Another attempt

And much better I might add

Hungry cardinal

Slightly out of focus so pardon me while I learn to use a new camera

Standing guard

One last look at the tree before the season ends

So sweet

Did I say it snowed?

The weatherman teased us over the weekend by forecasting up to 5 inches of snow yesterday. I hoped we'd get it but unfortunately the storm hugged the coast and all we got was a dusting. Too bad. It was still pretty though.

It's snowing today

Merry Christmas

Manassas train station

Manassas Museum

Pathway to Peace

Surrounding the National Christmas Tree in what is called the Pathway to Peace are smaller trees representing the 50 states, five territories, and the District of Columbia

Celestial delight ... a rare event

I can't pass up a chance to watch history so crawled out of my warm bed twice during the night to catch a glimpse of the total eclipse of the moon. It was also the same day as the winter solstice. The last time a lunar eclipse fell on the winter solstice was December 21, 1638 -- 372 years ago. The next time it is expected to happen is December 21, 2094.

The first picture was taken around 9 PM last night, December 20.


This one was taken right before 1 AM, December 21.


The next two were taken around 2:30 AM. I couldn't get a clear shot but you can see the change in color on both. It was cold too!




The last two were taken at 5 AM, my normal wake up time. And yes, I'm a little sleepy this morning.

Green and red

Nandina, snow, and lights

Christmas in Historic Manassas

Enjoyed strolling through old town Manassas last night before dinner. You can see the snow still on the ground from our first snowfall the day before. Santa rode up on a fire truck while we were there and stopped for a visit at the skating rink. I'm sure that made a few kids happy.

A White House Christmas

Not the greatest picture but it was the best of the bunch. Years ago we took the White House Christmas tour. We stood in line for hours outside of the White House on a cold December 26 evening and it was worth it. Those were probably the most beautiful Christmas decorations I've ever seen.

Santa's everywhere

Angels we have heard on high ....

The National Christmas tree

Sunset in Washington DC

My first sunset in Washington DC and it was beautiful.

A Capitol Christmas

Borrowing a phrase Mama likes to use, we made some rocking chair memories last night with my son and his girlfriend and went into Washington DC to see the Christmas trees. Our first stop was the U.S. Capitol. As you can see, it was beautiful.

Santa's workshop

Kevin's elf

Ready for a sleigh ride?

Warrenton's living manger

New addition to the tree

Radio City Music Hall

Why is he on our tree?

Every year, I ask myself why we have this little fellow on our tree. He's been around for a long time now. He's got nothing to do with Christmas so I really wish I could remember his origin. There must be a story there somewhere. I can't break the tradition though.

The grand illumination

We traveled to old town Warrenton last night to watch my niece's string group perform for their grand illumination. The town was beautiful with all the Christmas decorations and there were lots of groups singing or playing Christmas carols. The weather even cooperated and sent a few snow flurries. It was very festive and really put you in the Christmas spirit.

Sweet angel

My tree, like many others, is decorated with an assortment of ornaments I've collected over the years. One of my favorites is this sweet angel made by my son many moons ago. It's not really an ornament, but she always has a spot front and center on my tree.

Goofy ... the dog

Years ago, my mother-in-law tried to tell me that Goofy was a horse. We argued and argued about this until I finally wrote a letter to Disney asking for their help in settling our argument. Disney very nicely sent me a copy of Goofy's bio ... yes Goofy has a bio ... stating in no uncertain terms that he was a dog. Feeling the need to gloat that year, I cross-stitched this ornament for Mom. We had a good laugh every Christmas when it came time to hang this ornament on her tree. She's gone now and the ornament hangs on my tree now. I'm thinking about her tonight ... and still laughing.

Get the point?

One of many buildings in Atlanta's skyline

All wrapped up

How'd you like to receive this gift? The ribbon really sparkled.

In the window

If you make it to New York for Christmas, the store windows are a must see

Got the lights up

Time to decorate

Red balls in Manhattan