Tropical Tree Skirt

“Christmas is a day of meaning and traditions, a special day spent in the warm circle of family and friends.” ― Margaret Thatcher

I had this tropical tree skirt on my Amazon Wishlist.  My sister, Jeri, ordered it for me for my birthday, and it came in time for Christmas.  Our roommate, Biany, already has a tree and tree skirt up.  Oh well, next year.

I'm determined to do a tropical tree, reminiscent of Hawaii, where my wonderful fiance is from.  

We have begun our Mele Kalikimaka and Island Traditions ornament collection to add to our future Christmases.  

Oh, how I love the season!

Ugly Christmas Sweater Party

“Peace on earth will come to stay, When we live Christmas every day.” ― Helen Steiner Rice

Pam and Daniel, me and Trevor

Daniel's dog Draco

My nephew Daniel, me and Trevor

My nephew Daniel (my late sister April's son) had an ugly Christmas sweater party.  This was my first Ugly Christmas Sweater Party.

Oregonian Photos

“Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart. ” ― Washington Irving

So, California Christmases are chilly.  Hawaiian Christmases are warm.  Oregonian Christmases are wet, icy, snowy, and COLD.  

This day is my birthday.  I turned 43.  I decided for my birthday I wanted to take Christmas pictures.  These came out gorgeous.  It captures the weather as well as the colors of Gladstone, Oregon, just before Fall turns over to Winter.