It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

 These pictures were taken during our first snowfall at the beginning of December. We had just finished putting up the candles. I love how they brighten things up!

Since I took these pictures we have had two more storms that have each brought 6-8" of snow. Winter is here for sure!

But is does make it feel cozy and Christmasy!

Thankfully Kerri dog loves the snow! No having to coax her outdoors! (She is usually the one coaxing us!)

It's a Good Day

Hello Friends! I am back! I decided to take a bit of extra time off to recover from the Christmas festivities, the visiting, putting the house in order again and recovering from a sinus infection. 

One of my favorite songs by Perry Como is "It's a Good Day". A fitting song for the beginning post of a new blogging year, isn't it? (This year I will have been blogging for 5 years!)  

It's a Good Day because........

~It's a stormy rainy day perfect for curling up with knitting and watching a Jane Austen movie. Mandy and I have been enjoying the 1972 version of Emma and the 1971 version of Sense and Sensibility.

~After a busy autumn I finally have time to get back to my favorite domestic pursuits. Right now I am on a muffin baking craze!

~I have my Project List made and ready for warm weather. Hopefully I will be able to accomplish a lot this year, including trim and a new sidewalk.

~ I finished up several knitting projects for birthday gifts (on time too!) and can now start a fun scarf for myself.

I would love to hear how It's a Good Day for you?

Cherry Apron

The newest addition to my apron collection! How could I pass it up? Such a cheerful bit of cuteness. 

It is all machine sewn, even the applique, out of a light semi sheer cotton. I love the accent of the mini ric-rac.

There is a tag on one of the ties. When I googled it quite a few aprons popped up by this company, even an apron dress with appliqued cherries!

And some other Cherry goodness from Doris Day!

Christmas Music- Perry Como The Story of Christmas

I love how the Christmas story is present in both words and song. Can you tell Perry Como is my new favorite this year!

Another version of the same story and songs. This time live on tv. Don't you love old clips like this? I am so glad they are still around for me too see.

Christmas Music- Harry Belafonte

I finally found it! Do you remember how I was lamenting because I couldn't find Harry Belafonte singing Jehovah the Lord will Provide?  That was way back in 2011, if you do remember you have a great memory! I am not sure why I decided to look for it again, but I did and there is was! Apparently uploaded days after I had posted.

Such a simple song but with a powerful message. 

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Music- Silver Bells-Perry Como

I remember listening to this as a child. I love this version with all the "silvery bells" in the background.

Did you know Silver Bells was first sung in the 1951 movie "The Lemon Drop Kid" by Bob Hope and Marilyn Maxwell? It is a fun screwball movie with a bit of a Christmas theme.

Can I listen to Christams music now?!?

Especially with the time change and the weather getting colder and all the cloudiness we have been having, I have been longing to listen to Christmas music. It is a little awkward (for me) sometimes, as I hate when people say "Christmas Music Already!!".

One of my favorite Dean Martin songs.

 

My sister and I have been listening to it since October 1st. For me it is a reminder that Christmas is coming and this dark, cold time of year will be over soon. It evokes a coziness that is so comforting. Plus, it is the perfect music to paint to in the evening!

 

Are you a Christmas music lover? Do you blaze it from the house tops or keep it down low? And what do you say when people complain it is too early?

There's a Blue Bird on My Windowsill

 

 This song is my new favorite! It has been stuck in my head the past week.

 

The view from my room.

Andrews Sisters-Walking in a Winter Wonderland

One of my sisters and I favorite singing groups are the Andrews Sisters. This perky trio always brings a smile to our faces. They are the best known for singing 40s wartime swing tunes like Bei Mir Bist du Schon and Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree.

Apple Picking Time!

My favorite autumn activity is apple picking. Perhaps you already guessed that? I talk about apples a lot. We are usually lucky enough to go on a perfect fall day. Beautiful blue skies with a bit of nip in the wind, green apples trees with fruit waiting to be picked. What a pretty sight!

An apple song to go with the fall mood!

Happy weekend everyone!

Christmas Music - Harry Belefonte

 In honor of the Christmas season I am going to try and post Christmas music favorites each Friday. How do I decide? There are too many choices!

Harry Belefonte is one of our favorite singers. We first started listening to his Christmas songs. Some of them folk songs, like Mary's Boy Child.

Our absolute favorite of Harry's is Jehovah the Lord will Provide. Unfortunately I couldn't find a video of it on YouTube. But I did find the words.

Jehovah, Hallelujah, the Lord will provide

Jehovah, Hallelujah, the Lord will provide

The foxes have a hole,

 the birdies have a nest

But the Son of God,

He don't know where to lay His sweet head.

Jehovah, Hallelujah, the Lord will provide
Jehovah, Hallelujah, the Lord will provide

There was room at the inn
For the merchants that day,
But Joseph and Mary had no place to stay.

Jehovah, Hallelujah, the Lord will provide
Jehovah, Hallelujah, the Lord will provide

Then a star in the heavens,
The message did bring!
The tiny Babe in swaddling cloth, was Jesus the King!

Jehovah, Hallelujah, the Lord will provide
Jehovah, Hallelujah, the Lord will provide

A sweet reminder that He provided for His Son and he will provide for us.

Another of our favorites!