Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Decking the Halls and Hanging the Greens! The Lair Gets Merry-fied!


by Jeanne Adams

Seriously, how can it POSSIBLY be the 8th of December already? Have you decked your halls? Is there mistletoe in your foyer?

There is still one Hanukah candle to light tonight and tomorrow night, so I can still send Hanukah cards, right?

Oh. My. Goodness. Where did the year go? Sven?!?! When did you and the Hockey Hunks put up the wreaths on the tower? Who distracted Ermingar...oh. Paolo. So sorry, dear. Low man on the totem pole deal. You're like Shaggy from Scooby Doo, you make great "live bait" for distracting the dragon so the guys can start the Hanging of the Greens. Well done, sir, well done. (And not too singed either! He must be fast!)

And that TREE!! *picture me clasping my hands in rapture* Sven!! You've out done yourself! Oh my, that's a beauty! Big, full, gorgeous! (They dusted the snow off before they brought it in)

I love that you've already started hanging ornaments. Awwww, you started with some decorations from Jo Davis's famous firehouse! (Wasn't last week's visit the bomb?! Oh, sorry, I should say, wasn't it great! Don't want to mention bombs around the firefighters!)

WOW! And ornaments with everyone's book covers! WOW!! Where did you get those? KJ got them? I should have known. Oh, and Kirsten found us a seriously wacky ornament each! Oh, I LOVE them!!! Thanks, Kirsten! Your blog about the misfit toys made me laugh and decide to start a wacky ornament tradition at our house too!

And is that Donna's egg nog recipe? Daaaaannnnng! That's dangerous! But delicious. Sven, just how much eggnog did you MAKE? Whoa! We may need some cots if people drink too much of that stuff.

What's in the other punch bowl? Lordy, The Goddess Sangria's been here too? That's beautiful, and so is the silver bowl. (Sven found it in Ermingarde's treasure stash. I've never been willing to ask how he convinced her to part with it - but it holds gallons, has a silver ladle to match that's the size of a stein so be careful if you get Sangria! You'll get a LOT!)

Oh, I just LOVE decorating the Lair and the tree! One of my best and fondest memories from growing up was decorating the house for Christmas. My family usually waited until the hanging of the greens at church, or just before my birthday, whichever came first. None of this "day after Thanksgiving" stuff. It had to at LEAST be December 1 before the tree went up. There were icicles, and ornaments old and new. There were wreaths for the door and a creche and all the cool stuff for Christmas decorating.

Things are on a bit larger scale in the Lair, but it's the same idea, and with so much help, it's just a delicious event! C'mon! Grab some tinsel! Shake it out. Bunches or strands, there's plenty of tree to decorate.

Unlike the Lair, the one thing we didn't have a lot of growing up were outdoor lights. Did you? Was anyone in your neighborhood the family that did the lights up so big they caused blackouts? Grins.

I remember the year my Mom relented on the "no outdoor lights" rule - said with the same frowning disapproval she held for overt public displays of affection - and let me and Daddy wrap the outdoor lampost like a candy cane in red and white lights. She pronounced it "relatively tasteful", but still gave a bit of a disdainful sniff. I remember Daddy's conspiratorial grin.

The next year, we managed to persuade her to let us put white lights in the little bitty spruce tree. She wouldn't unbend more than that, however, so we stuck to our "win" such as it was.

Inside there was holly in vases, smaller evergreen wreaths as a centerpiece on the dining table, silver to polish, and all the smells of home combined with the exciting smell of Holiday baking, Christmas tree, and fires in the fireplace.

I was fascinated with Dorene, yesterday's guest, talking about sensory perception and learning and memory. (I'm fascinated with that anyway, but...) Oddly enough, it's the smells of Christmas, as much or more than the sights that make me feel the season's cheer.

Nothing says Christmas like gingerbread. Isn't this a lovely attempt to capture the Lair? A few too many towers, and a bit too Cinderella-y, but a farily good go at it. Grins.

What about you? Sights? Scents? Tastes? What says, "Oh, my GOSH! It's finally HERE!" Spinning the dredle and getting the gelt? Sugar cookies? Presents under the tree? Gingerbread? Stockings?

Do you hang real greens at your house, or all they all the wonderful artificial wreaths and trees? (Ummm, Sven? I think there's a heron in the greens....SHOO!) Where was I? Oh, artificial trees. They look so good, I consider an artificial one every year. Then I remember how the real ones smell and go for that again.

Grab a mug of spiced cider or nog - Sven's spiced cider is the envy of every blogger and Castle Kitchen for leagues - and tell me about how you deck your halls!

Pull up a gladiator...I mean a chair, here by the fireplace. Yes, it IS big enough to roast an ox, and Ermingarde has asked us to do so, but it's a lot of trouble and she's not exactly dainty, you know? Maybe for New Years....nobody notices a bit of mess at New Years. Grins. Besides, if we tried to roast an ox, we might set fire to all the stockings. With 20 of us, and all the cast and crew here, it looks like something Seuss might have drawn when all the stockings are hung, by the chimney with care! The variation in size alone is cartoonish. Grins. Compare Susan or Cassondra's dainty stocking with Demetrius's...

What IS that thing he put up instead of a stocking? Nevermind. I don't want to know. Point is, the size differentials are astounding. Thankfully, we've not yet tried to get an embroidered stocking from Lands End in Ermingarde's size. Maybe next year. Grins.

Anyway, I want to know about YOUR wreaths and swags and baubles and bells, lights and tinsel and Granny's Menorah and all your favorite holiday trappings.

We'll be doing it up big again this year here in the Lair, presents and all, starting next week. In the meantime, tell me about your decorating as we watch the guys climb the ladders to wrap that evergreen roping around the rafter beams.

It's a sight to behold

126 comments:

Deanna said...

It's getting to look a lot like Christmas ... :-)

Deanna said...

We're tree, wreath and bauble-less this year. The house is not looking very festive because EVERYTHING is still in storage from when we packed up and locked up to move overseas for an extended period of time. We returned unexpectedly (long story) so no decorations for us until we move back into the house and things are out of storage.

I've done the Christmas shopping though, and most all the presents have arrived and are packed away in their own gorgeous gift bags.

