prepping the festive nest

the outdoor wreaths and lighting are up

the essential poinsettia (although I'd like a million)

these will be hung in trees with firefly tealights inside

new plants for just outside the kitchen window

just outside the kitchen window

a spotless front garden

my faithful christmas agapanthus - more abundant than ever

faithful iceberg roses; an australian summer icon

omg - we have lawn!

and trimmed hedges!

and mulching!

outdoor settings and wicker has been cleaned and adirondacks be-cushioned

pot plants have been stoned

and I am once again in love with our gerni

And inside the house . . . stockings have been hung . . .

lanterns are lit

original artwork is resplendently on display

the summery light outside blends with the lights within

fireflies nest in the entryway eaves

cards nest in the antlers of reindeer (because I wish I lived in Norway)

lights twinkle on the window frame

and the family garden beckons a deck chair and a cocktail

the dining table off the kitchen, bedecked with cellophane-wrapped gingerbread creations

here you'll see one of the children's ruby red stockings, lying in wait