Winter Begins

I always think of December 1 as the first day of winter, although the official start date is not until December 21. Today is a fitting beginning to the season. It is not particularly cold, but the mood feels somber, with all but a few of the colorful autumn leaves gone. The sky is low, filled with dreary clouds. Yesterday was a big football day. I was rooting for three teams: Alabama, Georgia Tech, and Michigan. They all lost, in the last moment of the game. Sigh. 

This what the garden looked like only 10 days ago:

And this is today:

It is time to draw inward, to the warmth and coziness of family and hearth. And Christmas is coming! It is time to bring out the old Christmas decorations, some fancy crystal and china and glass ones, others made from wood, cotton, and silk. The most precious are the sweet paper ornaments with smiling pre-school children's faces glued to the middle, carefully preserved through the years. It is time to bring out the nativity that will take its important place upon the mantel, the carousel with its glittering horses, and the snowman cookie jar. 

Outside may be gloomy, but a glow shines from within the home. May the most important things in life fill your heart with gladness....Deb

Penguins Marching

I took this sequence of photos last year when I visited the Taipei Zoo in Taiwan. I thought the wintry scene and the penguins' message is appropriate as the year comes to a close.

Penguins in their frosty setting:

On the march, one penguin:

Two penguins:Three penguins:What did you say?

Hey, stop! He says we are going the wrong way!

Four penguins, finally headed the right direction:

May joy and peace fill your heart in this special season, and may you be accompanied by loved ones as you head into 2013. May you always have a spirit of adventure, but if you are going the wrong direction, I hope someone will tell you!

Christmas blessings and best wishes for the New Year,  Deborah