Ramblin' Through Christmas in Florida

 

December snow 2016

In spite of the title on today's post, my first snapshot is from my last Christmas in Colorado. I had hung these balls on the Maple tree in our front yard knowing snow would adorn them before the season was over. 

At the time I did not know it would be my last Christmas in the Rocky Mountain West. Surprising decisions (all for the good) were made the following spring and by summer my snail mail address had changed to Florida!

On Christmas Day 2017 (in Florida), the weather was mild enough to wear shirt sleeves and to walk in sunshine with two Sand Hill cranes following me on the sidewalk!! 

Marcus Stanley, Facebook

Although I had been to Florida many times prior to that (and even lived in Orlando for a short time in the mid-90s), we had no intention to live in the heat and humidity of Florida's climate again. But as they say, "Never say never." 

Truly, the Lord has plans for our lives that we never imagine. If not immediately, then eventually, it all comes together for good. I am so thankful.

trimming a palm tree

While some of you have donned your coats and hats, revving up your snowblowers, we are busy in other ways, wearing our shorts and athletic shoes. My Gary would probably not say he "loves" yard work, yet he likes to get outside often to trim up the bushes, mow and edge the lawn, and this week, to trim the unsightly branches from our palm trees. 

broken down and ready for
yard waste pick-up

Yard work is not a favorite with me, but I enjoy being outside with my husband so I try to find ways to be helpful. These huge palm branches remind me of the Charleton Heston movie, The Ten Commandments, when the palace slaves would fan the pharaoh with similar leaves. 

You can see some of our outside Christmas decor in the photo above, so I'll ramble over to that topic.

Poinsettia from Lowe's

This pot rests beside the garage door and the side walk up to the front door. Near that are two of our yard birds wearing their seasonal finery. 

Just an FYI for your northerners, the inclusion of long-legged birds in Florida landscapes is a popular decorating style, along with turtles, and gators.

Larry the turtle

We've got a new tree in the garage window that faces out toward the street. It's not all that impressive in daylight hours, but at night.....

.....it completes our outdoor light display. At our age, climbing ladders to hang strings of lights is ill-advised.

The lights cycle from white to different arrangements of color. 

Heading up to the front door is the Dickens-style street lantern. It lights up at night (not real bright) but still gives a nostalgic, traditional look to the scene. I like it a lot. Here's what it looks like at night:

Hurricane season is over for 2025. How thankful we are that none of that touched Florida this year. 

just in case

But on the porch we are prepared for adverse weather with our sled..... 😆⛄️

from Bill and Ida

After the ghastly Halloween displays in October, it is so refreshing to see the decorations that remind us of the original reason for the celebration of Christmas. 

Do not be afraid, for behold,

I bring you good tidings of great joy

which shall be to all people.

For there is born to you this day

in the city of David, 

a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:10-11

Until next time, grace and peace.