Tis the Season~

It feels great to have the house somewhat together, in time for the holidays.  Things seemed to take on a life of their own - finding a spot where they fit again :-)  There were days when it seemed like we were moving backward more than forward with projects.  Even so - when look back on what we've accomplished - in less than two-months - we could hold our own with Fixer Upper!  :-)

Our tree

It's not that we still don't have plenty to do... baseboard, door jams, trim, main bath etc.  A long to-do list is preferable to spending winter in the camper!  Butch used the lights we'd purchased a couple year ago for the cottage.  We only needed one more box to do the front of the house.  Any work on the outside has come to a halt - probably till spring.

Cottage lights on the house~

Today, we visited a fireplace store outside Council Bluffs.  Such fun talking with the owners.  When they heard we have no family in the area - they extended an invite to Christmas Dinner!  The people here have got to be some of the best anywhere.

My gift from Mary Ann~

We were sitting in the living room this morning - when the postman knocked at the door with a package.  Inside was this beautiful handmade quilt from my friend Mary Ann.  I am so thankful for those forever friends.  We left so many behind & miss them all so very much.

This is a difficult time for me...  Missing those grand-kids & their parents terribly...  Thinking of my Mom & wishing she were still with us...  Grateful too - for the family & friends who support & love us as we do them~

First Visit to Lauritzen Gardens~

The day was brisk, cold, but so sunny & beautiful!  I enjoyed my first Garden Club Christmas Luncheon & Party!  Everyone was to bring a gift they'd made.  What wonderful gifts they were!   I'm excited about going to the monthly meetings this coming year & the many tours on the schedule!

Later in the afternoon, I was invited to go to Omaha with Clara, Debbie & Barb to visit Lauritzen Gardens!  I still can't get over driving without traffic.  Taking the time to enjoy the city, have dinner & return home, all minus traffic snarls.  It reminds me of the old days in Seattle...

Late afternoon sunshine & light ice on the pond~

After a short drive, we arrived just as the sun was setting.  The large greenhouses are tucked into a hillside, somewhat protected from the north winds.  Once inside, the colors of the season were on full display.

Poinsettia Tree~

This Poinsettia tree was easily four times the size of the one's I've enjoyed at Molbacks for many years.  So stunning to see the vibrant red color!  High ceilings contributed to the feeling of grandeur.

Lights & decorations~

Everywhere we looked - was a delight to the senses!  I was happy to have been included!  Around every turn, were more beautiful displays.  Many included the huge tropical plants.

A tropical paradise~

Once inside the Arboretum - the sound of running water greeted us. There seemed to be water everywhere!  Streams flowing, fountains & pools of water full of colorful carp.

Beautiful planter from the last century~

We seemed transported - to a warmer winter climate.  The volunteers & staff do such a beautiful job decorating.  Holiday lighting added cheerful brightness to the scene.

The arbor area~

Birds of Paradise were blooming!  So were the geraniums & even orchids.

The Palms~

My favorite though - was the Banana Trees!  My first time seeing them in person.  They were So large & had such presence!  Something I didn't expect - but walking through the grove made me imagine what it would be like in a jungle!  I thought of how my friend Petra, had enjoyed her tropical excursions.

huge leaves!

We all agreed that thatching a roof with these huge leaves would be a relatively easy project!

With lights!

Each display had a magical quality.  We visited the gift shop - full of items for holiday gift giving.

Bright reds!

It was amazing to me, that just on the other side of these walls, the temperature was dropping into the teens!  A tropical paradise on one side, cold mid-west Winter on the other!  I definitely want to bring Butch for a visit.  Season passes are very reasonable.

Perfect!

Simplicity sometimes rules - as this wreath perfectly demonstrates!  Finally - it was time to walk back out into the cold of the night.  We stopped for dinner before heading home & still arrived just after 7 p.m.  Butch had taken the lights we'd used on the Cottage & put them all the way across the front of the house!  A welcome holiday surprise.