A Blue Moon for the New Year

Sometimes the picture you want isn't always the one you get. Especially if your about half an hour too late, as I was yesterday with the Blue Moon. I had hoped to be at the coast in time to see it rise above the trees on the horizon, which is when it appears largest, but I didn't make it. I still had some nice photo opportunities so I took them.

On the way home I drove down a side street just to check out the view when I saw this ...

It turned out to be a decent shot and a beautiful sight. I often wonder what it's like to live in a place like that on the water. Not necessarily someplace fancy but just a place with a view of life, coming and going, ever changing.

The moon was still a bit white but as it continued to rise it turned a golden yellow like in the photo below.

Last night was my only chance to capture the elusive Blue Moon since we are on track for storms the next few days.

I want wish you all a very happy but above of all safe New Year! My husband and I plan on staying in for the evening while both of the girls have plans with friends. We're just so boring these days.

A crisp, snowy morning on the bay

The Inn by the Bandstand

On December 3rd my girls and I went to the Festival of Trees in downtown Exeter, a wonderful annual event organized to raise money for the Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce Children's Fund. Fifty trees are decorated, set up on display in the town hall, and auctioned off. All proceeds go towards warm clothing and bedding vouchers for area children in need.

This was the first year I've attended. It was such a beautiful night with warm temps, I just couldn't resist, and my girls had to go because their friends would be there also. In addition to the tree auction there was a horse drawn hay ride, Santa, all the shops were open, AND there was good food to be had.

I noticed The Inn by the Bandstand, located smack dab in the center of town, was having an open house (and I've always wanted to see what it looked like inside) so I made a B line straight there. This was my chance, and I was amazed by just how beautiful it actually was!

Let me tell you straight away, some of these photos are dark or blurry. Photo opportunities without people in them, or without being in someone's way, were limited so I did what I could, and quickly.

Living room just off the front entry. Blurry but very beautiful

Dining room also located just off the front entry


The holiday decorations throughout the inn were incredible. Victoria, one of the owners, has impeccable taste. Wouldn't you love to have breakfast here on a snowy New England morning?


I just loved this tree. I loved the whole Inn!

Looking out onto the town center and bandstand area

The Cambridge Room

The Windsor Suite (my favorite)

The Kensington Room

The Lakeheath Lodge

A view through a window on the top floor. The lines were long to see Santa and view the trees.

And lastly, located in the hall upstairs, a painting of the downtown area in 1982. The grey building behind the bandstand is actually the Inn which has since been painted yellow.

Though these photos aren't the greatest I felt it was important to post them. Recently a budget hotel opened in the area and another one will be opening in the spring, both of which will only prove to take customers from this family owned business. I know if I had the choice I would definitely stay at the Inn over any budget hotel!

To see much more of this beautiful place and what they have to offer (as well as better daytime photos) please check out their website:

The Inn by the Bandstand

Christmas Gazebo

I know the last few days before Christmas can be rather stressful. Hopefully you are able to find some time to reflect on the beauty of the season as well as spend quality time with those you love.

Here at our house things seem to be fairly low key. No rush really to speak of. It's the first Holiday season in a long time where I've felt so relaxed. I figure if all else fails, give money or gift certificates.

The snow outside our door helps to put a little magic in the air.

Merry Christmas to all

*The top photo is just the way the gazebo looked as the sun was setting this evening. The one below has a translucent tone applied which I downloaded from ShadowHouse Creations. Click here for a great tutorial on applying textures to an image.

Poinsettia Topiary ~ The finished results

You may remember when I said I was going to make this:

I did. This is my version of a Poinsettia Topiary ...

I already had the container, which I love, as well as the spanish moss. The faux cranberries were purchased at Joann's for a song and dance ($3-$4), and the plant was ordered through my daughters chorus class as a fund raiser. I chopped off the side flowers and leaves then tied it up with red velvet I bought at Walmart. All in all it was pretty cheap plus I can reuse it all next year, except the plant of course.


Lovely Miss Luna jumped into place as I was about to take photos. You might be thinking Poinsettia's are poisonous to animals but neither of my cats have ever touched them, and believe me Luna will eat or chew anything! Including shoes, laptop cases, furniture, faux garland ... almost anything. I tried to get her to chew on rawhide bones but she ignored them. Go figure.

And a photo looking into the mirror towards the tree . . .

