A Girl and Her Dog

"The dog was created specially for children. He is the god of frolic." - Henry Ward Beecher

Our dessert!

A Yule log is a large wooden log which is burned in the hearth as a part of traditional Yule or Christmas celebrations in several European cultures. It can be a part of the Winter Solstice festival or the Twelve Days of Christmas, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or Twelfth Night.

The expression "Yule log" has also come to refer to log-shaped Christmas cakes, also known as "chocolate logs" or "Bûche de Noël".

Christmas Day

This photo does not do the tree justice. My sister spends literally hours on her rotating Christmas tree. All of the ornaments are made by her, with beads and "jewels" imported from various European countries. She receives kudos and newspaper publicity for her handiwork, all well-deserved.

My posting has been hit and miss this season because of family illness, memorials, and other time-consuming events; it's not been a terribly terrific year, but 2009 will be better. Posting will be hit and miss 'til we get to Mexico January 31 when I will resume my Mazatlan photos. In the meantime, stick around--don't abandon me! More important: HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU AND YOURS!! PEACE TO THE WORLD AND GOOD CHEER TO ALL!!

Camera Critters-Maggi (Circle #13)

My favorite Santa!! To see other fantastic critters, click here.

Nutcracker

This nutcracker in Rice Park in downtown St. Paul is the same decoration that was one of the figures in the Christmas display last year. Although it is an attractive holiday icon, I was a mite disappointed that the decorations were not different. An aside: I haven't posted for the past few days and will probably post sporatically for awhile. I've been to three funerals this past week, and yesterday one of my favorite people on earth died. Puts quite a damper on the holiday cheer.