HAPPY NEW YEAR

Ringing in the new year at the cabin. Hope you are all safe and warm and with loved ones!

Wishing all good health and happiness in 2009...

We are at the cabin in the mountains of No. Georgia to ring in the new year.

I am currently waiting for my chicken to cook. I am baking it, and I am getting impatient. (just look at the timestamp and you'll understand)

I am not fond of cooking with an electric stove!!

So many ideas running through my head, and it's taking forever to get moving on any of them.

When did I become such a procrastinator??

Merry Christmas

Last Business Trip of 2008

Hubby went to the Bahamas on business in July one year, and he couldn't figure out why I didn't jump at the chance of going. I had been to the Bahamas right after college. My memories of it - while fun - was quite hot, dirty, and expensive - and the locals were pushing their tourist junk at me to purchase. I wasn't impressed and had no desire to go back. Upon his return from that first trip, he understood why I didn't want to go. He was miserable (he is not a sun-sand-and-beach sort of guy) - it was too hot and humid for him. Places were not air conditioned.

So, when the second opportunity came-a-knocking, he wasn't terribly surprised I didn't go with him. I figured it, being December, was a better time to go weather-wise, but I'm looking forward to taking the last of my vacation and spending it quietly at the house and, hopefully, getting some much-needed organizing done.

Off hubby went for his last business trip of 2008. The first part of the week was spent in Nassau (still pretty pitty); the latter part of the week in Freeport (the nicer side).

The guys generally frequent the same hotels when traveling, but hubby vowed not to stay in the same place in Freeport because it was really awful. The corporate travel agent found another place that was more expensive but still within the accepted rate that will be covered.

When hubby checked in, the desk clerk saw he was there on business and only staying one night. She was smart and, since it's the slow season, she upgraded him to a suite. Hubby says he was in heaven. Not only was the weather beautiful (no humidity) - he stayed in nice accommodations with fresh pastries placed in a special compartment so as not to disturb him if he was still sleeping. He just opened a "trap door" and there they were.

So, let's just say I opted to stay home and organize paperwork, closets, kitchen pantry, etc. as opposed to enjoying this:

It May be Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas - but sure doesn't feel like it!

It's difficult to believe Christmas is one week away when we hit 70 degrees today. We finally put up our tree and a few decorations this week, but not as much as I usually do. It's still nice, though, and is "Christmasy." I finally got my cards out, too.... Way late for me!

Although I don't recall getting care packages, I feel like I'm back at college ...
When we lived in Indianapolis, there were no Dunkin Donuts stores (they had all closed). So, family members started sending us their coffee beans. Hence, the DD in the box --even though we are now in Georgia :o).

As for the Yodels and Ring Dings - I have come to learn this is a Northeast thing. Drake's does not distribute outside of NY and New England.

I called Santa and asked, "Since I don't drink coffee, do I have to share the Drake's?"

This picture does not do the house justice, but I wanted to record it in my blog so that I can look back at it and remember the warm feeling I've gotten this holiday season every time I see it. It reminds me of softness and peace and blessings and joy. It represents the true spirit of Christmas.

Wreaths and lighting. So simplistic, and I don't think I ever really noticed before. I wonder if they realize what an impact it has made on me and, hopefully, many others.

Ring Christmas Bells

#2 Down

The second room is painted. We purchased a blue a couple shades lighter than we originally picked for this room (room #1 blogged about earlier). It's a little too blue for me; I wanted something a little grayer, but the color works. It actually brightened up the room and makes it feel bigger. Couldn't have done that if I tried! I was originally thinking of putting in a pedestal sink in order to open up the space, but now I don't think it's necessary -- plus it would have been a little too extravagant and more money we certainly don't need to spend.

We removed the mirror the builder put up and replaced it with the one in the photo. That, and the faucet we changed out a while ago, made quite a difference. The "stock" mirror the builder put in was large, square with no frame, and glued to the wall. The glue was eating through the backing and you could start to see it behind the glass. It is also happening to the mirror in the upstairs hall bathroom, so that will get replaced and painted (room #3) next. Hubby is beyond thrilled. LOL

I purchased new Christmas lights for outside our house. They are LED - supposedly using less energy to burn - "green" (better for the environment) - and I really liked the way they looked lit on the in-store display. Hubby, however, was none to impressed when I brought them home. But, he humored me and put them up mainly because we've been married long enough that he knows not to argue - and that he'll like what I've planned. We've also been married long enough where he now voices his opinion. It used to be he didn't say anything and did whatever made me happy. I'll admit, I liked it better when he kept quiet and just did whatever made me happy! LOL

Anyway, I really like them during the day when not lit. They look like real icycles - which is a blast here in Atlanta where the 'native Atlantans' don't ever get to see real icycles and where 'northerners' are getting a treat seeing these authentic-looking ones. I'm not keen on how they look when lit, however. They are bright white. I thought they'd be more subdued, being LED. They certainly don't give me the impression they're using less energy!

I agreed I'd put color lights on our bushes, which I have not done yet. I'll have to do that tomorrow so that I can have them on when hubby returns home. He is currently in Tennessee on business.

Our friends from Maine send us a wreath every year. It is always beautiful, but somewhat of a challenge keeping it green. Although, if it stays as cold as it has been (27 degrees this morning!!) it will last longer than past years.

Well, without further adieu (is that right?!)... here are some pictures ...

There is no flash. There are no lights on. This is how much light these "icycles" are throwing off. Our front porch is completely illuminated: