Christmas Tree 2009

Instead of putting up the big tree this year, we decided to get a cute little four-footer (no lights, unfortunately) at Menards yesterday, so a tree has gone up in our house!




It's not a Christmas tree without this ornament, a gift from my Aunt Rose long ago.


I stole this lighted wire gift box idea from an art display I saw a couple of weeks ago. I've had those boxes forever but wasn't sure what to do with them.


The side table by the window. (Yes, my living room walls are bright blue and mustard. And the couch is red. I like color in my home!)


My husband's stocking. Mine is Tweety Bird.


I think this was my husband's grandmothers. We had a couple in my house growing up too, but I think they are long gone.


My cats love to sleep under the tree every year, but since this one is on a small table they've been denied. So now they are sleeping under the table. I am going to get a large soft tree skirt and put it under for them; I'll take photos of it tonight.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to you all!

Merry Christmas Eve!

The Chicago Hilton:







Daley Plaza and the Christmaskindl Market












(That one is for my friend Jill. She will know why.)



Merry Christmas Eve!

P.S. Chicago Public Radio used one of my photos from yesterday on their home page today. Yay!

Weather Report: Snowing and Christmassy

Like the rest of the country, we've got a lot of snow and cold this Christmas. But no one let that slow them down this weekend!

Daley Plaza Tree




Christmaskindl Market in Daley Plaza




Even the street musicians were out. You could hear this one playing "Jingle Bell Rock" for blocks before you saw him.



+++++

If you're headed anywhere for the holidays, have a safe trip and a very Merry Christmas!



(I will be posting throughout the holidays. Got lots of timely pics to post!)

Reindogs 2008

Went to the Reindog Parade at the Chicago Botanic Garden this weekend; unfortunately the super-cold weather this year cast a chilly pall over the proceedings. Most of the poor little dressed-up pups were so cold they were either wrapped up in their owner's arms or walking on the snowy frozen ground with miserable expressions on their faces. I did get a few shots that I liked, though.

It is true, about owners and dogs looking alike; these two long, lean loners fit together perfectly!



Two little angels, swaddled


As my friend Robbie said, "His face shows the excitement in his heart." Poor sweet thing!


I love the look on his face here too.


Princess Fussy Britches

Christmas Lights: Excessive Done Right

Now THIS is Christmas overkill!

I love this house. The attention to detail and the complete sets of everything is just astonishing. These are all old plastic figures, the kind they don't even make any more. These people have all of them.

Like the trains above. And a choir. (Did you know there were two fat sopranos? I didn't.)



The whole Disney ensemble.



The manger, complete with heralding angels. (Also note the chapel, nun and abbot on the far right. So cute!)



And lots of toy soldiers.



Oh, yeah, and Santa on the roof!



Altogether, it's pretty overwhelming.



But I still love it.





P.S. If the photos are cropped on the sides, click on them to see in full size.

Christmas Lights: Excessive Edition

This is one of the most overly-decorated houses I've seen. There are lights, giant blow-up creatures, Santas galore, but worst of all, there is just no theme. Unless the theme is "Too Much of Everything".



Um. Is that Pooh and Eeyore behind the tree on the right?



Oh God, it is.



The lighted-wire reindeer seem overwhelmed and frightened.



A polar bear, Snoopy and a seal walk into an igloo...

Tomorrow will be excessive done right. Come back then!

Skate-off: Detroit vs. Chicago

Which downtown ice rink is prettier?

Chicago:



(Better viewed in large.)

Detroit:



(Better viewed in large.)

I have to give it to Chicago, even though I prefer the buildings and expanse of the ice in the Detroit shot. The problem is Detroit picked terrible colors for the banners and the tree; the blues clash with the red and green of the tree, and the tree colors themselves are too drab and harsh. (The particular hue of green of the tree makes it look dead, even close up.) I did try to crop out the blue line of the rink's edge on the bottom, but it didn't help the color scheme.

Such a shame, because it could be such a pretty scene, right in the middle of downtown. The colors of the buildings are all so complimentary right there, but the decorations drag your attention away from them. Alas!

Extra Reindog: JJ, the Family Reindog

This is JJ, my in-law's dog. He couldn't make it to the Reindog Parade, but he still was willing to pose for me! So cute.

Reindogs 38-42: The Pug Collection

This last set is for my husband, who loves pugs most of all.



Poor little thing was so cold, he was shivering in his owner's coat most of the morning.



Could someone wipe my nose please?



Perfect, thanks!



It's like looking in a mirror. Spooky!



Okay, I kind of get my husband's point. This one is terribly cute.

Hope you enjoyed the whole Reindog series (all are available to view here.)

Merry Christmas, everyone!