No place like home

When I finished the marathon Christmas weekend (three days, six services), I got to visit my parents in my hometown for the first time since July. It's been delightful to catch up with my parents and some friends, and to relax without the demands of my own place distracting me. Here are a couple of the details that especially caught my eye on this visit.


The nativity set my brother made in Sunday School lo those many years ago. He had a teacher who was extremely talented in sewing, needlework, and crafts of all kinds. I just think it's adorable. And you don't have to worry about breaking it!




The fireplace and mantle, with the recent addition of my great-grandmother's clock. Also note the cute little tomte and reindeer and the ubiquitous hand-print wreath that every parent probably has. Not sure if those are my hands or my brother's.




Great-grandma died about 15 years ago, and my great-aunt and uncle have had this clock since then. They recently passed it along to my parents. It's pretty and the chimes sound beautiful.




Even Sami seems to be feeling lazier than usual, if such a thing is possible. She's found a couple favorite perches, including here on the back of the couch. And she looks pretty much like I've looked for the last couple days: half-asleep and not to be disturbed in her relaxation.




I hope you got to indulge in some post-Christmas hibernation as well!