I love your summation of the past week. Just wonderful!

'Tis the season ...

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi Daz! The Joys of the Season to you, m'dear! :> So sorry you won't have the wonderful familiar ornaments with you this year, but some new traditions may arise. Grins.

And hey, there's prezzies, so no worries, right?

I'm finally into the mode of decorating, as you can tell, so it'll be alllllll green and red and gold around our house by the end of the week. Ha!

Gotta finish up here in the Lair though first.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hey Daz and all...I'm headed to bed, but ya'll keep on with the tinseling and so forth. Sven's got the ladle poised. I'll be back in the morning...

Unknown said...

He is back with you Deanna ... must have been toooo cold in US

We have a small fibre optic tree and I hang some of the Christmas wallhangings I have made.... we spend Christmas at my daughters and we always used to go away straight after Christmas for our summer holidays and didn't want too much to have to put away before we went. I have done most of the Christmas shopping

Jane said...

No real trees for me. They're pretty expensive and hard to dispose of. We live in an apartment so we don't have those huge displays on roof and the front of the house. People do hang lights and menorahs by the window.

PinkPeony said...

Hi Jeanne!

I wasn't going to decorate this year since hubster's heading back to NJ next week, but I got roped into hosting Christmas Eve dinner for 30 so now, I'll drag out the small tree and my snowglobe collection...and order more Christmas crackers, and try to figure out what to do for table centerpieces. At least this gives me an excuse to order more stemware and flatware.
Congrats on the GR, Daz!

mariska said...

Jeanne said :

Seriously, how can it POSSIBLY be the 8th of December already?

and i'd just want to say :
Happy Birthday Jeanne *grins* swinging by from FB *hugs*

No decorations for me, coz i don't celebrate Christmas ;)

Book Chatter Cath said...

We're doing our first ever real Xmas tree, and I gotta say I'm NOT lovin' the smell :(
Cath

Helen said...

Well done Daz have fun with him

Jeanne
Firstly HAPPY BIRTHDAY I do hope you have a great one

WE have started with the tree (artificial that Jayden and Hayley decorated for me) we used to get real ones for many years and I do so love the smell of them in the house but they don't last that long here in Oz because of the heat and they are really expensive now I saw some the other day at the local supermarket and they were $40 each. On the front door I have a long tartan ribbon with bells on it the grandkids love to play with it so they hear the bells LOL, and I hang all the cards on the venetion blinds in the lounge room and no we don't do lights hubby can't climb ladders so this is something we have never done but a lot of our neighbours do so I get to see them.
I have got the pressies done I just need to wrap them and I have posted the cards and I have made 5 Christmas cakes so in my house it is begining to feel a lot like Christmas and it has been really hot over here the last few days.

I will gladly have an egg nog and enjoy the watching the Boys put the decorations up

Have Fun
Helen

hrdwrkdmom aka Dianna said...

I didn't decorate either. Just waiting for the neighbors across the street to start, I am giving them my decorations, they go all out and I talked to her about it Halloween.
The smell of cinnamon and other spices always brings on the nostalgia for me.

Joan said...

if you get Sangria! You'll get a LOT!)

Why yes, mortal....indeed you do, indeed you do.

Ah, this modern day rendition of Saturnalia.....it does bring back memories. Adoring underlings showering me with gifts of finest quality, festive gatherings with all good things holiday: roasted mice dipped in sugar, cakes of fruit that I still have and set upon the mantle as a reminder of how cheap Ceasar really was.

Loincloths hung by the chimney with care...

As a boon to this amusing gathering of intriguing mortals known as Banditas, I am offering sleigh rides drawn by my own personal cache of gladiators. I will festoon them in green and red and well placed tinsel. Every celebration should include sparkles, hmmmmm

Farewell for the non....

Caren Crane said...

Daz, you are once again in possession of the Holiday Rooster. Not sure how decorative he is, though! *g*

Jeanne, I'm so glad you got on it with decorating the Lair, because I am officially running out of steam! After cleaning the house all Saturday morning, we began to decorate. The tree is up, with lights and some glass balls. The cute stuff will go on tonight. Inside, about 1/2 the junk is out. The other half will be arranged before the weekend is over.

I have not started Christmas cards yet, but most of the gifts are bought. Believe it or not, ALL my children requested socks and underwear for Christmas, so I still need to buy those. In our house, socks and underwear mean love. I trained my kids to believe it and apparently it worked!

The round of Christmas parties starts tomorrow and I am ready to party! After I make food, of course. Happy decorating!

Christine Wells said...

Jeanne, the idea of a real tree seems wonderful. We have a plastic simulation every year and we like to decorate it to the nines with gaudy flashing coloured lights disco glitter ball and all. I love the idea of a crackling fireplace with Christmas stockings. One day we'll get to enjoy a white Christmas! My favourite Christmas decorations are the ones my boys make. They take pride of place on our tree.

KJ Howe said...

Fabulous blog, Jeanne! Gets me in the mood. For the last three years, I haven't been at home for Christmas, so this is a special one for me. My house is decked out and the weather is cooperating because we have several inches of snow on the ground! Wishing everyone an amazing holiday!!!

Christie Kelley said...

I love your comments about the outdoor lights. My father always had lights on the house. Now it's my job. I put them up before Thanksgiving because it was warm but didn't start plugging them in until 12/1.

The tree is up (artificial because of allergies) and everything is set except my living room. I need to run to Michael's for a few things today. I'm hosting my chapter's holiday party on Saturday so I need to get it all done by Friday.

This year I made 13 wreaths for the front windows and the front door. I used to put swags on the sills that I had made for our house in DE but they just weren't working on these windows. It was fun making them and decorating them with berries and pine cones.

I'm way behind on shopping this year so I'm off to Amazon to order a few things!

KJ Howe said...

And, a very Happy Birthday to a special girl! Hope all your wishes come true today!

Terri Osburn said...

I haven't done any decorating in the new place, my I'm starting to get the itch. I'm thinking of digging the stuff out from under the stairs tonight.

I have a cheap artificial (can't keep a real one alive for anything) that is practically anemic, but my cat (now catS) tends to knock it down and spread all the bulbs around the house.

