Christmas Flowers, Friends and Family

Three years ago I planted one of my poinsettias in my flower garden after Christmas. Eventually the leaves died and I cut the plant way back. It grew huge, and it blooms every December.

I feel terrible every year when it's time to toss out the Christmas poinsettias. So my husband suggested I put them at the end of the driveway like we put other items we want to give away, because someone always stops by and picks them up. And it worked. I was delighted when a man pulled into my driveway and loaded them into his car. He said he teaches a horticulture class and was going to use them for his next lesson.

Cooper, our Maine Coon cat, took his turn on Santa's lap. I heard him ask for salmon treats and a new bird toy.

It's a bird, it's a plane--filled with flowers! What a great Christmas gift from my husband's brother.

My friend, Helen (in the photo above), Linda (who took the picture) and I, had an early holiday dinner by the water. Santa graciously accepted our invitation. (For a big guy, he sure didn't eat much.)

Fern, a friend I don't get to see very often stopped by for a visit. The two of us decorated four dozen Christmas cookies.

My grandson Paul's birthday is on December 22nd. Unfortunately since it's so close to Christmas, it's difficult to have kids attend a party. So we always have a big family party.

The light and dark pink poinsettias were my favorites this year. My husband bought them for me as a surprise.

Paul has been baking with me since he was three. So this year, when I made his cake, one layer was vanilla, the other, chocolate—with his favorite homemade chocolate butter cream frosting.

Paul’s brother and sister, James and Hadley, enjoying the birthday cake and ice cream.