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Christmas Preparations

 I was not really even planning to do any Christmas decorations at all this year, no big family dinner either.

Vermont's governor is urging people to not have big gatherings, just stick with your own household and my family is all onboard with precautions. He did ask that people make an effort to put up lights though -- "Vermont Lights the Way."

So I did put lights in the kitchen and around the sliding door that leads to my deck.

Then I decided to take a walk around Gardeners' Supply and I got a bit more into the spirit of things.

The aisles were widened and the traffic was one direction. It seemed  a little sparse but then maybe I have spoiled by the tours of nurseries Linda Reeder often treats us with.

Everyone wore masks. I really don't understand the angry resistance to masks. I made a flannel one, lined with silk. It was really quite cozy warm on a bitter windy day.




I really like succulents.

I could be at home in a desert.


In this area, I felt as though I had returned to Florida:

Orchids

Tropical plants


I bought a Norfolk Island Pine for my Christmas tree and decorated with tiny red bows.


And I bought a mini garland for the front door.

Don is asking about cookie baking -- forget about plants!  I gave that up because so many people gave me home baked cookies and I really don't like making them. I guess I will have to if I want some this year though.

Comments

  1. Linda ReederDecember 6, 2020 at 6:39 PM

    Good for you for finding a little Christmas spirit among the plants. Now to make at least one favorite cookie recipe. We are in charge of our own spirit this year.

    ReplyDelete
  2. TomDecember 6, 2020 at 10:10 PM

    We've put up our outdoor decorations, and have a string of lights on the mantle over the fireplace. But no tree this year.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Margaret (Peggy or Peg too)December 7, 2020 at 8:32 AM

    Your tree is the perfect size Olga!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Granny AnnieDecember 7, 2020 at 9:41 AM

    It has been years since I have decorated for Christmas. My children have always celebrated in their own homes. Ron was never big on decorations but we always had special meal celebrations. When my mom was alive, we would have meals with her at the retirement home. Ron always cooked her a cow's tongue which she loved with horseradish. We enjoyed other people's decorations.

    ReplyDelete
  5. MaebemeDecember 7, 2020 at 9:44 AM

    What a beautiful spot to visit! I can imagine the smell of the fresh plants. Love your little tree and swag as well.

    Take care and stay well.

    ReplyDelete
  6. gigi-hawaiiDecember 7, 2020 at 10:14 AM

    Nice tree. I like it. I have not baked cookies in decades. Too easy to buy. Lol.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Arkansas PattiDecember 7, 2020 at 11:07 AM

    The beauty of that little Norfolk, you can plant it later. Seeing the poinsettias makes me want one but I won't because of Minnie. It can be toxic to cats.

    ReplyDelete
  8. OlgaDecember 7, 2020 at 1:05 PM

    Patti, it would grow like crazy in Florida but it is a houseplant here in Vermont.

    Gigi, I am not fond of baking cookies, so much easier to bake a cake.

    Maebeme, yes, the smell is wonderful there. And I passed that COVID test!

    Annie, I like putting up decorations but I am always mindful of having to take them down, which is no where near as much fun!

    Margaret, Thanks. I bought an artificial tree after Mike died but it never felt right. I like this one because it is live and I can keep it for a houseplant.

    Tom, It does feel good to have a little bit of a festive touch.

    Linda, I am going to make some shortbread because that is what I like best.

    ReplyDelete
  9. RianDecember 7, 2020 at 5:19 PM

    I love Norfolk pines! And they do well decorated... good to have a little festive spirit in the house.

    ReplyDelete
  10. JoaredDecember 7, 2020 at 10:48 PM

    Your tree very attractive and nice size. I miss my home-baked cookies as better than those i buy, but t wont bake again this year which is good, ‘cause I’ll not be as tempted to eat so many.

    ReplyDelete
  11. KayDecember 12, 2020 at 4:06 PM

    That looks like a great outing for you. I know what you mean about Linda's garden shopping photos. LOL. And I know what you mean about baking. We're starting to get baked goods too. Sadly, I can't eat them so they're all for Art and mom.

    ReplyDelete
  12. BarbaraDecember 25, 2020 at 10:07 PM

    My decorating was very limited, just the items the grandgirls like to see.

    ReplyDelete

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