The plan this year is to tie the tree to the stair railing in hopes of keeping it upright!

My sister is the uber-decorater in the family. If you're in her house while she's decorating, and you sit still too long, you will be wrapped in garland. LOL!

Terri Osburn said...

Forgot to throw my Birthday Wishes into the mix. Hope it's a great one, Jeanne!

Joan said...

Terri,

My cat tree trimming includes trip wires, air defense and bitter yuck...

We'll see....

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hey Barb! Happy Holidays! You said: "I have done most of the Christmas shopping"

Okay, it's uncharitable, but I'm jealous that you've done your shopping. :> I've not even started!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi Jane!! You said: No real trees for me. They're pretty expensive and hard to dispose of. We live in an apartment so we don't have those huge displays on roof and the front of the house. People do hang lights and menorahs by the window.

Oh, cool that people do decorate the windows! I'll bet the real tree WOULD be hard to dispose of from an apartment. Grins. I always think of Sandra Bullock in While You Were Sleeping, hauling the tree up the side of the building. :>

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Morning Pink! You said: I got roped into hosting Christmas Eve dinner for 30 so now, I'll drag out the small tree and my snowglobe collection...and order more Christmas crackers, and try to figure out what to do for table centerpieces. At least this gives me an excuse to order more stemware and flatware.

Oooh, an excuse to buy stemware and flatware!! I love it! :> And you get stars in your crown for hosting 30 people. Grins.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi Mariska!!!

You said: and i'd just want to say : Happy Birthday Jeanne *grins* swinging by from FB *hugs*
No decorations for me, coz i don't celebrate Christmas ;)


Heehee. Thanks, Mariska!! I'm having a good birthday. My boys sang me happy birthday, which was just the best way to start the day. :>

What's the big decoration holiday for you?

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Cath's Chatter said: We're doing our first ever real Xmas tree, and I gotta say I'm NOT lovin' the smell :(

Really? I love the smell. :> I know sometimes it can be a little much in small spaces though. :>

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hey Helen! You look cozy over there by the tree with some nog. Isn't it a lovely view, watching the guys trim the top of the tree? Not as well spaced and elegant as a woman would do it, but hey...the view.

Thanks for the birthday wishes, and as I said about Barb, I'm envious that your prezzie shopping is done. I've got my list made...does that count? Ha!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi Dianna! I love the cinnamon and spices that come with holiday baking too. Yum! Pumpkin PIE!!! (Remember the pie vs. cake debate from last year? grins.)

You'll have to let us know how your neighbor does with all the decorations you've given her. :>

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Why HELLO, Goddess Sangria! I had to LOL about how cheap Ceaser was, with his fruitcake. How interesting that you've kept them. Snork.

You said: As a boon to this amusing gathering of intriguing mortals known as Banditas, I am offering sleigh rides drawn by my own personal cache of gladiators. I will festoon them in green and red and well placed tinsel. Every celebration should include sparkles, hmmmmm

*raises hand* Me first! Me first! THere's just nothing like well-placed tinsel, now is there?

Jo Davis said...

Hi Jeanne!

I heard there was some decorating, baking, and merry-making going on here! And I just luuuuv a great party!

Hey, those ornaments my firemen gave ya'll last week look pretty! I'm gonna have to get those boys over here and put them to work finishing my decorations. Still have to put up the tree and we're going with a real one this year for the first time in quite a while.

The outside of the house is done, though--my teenagers have it lit up like Times Square!! :)

Great post, Jeanne!

Terri Osburn said...

Joanie - There's something called bitter yuck? LOL! I had no idea. You'll have to let me know if the defenses hold!

Jeanne - My shopping is about 95% done. That's really good for me, as I'm one of those usually still shopping on Christmas Eve.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hey Caren! How cool that you've got everything mostly done. :>

You said Believe it or not, ALL my children requested socks and underwear for Christmas, so I still need to buy those. In our house, socks and underwear mean love. I trained my kids to believe it and apparently it worked!

Oh, you are GOOOOOOOD!!! :>

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi Christine! A real tree, in a cold climate, is really fun. I'm not sure how it would do in a warm one. :>

You said, My favourite Christmas decorations are the ones my boys make. They take pride of place on our tree.

Isn't is the truth?! Love the ones they make for me too. Except for that one that looks like a radish...not sure what to do about that one.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hey KJ!! You world traveler you, I'm not surprised you've not been home for the holidays. :>

You said: My house is decked out and the weather is cooperating because we have several inches of snow on the ground! Wishing everyone an amazing holiday!!!

I love that you have SNOW!! WOOT!!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi Christie!! I'm so excited that you're hosting the chapter party.

I'm hosting my chapter's holiday party on Saturday so I need to get it all done by Friday.

This year I made 13 wreaths for the front windows and the front door.


How COOL about making the wreaths!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi Terri! You said:
The plan this year is to tie the tree to the stair railing in hopes of keeping it upright!


I used to have to do this when I had Siamese cats. :> They did like to climb the branches.

The dogs leave it alone, thank goodness.

Had to LOL about your sister decorating anything that sat still long enough. :>

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Joan said: My cat tree trimming includes trip wires, air defense and bitter yuck...

The bitter apple yuck always worked for me!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi Jo! :> You said: Hey, those ornaments my firemen gave ya'll last week look pretty! I'm gonna have to get those boys over here and put them to work finishing my decorations.

We'll throw on another pot of chili and maybe another ten racks of ribs on the grill in anticipation of your crew coming to join in!

And we do love the ornaments! :>

Jo, had to LOL about the house being lit up like Times Square.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi Terri! You said: Jeanne - My shopping is about 95% done. That's really good for me, as I'm one of those usually still shopping on Christmas Eve.

Oh, man, everyone's got the jump on me!

jo robertson said...

Such an entertaining post, Jeanne. I'm grinning like a fool just reading it. You've certainly primed us for the holiday and reminded me that my "decorations" are in boxes in the living room!

I love the smells of Christmas, especially the baking odors -- cinnamon and eucalyptus and spices!

We have to forgo many pieces in my angel collection as Emma is now two and goes straight for whatever is expensive or breakable or dangerous. I think it's in her kid-dar

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Thanks for all the yummy birthday wishes!! :>

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hey Jo! :> I love that yummy baking too.

