Snow 2010

Snow - a rare occasion, therefore we take glory in it!

Georgia was graced with one of the most beautiful snows yesterday that I have seen in years. Since we are north of Atlanta we were only supposed to get a light dusting, maybe an inch, but somehow the storm moved slightly northeast giving us much more. With my new camera in hand, I made several trips outside to take advantage of this rare awe-inspiring event. (And yes, for my friends in the north, I realize that after 70+ inches, a snowfall may not seem as welcome right now.)

Sweetbrier in the early hours of the snow...

Artwork in the snow...
A few shots in the evening... by now we had received a couple of inches. The branches of trees were beginning to bow.

The steel gray blue of evening snow is still a wondrous sight!
Saturday morning and all is quiet. The sun is out and time for more photography.

The backyard treeline...

The contrast against the dark blue sky is amazing...
The snow is beginning to fall from the tree branches and as I stand under the wax myrtles taking the next few shots, I am suddenly blasted from above with a shower of snow. I couldn't help but giggle.

Boy that's cold hitting the back of your neck and finding its way down under your coat!
My beautiful dogwood with its thousands of buds waiting for spring.
Another beauty against the sky...
What's that? Five inches? I know this is not the way meteorologists measure snow - they have probably calculated we only had about two inches.
And what would a snowfall be without a snow angel?

Sweetbrier is going on a blogiday...

Sweetbrier is going on an extended blogiday. As always, we send our best wishes to everyone!

Life's Blessings

Happy New Year! What better way to start the new year than to think of a rainbow and the promise that it brings.

"I have set my rainbow in the clouds and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth." Genesis 9:13 NIV

"Have faith in your dreams and someday your rainbow will come smiling through. No matter how your heart is grieving, if you keep believing, the dream that you wish will come true." (Unknown)

Merry Christmas!

Angels from the realms of glory,

Wing your flight o'er all the earth,

Ye who sang creations story,

Now proclaim Messiah's birth:

Come and worship,

Come and worship,

Worship Christ, the newborn King!

Life's Blessings

"Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas!" (Calvin Coolidge)

The tail of the pups...

Once upon a time there were four pups. Three of the pups were of questionable ancestry having once lived in the streets. A kindly couple adopted them and they happily became residents of a sweet little Victorian cottage in a small coastal town.

There was Casey, the wonder pup...

Calvin, the philosopher...

and Lizzie, the drama-queen...

The fourth pup, one of royalty, lived in a distant city. His name was Sir Winston and he proudly protected his castle and its inhabitants.

One day, Sir Winston’s governess took him to visit his adopted cousins. He was most excited by this trip and was warmly greeted by his kin. All was well, although on occasion, Sir Winston, would pompously attempt to best those that had welcomed him so readily.

Sir Winston wanted so badly to be accepted by his cousins. He would sit by quietly and watch while the other pups received encouragement and treats from the master of the house.
The other pups were so calm and patient. "Perhaps if I could just get a little closer," he thought.
"The master has asked them to sit...hmmm."
"But I am of noble birth... I do not take commands from someone else's master..."
"Ahhh... perhaps if I just wag my pom-pom tail, I will get a treat!" he mused.
"Yes, the master has noticed me!!! I too will now receive a reward!"

And he did. First Casey and Lizzie and then Calvin. Finally Sir Winston received a biscuit, having waited patiently and quietly, as one of noble birth would.

Night on the Town

The first Friday of each December joyously brings locals and visitors to the main street of Beaufort, SC. The street is blocked off, shops are opened, and people can leisurely walk through the town checking out the wares of shopkeepers, meeting and talking to people, and tasting and sipping the treats and drinks that have been so kindly laid out. There are lots of things to do for all age groups not to mention being serenaded by various choral groups.

Below, one of the beautiful historic homes demonstrates the Christmas spirit with its beautiful decorations.

Yes, those are umbrellas. It rained the entire time, however, those of us who braved the weather had an absolutely wonderful evening. This group, which later grew to such proportions that you could barely walk through, is waiting for the Beaufort Harbormasters Chorus to begin singing.
Do you recognize the gentleman in the center who shares a close resemblance to Santa?
Beautiful melodies of Christmas tunes filled the air...
Even standing in pouring rain, these Santas were really getting into it (thus the blurriness of the photos)
The leader of the group. Note the number of people who are now captivated by the singing...
A quartet also added festivity.
A wonderful time was had by all and what a phenomenal way to begin the Christmas season!

The Dixie Fair Returns!

Woo-hoo - the Dixie Fair at the North Atlanta Trade Center has returned! This is a smaller antique fair than Lakewood or Scotts, but wow what an incredible selection! And the dealers were truly wonderful, sharing their expertise and being ever so kind.In addition to antiques there were some modern creative pieces as well. One of my favorite booths was "The Charming Cherub" (http://debrafarley.com/). Her necklaces were absolutely fab!

My mum found a crown and tried it on. The dealer at this booth and sadly I didn't get his name and Andrea Huff (Lulu Redstar?) from the booth next door helped me take pics. They sat mum in a royal chair and provided a scepter so that I could take pictures. Doesn't she resemble the queen? Her family is from Wales as well, so you never know, we might be royalty:)

Andrea and the unnamed elf who provided the crown and helped with the pictures.

Goodies from Andrea's booth.
The picture does not do this necklace justice
From Withington Court Antiques, we snapped pics of these canes.
Finely carved...
And the perfect tea caddy...

What a great time we had! It was so enjoyable we went back a second time. The Dixie Fair is planning four showings a year and we were told that the next event should be the 4th weekend in January 2010. Let's hope!