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Thursday, December 19, 2013

Counting Down The Days







We just finished charting the precise schedule of family visits for the holidays. They will come in waves like weather systems and just miss each other with their differing work and flight schedules. Some years are like that.  









So this year for us it is all about a candle in the window, and keeping the home fires burning for weary travelers. We will play Badger of Wind in the Willows to their Moley and Ratty lost in the winter storm, tucking everyone in to our small and cozy rooms with a pot of something simple and nourishing on the stove. (Served on vintage Limoges.)




There is always so much more to do than simply waiting. But a few things are ready for the rounds of plates and drinks. A succession of special dishes to be placed here.








Even a birthday cake! (Oh the years when there is a new babe in the house at Christmas!)




These are our few silent nights for now. Sipping something warm and watching nostalgic Christmas shows. Admiring the lights. Listening to carols, and the comforting hiss and pop of the fire while wrapped up in our sleepy Badger robes and slippers.









Soon enough that familiar knock comes at the door and our folks come pouring across the threshold. It will become a noisy children's holiday.




And, of course, we would have it no other way!

I hope you are enjoying the countdown to Christmas too!


Jacqueline






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34 comments:

  1. oh how sweet is everything, how lovely your conjurations. I am just now reading Wind in the Willows, never have before, it is delightful! As always your pictures are droolworthy.

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  2. Such a pleasure to visit you Jacqueline and your wonderful items and photos!Wish you a merry Christmas and an enjoyful holiday!
    Warm hug!
    Olympia

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  3. I so enjoyed reading your countdown, Jacqueline, and seeing how you've readied your beautiful home. The warmth and love in your words is so palpable... for your home, for the season, and for loved ones soon to visit. I hope everyone has safe travels and that you all have the merriest of times together!

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  4. What a treat you have in store for your family as they arrive for Christmas!! And the cozy evenings before that you are enjoying sound glorious!!
    Mary Alice

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  5. Everything looks so perfect and beautiful, Jacqueline! Your family is in for a wonderful time "at home"!

    XO,
    Jane

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  6. Always love your sweet posts and beautiful pictures. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
    Kris

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  7. I love your blog. You have so many wonderful items. I am delighted each post. Regards - Magda

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  8. Beautiful thoughts and beautiful pictures, as usual.

    Betty

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  9. I enjoyed this post, your beautiful photos, china and the angel candle holders. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas with family and friends coming and going. Blessings, Pamela

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  10. Hi J,
    It all sounds perfectly perfect and looks that way too! Oh those cherubs, and their fabulously tall tapers, delightful!
    Hugs...
    B

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  11. You paint a beautiful picture with your lovely photos and words. I am sure your family is grateful for such a welcoming and gracious home to celebrate Christmas in. Enjoy the holidays!

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  12. You paint a beautiful picture with your sweet words and touching photos!!! Always enjoy your posts!! Merry Christmas to you and to all the lucky ones who will fill your home..........xoxoxo...cleo

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  13. What lucky family and guests you have to share your lovely home and get served on vintage Limoges! Everything looks luscious - those angel candle sticks are so pretty, and the tatted doily is wonderful. Enjoy these silent nights and the hustle and bustle soon to come. Hugs xo Karen

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  14. Looks like you're all set Jacqueline and everything looks perfect. Merry Christmas x

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  15. Oh, Jacqueline! Everything is so beautiful! How wonderful to be able to see your loved ones.
    We will be spending a quiet Christmas at home this year, looking forward to emails and pics of the grandbabies with their new Christmas toys.
    Enjoy!!!
    Hugs,
    Lin

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  16. Wow so lovely so many nice photos and lovely things!
    Whish you a Mery Mery Christmas
    Kathrine

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  17. Jacqueline, I can tell what a glorious holiday you will have just from this post -- the anticipation, the beauty, the joy and the festivities. I send warm wishes for a very merry Christmas!

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  18. Such a beautiful and sweet post. We have a Christmas baby but ours is 20 years old...still love thinking back to that day and bringing her home to a warm home filled with Christmas music and white lights aglow. Merry Christmas!

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  19. Such a beautiful post. Look as though you are all set. Have a very Merry Christmas.

    Cynthia

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  20. Oh how beautiful!! I just put my nephew on the plane to go home to alb from college here. Wish I could go with him and drop by your cozy, warm, welcoming home and have a good visit. And seeing some sun would be great. Too!

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  21. I had to drop in and write a note on how charming your little cherub candle holders are. Something I wish I had seen and bought. Check out my vintage posts. I think you might find something you would have liked and you could plan a trip to attend next March(the first weekend).

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  22. I am counting the days until our home is filled with noise and laughter of our precious grandbabies. No matter how much I decorate and fill it up it feels empty until they come in the doors and fill it up with all their energy.
    Enjoy your company in your lovely home.
    Merry Christmas

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  23. Te han quedado muy bonitos. Felicidades

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  24. Your home is always so warm and welcoming Jacqueline. Your use of lighting and white makes it look like a snowy wonderland. I can almost imagine you snuggled up by the fire.
    Wishing you and your host of family a wonderful Christmas holiday. Sending hugs and happiness for the New Year.
    Cindy

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  25. Jacqueline,
    Keeping the home fires burning in this post, indeed!!! Everything looks so warm, comforting and inviting, dear friend!!!
    Oh, the joy of children's excitement at Christmas!!! One of the great blessing of life! EnJOY!!!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  26. Jacqueline,
    Love your Christmas memories....
    Someday, when the time is right, we will hear the pitter patter of little feet at Christmas again, but not until our grown children have children! Our only grands live in another country right now and Christmas is not when they visit.....Someday! And we enjoy the grown children who come home and behave as happy as little ones with hot chocolate parties and making of gingerbread houses, caroling and opening presents, large or small on Christmas Morning. Loving Family and the Savior is what it is all about! at whatever stage in life we are!! Love your pictures and thoughts!

    christmas hugs,
    Betsy

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  27. Merry Christmas Jacqueline,

    What beautiful Christmas chèer to arrive at your cottage.
    Everything looks bright with that calm of white and touches of gold.
    Will be looking forward to a after Christmas post and what the New Year brings for you.

    A Joyeux Noël

    Xx
    Doré

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  28. What a lovely home! I love all your treasures and inspiring photos.Thanks for sharing. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
    Hugs,
    Jody

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  29. Lovely and cozy. This is what I love about New Mexico, the hospitality is like no other. We once spent Christmas in Santa Fe and it was a beautiful experience to cherish forever. Merry Christmas!

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  30. Everything looks lovely, as always! Enjoy your family this holiday! :)
    Susan

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  31. Happy Christmas to you Jaqueline.
    Thank you for all the lovely posts you show us.. of all your beautiful things.. I love the candle sticks..
    more blogging in 2014..
    love val xxx

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  32. Cozy & lovely....just as this time of year should be.
    Merry Christmas to you & yours!
    Kari

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  33. another year of beauty from you--merry, merry christmas, jacqueline:)

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  34. It is always such a pleasure to look at your amazing photos. Just lovely.

    Merry Christmas to you and your family.

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