December 31

First look at the fireplace with the stainless steel burner and pan installed, with the fire glass.
We'll probably add black lava rock and additional fire glass on the base of the fireplace.

December 30

Stainless steel pan and burner arrived yesterday; ready to get the fireplace set up!

December 29

December 28

December 27

This young opossum was on the back porch when I put Flash out to potty the other evening.

December 26

December 25

So pleased with these colors of reflective fire glass!
Pacific Blue
Evergreen
Copper
Black

December 24

A Visit from St. Nicholas

Related Poem Content Details

BY CLEMENT CLARKE MOORE

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house 

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; 

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, 

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there; 

The children were nestled all snug in their beds; 

While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads; 

And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap, 

Had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap, 

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, 

I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter. 

Away to the window I flew like a flash, 

Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash. 

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow, 

Gave a lustre of midday to objects below, 

When what to my wondering eyes did appear, 

But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny rein-deer, 

With a little old driver so lively and quick, 

I knew in a moment he must be St. Nick. 

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, 

And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name: 

"Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now Prancer and Vixen! 

On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donner and Blitzen! 

To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall! 

Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!" 

As leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, 

When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky; 

So up to the housetop the coursers they flew 

With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too— 

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof 

The prancing and pawing of each little hoof. 

As I drew in my head, and was turning around, 

Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound. 

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, 

And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot; 

A bundle of toys he had flung on his back, 

And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack. 

His eyes—how they twinkled! his dimples, how merry! 

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry! 

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, 

And the beard on his chin was as white as the snow; 

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, 

And the smoke, it encircled his head like a wreath; 

He had a broad face and a little round belly 

That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly. 

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, 

And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself; 

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head 

Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread; 

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, 

And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk, 

And laying his finger aside of his nose, 

And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose; 

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, 

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle. 

But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight— 

“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”

December 23

December 22

December 21

Christmas ornament gifts.

December 20

Reflective fire glass for our fire place ~ pacific blue, black, copper and evergreen.
Adding to my glass collection!
Thank you, Santa!

December 19

December 18

December 17

I much prefer green grass and the beautiful summer sunset views.
Our first snow of the season.  It's snowing and blowing up here on the hill.

December 16

Himalayan salt night light.

December 15

December 14

December 13

Two treasured angels among my Christmas decorations.
:)

December 12

Homemade peanut butter cookies for a special canine.

December 11

December 7

December 6

My version of the nighttime city lights as seen from my balcony.

December 5

December 4

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, 

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there; 

December 3

Decorating our Christmas tree at our new house.  :)

December 2

December 1