An early morning stroll through the mist

I approached the lake from the gazebo.













The Canada Geese and I feel protected in the foggy shroud... the day ahead will get hectic soon enough.













A portrait of calm and peace...













A hush has fallen on my little lane.


















The street leading into the Stillwater Community.


















Back home, and this is the view from my deck.

I love overcast days!

Soon it will be Christmas Day...

The baking is done -

The decorating is done -

Still need to wrap gifts -

I'm excited about Christmas this year!

Celebrating my birthday in Blowing Rock, NC

Cold and foggy and drizzly.
My favorite kind of day!













A Christmas village...


















A Christmas tree in the village...














Welsh Rarebit, smoked salmon and a cup of tea in the Six Pence Pub.

Perfect!

Trimming the Tree...

... and hanging the stockings.

[without benefit of a fireplace mantle]

The doormat is in place.

More decorating is on the to-do list to-day. Other photos to follow, so stay tuned!

Jack Frost!

...paid a little visit to us early this morning.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

For our pagan friends, the Holly tree and its berries were the most sacred of evergreens. It is related to the ruler of winter, the Holly King, and is strongly associated with winter magic, repelling all evil. This specimen grows outside my door.