The Tree at Night

Decided to take another picture of our wonderful tree as night was falling, just before there was need to use the flash. I am very pleased with the end result. Love the way the treelights and shadows are playing on the walls.

Christmas Tree 2010

For the first time in ages, this year we have a real, full-sized Christmas Tree. What a treat. My dear husband worked tirelessly to ready the Zen Room in which the tree is housed.

It turned out wonderful. We drove to town late yesterday afternoon and found the perfect tree in the last Christmas Tree lot in town. Ashlee, our granddaughter was as thrilled as we were.

We rushed home, got it set up and started decorating at once. Worked until late in the afternoon/early evening and got it done. Revisited many nice ornaments I hadn't seen in many years. I'll share a few before the season is over.

Nest in Winter

When leaving the fitness center after our Tai Chi Class the other day, my eye fell on a lovely, little bird's nest, newly revealed by the falling of the last autumn leaves.

All summer we walked past that tree, not knowing of the cozy home, hidden in the center. Protected by lush growth, nestled securely amongst the branches.

But now, with inhabitants long flown, it's been exposed . We'll be listening carefully come spring. Will the former occupants set up home once again., maybe raise a feathered family?

Abalone

Earlier this year my dear husband of nearly of quarter of a century celebrated his 70th Birthday. So rather then spend it at home, I planned a 3 day outing for him. We spend a few days in Monterey. The highlight of our stay was a visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

As the year is nearing it's end, I wanted to share some of the images I took that day.

This Abalone shell was resting in a shallow pool, allowing visitors a close-up look and touch of it, and the brilliant sea stars and seaweeds alongside it.

Winter Morning

Many of our mornings are now frosty. Which is wonderful for getting us in the Christmas Spirit in sunny California. Growing up in a land where the holiday season tended to be of the Winter Wonderland variety, even frost in the morning gets us in the spirit. So on those winter mornings when our garden is sparkling with diamonds of frost, I always skip around cheerfully, trying to capture as much of it as I can with my camera. The amethyst gazing globe glittering in the morning sun was a wonderful find for me.