The Reason For The Season

I pray you had a beautiful day with family and friends this Christmas. I did. Today and yesterday were days of rest for me while I went through my seeds. Tomorrow, a new gardening season starts for me and maybe I'll start some seeds. 

Always the star of dinner my brother's paella, delicious.

If we lit the fire today there would have been no dinner guests. This is the first Christmas that there was no fire. Actually we needed air conditioning. I felt like we were in California.

Seven Up Pound Cake. I wanted to bake more but, no time. Less left over for me to eat.

Callie at her finest. Look how big her feet are.

And the reason for our gathering in my home...

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be on his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace, Isaiah 9:6, King James Version

In the beginning was the Word, and the word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in the darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. John 1:1-5, King James Version

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria. All went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem: because he was of the house and lineage of David. To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her first born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: you shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, and good will toward men. Luke 2: 1-14, King James Version

Christmas Village

Last Saturday night was a beautiful time to visit Christmas Village although I didn't get any good pictures. Center City was packed. Everyone was out enjoying the evening. So many people I thought the Pope was here again. Here's a link which has much better pictures of the village during daylight hours. Christmas village is an outdoor traditional German Christmas market. Some of my favorite items were handmade wool sweaters, shawls, scarves, and gloves. Also hand blown glass Christmas tree ornaments, and the toys. Hot roasted sugar coated nuts were delicious and live music helped create a festive feel to the night. 

It'll be at Love Park till the 27th of December. I think I'll go back and pick out a sweater, ornament and toy. The crowd on Saturday night kept me from attempting to buy anything. This time I'll go during daylight hours and hopefully avoid the crowds. It was my first visit, although the village has been coming to Love Park since 2008.

Couldn't go in town and not have dinner although I was disappointed with the Oyster House on Chestnut Street. It's okay if you like oysters. I got a grilled combo of lobster, shrimp, scallops, and baby potatoes. I won't go there again. The meal included 3 medium shrimp, 2 scallops, 3 baby potatoes, and about 2 bites of lobster and a large shell for $36.00's. Never again. People were packed in  the restaurant like sardines with the wait 30-45 minutes. It's a single large room with a oyster bar and traditional bar for drinks, and other seating at tables. It's small and I don't particularly like places this size with so many people packed in. The restaurant originally opened in 1947. Judge for yourself.

Driving down Broad Street towards City Hall in the distance The lights were beautiful at night. City Hall is the big tall white building with the lit clock.

My meal. No the claw was not filled with meat. Wasn't flavorful at all.

In the Neighborhood-Grumblethorpe

Every Christmas while I was a child, my mother took us to Center City to see the sites of Christmas. Of course it always began at home with decorating the tree and putting lights outside. On my street every house was lit with lights. A lot of people don't do that anymore but some neighborhoods do. Seeing Enchanted Village a colonial village of paper miche puppets during Christmas was always part of the day. I believe it was in Lit Brothers a department store long out of business. 

I promised myself that today was my day to get out and do what I traditionally do during the holidays with my daughter. I've shared these memories and passed down traditions of what I did with my mother to her. While she gets her hair done at the shop I'm going to enjoy some holiday sites and our brisk beautiful weather today. It's cold and windy out but beautiful. This morning I stayed close to home in my neighborhood with a visit to Grumblethorpe. You can also visit them on Facebook. I've shared some pictures of the buildings before while out walking in the neighborhood. Today was their Holiday Craft Sale. I was interested in the crafts but even more, their chickens that I saw on Facebook this week. Chicken's in Germantown. I think it's great to get my chicken fix and not have go visit Georgia to see them. 

Old houses, cobblestones, a neighborhood feeling, and green areas where people still add to the curb appeal and garden and decorate the outsides of their homes is part of what drew me to to this neighborhood. Could I live in another neighborhood, yes. I'm still blooming where I'm planted and learning to enjoy the present not what could be.

So did I buy anything? Of course. There were a variety of crafts, baked goods, honey from local hives as I was told they lost their hives last winter from the cold, ornaments, crocheted items, and other homemade crafts. I bought homemade pesto for my daughter. I hate pesto but she loves it. Cards by a local artist also drew my attention. If you didn't get to visit today, spring is coming with fresh flowers and vegetables grown on site. Thank you to the hostesses and their kindness. On to Center City to enjoy the lights and festivities of Christmas Village and dinner. I pray your holidays are beautiful.

I can't go outdoors on a beautiful day like this and not take pictures of this. It was even more spectacular in person.

Across the street.

I'm also going to stop inside today. I try to stay away because I have a lot in my house already that needs to go here.

One of the buildings at Grumblethorpe. I took this picture on our walk in October. The mums were past bloom when I went today.

The plants are dormant for now but in another 3-5 months, they'll come alive again and we'll take a walk in the spring to see them.

The bamboo on the right was beautiful.

I actually got to meet the girls. I'm sure they're male chickens also. It wasn't an open house so I'm thankful that the hostess allowed me to go back and see the chickens. I mentioned that I saw them on their Facebook web site this week. Aren't they beautiful. She said they raised them from small chicks. This morning they received corn and were allowed out to roam. This made my day. It's the small things that matter to me. They came to the fence when I came back possibly expecting more corn.

I've read several neighborhood post about foxes in our area so I'm glad they have a secure chicken coop for safety especially at night. Foxes in the city but we have quite a variety of creatures in the neighborhood.

Wisteria finally yellowed.

Marigolds still blooming.

I got these linens from the thrift shop: from a bygone and something many people don't buy now or crochet or embroider. I like them on my bedroom dresser.

I din't look good because they're separations in this one and I wouldn't have bought this one.

I got this basket for flowers on the front door.

I bought these from Grumblethorpe.

The artist that made the card.

My daughter decorated the tree finally. We still have to add the star.