Thursday, December 31, 2009

Blue Moon






The much discussed blue moon - the second full moon in a month.

Chapel Snow


Yes, it's pretty but how much is enough?

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Ice Sculpture




Just some of the lovely ice sculptures outside my window at work.  The temperature in my office was a brisk 55 degrees when I arrived after a long weekend yesterday.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Snowman Greeter



Although barely visible above the mountains of shoveled show, my snowman waves to passers by.

Monday, December 28, 2009

Performing Arts Center


The shells of the performance centers in the new Kaufman Center for the Performing Arts are above ground now.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Santa Trio


Howard made this cool set of Santas for me. The tiny one was for Stacy.

Saturday, December 26, 2009

White Christmas


For all those dreaming of a white Christmas, we certainly got it.

Friday, December 25, 2009

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Santa Pants


A unique gift bag I found. The challenge was to find things that would make it stand up.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Tiny Tree


Hayden brought me a new tiny tree for my office with the first ornament - a Santa! So perfect.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Penguin Explosion




I can't really do it justice with only one photo, not even with two. But this yard in Olathe must have 100 inflatable penguins of all shapes and sizes. The movie Happy Feet is playing as you walk through this penguin habitat, complete with tunnels. I can't imagine the energy use.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Geneva Santa


My newest Santa, brought from Geneva by my niece, Frances.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Hidden in the Tree


Can you see what is hidden in the tree? Tas likes to lay underneath it.

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Nutcrackers


The boutique at the Kansas City Ballet's The Nutcracker is overflowing with them.

Friday, December 18, 2009

Small Santas


Preschool class ready for its program. I didn't know they made Santa hats in a small size.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Gingerbread Village


Part of the elaborate village the chefs from the Kansas City Hyatt and Westin hotels made from gingerbread.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Vintage Sleigh and Santa


My grandfather made this sleigh for my Mom many years ago. My sister and I found this great old Santa Claus to put in it. We bought him together and he travels between our houses, each of us getting him every other year.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Ditto


The neighbor to the left decided to confirm, or "Ditto," the decorative style of the other home at 95th & Lamar.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Waterford Lights


My collection of Waterford crystal that Howard started for me four years ago. It is so pretty and this year I illuminated it with a lighted glass block. Seen in person, it is really pretty.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Eddie Walker


A highlight of my Santas is this Eddie Walker version that Hayden gave me many years ago. I love it!

Friday, December 11, 2009

A Great Gift


One of my four new tires (note the turquoise mark designating new) that made traveling in Tuesday's winter storm sooooooo much nicer.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Sock Monkey


This sock monkey marionette was part of a puppet show for the preschool. One little boy wanted to know what was with the monkey. But he also wanted to know why there was a mouse in the Night Before Christmas part.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

First Snow





The first snowfall, thankfully light, although bringing a deep freeze along.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

International Santas



This collection of Santas depicting Father Christmas in many lands was prompted by my Dad and partially bought by him. One I didn't purchase because I thought it looked stupid had Santa in a bathing suit. Then when Stacy was in Australia and I learned about Christmas there in the summer, I wished I had bought it. Teach me to prejudge. Stacy was able to find one so I now have one. He's the one on the far right.

Monday, December 7, 2009

Antique Snowmen


Not really. But these have adorned my parents' home since I was small. Hayden repainted them a few years back. My brother affectionately, or not so affectionately, referred to them as Herman's Follies. I believe we even pasted that over the Happy Holidays sign one year in our cleverness.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Not So Miniature


This bear stands guard outside the Kansas City Toy and Miniature Museum. You can't take any photos inside so I had to settle for this. We went to visit the 50 Years of Barbie exhibit, which was quite fun. Hayden said she could have contributed to fill out their display. I would concur. The girls enjoyed seeing their Barbie past.

Saturday, December 5, 2009

EBT Santa







The Santa that graced the Emery Bird Thayer department store is welcoming visitors to Santa's wonderland at Crown Center.

Friday, December 4, 2009

New Best Friend


A new friend - the glass recycling bin at Hen House. Yeah! I don't have to keep my glass until it piles up enough to take to the Overland Park center.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Chrismon Tree


When they talked about the Chrismon tree at work, I thought I was misunderstanding what they said. But now I have learned that there is such a thing and it is decorated with traditional and modified ancient Christian symbols, called Chrismon. They are handmade by members of the congregation using beads, sequins, glitter and styrofoam in colors of white and gold. So a day not wasted - I learned something.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Huge Wreath






This wreath is about 5 feet tall and hangs in the sanctuary at work. You can see the workman through the center of it.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009