Merry Christmas!

I'm spending Christmas in Florida and will return January 2, 2008.

I hope you all have a holiday season filled with peace, love and joy.

Merry Christmas, Baby!

These pictures captured the boys personalities to a "T". Elvis copped an attitude and a smug look. Presley layed down and pouted. Yes, they are spoiled, as their hats say!

A Wedding Story

Last night I went to the wedding of my friend, Lacey and her fiance Christopher. It was perfectly beautiful and elegant. Lacey looked like a doll...literally. A petite 23 year old blonde, she was a vision of perfection in her strapless fitted gown as her father escorted her to the alter, where her groom awaited. He was attired in a black tuxedo, black shirt and red tie. With a soft glow of candlelight flickering in the background, they joined hands and the ceremony began.

This night was the culmination of a year long courtship and a seven month engagement. Christopher and Lacey met through a mutual acquaintance and began dating. There had been other beaus in Lacey's life, but this one was special. I remember when she told me, 'He's the one' . Her eyes lit up at the mention of his name. The feeling was mutual, because he just shined when he looked at her. They both had stars in their eyes!

Lacey and Christopher chose to do things the old fashioned way. They each remained in their own homes while they were dating. Soon after their courtship began he asked her father for her hand in marriage. Lacey was filled with anticipation as she and Christopher looked for the perfect engagement ring. One evening, after a romantic dinner, Christopher presented Lacey with an exquisite diamond solitaire.

The wedding plans began! What fun it was to hear all the details! Deciding on a date and location for the ceremony was the first of many steps in the planning of the 'wedding of the year'. At last, we were all gathered to witness as they exchanged their vows.

After a romantic honeymoon in Jamaica, the happy couple will begin their life together in their brand new home.

As I sat there in the chapel and witnessed this storybook affair, a tear came to my eye. It was truly the stuff that dreams are made of. This fairytale wedding that every girl dreams of had become a reality for Lacey. Young love is so full of hope and expectation. I wondered, as I watched them dance their first dance as husband and wife... is there any such thing as happily ever after? When do the stars in our eyes become dim? When does the fairytale wedding give way to everyday reality? Surely, this will never happen to Lacey and Christopher!

I know, I sound jaded and a bit cynical...but I haven't given up hope! We just keep chasing that elusive butterfly called love, don't we?

More Kermie

Kermie didn't freeze! I couldn't wait to get home last night and check on my little guy. Around 7:30 I caught him sneaking into his house. It was a warm, sunshiny day so he must have been out doing his froggy thing.

Kermit the Hermit

Is this cute or what? Meet Kermit the hermit. I first noticed this cute little guy hanging out the window of one of my birdhouses during the summer. He is some sort of tiny tree frog. He and his friends hang around the back porch light and eat insects. Most of his compadres have gone wherever frogs go when it gets cold but he seems to have taken up permanent residence. Look at him sunning himself on the ledge! A cold front blew in last night and tonight there will be a light freeze. Hope Kermie survives!

The red birdhouse has been home to a family of eastern bluebirds since last spring. Kermie moved in to his cottage this summer. A few days ago, I saw a tiny house wren checking out the large birdhouse that sits on an old chair. My little back porch neighborhood seems to be growing!

I knew the weather was going to change soon...the pine siskins and American goldfinches arrived last week. They have been happily dining on the Niger thistle seeds I've added to the bird feeders but also like to forage for weed and grass seeds. The doves don't seem to mind the intrusion. They quietly nibble at the wild bird mix I've thrown on the ground.

I love my creatures, ya'll!