might be a little easier because of the plain white walls,
and the red of the flooring
just lends itself to my accessory color of choice and Christmas.
The red brick of the vinyl flooring was a spur of the moment choice.
At the very first, when planning the scheme for the kitchen,
I had chosen a rusty, brown tile look vinyl for the flooring.
Not real tile, as we had that for many years in our house in Santa Cruz,
and eventually things were dropped and then the earthquake of 1989 happened
and we had a lot of broken tiles.
I didn't want that anymore and, at that time, hardwood wasn't a big deal for kitchens or baths.
We had made arrangements for the flooring to be laid and at the last minute,
we were told that the pattern that I had picked out was discontinued.
We were pressed for time so I kind of just blindly picked the first thing I saw
and, believe you me,
that is one, if not the best, decision we made in the renovation of our Cottage.
This little floor has taken such a beating:
big and little dogs, and muddy boots,
moving and painting furniture and everything imaginable spilled on it,
and in spite of some neglect at times
it still shines.
not a Christmas miracle!
It pretty much has looked like this
for almost 30 years.
The little kitchen tree shines too
A little explanation for you...
After the tree was up in the kitchen
and I had taken all the photos,
one string of lights burned out
and we didn't have any replacements.
Of course, they were
the old version of lights
and it was impossible to find anything
that wasn't LED now.
I haven't pulled any punches
when I talk about LED lights.
I plain don't like them!
The Captain brought home
what he could find
and I do have to rethink them a bit.
I still don't like them,
and to my naked eye
they are harsh and way too bright,
but to photograph, I have to admit
they are golden,
So much softer and clean looking.
I didn't want to take all the ornaments off
so that is why you see too many wires
and possibly,
if the lights were pushed back
into the branches
they wouldn't look so harsh to me.
It will have to do until next year
when they will be fixed properly.
I couldn't resist taking all new photos
so you could see how pretty it is...
...and it is so peaceful sitting here
with a hot drink before bedtime.
The real thing
and one from the imagination
of a wanna-be artist!
The table is set for two.
A very comfortable spot
when the candle is lit
and the fire is burning...
...and the dinner plate's message
says it all.
I found this pretty cannister at Home Goods on my birthday trip
and then the little red gingerbread snowflake ornaments from
Marmalade Mercantile.
A sweet match was made.
that I am working on for
the long winter months after Christmas.
I am anxious to share with you then.
Even the top of the cupboards
got a little bit of Christmas.
There has been sightings
of some farm animals hanging around...
...not to mention all the flakes seen in the area...
Evidently
there is a convention of Santa's
being held at Holly Farms...
...and my favorite Santa
that I made back in the day.
I hate to say it,
but this brings us to the end
of Christmas decorations.
There is still a few days for us to sit back and enjoy the time left.
Now preparations begin for the day we spend with family and friends.
Our kids are coming up to be with us on Christmas Day.
It will be a quick day again,
but we are so grateful and happy
for the time we can spend together.
I am going to take some time off
to unwind and relax.
I will see you next year.
I hope everyone has a
very Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year
and until then...
Make your wishes
upon the
May all your days
be
merry and bright.
...Judy...
"May the light illuminate your hearts
and shine in your life every day
of the year.
May everlasting peace be yours
and upon our earth."
