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Monday, December 30, 2013



WARM THOUGHTS!!!



We are experiencing sub-zero temperatures in Minneapolis this week.  Over the weekend we went from from 43 degrees on Saturday to -3 degrees on Sunday.  Needless to say, when you factor in the wind chill, it's very cold here.

But I have am keeping warm thoughts.  While shopping at the Sperry Top Sider store yesterday, I added an ornament to my tree that reminds me that Spring will indeed return.













Friday, December 27, 2013


WHAT I WORE FOR CHRISTMAS!!!



            Shirt:  Jos. A Banks
            Vest:  Macy's (red cashmere)
            Pants:  Lands End green corduroy
            Bow Tie:  Brooks Brothers signature tartan
            Shoes:  Bostonian cordovan cap toe
            Socks:  Polo Ralph Lauren
            Watch:  Timex
            Watchband:  Brooks Brothers
            Bracelet:  Kiel James Patrick for Brooks Brothers











Thursday, December 26, 2013





CHRISTMAS DINNER

To say that Christmas is my favorite time of year is an understatement.  My friends will tell many stories about how much I love this time of year.  I love decorating my apartment, I love making the traditional holiday foods, and most of all, I love sharing the holidays with my friends and loved ones.

The end of Advent.

Christmas Angels in the dining room.

The dining room Christmas tree hold family heirloom ornaments old and new.

The dining room buffet glows while musical angels stand guard.

The living room tree holds my collection of angel Christmas ornaments.
I've been collecting these for over 35 years.

Christmas wreaths in the living room.

Each year as guests gather around my table, I’m reminded how blessed I am with some truly amazing people in my life.  I love to entertain, and nothing fills me with more joy than to have people in my home for dinners and parties, but when this happens at the holidays the joy is ten-fold. 

My table is set and waiting for the guests to arrive.

The desserts are both fun and delicious!

The guests have arrived and dinner is served.

Beatrix watches the festivities from under the Christmas tree.

Providing a nice space and wonderful food for my guests is my way of thanking them for being in my life, and nothing gives me more joy than to see the happy expressions on their faces, and listen to the warm conversations as the dinners progress.

The dining room after the great feast.

My friend Margie gave me this little tree about 15 years ago, 
and it has been a part of my holiday decorations ever since.

Christmas reflections.

Beatrix is exhausted after the Christmas celebration.

They say that it is better to give than to receive, but I must admit that I receive so much in return from hosting these events for my friends.
















SILENT NIGHT . . .





 . . . HOLY NIGHT!














Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Tuesday, December 24, 2013




VISITING A CHRISTMAS CASTLE

One of my favorite things to do during the holidays is to visit the American Swedish Institute.  Each year the Turnblad Manison is decorated to reflect a Scandinavian Christmas, with each room representing a different country.  The result is amazing, and the Mansion itself is spectacular!  This is truly one of America’s great Christmas Castles!

This beautiful tapestry greeted guests in the Visitors Center before they entered the Mansion.

Swan and Christina Turnblad built this amazing mansion in 1908.


















Musicians Serenaded the guests through the afternoon.






This was the first year that the Mansion's kitchen and pantry were open to the public.







The Tomtes were everywhere!







This year the ASI began doing outreach to the surrounding community and its diverse ethnic makeup by also featuring another cultural in it holiday display.  Mexico was featured this year.