Pic Today 12/23/11

ANNIE MEETS STINGER

My daughter, Annabelle (chef),

is home from Boulder (Colorado),

and spent some time with my friend,

Joy Stinger (bee keeper) yesterday.

Stinger (real name) is an amazing 77-year-old

"earth lady" who does it all . . .

raises bees, sells her honey, bee pollen

and molded bees wax products . . .

while raising chickens, selling eggs,

making mead, and tending to her

rabbits, tropical birds, Portuguese water dogs,

organic garden (on the 3rd floor of her city house).

Two great ladies

who know how to enjoy life.

Fun!

Pic Today 12/22/11

LEAVING SOMETHING

FOR SANTA

The tradition of leaving milk and cookies

for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve night

is believed to have emerged around the

time of the Great Depression

when parents wanted to inspire their children

to share with others, especially in hard times.

Finding crumbs on the plate the next morning

was proof that Jolly St. Nick had visited.

In England, sherry and mince pie are used.

And in Germany,

carrots are left out for the reindeer.

There's a Dutch custom to fill wooden shoes

with hay for Santa's horses.

Whatever your custom,

make sure you leave something nice for Santa.

(Chances are it will be gone Christmas morning.)

Ho Ho Ho!

Pic Today 12/21/10

CHRISTMAS

CANDLE LIGHT CONCERT

BACH SOCIETY CHORUS & ORCHESTRA

POWELL SYMPHONY HALL

Dennis Sparger, conducting

Mary Wilson, Soprano

St. Louis Children's Choir

A heart warming evening of

Christmas music, including

Mendelssohn, Mozart, Schubert,

Vivaldi and traditional carols.

With audience selections

to join in song.

Nothing like a Bach Society candle light concert

to put us in the Christmas spirit.

Pic Today 12/20/11

CHRISTMAS

DOORS & WINDOWS

Christmas decorations

all about town . . .

Doors are trimmed

to welcome friends inside.

Windows are dressed

to view a festive world outside.

Happy Christmas week!

Pic Today 12/19/11

RURAL SPLENDOR:

ABANDONED BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

This jewel of a farmhouse

shows the craft of hand made beauty

in rural Illinois, 100 years ago.

Unoccupied today,

but carefully left standing,

as a reminder of a simpler life

in elegant style.

The detail and workmanship

shine through,

each door and window intact

with privacy preserved by country lace curtains.

I wonder how each room is still furnished.

Beautifully, I'm sure.