You said: We have to forgo many pieces in my angel collection as Emma is now two and goes straight for whatever is expensive or breakable or dangerous. I think it's in her kid-dar

Had to LOL about this. I can finally put out some of the cool decorations, now that my youngest is of a more "responsible" age.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Apparently "Yummy" is my word for today. Grins.

Donna MacMeans said...

Hi guys - Sorry I'm late. Had to run out and pick up some mistletoe - lots of mistletoe. Now if one of the boys can bring me some nog.... Thanks - that'll do (especially after I add just a little bit more Christmas cheer in the mug - there.)

Oh - and I brought my Bob Crachett ornament (you remember Bob - Scrooge's accounting clerk?) for the tree. I figure he's a tribute to accountants everywhere.

Now - let's see. You were talking about the benefits of real versus artifical trees. We used to get a live tree every year. Loved the fresh scent and the pure individuality of each tree. However, after the third year of scrapeing our hands raw trying to remove the ornaments from the dry branches after Christmas, and after jabbing our bare feet in July on sharp pine needles still lurking in the carpet - we decided to go artificial. Economically, it was a smart move. Environmentally, it was a smart move. For the health and well-being of the family, it was a smart move. But I still miss the scent and those diffusers touting an evergreen scent just don't work.

Ah well - The bandita tree looks wonderful especially with all those rooster ornaments. The GR is so proud.

Kate Carlisle said...

Ahhh, it looks beautiful in the Lair!! Thank you, Jeanne! I'm finally feeling some holiday spirit, thanks to your wonderful post!

We're traveling during the holidays so I'm sorry to admit we won't have a tree this year. But one thing I can't do without are the scents of Christmas around the house. So we have a fresh wreath and garland hanging on the mantel Mmm, smells so good. (We've got a few favorite ornaments hanging there, too.)

I'll probably make some yummy soup, too. That always makes the house feel cozy. :-)

Happy Birthday, Duchesse!!

Congrats, Daz! Maybe the GR can help you unpack some boxes. :-)

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Donna!! You ROCK! You found all the mistletoe. Most excellent. Everyone - including the gladiators and cabana boys - will be happy about THAT! :>

You said: Oh - and I brought my Bob Crachett ornament (you remember Bob - Scrooge's accounting clerk?) for the tree. I figure he's a tribute to accountants everywhere.

I love it! Yippeee to Bob Cratchett! (I need to get one of those for my DH!)

That 'nog is great, btw!! Yummmmm...

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Kate said: I'm finally feeling some holiday spirit, thanks to your wonderful post!

Awww, thanks! :>

We traveled at Thanksgiving, so we're home for the Holidays in December. :> Yeah! But when we have traveled, I've done like you said and put up at least a wreath and some ornaments, just to keep it festive. :>

Hank Phillippi Ryan said...

I'm still trying to figure out what he put up instead of a stocking..hmmm...trying to picture it...

ANd what would someone be expected to put into it?? Oh, it's so confusing here in the Lair..

Happy Holidays!!!!!

Nancy said...

Jeanne, we have done nothing so far. Nothing. The tree supposedly is going up this weekend. That will mean rearranging the living room, a process all of our dogs have despised. It'll be interesting to see how Herself responds.

I have a couple of ornaments saved from my folks' collection, and the dh has woven paper baskets that belonged to his Swedish great-grandmother. Those go on the tree and come off it first.

We also have ornaments we bought in San Francisco on our honeymoon and ones we bought on trips we took together--none from England, though, so we have to remedy that someday.

I said something to the boy last Christmas about labelling those so he would know where they came from, and he said, (ack!) "Don't worry about it. That's not really important to me." ACK!!

We also have ornaments that commemorate our various dogs. Those, he may care more about. *sigh*

Berta Platas said...

Nothing says 'holidays' like a well turned-out Banditas lair. I'm off to trim my own trees. Yes, two. One will be full of train ornaments. My husband is an aficionado of all things railroad, and he gets his own showcase, to spare the rest of us from having locomotives with our Santas. Hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas/Hanukkah/Solstice/Snow Day!

Nancy said...

Jeanne, we put up one string of outdoor lights, retro ones with the big bulbs. I'm hoping to wheedle the dh into adding the holly bush and the little tree that sprang up by the porch this year.

There used to be a guy a couple of blocks from here who decorated his house so extensively, you could see it through the trees about half a mile away even though he lived down a steep hill from the main road. Every bit of the house was outlined in colored lights. He had lights on the fence, inflatables spotlighted (spotlit?) on the roof and in the yard, light figures in the yard. It was amazing.

We called him Christmas Guy and always drove by his house a couple of times during the holidays. Alas, but he moved (possibly to the great relief of his neighbors).

White lights seem to be "in" this year around here, but I find lots of white lights all over the house and yard, but no color, less interesting.

Nancy said...

Hank Phillippi Ryan wrote: ANd what would someone be expected to put into it?? Oh, it's so confusing here in the Lair..

Yes, it is. Sometimes we can't keep the players straight.

You know, that thing Demetrius hung up looks an awful lot like a straitjacket. Except, hmm, it's sewn up around the bottom.

How bizarre. It does make a person wonder just what he expects to turn up inside it.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi Hank! Happy Holidays!

You said:I'm still trying to figure out what he put up instead of a stocking..hmmm...trying to picture it...

ANd what would someone be expected to put into it?? Oh, it's so confusing here in the Lair..


Heh, heh, heh. *VEG* I think the Goddess Sangria clued me in..."loincloths are hung by the chimney with care"? Maybe it's a loincloth.

I know what to put in those. Grins.

Nancy said...

Lots of stuff under the tree already. Big, long package labeled, "From Marcus to Lucian, Io Saturnalia, Frater!" Long, narrow, heavy. A sword, maybe?

"From Zach to Sven." Hmm. Suspiciously book-shaped. Could be a cookbook. Or not.

"To Paolo from the GR." The GR? He never gives anybody anything, selfish bird. Square box, red paper, silver bow, and . . . ticking? Ticking!

