Monday, December 31, 2012

Meet Josey Rose

I am happy to report that Josey Rose has arrived!

 Josey is a 7 1/2 week old Miniature Schnauzer.


 Josey came home Saturday. She is doing fairly well with potty training, likes to explore, and absolutely adores being held.





Josey has her own play pen, which, of course, she DOESN'T love. Being contained is an issue for her and we are hopeful that she will soon be able to settle herself down and entertain herself in a crate or play pen.




Thursday, December 27, 2012

All Decked Out: A Terrace Hill Christmas

Welcome to historic Terrace Hill, Iowa's governor's mansion, all decked out for Christmas.

 Terrace Hill
 
 









"Fred"



Love this tree in the hallway on the second floor








Isn't this an amazing bedroom? Look at that fireplace, the seating area, the icicles on the chandelier!





The governor's office at Terrace Hill
His main office is in our state capitol building


A dining area
The first lady recently hosted a Christmas tea at Terrace Hill and a friend of mine attended. I am eager to hear about it, and to find out where they set up all the tables.





The stained glass window at the top of the staircase


 Merry Christmas!
 
 
Jesus is the reason for the season.




Sunday, December 23, 2012

Blizzard of 2012

We're having a white Christmas this year, after a 12" snow last week. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful...

 We got rain first, followed by snow. A lot of ice on the trees resulted in some broken branches (nothing major here at Sunsplash Gardens).


 The black spruce is super pretty in the backyard. This has been such a nice "little" tree.


 Is there anything prettier than a bright red cardinal in the snow?


 I love all the light/shadow contrasts in this photo.

God's creation: I get so much joy from nature.
 
 
God's greatest gift, his Son Jesus. Happy Birthday Jesus! Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift.

Merry Christmas, everyone. It is my prayer that you have a wonderful Christmas and a New Year filled with peace, joy, hope, and good health.


Thursday, December 20, 2012

An Iowa Christmas Card

 This year's tree
 I decorated very simply, using dried hydrangea blossoms from the garden and faux poinsettias interspersed with red balls and a pretty lace angel from a special friend.





 There is an abundance of goodies in the house this time of year.


 Holly china and a glittery silver tabletop tree





 Last year's tree: last year, it was the large artificial tree with colored lights and white poinsettias; this year, it's the slim tree with white lights and red poinsettias.

I like the large, full tree better, but it's a BEAR to carry up from the basement!  lol


 I have three types of Christmas china, which I have a great deal of fun using.














 A greenhouse full of colorful poinsettias







 The one that I brought home; this is just one plant; I think you can see it is trying to revert to its parentage. Pretty, though, isn't it?





 It was SNOW beautiful when I captured this photo last winter. Look how big those flakes are!


 A chippy-paint barn in the snow, framed by ice-covered tree branches


A garden visitor


 My sweet Tortie
 Snow in the cottage garden
Merry Christmas from Sunsplash Gardens!

Jesus is the reason for the season. Let us honor Him and love our fellow man.

Linking to Home, Open House, and Home and Garden Thursday


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