a spirit of simplicity

 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ We celebrated our annual "Cousin's weekend" and we all had a great time! We rented an air B&B this year. It was nice to have a whole house to ourselves. One of my cousin's purchased matching Christmas pajamas for us all. I'm front and center. ~ We went to the Griswald inn in Essex, CT.  They had Carolers walking round to the tables.  We were eating dessert when they came to our table so they sang  Here we come a-caroling....bring us some figgy pudding. ~ We went to the Florence Griswald Museum as well. It was decorated for Christmas inside but the grounds were absolutely beautiful.  ~ In the air B&B the owner had a little blurb with things in the area. One of the things he mentioned was a "secret beach" which was located down  a long country road. It was lined with woods, horses, and beautiful old country homes. We saw a beautiful sunset when we finally reached the beach. ~ ~ ~ Friday fave fives

 ~ ~ ~  Happy Hanukkah ~ Preventing conflicts is the work of politics. Establishing peace is the work of education. Maria Montessori ~ The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil but by those who watch them without doing anything. Albert Einstein ~ We shall walk together in this path of life,  for all things are part of the universe and are connected with each other to form one whole unity. Maria Montessori ~ Look at how a single candle can both defy and define the darkness. Anne Frank ~ If we can do nothing else... let our gift to the world be a light in the darkness.  If there is to be peace in this world it is up to you and I to create it.  ~ ~ ~ Little things Thursday Thankful Thursday

 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Huckleberry "Tucker" Finn He likes to take a little cat nap under the Christmas tree. He looks quite cozy under there and if I was small enough I might just join him.  ~ ~ ~ Little things Thursday Thankful Thursday

 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Real or artificial Christmas tree? I think there are arguments for both. I purchased an artificial one 7 or 8 years ago.  I live in a small apartment and needed a tall, skinny tree.  I could never find one in the Christmas tree lot. Here are the things I miss about not having a real tree: * Shopping for the tree. I love Christmas tree lots. A friend I grew up with sells trees every year  and I miss being a part of that community...supporting a local cause, running into people you know,  seeing the joy on children's faces, even the cold fingers and toes, even lugging it off the car  and into the house.  Here are the things I don't miss about having a real tree: The expense...it costs about $75.00 every year!  The search for a tree that isn't very full. I like a skinny tree that has space between branches. The clean up. I am not clear on which type is better for the environment...or the overall good. Real trees must put a stress on the land but they also suppor

 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ The weather...It got quite cold after Thanksgiving.  We are at just about freezing temps in the mornings now but it gets warmer as the sun comes up. Right now I am sipping coffee and thinking about what a lovely and very busy weekend I've had.  I have just started The Stationary Shop. My cousin picked it out for our cousin's book club. My three grandchildren spent Friday night at my house and we watched a few Christmas specials. It was fun to see these through the eyes of a child again. They love Frosty the Snowman! Something fun to share... I purchased a beautiful rolling pin that is embossed with dragonflies. It inspired me to make an apple pie over the weekend. My grandchildren were visiting so Abigail (4) and Natalie (2)  dragged their stools over to the  counter and helped. We all had a little snack of apple slices in cinnamon sugar and then I rolled out the pie crust with the fancy rolling pin. You can barely make out the dragonflies after it baked.  I'

 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. ~ ~ ~ Scripture and a snapshot You are invited to the Inlinkz link party! Click here to enter