Merry Christmas!

I want to wish each and everyone of you a blessed Christmas filled with love, friends, and family.

She brought forth her firstborn Son, and laid him in a manger, for there was no room in the inn.

May we all make room for Jesus in our hearts.

Critters at Sunsplash Gardens

 Gracie likes to sit under the Christmas tree.

Recently I washed some blankets, folded them and set them on the table. Gracie found it an appealing place to rest.

 Just back from the groomer - Josey Rose, my miniature schnauzer

 I added the Santa hat in PicMonkey.

 I put out corn for the squirrels. They will eat a whole ear every day! We call them "piggy" squirrels.

 This blue jay likes corn too.

 Female (left) and male goldfinches on the niger feeder

 The Red-bellied woodpecker likes corn too.

Tortie first came to our yard as a kitten with her mother in 2008. She never left!

We also have seen fox and deer in the yard, and there are two stray cats that come every day for Meow Mix!

There's no place like home for the holidays

There's no place like home for the holidays! Our own home, our childhood home, our children's childhood home (our place)...it's wonderful to spend time with family at this time of the year.

 Trees at night...so pretty!

 Porch decor at our red front door - the red hydrangeas are from my garden, and spray-painted.

 Josey welcomes you.

 The living room

 A tabletop tree

 A better look at the mantel

 The bathroom has a bit of Christmas too.

 A tiny tree on the vanity

 In the back hallway

 Jesus is the reason for the season

 I made peanut brittle for tea time today. The peanut brittle recipe is from Sandi at Rose Chintz Cottage and you can find it here.

 I also have toffee, if you would prefer; or how about a sample of each? If you would like the recipe - it's easy - click here. Recipe is courtesy of Lynn from Happier Than a Pig in Mud.

 I had the good fortune to win a giveaway sponsored by Deborah of The Beautiful Matters.

 Deborah crocheted this festive dishcloth. Love the pretty tag she enclosed with the parcel too. :)



 Two pretty dishcloths, perfect in my Christmas kitchen.

Also, yummy Spice Plum tea - that's what I'm drinking today!
Thanks, Deborah! I feel blessed to have won your blog anniversary giveaway!

Santa's Secret

This weekend I tried my hand at something new - a Swedish Tea Ring.

 A beautiful creation, if I do say so myself.

 It tasted as good as it looks - it's kind of like a decorated (and large) cinnamon roll.

 My tea today is Santa's Secret from David's Tea. If you enjoy specialty teas, David's Tea has something for you! I love Santa's Secret, and other favorites include Pumpkin Chai and Pure Chai.

 Santa's Secret is a black tea blend that has tiny candy canes.

 Time for tea! I serve my Santa's Secret with a generous pour of milk. Candy Cane optional. :)

Tea and a tea ring - what could be better?