The Flower of Winter,My Very Own Rose Parade

Revelation 15:3b Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty......

It may be winter but we Californians are truly blessed with the ever presence of flowers!Praise God! ...and all from my own yard.

angel trumpet

water lily

bog lily in my pond

bog hibiscus

don't know the name but very hardy

finally oranges on my potted tree after many years. The Santa Ana winds always blown the blossoms off!

Lantana I plant these all over and keep small as edging ,then I don't have to keep replanting annuals

Moses in the Boat

Petunia

ivy geranium

morning glory

periwinkle with sweet allysum

antique single rose,my favorite

antique single rose

Lily,not sure of exact name

Mandevilla vine

Blue Plumbago

tea rose

Merry Christmas with the Martians

Written 700 yrs ago before the birth of Christ. Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign,Behold a virgin shall conceive,and bear a son,and shall call his name Immanuel.
He is the Reason for the Season!

What's Christmas without a new tie

what's Chrismas without a Santa Hat

Do you catch a family resemblance in the previous pictures?

I try to find find something humorous to wear just to interject a little craziness but my daughter's family beat me to the draw this year

they really outdid me

Anthony Blake delivering our Blakey Cakes

pumpkin spice and egg nog with luscious fillings and topped with works of art

for my 3 yr old granddaughter

while all the frivolity is going on,Chef Tom is preparing the prime rib

Cate enjoyed the Christmas Village

Tom's version of antipasto,tons of salami,prosciutto and salad that melts in your mouth

enjoying the repast, sparkling apple cider is always the finishing touch

It's one thing to open a gift,it's another to put it together

Teddy finds the wrapping more enticing

Merry Christmas
Remember the Reason for the Season!
Marge AKA Victoria and Tom Mar

Garlands Galore or the Halls are All decked

I really prize my antique candle holders. I also found these punched tin stars that fit over the candles in a thrift store
I especially like the little church vignette in the Christmas ornament at the left.
In early days before electricity the trees were lit with candles. Everyone would stand around the tree while the candles were briefly lit,making sure a couple of buckets of water were handy in case of fire.

antique Christmas tree,love the birds

full view of the antique tree,I probably enjoy it and appreciate it more than anyone 

Finally after recovering from an injury and dealing with a recurrent chronic back pain my home is ready for the big day tomorrow. I really enjoy making it a special day for the family..its just my contribution as my husband has his very special prime rib and other dishes that we all look forward to. I am sure not complaining..It affords me more time to do the Christmas thing.

a garland with french horns adorn the cat walk

I wish to share with you the fruits of my labor and tomorrow there will be another edition with all the lights on and all the family enjoying the day.

loft banister with angels to announce the birth of Christ and a star to guide the wise men

dining room centerpiece ,we serve the dinner buffet style in here and eat in the living room, the festive  style antique satin red and green embroidered tablecloth purchased from Goodwill for $8.00 ..it washes beautifully

 

old chandelier pieces used to decorate antique mirror in dining room,silver star ornament is antique and purchases for $.50

garland in living room where we enjoy the dinner

dining table is antique accordion table that fold into a side table and is expanded with 3 leaves $75.00

love this old candlestick,just needs it's crystals added,a future project

I claim this is for my grandchildren

arts and craft sconces for $20

saw this last year in Victoria magazine but didn't have the antique cardboard  church from the 30's and 40's found this this year at Agoura Antique Mart

Just to give you a perspective of my church

oh Christmas  Tree