The arches are growing

While we had to say goodbye to the wonderful foxtail agave arch that entertained passersby for a couple of years, the two new arches are growing rapidly. Yet another opportunity to have an enchanted ceremony, or alternatively, get whacked in the face when we're trying to get the waste bins past the cars down the driveway. Either way, a win.

 

The best cards come from dogs

This holiday has brought out the Bah Humbug in me as always, but then two dogs had to go and spoil it by making me smile and laugh out loud. The first is my hunka hunk of burning love, Elvis, who lives next door and who allows me to look after him while Mom and Pop are at work. He curated a gift of cookies and this wonderful portrait of himself. You cannot look at that face and not think what a handsome boy he is. 

The next card is from Nellie's best buddy Nick who not only walks with us three nights a week, but we also visit to make him more comfortable when his Mom has to go into the office to work. Being the extremely pampered baby he is, he takes umbrage at her having to leave him alone two days a week. Nellie and I feel privileged we can enjoy his company and just chill for a bit. He has been working hard on his penmanship and spelling, as is evident from the card.

And just in case you need another cuteness overload, Nellie and Nick:

Does it get any better than that? (The answer is NO).

Slowly but surely, things are happening to the corner mess

The post dated November 16 showed the corner area of the yard that was seriously overgrown. While it had a certain charm, the plants there were not really doing well after our two years of super heavy rain (for us) and this year's lack of rain. The ferns have a rust fungus and there were volunteer plants that simply didn't belong there. Time to rethink. As an old cranky lady, I can only work for an hour or so at a time. Arthritic hands and bad backs don't mix with heavy yard work. But today I'm proud to say that it actually looks like progress is being achieved. In fact, a runner passing by was delighted to see the marble sink that has been unearthed. The bottle border is slowing coming back into view, along with the rock border. Believe it or not, there are slate pavers under that mess as well. Still a looooooong way to go, but we're getting there.

Is there such a thing as conjoined triplets?

It is rare to see inflatables still fully puffed up during the day, so it pays to notice. What caught my eye first was the dinosaur in the Santa hat. Seems Dinos are very in this year. Cute. But what really intrigued me was the Snow family figure. You tell me -- are they climbing on each other or are they somehow conjoined. Inquiring minds not only want to know, but want to know what in blue blazes is happening here.

Mistletoe for postal workers? Yes - a very special kind.

At this time of year, our neighborhood letter carriers are working harder than ever with junk mail, actual mail, and packages. In order to give them a little holiday cheer, I added a mistletoe booth above the mail slot. It'll cost them 25¢, but I think you'll agree the price is soooo worth it. 

                                    From Nellie and Rascal.

A derpy dog and a sparkly cow - say what?

I suppose if skeletons can wear Santa hats, then festive dogs and cows can certainly be expected to grace lawns during the holidays. Came upon this wonderful duo today. The dog has his tongue out in that way that says he's a bit of a goofball. The sparkles on the cow are meant to convey the twinkly season - I guess? Anyway, they are adorable. Too bad the inflatables in the back don't do justice to the scene when they are clearly too tired to stand up.

So -- they've been lying about Santa all this time...

It comes as a shock that all this time Santa doesn't actually arrive on the roof by a reindeer drawn sleigh. And here's proof he climbs a ladder just like the rest of us who have to get up to the chimney. Christmas illusions shattered.