Way Back When

I came across this old photo when I was going through a drawer in my desk. Why it became mislaid with a few other things, I have no idea !! I don't remember why I even have it, but it is a wonderful old picture of my Mom and Dad and Mom's sister, Bertha with her husband Lyle. Mom's handwriting is on the back plus a stamp from a film processor in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. So, I think maybe this is what happened !! These two couples look young, happy and in love. By looking at Mom and Dad, I think the photo would have to have been taken in the early to mid 1930's. Bertha and Lyle were married after Mom and Dad and maybe came to Iowa from Ohio on their honeymoon, then the four of them took a trip together to Wisconsin to visit relatives there. I love the guys dressed up in their suits and ties. Those were the days when people dressed in their Sunday best anytime they went away from home !!

Another Bird Book

I was inspired to create a second "Bird Book". This one, I am going to list on EBay with 50% of the final auction bid to be donated to "A Place to Bark". Of course, you know about this artist, Bernie Berlin, and her mission of animal rescue, For anyone else who reads my blog, they can find information at http://www.aplacetobark.com/ . I do have high hopes that someone will appreciate my art, but, I especially hope that someone will have a generous heart and appreciate the cause.

Chinese New Year

When I picked Hilery up on Friday for our "weekly" bonding, I asked her if we shouldn't go to the Bellagio Conservatory to see the Christmas scenery. When we arrived, we found it to be roped off and everything being renewed for the Chinese New Year plantings and decorations. It was amazing the number of people at work plus watching all the plants being rolled in for them to use. I was sorry to have missed the Christmas "show", but, will be anxious to return for the completed show of plantings and decorations.

A Sweet Bear

There is always room for one more bear at my house !! This cute little guy was handmade for me for Christmas by my sweet grand-daughter. His little face has so much personality -- he looks as if he wants to tell me some Christmas secrets !! She also made the necklace with the glass slide pendant featuring Santa Claus checking his list. I think my name was on the "good" list as I opened some lovely gifts on Christmas Eve. When I was growing up, Santa never failed to visit our house, even when I was a teenager. Mom and Dad never gave up the tradition. There is that special memory which comes to mind every year at this time.

Christmas Past

And a Merry Christmas Eve !! What is it about photos of children with Santa that are so endearing ? And, isn't it wonderful when the child is happy and not afraid of the man with the flowing white beard dressed in that red suit ? This picture of Hilery some 20 plus years ago is a reminder to me that Santa Claus is real !! Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus !!

Nutcracker

Every year at Christmas time, the Nevada Ballet Theatre performs The Nutcracker. The past few years, my friend, Sharon and I have discussed attending. This year, instead of buying one another a Christmas gift, our gift to ourselves and each other was a ticket to see the ballet. This was my very first time ever, to see this kind of ballet performance -- hopefully, it will not be my last, as I thoroughly enjoyed it. The dancers were awesome -- the costumes were gorgeous. The gift of a memorable afternoon -- I don't believe those fit under a Christmas tree !!

Another Cake Plate

This green depression glass cake plate is at home in my china cabinet, along with all those other mementos of my life and past generations. It was difficult to catch the beauty of the "sunflowers" in the photograph. The plate was someone else's family heirloom that I purchased at an estate sale several years ago on a trip back to Iowa. I really love those estate auctions, but, have to control myself on bidding on everything I would like to have. I would have to purchase another china cabinet and where would I put that ??