So the sun has returned, with promises of warmth to come - but it will be many more months before the spring blossoms start peeping out.
10. 16 by wildwoodblessing - Grandfather Mountain of the Blue Ridge Mountains
Lake Tomahawk almost frozen over, January 17, 2025.
Dec 16, 2025, shallow Lake Tomahawk with some ice as it is being drained again. Sigh. Walking by gives the muddy marshy decaying odor. No more pretty reflection photos for a while. The senior citizens are still waiting for the Lakeview Center to be renovated so we can again hold programs and eat in the dining room together. The Town Council has been dragging it's feet with many promises (unfulfilled.) Politics! Bah! Humbug!
Many are busy preparing for their Christmas celebrations. What rituals do you and your loved ones share for this holiday? Do you open one or all your presents on Christmas eve? Do you plan a big feast? What do you share? My friend Teresa (the butterfly above) has a pickle ornament which becomes part of different family fun each year.
Thank you for being with me while I celebrated the Winter Solstice yesterday. I watched a lovely zoomed program. It was best for my health not to be in an intimate circle with friends this year...and I missed that camaraderie.
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Oh, speaking of that which I just quoted, what is your favorite version of "A Christmas Carol" (movie?) by Charles Dickens? I kind of enjoyed Bill Murray in Scrooged (1988). But I first saw the TV show sometime in the 50s, just not sure which one, except it was pretty long. But I probably remember best the TV rendition in 1970 with Albert Finney and Alec Guinness.
The Arboretum in Asheville has a great Holiday light display, for night-time enjoyment. Here my friend Teresa shows her affinity to a butterfly (bundled for the weather) Taken 12.11.25.
A similar pose by a Santa at the Peri Social House.
My favorite pie, Dutch Apple Pie (just bake it from the freezer!)
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Thank you for being with me while I celebrated the Winter Solstice yesterday. I watched a lovely zoomed program. It was best for my health not to be in an intimate circle with friends this year...and I missed that camaraderie.
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Last evening (Dec 21) was the last night of Hanukkah.
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Today I changed the header to this...
Winter Solstice being celebrated in a small apartment...thanks to YouTube video of a fire, and my own little grove of fake evergreens!
