Yule 2018

The Yule table, with tree in the background.  I LOVE those little "fairy lights" that are wrapped around the base of the center candle holder!

Our first successful fire in the chiminea this year, perfect for Yule!

 The almost- full moon through the almost-bare trees on Solstice Night.  The bright moonlight made it easy to work the fire, and see the feral cats visiting us as we sat outside in the dark.

Dave left work early on Thursday and did the running around, so that we could enjoy our holiday, which we had taken off work for.

We had a lovely Winter Solstice/ Yule. 

I prepared a lovely medieval style feast, and set a beautiful table.   Some day, I'd like to get special dishes for Yule, to go with my medieval theme. Perhaps wood, or even food-safe pewter.  Since Yule is just for the two of us, I'd only need a small number of pieces.

We made our fire, and sipped wassail. 

It was pretty cold out, though, so Dave went inside and left me with my wishes to throw into the flames (a friend sent us a box of dried pine needles for wishes, and some lovely birch bark and juniper kindling for our Yule fire).

The electric company came yesterday and trimmed branches off of our pecan tree. 

I love that they did this just as our wood box is getting empty!  Pecan wood burns beautifully.  MUCH better than the willow we've been trying to use up since the last ice storm.

One of the guys even cut the wood to fit the chiminea, and set the stack next to it.

Dave had his stress test on Monday.  It went okay (he tolerated it just fine),  but we don't know the results yet. 

They said "soon," but gave no specific time frame for results to come.

Of course, the medical community's version of "soon" is far removed from the patient's version.   Hopefully, it won't be as bad as my almost 2 week wait after my biopsies!

I went out on a limb yesterday and texted Eric.  We have a gift for him that we bought many months ago. 

Even though Dave has thrown up his hands, I felt that we should at least reach out and offer a chance to visit.

He actually REPLIED, and then chatted with me a little via text.  (I had tried messaging him before, and he ignored me.)

He asked how we are doing.  He said he'll stop by on Christmas --IF he isn't working.

Working on Christmas is, in all likelihood,  NOT a thing....but he uses work as his constant reason for staying away. 

We'll see. 

The offer has been made, but I really don't think he'll show up.

Yesterday was mostly about doing some last minute errands.  I needed to get some gifts for our Christmas Eve guests,  and Dave went down to his dad's.

Then, we hit a thrift store for some new wine glasses. 

Dave accidentally broke one of the last two of my set of crystal that I have had since 1983.  (He has broken 5 of the 6 I still had when I moved down here... UGH).

I like to have things mixed up on my "bohemian" style table when I have guests....which is usually just on Christmas Eve.   My collection of mis-matched vintage plates, serving bowls, and glasses is fun! 

The silverware all still matches, though.  We need to work on that.

We need to get the ham into it's soaking water today, and will clean the house well. 

Dave needs to go out for one short errand, but mostly, we should be able to just be home today and tomorrow.  We will go see Pop on Christmas day.

Warm wishes, bright fires, and love to you this holiday. 

May the God, or Gods, of your ancestors bless you richly as the wheel turns to the new year!