Winter- It's Official!

Happy Winter-time! Late dawn, early sunset. Short day and a long night. For us in the Northern Hemisphere, the December solstice marks the longest night and shortest day of the year, after which the days get longer. I've been enjoying picturesque snow scene photos on so many of your blogs and it makes me wish for a white Christmas! Alas, here in southern California we have blooming flowers and swaying palm trees, so I have to enjoy your 'winter white' vicariously. Instead of snow dusted trees, we have bright yellow ginkos. 

I came across half a dozen Gingko trees in a large patch of deep green grass - each bright yellow tree had a 'skirt' of fallen leaves at the base of it's trunk. The day was slightly overcast, and the yellow was so bright and cheery that I just had to take a photo.

These sunny colored leaves danced and curtsied in the breeze. When I returned home I felt like doing a little dance myself; I had special mail waiting to be opened! 

 Thank you, Marjolein and Carol, for taking the time to craft a handmade card and send it to me! What a sweet surprise. I ooohed and ahhhed over them - love the tiny bell around the reindeer's neck and the nifty way the Santa card stands up.

 
  Here is a glimpse of the mantel. There are nutcrackers and soldiers made of wood, metal, cloth, glass and wax! There are nesting toy soldiers, a wee soldier inside a bell, and even a wooden bowling pin set. It is nice to have all the decorating done, and now we can do a few fun things before the big day. Today we went to see The Hobbit. Loved it!

 Hope you are caught up with your to do list and get the chance to enjoy this first day of Winter~