I have returned from the loveliest holiday trip to my parent's house.
Luckily, just in time to enjoy a glorious winter storm.
Winter rain always makes me happy because I know it is doing its job to help germinate the poppies.
I went out to photograph water droplets on some roses that are still hanging on.
The rain subsided a bit, late this afternoon, and we all ran outside to enjoy the drippy garden.
Everything looks like it is covered in diamonds after the rain.
The colors of the garden always make my heart skip a beat.
Finding pink and orange in the garden is just magic!
I love how the old petals are like an ombre sunset.
I am a huge fan of peering into water droplets, are you?
This rose is smooshing itself into a heart shape.
The old rose leaves are turning yellow, and in a couple short months will be filling with new leaves.
I am a big-time lover of the winter garden though.
I just love tattered things I suppose.
I am such a huge fan of every part of the rose.
Even the jagged little edges of the leaves are lovely.
I can't believe how many roses are holding on.
Dare I tell you the stunning weather we had for Christmas.
It was about 72'F of pure delightment.
Of course, winter did turn up today, but that's okay.
Because my stone fruit trees and certain seeds, plus apple trees, need a little cold in order to germinate and set fruit for spring.
I found one of the beautiful little Honeymoon roses out in the garden today.
The citrus trees are all nearly ripe.
It's quite dreamy in the citrus grove, especially at night.
After all day rain, the sunset did peek out for a little while.
The sunsets in Arizona certainly do not disappoint.
Especially reflecting in the window of our old 1957 Ford 100.
Enchanting Nature.
But now it is time to hop through the looking glass...
And into a sort of winter's night tale tea-time.
The fireplace is on and I have a mystery book, which I borrowed from my sister, ready to go.
I absolutely love these cozy winter nights.
I know some of you are having the coldest of days with crazy amounts of snow.
Are you staying warm out there?
I'm not sure that I am made for the very cold cold.
I'm a weakling because of this high desert weather, that's for certain.
It was such a wonderful visit, to be with my mom and dad for Christmas.
We sang and danced, and ate so much good food.
It is wonderful to be home with them.
My mom was ever so sad to say good-bye to me, as I was as well.
It's when you get older that you wish you lived right near your family.
You spend your whole life trying to grow up, and then once you grow up, you want to go back.
Funny how that works, life's ironies.
I really enjoyed making all the baked goods I made, and sharing them.
That really put me right into the holiday spirit.
And we can enjoy the left overs.
I like to celebrate the 12 days of Christmas, which makes today day 4.
Do you?
I love the 12 days of Christmas, after the hustle and bustle is over, when you can just appreciate the season.
Teddy has had enough of me working on my blog here, so I better go snuggle with him.
My mom gifted me so many treasures that I am off to enjoy.
Little dollhouse furniture, and miniature delights.
All sorts of trinkets and treasures.
My mom sees me as her little girl still, and that's a really touching thing.
It makes me feel young, especially with all the little old-fashioned toy store things she gives me.
I love living out my childhood as an adult :-)
Well, it's definitely tea-time right about now.
I will be back very soon!
I hope you are snug out there in your neck of the woods.
Love,
Vanessa
