
A few years ago, this is the tree I wanted for my condo . . .

. . . This is the tree I settled for.

Bourbon fruitcake cookies

The Governor’s Mansion at Christmas, a painting from artist Jim Dyke years ago.

Russ brought me a beautiful poinsettia to enhance my Christmas décor.

A bit of whimsy for the child in me

The happy shopper

Shopping done. It’s a wrap.

My grand dog is no longer with us, but she made an adorable Santa Claus each year.

Santa’s “sleigh”

Lisa makes a festive fruit platter for Christmas lunch.

Our one-horse open sleigh. We still have the sleigh and the bells, but no longer the Belgian horse that pulled it.

My granddaughter indulges in one of the joys of cookie baking.

Snowflake cookies

Ahh . . . The sweetness of cookie baking. Lisa shows her pleasure with Addie for a job well done.

Candy Cane Cookies

Sisters in the kitchen

I got this olive wood Nativity scene in Jerusalem years ago and have put it up each Christmas since then.
Thanks for the holiday visit, Jean. I especially chuckled at the Christmas tree desired and the one settled for. And I remember how beautiful those Belgian horses were. A merry week-before-Christmas to all.
Second year I have made your Bourbon Fruitcake Cookies. I can’t make enough for family and neighbors.
Thank you for the recipe.
Hometown, Farmington,MO