Oh, crud. Demetrius! Get your guys in here with their shields. We may need a bomb disposal expert from somebody's RS novel, too. Or not. But why take chances?

Nancy said...

A loincloth, Duchesse? You know, it could be. If that's a loincloth, though, somebody . . . y'know, never mind on that.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hey Nancy! I'm glad I'm not the only one who's behind in the decor dept. :>

You said: none from England, though, so we have to remedy that someday.

Oh, you MUST remedy THAT! :> We've got some from our various and sundry trips as well. We also have one of the White House ornaments for virtually every year we've been together. I hang them on one of those ornament trees so they can be seen. :>

I have the dog ornaments too, altho' the year after I lose one, I usually can't hang the ornament. It's too hard.

I'm with you on ACK! the boy not caring that much ACK! about where the ornaments came from. ACK!

Patricia Rice said...

Sounds like a few of you have been sipping the Christmas spirit instead of admiring it! Hope you're all having a joyous time, no matter what you're doing.

We were out of town over Thanksgiving, our traditional decorating period, so we're rushing to play catch up. But now that the kids are out of the house and we travel over the holidays, I simply don't bother with the huge task of the twenty-foot tree, artificial or not. We have wreaths and candles and cinnamon scents and packages kicking about, and tickets to Harry Potter World in Orlando!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi Berta! So lovely to have you stop by!

You said: My husband is an aficionado of all things railroad, and he gets his own showcase, to spare the rest of us from having locomotives with our Santas. Hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas/Hanukkah/Solstice/Snow Day!

And happy ChrismaHanuKwanzakah, Yule and snow day to you too!

I love that you showcase the trains! My boys (and DH) all love the trains. We've been plotting a garden railroad when my DH retires in a few years. :>

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Nancy, I love the retro lights! I do all our azaleas out front, and the plum tree too. :>

You said: We called him Christmas Guy and always drove by his house a couple of times during the holidays. Alas, but he moved (possibly to the great relief of his neighbors).

How cool! There's a family around here that does this too. They actually get an off-duty cop to direct traffic in their section of the neighborhood during the holidays. It's great. :>

And there's a cool show on HGTV about people who go all out with the lights. Love that!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Nancy said: "To Paolo from the GR." The GR? He never gives anybody anything, selfish bird. Square box, red paper, silver bow, and . . . ticking? Ticking!

Oh, crud. Demetrius! Get your guys in here with their shields. We may need a bomb disposal expert from somebody's RS novel, too. Or not. But why take chances?


Oh dear. When was the last time the GR went to P226's or Cassondra's? Or to YOU, Nancy? He may have been delving toooo deeply into the research shelves!

YIKES!!!

Shields at the ready gents!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Nancy said: A loincloth, Duchesse? You know, it could be. If that's a loincloth, though, somebody . . . y'know, never mind on that.

Snork.

Yeah, let's just not go there...

Nancy said...

Berta, I did not know that about your dh. How cool!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

All right, it appears we have a situation here....

Thanks for bringing the sheilds. Where's Paolo? It's his present...not to be found. Okay.

Executive decision! LUC!!! The hockey hunks are the ones to deal with this. I don't have a bomb disposal expert handy, and Jo Davis's firemen are off on a call.

Luc, you're out of breath. Suck it up, dude. I know you've been up on Ermingarde before, right?

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

*From Hockey Hunk Luc*

It wasn't a ride, really. More of a prank.

Suzanne Ferrell said...

*Yawning, stretching, trying to wrangle this bed hair into a ponytail, I wander down the stairs past the garlands strewn deocratively up the balastrade into the kitchen.*

Sven, who turned the Lair into a forest of evergreen, holly and mistletoe?

*I take the cup of mulled cider, a buttered croissant and stumble into the main hall.*

Wow would you look at all the decorations and the stockings hung everywhere, (whatever has Demetrius hung now?).

*Coming closer to the tree, I see some rope and a rabbit's foot amongst the book covers.*

Oh Sven, a small ode to my book!

*I plant a soft kiss to the big Swede's cheek.*

Christmas has definitely hit the Lair!

Nancy said...

Jeanne wrote: Oh dear. When was the last time the GR went to P226's or Cassondra's? Or to YOU, Nancy?

Hey, no pinning this on me! I don't even have any books about that stuff. I rely on asking my buds.

You know, anybody can write the GR's name on a tag. Not sure we should pin it on him, either. Unfortunately, he doesn't have fingerprints we can check.

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Jo Davis!

Glad to see you could stop by and see the ornaments your firefighters gave us!

Hank! Glad to see you, too! The Lair is a wild place on normal days, much less party days, huh?!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

*Snickers from the other Hockey players.*

Prank or not, you get to do it again. Take that - the ticking package - and go up on Ermingarde and give it a hard toss beyond her nose.

One look at that flashy red paper and she'll incinerate it for us.

Hope it isn't some fancy Swiss clock, but knowing the GR...

What are you waiting for!?

GO!!!

Nancy said...

Anybody who can have people flailing big sticks at him ought to be able to handle a little dragon ride with a ticking package.

Just sayin' . . .

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Suz said:
Oh Sven, a small ode to my book!

*I plant a soft kiss to the big Swede's cheek.*

Christmas has definitely hit the Lair!


He needs the kiss, Suz. The GR tried to give Paolo something that ominously ticked.

I've sent Luc off with it for potential bomb disposal.

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Watching LUC climb up the dragon with a red package.

Nancy? Jeanne? What the heck is that boy up to now? And why is Paolo hiding behind the tree?

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

*the male members of the Lair staff head to the huge front doors*

Demetrius, grinning: Ermingarde's up.

Lance: Luc'll get it done, eah?


*BOOOOOM!!!!*

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

There's your answer, Suz. :>

Paolo, it's okay. The dragon certainly didn't send the package to you, and she's the only one who's wanted to singe you lately.

I need some investigators. Mme, is Jardine around? KJ, do you have someone you can loan us?

Someone's after Paolo, and it isn't Ermingarde.

As Nancy said, as rascally as teh GR IS, I don't think he'd risk his quite well feathered nest by blowing up the Lair.

Hmmmm....

Suzanne Ferrell said...

