Holiday Poinsettia

The lovely poinsettia comes in many different hues.

We usually just think of white or red,

but, a visit to the nursery revealed

shades of pink and a beautiful speckled-red.

This is still my favorite - deep red.

Boulder Sunset

The sun is setting behind the scenic Flat Irons west of Boulder.  Despite this beautiful view from the CU campus, the girl who wanted to get out of Fort Collins has decided to attend CSU after touring both universities.  Interesting how things work out...

Frosty Beauty

This little piece of beautiful Colorado
was found in my own back yard. 

Merry Christmas

My 17-year-old has yet to outgrow

gingerbread decorating :-)

NORAD Is Tracking Santa

Doubling up on the posts today because you NEED this info!  

Be Good and Happy Tracking :-)

http://www.noradsanta.org/

Dear Santa...

What Really Happened...

More Christmas Candy...

Growing up on the Western Slope of Colorado 

meant Enstrom's Toffee at Christmas.

Moving to the Front Range meant making new traditions.

If you've been following this blog,

you know I've already made a trip to Hammond's for Candy Canes...

Vern's Toffee is a small, family owned company which 

has been in business since 1976.

Talk about yummy!!  

Enjoy a box - they ship :-)

Holiday Traditions

At our house,

it's just not Christmas

if my husband hasn't made a mess...

Err...  

I mean a batch Peanut Brittle :-)

iFunny

iFunny is an app on iPhone where
folks can share their ideas of what is amusing...
I thought this was seasonally apropos -
I just wish we'd get some snow :-)

Candy Cane Kisses

My daughter announced her
addiction to seasonal candy...
Valentine's Hearts
Fall Candy Corn
Christmas Candy Canes

I think I'm beginning to understand
from whence her addiction came...
These are awesome :-)

It's Movie Time!

After seeing the Lord of the Rings Trilogy,

of course I have to see the prequel!

Hoping for Snow

We were holding out hope for snow this past weekend to fall in the Fort...

The mountains got some of the much-needed moisture;

however, it appears to have stopped there with no movement east.

Once the temps move up a bit,

I'll be dragging the hose around to give my trees a relief

from this extra-dry weather we have been enjoying

(I do like the warm temps, but this is Colorado).

As I am not aware of any "Snow Dance,"

I'm going to rely on good ol' Bing crooning White Christmas.

Think Snow!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4cjCJZFX04

December Birthstone: Turquoise

If cold December gave you birth
The month of snow and ice and mirth
Place on your hand a turquoise blue
Success will bless whate'er you do.

Turquoise is actually a mineral that comes in shades ranging from blue to grey-green and is formed when water leaks through chemical-infused rocks.  The shade is determined by the amount of chemicals in the rock formation.  Blue is the preferred gemstone color.

Turquoise represent the properties of prosperity, success, good fortune and happiness.

It is frequently used in Native American jewelry.  

Politics and Holidays...

Found this circulating around the internet yesterday...  

You gotta love Maxine!

December Birth Month Flower - Narcissus

The Narcissus comes in white, yellow and orange.  My favorite combination is white with an orange center.

This lovely little flower represents the virtues of respect, modesty, and faithfulness.  In the Victorian language of flowers, giving your loved one a bouquet of narcissus told her that "You're the Only One."  How romantic <3

A Little More Light Bright

I realize I've committed the artistic crime
of centering my subject,
but I like it anyway...
I loved how this tree looked -
just simply lit, no decorative lights.

Light Bright

The Gardens at Spring Creek in Fort Collins are decorated with thousands of lights for the holidays.  Last night, Santa was listening to childrens' wishes and the Sugar Plum Doggies were putting on a show.  As I couldn't get close enough to either of those, I made do with photographing some of the beautiful light displays.