Pond Hockey

Hubby took me to the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships held at Lake Nokomis yesterday.  I'm amazed at how much fun I had.  I didn't think I'd enjoy it but there was great energy and excitement there.  I was pulled right in!

Windchills were below zero so much use was made of the warming hut.

This team was made up of guys 50 yrs. and older.  Boy could they play!

There were some fun fashions to be seen.

I'm not sure what kind of dog this is but he looked like he was in his element.

If you have a chance to check this event out next year, I highly recommend it.  I'll see ya there!



Inspiration Mirror

Do you keep an inspiration board? I prefer a beautiful mirror.  Like a magpie I collect scraps and pictures that others may simply discard.

And hang them proudly for further admiration.

A red door and flowers would be grand to welcome people in.  I also dream of decorating a room in the hues shown in the picture of a lady with her lamb. 

Sunday Morning Tea

Do you hide you treasured dishes away in a cabinet?  Or do you like to take them out and enjoy them, even if eating alone?   I for one, say that our time on earth is too short not to enjoy life's little pleasures.

Making Spirits Bright



The use of a silver tray will dress up anything! 

I receive many compliments on this little table arrangement which adds so much class to my living room. 

Actually when I think about it, I spent very little on this grouping.  I literally got the table out of the trash.  Someone had it out with their garbage & I asked if i could have it.  I took it home, had it refinished & have enjoyed it since.  The lamp was less than $30 from a second hand store.  The silver tray was free with an encyclopedia set I bought yrs. ago.  The glass bowl which I use for corks - free, the glass vase - free (from a coworker cleaning out her desk drawer). 

Only things I bought were the faux evergreens, liquor bottles and the tapestry. 



The World Aglow

My aunt gave me this sweet little candle when downsizing & moving to an assisted living facility.  Who remembers these from the 1980's?  They have a crystal like layer over the picture which provides a lovely shine to the scene.  It's a bit hard to read in this picture but it says, "Christmas finds the world aglow"  A little girl hangs her stocking as her kitten (next to his ball of yarn) watches.  The clock above ticks the countdown to Santa's arrival.

This one has an ornate holder and depicts children spending a chilly afternoon ice skating.  A cozy house in the background is sure to hold the promise of cocoa and an open fire upon their return!

Handmade Ornaments

Some more pictures from the arboretum.  Unique ornaments inspired by nature.  Wouldn't they look great on a tree with cranberry garland?

Look at his cute little corn feet!

Winter Arrangements

I went to the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum yesterday to see their annual holiday arrangements.  The people there are so creative!  I just had to share some of their work.

My favorite, this snowman's body is made of birch pieces and his buttons of plywood painted black.

 

Abstract & very cool!

For more about the U of M Arboretum click here:  http://www.arboretum.umn.edu/

I made this arrangement in less than 10 minutes using things from my backyard.  Winter arrangements aren't too tough, so it's hard to go wrong regardless how quickly they're thrown together!