It has been a year that we have visited our friend Paula's and Bill's
beautiful home.
So much was going on this past year, actually the past two years,
that a visit always eluded us.
And we almost did not make it again.
As our trip on the 3rd of January was coming nearer, a storm
decided to march up the East coast.
So we called it off. Since Paula is good two hours away, it seemed a good idea. Our plans also included going to Sturbridge, MA the next day.
Sad, I resigned myself to another missed visit.
The next morning sitting in our pj's, we were waiting for the storm.
When nothing happened, I took the bull by the horns, we got ready in a hurry, and of we went.
Paula, was excited that we could join everyone.
And the drive was uneventful. Flurries were starting to fall as we got there.
We have not been anywhere of late, and it turned out to be the highlight of our "non-holidays".
Christmas was spend with our son, our grand children at his fiancee's home which had a lovely surprise when her parents joined us, having traveled up from Florida. And it was a truly wonderful day.
We had nothing at all that said Christmas in our house. And for the first time, not even a Christmas tree.
Needless to say, my mood was not the best during the season.
All that changed the minute we walked into Paula's and Bill's magical home.
It takes your breath away, and makes you happy.
So much to see and admire.
Being in such a hurry to get there, I forgot to charge my camera.
Lot's of pictures did not come out.
But our sweet Laura (52Flea), took the most beautiful pictures. So there is much more to see over at her blog.
Without much ado, here are some of the pictures I took.
In person, it was sooooo much more stunning.
When I drive up to Paula's and Bill's house,
my heart beats faster.
It is so charming.
A beautiful wreath welcomes all......
and her home is truly a
WINTERWONDERLAND!
Many, many gorgeous trees awaited us.
Everywhere something pretty to spy.
And one of my earlier Santa's,
happy to live there.
A bunny by Lori Ann Corelis snuggles in the princess room.
And so does this perky little birdie made by her.
Cute as a button.
Who would not want to sleep in this pretty bedroom
under a heavenly canopy......
.....lit by this majestic lantern.
Swoon worthy!
Even one of the bathrooms enchants.
Pretty nooks everywhere.
Maybe for next Christmas
I get to make stockings again.
We will see.
I forgot how pretty they can be.
The kitchen and some other places in the house are inhabited
by the king of mice I like.....
not the kind that keep you awake rolling nuts around in
the attic,
and inevitably end up caught
which always makes me sad.
Paula placed this one in a soup ladle.
How does she think of that!
Cute, cute, cute.
Oh, and that wonderful view from the kitchen into
her sleeping garden.
Pretty on her dining room table,
gliding over an imaginary lake......
....while snowmen skate nearby.......
........ and one of my earlier snow gals finds
another way of transportation.
They do get around, and many have happily migrated to Paula's
beautiful home.
What a ride!
Shortly after we arrived, it started to snow.
Next morning it had melted and we had rain
and fog.
It was a terrible ride to Sturbridge, and a nerve wrecking
ride home.
But I got to go to my favorite antique malls,
ending up finding pretty things for future projects
When we got to Paula's, Laura had gotten there, and later in
the evening we were joined by Carole and her niece visiting
from Switzerland.
We had a wonderful time spending time together
and catching up.
Ebbie and Bill watched football,
but I loved this moment when Laura and Ebbie became
royals.
Here she waves her magic wand over his head.
I hope it works....at least for a little while.
My husband has been diagnosed with the
onset of Alzheimer's.
We have much ahead of us.
It is not how I thought our retirement would be.
But we take every day as it comes.
So, forgive me, when I don't post much
or comment.
I am holding things together here,
and try to enjoy all the good moments we still have together.
My studio, and working on my creations, keeps me sane
and happy.
For that I am grateful.
On his last day of work the end of December
he "pruned" a tree outside his office.
Our only bit of Christmas greenery.
But, Paula's house made up for it,
and we both came away feeling happy and at peace.
I wish you all warm and content winter month.
Before we know it,
it will be spring again.
God bless,
Evi