Sunday, November 18, 2007

Battening Down and Gearing Up

The Battening

We aren't exactly going out in shirtsleeves anymore or even light jackets if it comes to that. And though we're not facing winter yet, there were some shallow pockets of snow up at the cottage last weekend. So we ready ourselves for the next season to roll in. While we aren't ready to install snow tires yet, we have been emptying the garage for its winter occupant — the car — which we keep outside in the better weather. But come this time of year, the bicycles go down to the basement and lawnmowers and other items go up on shelves to make room for the vehicle which we prefer to keep protected in winter.


The Gearing

And we begin to gear up for Christmas. Next Saturday will be our annual tree decorating party at the kids' place. Cuppa began the tradition many years ago. We'd have my parents and sometimes other friends over to both help and celebrate the putting up of our tree. We'd have munchies and music and fellowship and dinner. Now, we are the grandparents and the invitees.

We don't put up a big tree anymore, but we do have two little, pre-lit ones and many other decorations to give the place a festive look and feel. In part we do it in preparation for the official tree decorating next Saturday as well as the town's Santa Claus parade, but we also want to make the place Christmasy for our niece who will be visiting us from Korea later this week. She misses Christmas, so we'd like to make it as nice as possible for her before she heads overseas again in about two weeks.

In the spirit of the season, the kids had this picture printed to send out with their Christmas cards. So, I scanned it for you to gush over. Isn't she the cutest baby ever?

12 comments:

Ruth said...

Seems you have some nice family Christmas traditions. And having your adorable baby around will make the season even more special. Enjoy!

Turtle Guy said...

It seems a bit early, to me, to be decorating for Christmas. Did our first Christmas corporate party last night, and it was difficult to think of it as 'Chrismassy' because it was so 'Indian Summery' around here.

You must be thrilled at the prospect of S's arrival! I haven't checked her blog in ages... maybe I'll drop by.

Linda said...

Oh yes. She is a cutie!

thailandchani said...

Oh my gosh! Your template! It is just beautiful!

ChrisB said...

That makes a wonderful Christmas picture. I love the idea of your Christmas tradition of tree decorating. I'm always a last minute struggle as my grandchildren like to decorate the tree and they often only arrive just before Christmas.

Pam said...

The traditions, the music and pictures of grandchildren are my favorite parts of Christmas -- and the lights! And speaking of lights, that little Smudge is a bright light all by herself.

Gina said...

That is truly an adorable picture!

The tree decortaing party sounds like such fun!

Anonymous said...

She is truly the cutest little girl .. and I am gushing. :-)

We have the same seasonal ritual with our garage. :-)

Granny said...

We're doing a tiny prelit tree this year although I may have to hang it from the ceiling.

Thanks for the good wishes. The baby is adorable and growing so fast!!

mreddie said...

Smudge has a smile that could melt the heart of an old cuss like me. Family Christmas traditions are great and we have several. We are still looking forward to Thanksgiving on Thursday. My OD and clan are in from Texas for the week and we exchanged gifts with them tonight since they won't be back for Christmas. ec

Ginger said...

Very cute. Did you take the photo?

Cathy said...

Yes! Ever!