Approaching the big day

 

'Seeing Santa' by Charles M. Russell

Cat cozy town of Kristianstad - a mural to please cat lovers

Three more days till the Winter Solstice

Just a shot of my passive heating system during the winter months. It's so amazing that no sunlight will come inside these windows directly during the summer...but thanks to the earth's tilt we get the sun's warmth in the winter when we need it!

By 4 pm there's no more sun, and by 5 pm it looks pretty blue-grey outside.

My same view at night, with the lights strung by my friend climbing on the step ladder to save me from doing it. I think the price I paid by giving her something was a fair trade for my own caution.

This painting was attributed to the "School of Rembrandt"

Rembrandt (recently attributed to him) 'Adoration of the Kings' -  and the price went up!

Seven more days to Christmas

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Sharing with Monday Murals this week.

Today's quote:

The next message you need is always right where you are.

RAM DASS

Longwood Gardens. Three more days till Winter Solstice!

Some night scenes

I seldom end up being out at night. Something to do with a fairly early bedtime, I imagine.

 But the other night after a dinner party, I thought I'd take a bit of a ride around downtown Black Mountain.  I know there are more beautifully decorated homes...but this is the grouping I saw.

 The Red Rocker Inn has a restaurant which was full of guests.

 The camera blurred the pretty star on this front porch.

 Unfortunately I didn't get a red light, so just slowed down and took this blurry one of Town Square.  It certainly deserves better, so I'll go back again !

 Looking down Cherry St. from State Street, by 7:15 this town usually pulls up the sidewalks.  There are a few pubs open still, which do host into later hours.

 The Trail Head Restaurant had some damage to it's roof from the snow last week, so they are closed for now.  Too bad as this is a busy shopping and eating out season.

 Mellie Mack's very busy, with plants, trees wreathes, and perhaps still the wine bar!

The Monte Vista had outside lights that invite you in to see the Christmas Tree contest.  I need to go see it soon too.