HEhehe...The GR has been reading Steampunk. Maybe it's not a bomb. Maybe it's a Clockwork Chicken?

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Ah...bomb it is...er...was

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Suz said: Ah...bomb it is...er...was

Guess so. There'll be a lot of backslapping and drinking now, I think.

Oh, well. :>

Hey, I like the package and ornaments with the rabbit's foot! Very nice touch to commemorate your book!

Nancy said...

Suz wrote: And why is Paolo hiding behind the tree?

Um, because hiding is his first instinct when the dragon is involved?

I can't wait until everyone can understand that little tribute to your smokin' book. *g*

How nice of Sven to think of it.

"A Clockwork Chicken?" Love it!

Nancy said...

Wow. That was some present. Good thing the guys took care of it, or it might have smashed all these lovely decorations. Not to mention lovely us.

At least we now have a bomb disposal procedure in place. I think Ermingarde deserves an extra-big dinner and Luc deserves a good, strong drink.

Plus he probably gets macho points from the guys for being the one to take care of the bomb.

jo robertson said...

Jeanne, I forgot to wish you a happy birthday!! May you have a wonderful day!

Twenty-nine, right? Tee hee.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Nancy said: At least we now have a bomb disposal procedure in place. I think Ermingarde deserves an extra-big dinner and Luc deserves a good, strong drink.

Plus he probably gets macho points from the guys for being the one to take care of the bomb.


Ah, so true! And a good method as far as it goes. Grins.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Jo said: Jeanne, I forgot to wish you a happy birthday!! May you have a wonderful day!

Twenty-nine, right? Tee hee.


Yes. Yes, indeed! :>

Gannon Carr said...

I still haven't put up my decorations. *hanging head in shame* I love Christmas, but I've been a little slow this year in decking the halls. I'll be correcting that this week.

BTW, the Lair looks fabulous! ;-)

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi Gannon!

No, no shame now. I've not done it either so we're in the same boat. Here, have some eggnog. It'll put you in the spirit...or is that spirits? Either way. :>

You said: I'll be correcting that this week.
BTW, the Lair looks fabulous! ;-)


Doesn't it though? The guys have done a good job, with a little direction from us. (As always!) Did you see the wreath on the Tower? OMGosh, it's ginormous. If we can keep Ermingarde the dragon from eating it throughout the holidays, it'll be a miracle.

Grins.

But hey, it's the season of miracles, right?

Happy Holidays, Gannon!

gamistress66 said...

The Lair sounds wonderful -- I just can't help but want to stay for a long visit to really get the holiday mood :D

The tree is up at my house (artificial, less headache & can have it for a long, long time without worry), it just doesn't feel right without the tree twinkling and shining and etc. That'll be about it for holiday decor for me this year. Use to do more but with just me & the dog and no company expected it's hard to try to squeeze the time to do it (and putting it all away is even worse - depressing), I'd rather read a good romance :) The holiday lights & music are what come to mind 1st (after family/friends, of course) when I think about Christmas.

Hope everyone is enjoying the season. I think I'll just relax over here with a nice drink (thank you Paulo) and a cookie or two (thanks Sven) and soak up the atmosphere for a little. :)

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi Gamistress! So glad you dropped in for a cup of cheer and some of those superb cookies!

Doesn't everything look great? I've been trying to persuade the guys to do some carols, but they're all protesting they don't sing.

Do you believe them? I do not.

You said: it just doesn't feel right without the tree twinkling and shining and etc. That'll be about it for holiday decor for me this year. Use to do more but with just me & the dog and no company expected it's hard to try to squeeze the time to do it (and putting it all away is even worse - depressing), I'd rather read a good romance :)

It's wonderful to have the tree, isn't it? As to the reading, as you know, we have some great selections for you...and some to give away come next Monday...

Tempt, tempt...

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Okay, who put the mistletoe over the door to the kitchen?

Sven wants it DOWN RIGHT NOW! He's complaining about the germs from all the smooching being too close to the food. Not that Sven is against kissing (and neither is Aunty--*hint*Hint*) just not in the food prep area.

(Whatever you do, DO NOT remind him of certain 'festivities' involving the dining table during one of Kate's [or was it Tawny's?] launch parties!)

The Lair looks FABULOUS! Happy to see my Grinch ornament is firmly in place near the top of the tree. This will be the extent of my holiday decoration. Like Gamistress, I'd rather be reading... I'll just sit here beside Helen and enjoy my eggnog and watch the boys. ;-)

Happy Bday, Darling Duchesse! With that little excitement with the bomb disposal, this will be one birthday you won't forget.

AC

Nancy said...

Gannon, we haven't even gotten our decorations out of the closet yet. So you and I can be in the slowpoke corner together.

Nancy said...

Gamistress, my first year out of school, I bought a tree and some cheap ornaments for my apartment. It just didn't seem like the holidays without a tree.

We have lots of cool decorations, mostly because people gave them to us over the years, but very few of them actually adorn the house. We just don't have time to clear and rearrange for all of them, and we find that we're way less stressed when we just do what we feel like and call it done.

Nancy said...

Jeanne, I do not believe the guys do not sing. The hockey hunks sing their respective national anthems before every game. I have heard song-like noises coming out of the gladiator villa late at night, especially on nights when I've seen a keg going in there through the back door (like we wouldn't know!).

And I'm pretty sure I've heard singing, or at least humming, going on when the cabana boys are upstairs dusting.

Anonymous said...

Ooh, pretty!!

Since I haven't turned in my book yet, it can't be 12/1, right? Right?

(Checks calendar.)

Ruh-roh. I guess I better get deco ... er writing! I'll just grab some Sven for the road first, okay?

Happy holidays, Banditas!!

Nancy said...

Jessica, good luck finishing up. I hope you got a cup of the wassail the guys brought out a few minutes ago.

catslady said...

I have done nothing as yet - yikes! We get a live tree - it's more work but a must have. We put it up a different times every year because I give a tree trimming party - this year it's the 19th. My married daughter has kept up the tradition and she has the 12th. I've had it as late as the day before Christmas to 3 weeks before. I usually keep it up a month no matter when. I almost made it to valentines day one year hahaha.

Cassondra said...

