The House Is Done

Al and I had fun designing the big basket of greens that we picked up off the ground after a big windstorm. Free is a very good price!



Santa greets you at the front door.



The niche in the entryway



Our bedroom



I don't have bookcases so I love decorating these shelves.



Do you get why there is a 2 and a 5 above the buffet? Al was confused.



The living room side of the mantle.



The kitchen side of the mantle.



I stole this idea from Al's Nursery in Woodburn



We bought our nativity set 30+ years ago.



Lots of sparkle on the tree this year



Al and I have been married for almost 39 years. In all those years, we have collected Christmas decor. We always buy something whenever we travel. I love craft shows and usually pick up some decorating ideas at them. I collect Christopher Radko blown glass ornaments and now have quite a few of them. I love fresh greenery and have wreaths and swags and cuttings in almost every room. I love candlelight, and have candles everywhere (even tho insurance guy Al hates them. He's seen too many house fires due to candles) Needless to say, our house looks like a Christmas bomb hit it. It takes several days to get everything put in place but the results are so worth it. Both Al and I love to sit and look at all the pretty. It gives us a good excuse to slow down and enjoy the season. Now it's on to several other projects I enjoy, baking Christmas goodies and wrapping presents. I love this time of year!

Tradition Has It

Approaching Autzen always raises the excitement level. It's so imposing and gorgeous.



Paula Newman and me cheering the Ducks to vistory.



Fox covered the game nationally and stopped play a million times for TV commercials.



Very cold (do you see red noses?) but havin' fun.



Cannons in all four corners of the field blasted the place with tons of confetti.



The final score and the Duck making snow angels.



The smoke around the stadium was from the confetti cannons and the fireworks.


Tradition has it that "IT NEVER RAINS IN AUTZEN STADIUM" and that may be true. But let me tell you, it can get darn cold!!! Last night at the Pac 12 championship game, spirits were high and the temperature was low. Not even the body to body contact necessitated by the miniscule area they give each fan to sit on could warm the place up. The only things that saved me from a misreable night were my Ugg boots and gloves, a very warm cashmere sweater, a wool hat and a ton of layers. But freezing temps and all, we had a great time. The game was far better than expected and pretty intresting right up to the end. The celebration after the win was very cool with fireworks and huge green and yellow balloons. Confetti cannons shot out so much paper that fans on the field were making snow angels. It was definately a party. And it will be a party on January 2 when the Ducks win the Rose Bowl. Go Ducks!