Happy Winter Solstice! From hear on out the days will finally start getting a tiny bit longer. To bad they won't be getting warmer too!

Southern Lady

Once Christmas has passed I'll get back to posting some regular New England photography, but for now I'm having fun doing something a little different for a change.

I used a soft sparkle texture with Soft Overlay

The snow has gently falling here along the coast of New Hampshire and we currently have about 3" in our yard. Not much. It's cold so the snow it dry and fluffy. I always have such a soft spot for the birds on a day like today. The peanut, sunflower seed, thistle, and suet feeders are all full yet there are some birds who won't eat from them, so I put seed on the ground. Hopefully enough to satisfy all who come looking for a meal to stay warm.

Shopping at the mall last night I happened to notice B. Dalton was going out of business so everything is 40% off. Browsing around the store there was still a fairly decent selection but the closer it gets to Christmas the cheaper I get so all I bought was this magazine.

I know Christmas is almost here but if you love beautiful things, and happen to see the magazine, buy it.

The magazine is filled with beautiful images and ideas

Page after page of wonderful holiday decor and cooking!

**********

Below are a couple photos of my Christmas tree. Not the whole thing mind you as there really isn't much towards the bottom. Phineas finds ornaments very enticing and a great source of joy, so it is what it is.

Usually the girls complain every year about the tree. This year they both seem happy with the Victorian feel. Me too.

Next up ... The results of my Poinsettia Topiary and Luna! Yes, I know it's very exciting, but surely you can hang in there. Ha haa!

Have you been Naughty ... or Nice?

That's what Lily wants to know.

So have you? Been Naughty or Nice I mean?

Be honest now because Lily can sense when someone isn't telling the truth. She's very intuitive and reads people extremely well. You see those beautiful brown eyes? They can look right into your soul.

I'm not so sure Winston's eyes can look into your soul ... but he has been a good boy. He's tried to be anyway. Does he look guilty? He sort of does, doesn't he. Either that or he has an eye problem. Could be both.

**********


I think Winston's a little stressed because he has to share the bed, and the sun, with Phineas. He's not always good at sharing with the cats. Something he needs to work on in the New Year.

Lily still wants to know ... naughty ... or nice?

And if you could have one thing for Christmas ... anything (be selfish here), what would it be? And please don't say world peace. As far as Lily knows there is peace in her yard and that's all that matters.

* If Lily could have one wish it would be for her mom to stop being so lazy and take her for walks every single day. Even when it's only 15 degrees out, like today.

*If I could have one wish it would probably be that Lily could live with me forever.

Collar Instructions

Since a couple people mentioned it I thought I'd show you how Lily's holiday collar was made. It's pretty easy, though I didn't make it.

Cut a piece of elastic to loosely fit your dogs neck. Sew the ends together.

(Note the red ribbon)


Measure out your decorative pieces of ribbon to however long you want them to be, then start tying them on. Mine are only tied once. You can use multiple colors, or one color. Add little sparkles or gems or whatever you like onto some of the pieces with a hot glue gun.

That's it! If you have a cat you could probably make it in record time!

O Christmas Tree

Taken the morning after a small snow storm. Actually it was the same day I took the previous photo of the barn since they are just up the road from one another.

If you look closely you'll see a gentleman walking among the tree's. He was in the process of shaking off the snow from the night before. I think they look good just the way they are. He gave me a smile and a wave and went back to what he was doing.

* I'd like to apologize for having to implement word verification lately. I've also put comment moderation into use for posts over 7 days old. I dislike using either one of these as I think they are nothing but a pain, however lately my blog is being spammed like no tomorrow and it's driving me a little nuts. Asian porn must be big during the holidays or something.

Just another snowy December day in New England

Although it snowed here today this was actually taken a few days ago, through my windshield. There's no place to park near this barn so basically I stopped in the middle of the road, took a few shots, and moved on. It was an absolutely beautiful morning.

I wish I had some history on this barn but I don't. No doubt it's quite old since it was built right next to the road, across the street from an adjoining old colonial home, and with a huge sprawling field in the background. From what I can tell it doesn't appear to be a working farm any longer, but it sure is pretty.

Snowy Morning Moon

Okay, I have a serious affair going on with the moon lately.

When I woke up this morning at 6:10 AM and let the dogs out this was what I saw: