'Tis the season...

On a brisk Wednesday morning, we set off to a (sort of) local restaurant and gift shop. This was the setting for the beautiful July wedding a year and a bit ago. Now however, the flowers were not blooming (except in the shop) and the winds were a tad chilly, but the food was as good as ever and the decorations, furniture and gifts festive. It was just what we needed. This quilt, quite simply made of felt stitched with a blanket stitch, was something that caught my eye.
We found toys upstairs, which the boy and his grandpa loved to explore. Doesn't this little angel look like she is part of the decor?
Breakfast, lunch, brunch - whatever you call it, chocolate chip pancakes, with chocolate sauce and chocolate milk, hit the spot!
Our younger boy was very content as he moved from lap to lap, even if he didn't get any chocolate!
Yummy, yummy, we like this place. Can you spot the fake, "for the camera" smile?
How could you not get into the spirit of the season with displays like this around? I already have Christmas dishes, but could have bought these as well. Had to settle for buying a couple of Christmas spreaders for gifts. One can never have too many spreaders!

This will be an interesting Christmas. Since we thought we would be away, all gifts have been selected and wrapped. Christmas cards will get sent since there is now time to create them. The locations for dinners have been decided (thanks girls), and menu choices will soon follow. I think this may be a Christmas without too many duties for me, at least I hope that by then I am officially recovering. While I knew two months ago that this Christmas would be very different, never in my wildest imaginings did I envision this scenario. Thanks to all for your good wishes and prayers. I am most grateful for them all.