Merry Christmas from Sweetbrier!

"She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." (Luke 2:7, NIV)"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." (Luke 2:14, NIV)

Decorating for Christmas

We've just about finished decorating for Christmas and I thought I'd post a few photos. We seem to do the same thing each year but with minor alterations. First, the outdoor lights...An icy cubed-snowman happily welcomes visitors
A reindeer nods approval
Once inside, a group of jubilant snowmen greets our guests!
Sledding anyone?
Five stockings hang from our mantle...
Two reindeer from the 1960's keep an eye out for Santa
Cassie helps decorate:)
An angel sits on top of the tree overlooking the living room
The one thing we do change each year is the color of ornaments on our tree. Since we've collected ornaments for some 40+ years there's quite an assortment from which to choose. This year we decided to honor my alma mater, the University of Delaware, so all of the balls are blue and gold. Go Blue Hens!



The final product!
Sweetbrier Cottage sends best wishes to all for a very Merry Christmas!

What's her excuse?

Greetings everyone! I know it's been quite some time since you've received a post from Sweetbrier; I mean four months, really! It's not that I haven't tried to get my human to stop fiddling around and do just a simple post, but as usual, she won't listen to me. So here I am, waiting patiently for her to revisit blogland.I hope everyone had a good summer and that fall is going well too. So far the weather's been mild here but in preparation, my human got out my bed and I must say, I've been enjoying it. She thinks I'm the one who's lazy, but I referred her to Jules Renard's quote... "Laziness is nothing more than the habit of resting before you get tired."

Have a purrfect week... Cassie

Birthday Wishes to Baby Kitty from Cassie

My very best wishes to a fellow feline. I asked my human to post this for me. She didn't have a birthday card but she did find a Hallmark card that I thought you'd enjoy.

I'm thrilled to find that your human has taken the time and energy to recognize your contributions to the family and to celebrate your life. Hope you have a purrfect birthday!

Purrs and meows, Cassie

Cassie's Concessions - Nature Watching

The one thing that all feral cats, especially those in captivity, have to do to survive is concede. I'm nine years old and have been captive for six. Sigh...

My human, although well-meaning, often tests my ability to concede. Her latest endeavor is the bird feeder. Since I sit on a stool in the kitchen window each day overlooking the patio and backyard, she decided that I needed entertainment. She placed a large bird feeder on a stool about eight feet from my window. What can I say... it gets visited, lots!
I'll get to the birds in a minute, but first I have to talk about the other meals, err, I mean, critters that come and visit, feasting on the birdseed that is thrown out by the birds (or spilled by my human). This is the rabbit and it's big, about my size.
Oooh, I'd love to get hold of that cotton tail.
My human names most of the critters that visit our backyard. The chipmunks are called Chip and Dale. Not sure which is which...
they both look alike...
and they both would probably taste the same:)
Now the birds. Ughh, what can I say. This is Mr and Mrs C and their offspring. Mrs C sits on top of the feeder watching for predators. Little does she know I'm sitting right here and if I ever escape, they're toast.

Can you believe it? Dad's feeding the baby!
Sparrows - too small to eat...
but fun to play with. Heh-heh-heh.
A ground dweller - a female Towhee.
Mr. and Mrs. Demille (cowbirds) - love that beef!

My human's not sure of this species. If anyone can ID it please comment.
Now the fun part - baby birds! The only problem is, when you get close, you get nose-divided by their mom. Those Thrasher beaks can take an eye out!

And what's this? Mr. Towhee and child...
I'm so tired of this father-child bonding.
Note to Kramer - be happy with the lizard. I know you probably get to see some birds too - just be happy that your human doesn't try and provide you with more entertainment.

Regards, Cassie

Life's Blessings to the Royal Couple

"How did it happen that their lips came together? How does it happen that birds sing, that snow melts, that the rose unfolds, that the dawn whitens behind the stark shapes of trees on the quivering summit of the hill? A kiss and all was said" (Victor Hugo, 1802-1885)

Best wishes to Prince William and his wife Kate for a long and happy, healthy life together!

Garage Sale Find

During good weather, my mum and I make a weekly excursion to neighborhood garage sales. Most times we come home empty handed, but every once in a while we find something nice. Now, pair that with my love of linens (OK, I also like china, crystal, books, jewelry...) and I feel really good at the end of the day.

Today, we came across a lady who had some doilies her grandmother had crocheted and of course I bought them all. Pictured below are three light yellow doilies.

A 24" square crocheted (?) scarf which will look terrific on a small table.
Three green and gold crocheted scarves...
( a close-up of the small one.)
Matching pieces with raised flowers and...
another close-up view.
I also bought a round white crocheted scarf, a long white brocade tablecloth in excellent condition (no stains) and 10 off-white brocade napkins.

And what do I like most? The price tag - $4.60!

Mom's Backyard

Mother's backyard is beginning to bloom and I captured these shots this past weekend. She has a bed of white irises that are just 'bloomin' beautiful!
The wind was gusting but I managed to get some shots in between.
I love how the sun helps outline the petals with shadows.
Another smiling bloom.

Her crabapple tree is also blooming. The tree has been covered with white and pink blooms for the past week.