For those of us who grew up with the Peanuts comic strip in our local newspapers, you'll immediately recognize this Christmas motif. Charlie Brown with his stunted Christmas tree, and Snoopy happily hanging out on his house roof. Just a bit of cheer.
On a whim I phoned a friend and business partner from waaaay back in the day. I had checked out what she was up to online (as one does), and was far from surprised that she was thriving with her business and life. Her energy and sense of purpose gave me no doubt she would be successful in any path she chose. Our conversation was lengthy and lovely and at the end, she sent pictures of one of her former (sadly passed) office managers. Ruby Tuesday, a rescue, was given to her and she knew just how to integrate her into her busy schedule. Made her a greeter and supervisor. Now, those roles required professional attire which made her clients fall in love with her sweetness all the more. Buckle up for the Ruby effect.
The last post showed the most spare decorations for Christmas cheer anywhere. This shows how far some people are willing to go.
If you walk around any given neighborhood, you'll see packed yards with inflatable Santas on sleighs, cute penguins, angels, bright lights, wreaths, and other miscellaneous Christmas themed decorations. They are all fun to look at and I appreciate the work that went into creating such Christmas chaos -- especially since I didn't do any of the labor. While long-suffering partner loves to put up his tree and decorates the inside so nicely for the holiday, I take a more minimalist (that is to say very lazy) approach that is actually courtesy of a dear neighbor who provides me with the perfect ornaments. And in case you can't tell, she's a dog lover too.
The approach to the front door:
On August 31, I posted about the major issue around our large Chinese Elm and admitted to doing exactly what I have chastised others for doing. Well, after the great clean-up, that area is beginning to thrive the way it should. The lily-like plants have started their ritual of putting up tremendous leaves which will eventually send up the blossoms on long stalks as the leaves die back. In the meantime, they are guarding Don Quixote to make sure he tilts at no more windmills:
I've mentioned before that I'm more of a Bah Humbug! sort of a person, but even I can be enchanted by some of the more untraditional holiday decorations. Being a dog person, this house stood out. Yup. Puppies.
I should start charging the guests to the Critter Café. Business is booming and yet, though the squirrels have become very bold in demanding their walnuts, the crows and ravens are coming is large groups, and the Banded Pigeons have formed a formidable gang, not one has paid their bill or left a tip. Of course, the joy of seeing these beautiful animals enjoying themselves is really all the payment one can expect. With their native habitats destroyed and food supplies low, this is the least one can do.
The second the door opens, this little guy shows up. He's even been known to come straight in to demand walnuts. Of course, there is no point in resisting.