Hi Jeanne!

What a wonderful blog--gets me in the mood for Christmas! That said, nothing in my house is Christmasy. Nary a bit of tinsel is out, though there are a couple of ornaments sitting around cuz they never made it into the box last year.

I don't know if I'll get the energy to decorate this year or not. I really, REALLY Want to. Hmmm...maybe this weekend....

Kirsten said...

Jeanne, I'm thrilled you've adopted the wacky (er, it's ugly around here, but I'm letting you go with wacky) ornament tradition! I will be looking for one for you to help jump start your collection.

The Lair looks fabulous!! Well done everyone!

My decking the halls tradition is listening to John Denver and the Muppets Christmas album...and cringing when the kids pull out the delicate glass ornaments, usually breaking at least one. This year, I proclaimed one especially delicate angel my favorite ornament, and gave my daughter the honor of hanging it...she promptly dropped and broke it. She was heartbroken, but honestly, I don't get too attached to "stuff". She felt much worse about it than I do.

This year we added a new decoration to the tree...the little white dog curled up underneath. So sweet! :-)

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hey AC is in da Howze! Or should I say da lair! Grins.

You said: Not that Sven is against kissing (and neither is Aunty--*hint*Hint*) just not in the food prep area.

Heehee. We had so much, I guess the guys got carried away. Either that or one of them was hoping to catch that gal who delivers the beef for Ermingarde under the kissing bough. :>

As to certain festivities, my lips are sealed, AC!

Thanks for the B-day wishes! I'm having a lovely day hanging out in the Lair, decorating for Christmas. Tonight, I've been given "the night off" on homework help and dinner clean up, and I'm going to curl up with a good book. :>

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Jessica said: Ruh-roh. I guess I better get deco ... er writing! I'll just grab some Sven for the road first, okay?

Apparently, there's a whole lot of Sven-Love going on around there that I didn't know about!

First Suz is kissing him in the Great Hall, then AC's smirking over various antics in the kitchen, and now JESSICA, is grabbin' her some Sven-for-the-road!

YIKES!!

Heeheeehee. I'm thinkin' maybe Jessica was really trying to say she was going to get some of Sven's goodies for the road - wait, now that doesn't sound right either. SNORK!!!

Hope you enjoyed the eggnog, Jessica! Don't count on getting any writing done after a mug of that though. It's wicked strong. :>

Nancy said...

Catslady, the party sounds great. I went to a tree-trimming party in Brooklyn, NY, once, and it was great. Somebody brought oreo ice cream pie, and there was this fabbo green punch (which really packed a concealed wallop), and we had the tree done in no time.

Nancy said...

Cassondra, we're decorating this weekend. I hope you get yours done, too.

Nancy said...

Kirsten, I'm so sorry about the broken angel. I have three left (I think they're papier mache) from a set of six, each with a musical instrument) my parents bought me (because I pleaded) when I was in grade school.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Oh, Catslady, what a FAB tradition! And how fun that your daughter is carrying it on too.

Hmmm....may have to steal that idea and do it here next year. :>

I think we're going to do an impromptu neighborhood chili party this weekend and sing some carols and stuff because it's cold-cold-COLD outside!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

*Hands Cassondra a mug of Wassail*

Here, girlfriend. If that doesn't get you in the Christmas spirit, nothing will. Grins.

I never in a million years expected we'd run out of Sangria. THere was more 'Nog, but the guys made Wassail for the silver punch bowl.

Very, very tasty. Strong, but tasty. (With a kick like a South Carolina mule too!)

You said: I don't know if I'll get the energy to decorate this year or not. I really, REALLY Want to. Hmmm...maybe this weekend....


We can both do it this weekend. Grins. Hup! Haul out the decor!

Cassondra said...

One thing about having kids....you can't fudge the holidays over....you have to do it up right for their sakes. And I think that's a good thing. When I'm under a lot of stress, I could very easily turn into a grinchy, scroogey type during this time of year. Must have something to get me in gear--even without the little ones to think of.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi Kirsten!

Wait, you said: This year we added a new decoration to the tree...the little white dog curled up underneath. So sweet! :-)

Is this a live puppy? A real dog? WOOT!!! I love it! Name? Rank? Breed?

I'll look forward to starting my ugly ornament collection. :>

I love the Muppets Sing Christmas, And isn't the Muppet Christmas Carol the best?

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Cassondra said: Must have something to get me in gear--even without the little ones to think of.

Here, more Wassail. Snork. Mug-O-Christmas-Spirit.

SNORK!

(Maybe I better get a sandwich from that huge pile of sandwiches Paolo just brought out, or something equally substantial. I think the wassail has sailed...right to my head!)

hrdwrkdmom aka Dianna said...

As a boon to this amusing gathering of intriguing mortals known as Banditas, I am offering sleigh rides drawn by my own personal cache of gladiators. I will festoon them in green and red and well placed tinsel. Every celebration should include sparkles, hmmmmm



I am in on that! Heck, you can even forget the tinsel.

hrdwrkdmom aka Dianna said...

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...
You'll have to let us know how your neighbor does with all the decorations you've given her. :>

When I came home this evening they were all out there working on the decorations. I ran across and asked if she could use anything and she said oh yeah, they were having a field day going through the goodies, it should be finished tomorrow.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi Dianna! Glad you joined us after work! The sleigh rides have been such a hit, I don't think the Goddess Sangria's been back in. Hmmm....there are a couple of the guys missing too....did that firefighter of Jo's, the really tall one, come back in after HIS sleigh ride?

No, I am NOT sending out a search party. I do NOT want Sangria mad at me for interrupting...anything.

Grins.

Dianna, you said: When I came home this evening they were all out there working on the decorations. I ran across and asked if she could use anything and she said oh yeah, they were having a field day going through the goodies, it should be finished tomorrow.

COOL! I love the outdoor decor. I drove home from picking up my youngest this evening and even more houses were lit up. LOVE IT!

Beth Andrews said...

