Kaseys Korner

a heartfelt thank you

Because I can't bear to end the year with a bleak winter scene, I thought I'd go out with two favorite photos from summer:

 

I think the end of the year is a perfect time to say thank you to all of you who've taken the time to read my blog this past year, who've left me a comment, encouraged me, supported me, etc.  It's been a wonderful experience beyond anything I imagined when I drafted that first post.  You've inspired me to learn more, grow as a gardener and a person and thrilled me with all your marvelous photos and talents.  I am truly amazed at what I've discovered in blogland.  You've enriched my life although a lot of us have never met and I look forward to continuing that relationship in 2009.

 

From my house and heart to yours, may we all have a healthy, happy, more peaceful and secure 2009.  See you next year!   

December bath

After reading some of your blog posts, talking about seed starting, bulbs emerging, etc., I'm starting to feel the slightest twinge of Spring fever even tho I usually stay pretty immersed in the holidays until January.  After I take down my Christmas decorations/trees, then I'm ready.  Ready for warmer temperatures, ready to plant, ready to browse catalogs, etc.  Maybe that puts me behind the curve ball??  No worries, I'll pick up speed fast!  This sequence of shots (of a Robin taking a bath) is the closest thing I have to a spring post (at the moment).  It starts with a robin flying into the backyard, and taking up a perch on an aspen tree:

  

After determining the "coast is clear," it's straight into the bath:

 

It's nearly inconceivable to think a bird could bathe in privacy, not when the bath is in such high demand!  The little finch never gave up his position on the outskirts of the bath ~ even enjoying some of the splash back from the Robin.

 

A thorough bath includes getting your head wet and washing behind your ears!

 

When it's all over, it's back into the aspen tree to preen and fluff.  Aaahh, what a feeling.  There's nothing like a cleansing bath on a brisk December day.

cats & Christmas trees

What is it about cats & Christmas trees?  Like moths to light, they just seem to be drawn to them.  I can find my cat asleep underneath one of mine almost any time of the day (or night) and if he's not asleep, he's laying on his back (belly up) batting at the ornaments on the lower branches!  Picking ornaments up off the floor has become one of my December morning rituals.  His favorite tree this year is our black tree & with his black coloring, it's hard to see him if his eyes aren't open:

 

Here's the black tree in its entirety:

 

Once upon a time, I had a theory that they were attracted to the tree because of the warmth generated by the lights.  I've since nixed that idea since my lights are usually only on at night.  Now I just think he feels secure (and maybe hidden??) underneath it.  Anyone else have a theory??

still indulging

 

It's going to be soooo hard to get back to "normal" ~ the extra treats, the relaxed schedule, reconnecting with friends & family, etc., have all been so nice.  I'm glad we still have a week to go.  One of the treats I've been enjoying is 'gingerbread pecan' biscotti.  Very, very tasty (I found them at Target before the holiday).  This morning when I got in the box, there were only two left.   Dang, reality strikes....    :-(

We've also been watching a slew of movies.  Anyone else doing this?  Last night my daughter and I watched "The Notebook" for the first time.  I know it's been out for quite a while but I couldn't bring myself to see it before (I remember crying so hard while reading the book that I couldn't bear the thought of reliving that on screen.)  It wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be tho and watching the movie has made me want to reread the book.  I still think it was Nicholas Sparks best book (although I haven't read many of his latest publications).  The concept of love, that committed, just pulls at my heart.  I'm glad we watched it and I'm glad it was over the holidays.  I can't think of a better time to feel that emotion.

tuxedo tree & red lion amaryllis

 

I was lucky enough to have both my Red Lion Amaryllis bulbs blooming for Christmas.  The velvet red coloring was the perfect splash of holiday color in the dining room.  I have to say thank you again to my friend Mary Beth for the wonderful gift that really brightened the season.  I'm still having trouble getting back in the swing of daily posting and commenting but I'll get there!   Meanwhile I thought I'd post another of my trees.  This one I fondly call my "tuxedo" tree, I'm sure you'll figure out why from the picture below:

 

Fun little 4' table top tree.  Just beyond it, you can see my "garden" tree.  I used one of my vintage watering cans as a tree topper and wrapped the trunk with pink lights (white lights were used around the rest of the tree).  The garland on the garden tree is cool too ~ white fencing ~ I think you can see it??  This picture really is a two for one, isn't it, since you get two trees in one shot.  Everyone always asks which is my favorite but it's really hard to pick.  They are all unique and beautiful in their own way.  Decorating a tree is like papercrafting or gardening to me, another expression of creativity.  (combining colors, textures, etc., to create a visually appealing display).  I don't consider it "work" at all, just fun.  If it brings enjoyment or inspiration to those who view the results, I've achieved my goal.  Thanks for stopping by!

