The week before Christmas. In some ways I think these are the nicest days. I try to get almost everything done early so I can actually putter slowly through. I still have a bit of candy to make for neighbors but that might be it. I made votive candles yesterday, and two pillars. Used almost all recycled wax from other spent or messed up candles, which was cool. My family is coming for Christmas Eve dinner, then we're going to the neighbors' along with several other neighbors (man, I love my neighborhood) for Christmas dinner. Last night I made this, pasta risotto-style with dried porcini. Andy has been off for five whole days in a row! And has Christmas Eve and Christmas Day off! If you live with a medical professional, you know how unbelievably rare that is. I'm pinching myself. Sweet season of light and love. Very grateful.
So good to read this quietly glad post here!
xxx
Sounds like everything is in place for a Merry Christmas... with the fun starting now! I love the anticipation too... the days before when there is so much to do, or skip, so much to appreciate. May *the nicest days* go on and on, well into the New Year, and beyond.
Very 'nice days' indeed. Enjoy!
Your beautiful words and photographs have taught me so much this year about comfort, coziness and grace, I just have to let you know how much I appreciate it. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas season, and a new year that starts out great and just keeps getting better!
Homemade candles. What a great gift idea!
As usual, beautiful photos. :)
I too think that the days running up to Christmas are the nicest, full of quiet baking and present wrapping before the busyness of Christmas itself :)
Merry Christmas wishes :)Pretty please do a post about candle making :).
cozy day wishes :)
crystal
it's lovely that you can appreciate the quiet that can be found in these busy days.
Merry Christmas to you guys!
Enjoy these "nicest days" with your dear sweet Andy! Merry Christmas to you both!
Lovely kitty picture.
I read your blog so much and enjoy it so! I hope you have a Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year!
I know 2011 hasn't be all you were hoping for, but I wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy 2012 -- may all your wishes and dreams come true!
I do that, use up all the bits and pieces of my old candles to make new ones. It is amazing how many candles you can make that way. Glad you are enjoying the nicest days. Merry Christmas
Hi Alicia,
I have been thinking about you a lot lately and wanted to stop in and wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas! Thanks for keeping such a beautiful blog after all these years and for sharing so much of yourself.
Take care and Happy New Year, too!
Betz
Ooh, what kind of candy are you making for gifts? I need to do that this week as well, but so far I'm just planning on fudge and some peppermint bark.
Sounds like BLISS. I love finding furniture treasures. I wish you and yours the Merriest of Holidays.
hugs
-missy-
Happy Holidays to you guys!! Your neighborhood sounds lovely :)
so nice to be able to s l o w down a bit and enjoy the fun things that often become overlooked in the bus-iness of the season. enjoy each of them and have a merry merry christmas!
Merry Christmas - so glad you and Andy will have the day together
Yikes! that 3rd photo looks like somebody's innards!! LOLOL
Two kitters in one photo?! Say it's so!
My husband is a pilot and has his first Christmas day off, I think ever! I'm so glad Andy got off as well. What a treat! And to have the 5 days off as well; we are enjoying the same thing. I'm pinching myself too.
Merry Christmas you guys.
That is so cute that kitty is on your quilt again. They know what is lovely and soft! ;-) Happy Holidays ~~