Happy Birthday, Jeanne!! Hope all your dreams for the upcoming year come true :-)

I'm such a slacker - we don't have any decorations up yet. I'm hoping to get to it this weekend but honestly, it might have to wait until after my son gets home next week. I'm hoping I can talk him into stringing the outside lights. Of course we now have a couple feet of snow so outside lights may not happen this year :-)

I love a real tree but three of us have allergies and we got tired of sniffling and sneezing and feeling miserable during the holidays so we switched to an artificial one. It's just not the same *g*

Kathleen said...

I JUST finished hanging the outside lights and they look loverly. Happy holidays, y'all!

Trish Milburn said...

You know, normally I decorate like crazy with two trees and lots of lights. But this year I've not put up the trees. We're getting ready to have a bit of work done in the main living area where the big tree goes, so no tree. I do plan to go driving around some night to look at lights though, and I want to go check out the displays at the newly reopened Opryland Hotel. It's always gorgeous out there at Christmas, and I bet they've done some new things with the redesign.

Louisa Cornell said...

I wish I could travel to OZ with the GR to visit you, Daz! It is FREEZING here in LA - Lower Alabama !! In the 20's tonight!

Duchesse, Dahlink !!! Happy, Happy Birthday, my dear!! May all of your birthday wishes come true !! Your 29th, right?


I DO so love the Lair at Christmas! So festive and fun!!
Where DID they find those loin cloths with the light up mistletoe on them?

Hope to get the tree up on Friday. First time I have used an artificial one in many, many years. Usually I buy a live Leland cyprus or a ceder with an actual root ball in a huge container so that I can plant it on my property. This year, however, I bow to my age or just lack of strength. I just don't think I can strap that container to a hand truck and haul it down the hill! Several of my former Christmas trees are growing on my property and I will put blue and white lights in the one under which my beloved Great Dane, Glory, rests. She loved to watch the Christmas lights.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi Beth! Thanks for the b-day wishes! I like those. :>

I can't believe you have that much snow already! I'm so jealous! Its just bitter, bitter cold here, and wind that takes your breath away. :>

I hope your son will still be able to string the lights. Glad you don't have the sniffles anymore either, with the annual tree. Grins.

Speaking of hunks stringing lights... well, your son's a hunk, right? ... DOn't you have a hunky Marine in your latest book? Does he do Christmas lights? Grins.

It's out now, right?

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Kathleen said: I JUST finished hanging the outside lights and they look loverly. Happy holidays, y'all!

ROCK-ON, Kathleen! That's great! Colors, white or mix of both?

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi Trish! You said: I want to go check out the displays at the newly reopened Opryland Hotel. It's always gorgeous out there at Christmas, and I bet they've done some new things with the redesign.

Ohhhhhh, I wish I could go with you! You should post some pictures if you get a chance. I so wish we could have gone there for national! :>

Too bad about the trees too... but the work sounds interesting...Grins.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hey Louisa! You said:Duchesse, Dahlink !!! Happy, Happy Birthday, my dear!! May all of your birthday wishes come true !! Your 29th, right?

Oh, my yes! I'm just a sweet YOUNG thing, you know? Grins.

And: I DO so love the Lair at Christmas! So festive and fun!!
Where DID they find those loin cloths with the light up mistletoe on them?


Light-up loincloths? Where? Who has on...

Ohhhhhhh.

VERRA nice! Altho to make it light up mistletoe might have been a bit much.... SNORK!!

Duchess Louisa, I was in your fair State just before Thanksgiving for a wedding. Up in NA, however. Waved your way as I crossed the state line, I did. :> Family wedding. VERRY fun.

Louisa Cornell said...

I thought I felt a breeze of mayhem and frivolity wafting down from the North before Thanksgiving!!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Louisa said: I thought I felt a breeze of mayhem and frivolity wafting down from the North before Thanksgiving!!

Hahah! Yep, that was us! :>

Joan said...

Joanie - There's something called bitter yuck?

Yep, there is Terri and let me tell ya..it's bitter.

How do I know? Cause I took the cap off, did NOT check the direction of the spray and sprayed myself in the face! YUCK!

Beth Andrews said...

Speaking of hunks stringing lights... well, your son's a hunk, right? ... DOn't you have a hunky Marine in your latest book? Does he do Christmas lights? Grins.

It's out now, right?


LOL! Yes, my son is a hunk - even though he's still my baby *g*

Brady, the hunky hero in A Marine For Christmas, isn't much in the holiday mood for quite a bit of the book. Luckily, he straightens up by Christmas morning. And he does help the heroine with her tree - though he's a bit grumpy about it ;-)

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Ohhh, Joanie T! That IS yuck! So sorry about that....

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Beth said: Brady, the hunky hero in A Marine For Christmas, isn't much in the holiday mood for quite a bit of the book. Luckily, he straightens up by Christmas morning. And he does help the heroine with her tree - though he's a bit grumpy about it ;-)

Awww. At least he does it. :> I can't wait to read this one, Beth! I've got it on hold at B&N so I can pick it up and not miss it. :>

Joan said...

Mortals!!!! (Thundering Boom)

Having just returned from Mt. Olympus Spa soriee I am appalled to learn that one of my eight tiny (not) gladiators is missing an important item....

Please return the lead glad, Rudolpholous' shiny red....

Hat people!!!

Nancy said...

Beth, I also have A Marine for Christmas on hold and am looking forward to it. Just one more week, and then I can read as much as I want!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Sangria! You're back! Thank goodness. I was afraid we'd offended your delightfulness.

You said: Please return the lead glad, Rudolpholous' shiny red....

I think that's in the bag, over there on the table. We kept it safe.

Grins.

BTW, did one of Jo Davis's firemen, the tall one, go off with you on a sleigh ride? He seems to have disappeared....

Cassondra said...

Trish said:

I want to go check out the displays at the newly reopened Opryland Hotel. It's always gorgeous out there at Christmas, and I bet they've done some new things with the redesign.

Ohhh....I've been hearing the ads. I'm so glad to hear they're open.
We may have to go down there to check it out. I wonder if we could just pay to park and go in and stroll around and see the lights?

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Thanks for coming over today, everyone! It was a great party!

I'm hanging up my party hat for now. Gotta take boys to school in the morning!

G'nite!

Dina said...

I had a pretty wreath and was sad when I tried to put it up, it had gotten broekn while packed away, now to find another one.