All is Calm

 

All is bright, in the aftermath of Christmas.  A merry time was had by all.  It's hard to believe it's over tho ~ it feels like it came and went in a flash.  Is that just me??  The above photo is of our "olde fashioned" tree Christmas Eve night (one of five I had up this year).  Now I'm getting dressed and braving the crowds because there is one store I simply must get to and check out the after Christmas sales....

magical Christmas Eve

 

This may come as a bit of a surprise, knowing my age, but come Christmas Eve, I can't help feeling more than a little excited.  There's something so magical about the season that culminates with this eve, don't you agree??  It's not exactly the wonder of childhood but yet there's something that stirs within me.  So, as you may have guessed, our household is humming with an undercurrent of excitement today.  I hope you all feel it to.  It's what I think we're "supposed" to keep inside us all year but that often wears off.  I want to try and maintain that spirit of generosity into the New Year.  Not so much of things but of myself.  Posting an old, published card (made with a stamp that was colored in with markers) to wish you all a very Merry Christmas:

 

May the goodwill, peace and joy of the season be in your heart today and throughout the upcoming New Year.  That's our Christmas wish for all our friends and family (and ourselves).  Have a splendid holiday and I'll "see" you afterwards.

favorite ornaments

 

One of the enjoyable things about Christmas for me is getting reacquainted with favorite ornaments.  Unwrapping them each year is like opening a gift.  They bring back memories, sentimental because they are handmade or special because they were a thoughtful gift from a treasured friend.  I exchange ornaments with several friends so my collection has expanded considerably over the years.  I thought it might be fun to share a few favorites today.  The "winter garden" ornament is new this year and loved because of the theme.  I also love this double glass ornament:

 

The flocking design on the top is so elegant, I'd love a whole collection of these.  Several years ago, I found this beautiful cloisonne bird and couldn't resist bringing him home:

I must have a "thing" for birds because here is another favorite, a warbler under glass:

 

okay, this bird nest clinches it ~ I do have a thing for birds!

 

I think it must be easy to select ornaments for me ~ anything nature or garden related is sure to be a hit!  One I've been partial to for years was given to me by my dear friend Linda:

 

I didn't notice it was slightly out of focus until I loaded the photo.  Sorry about that but I think you can still see why I treasure it.  Anyone else have some favorites you'd like to share? 

Gift from the garden

If any of you are in need of a quick, last minute Christmas gift, I may have just the solution to ease your anxieties.  I know, from visiting your blogs, that you have an abundance of wonderful photos to create a fabulous gift that would please many recipients.  No excuses there!  What about turning the photos into postcards or a notecard set similar to what I had published (several years ago) below: 

 

My card file was made from a die cut but if you don't have access to a die cut machine (and dies) a similar file could be made with some well positioned scores on a piece of cardstock.  Score and fold down the middle and across the bottom to create some pockets:

 

Insert some envelopes in one pocket and cards in the other.  The cards were made by printing wallet size photos from digital images, matting them on either black or white cardstock then adhering them to a notecard.  (either store bought or made yourself).  I used rub on's to add messages to each card but you could hand write or use the computer for the same results:

 

Tie the whole set up with a pretty ribbon and you're done.  I don't know anyone who would turn down such a beautiful gift?  The cards could absolutely be customized or personalized by careful selection of your photos.  There, don't you feel the stress dissolving?  Happy Holidays to all!

winter solstice & narcissus inbal

Tonight we'll have a little good cheer in our house to celebrate the winter solstice.  I'm always glad to see this day come and go so we can start the upswing to longer days and spring!  Today will be another short post but I couldn't let it go by without sharing my Narcissus 'Inbal' blooms.  If you're ever in need of a quick "fix" of flowers, these sure went from bulb to bloom in record time.  (I bought them on November 23rd and they started blooming the end of last week):

 

Each bulb has produced a cluster of white flowers which are perfuming my dining room.  I can't say I'm particularly enchanted with the fragrance (it's reminiscent of paper whites) but the dainty little blooms are so beautiful I'm willing to overlook it:

Isn't it lovely to have daffodils in December?  It's a first for me but one well worth repeating.  Happy Winter Solstice everyone!  I am going to try my best to do some blog hopping very soon and catch up with you all.