True Colours Thursday - PINE GREEN and Wishes for the NEW YEAR!

This unlike me, is a very short Colours post, but for the moment, life is getting in the way of my desire to blog.

Hence, from the Photo Archives - my local park is known for it's fine, varied EverGREEN's...

It's also host to a annual Christmas Tree Recycling Point, which past experience tells me, will already be gathering once loved, prematurely ie pre Twelfth Night abandoned PINE's...

The Celebration Cake Shop is closed for the Holidays, giving it's clever confectionists a well deserved rest.

This mini cake, was taken before their Christmas window was cleared...

To join True Colours Thursday, all you need, is to post a photo/photographs & text, or better still both, on the specified colour of the week.
If you simply want to use the idea as a 'prompt' for a post, as I do now, with many memes, that is fine with me.
But, if, you'd like others including me, to visit you, please leave a comment below, so we know you are 'IN'!
For this meme only, I lift my 'Comment Moderation' to help players connect with each other.
Everyone, who to my knowledge has participated recently, is named in the TCT Roll Call in my side bar.
Next weeks colour is SNOWWHITE!
And, please remember ideas for forth coming colours would be very welcome!

~~~~~~~

ALSO, it's New Years Eve, I have two quotes I want to share...

"Ring out the old, ring in the new,

Ring, happy bells, across the snow:

The year is going, let him go;

Ring out the false, ring in the true."

Lord Alfred Tennyson - In Memoriam

[1809 -1892]

And...

"An optimist stays up to see the New Year in.

A pessimist waits to make sure the old one leaves. "

William E. (Bill) Vaughan

[1915 - 1977]

I, for one WILL be staying up to see the demise of 2009, as I want it gone BIG TIME.
And 2010 in, in the hope that it truly turns the tide!

A very HAPPY NEW YEAR to my friends.
May this coming year & fresh decade be kind to us ALL.

Saturday Photo Hunt - Twelve!

Host tnchick's prompt instantly makes you think of the "12 Days of Christmas", however I've gone for Stars instead.

So, from a pre Christmas visit to London in 2007, twelve stars gracing Hamleys famous toy store's frontage...

And my new, naturally blue, cosy toweling dressing gown, is also adorned with twelve embroidered stars...

It's now, my 'Seasonal' gift to myself!

But, was initially & rashly purchased in anticipation of a certain annual Christmas Box!!!

The moral of this tale, is that I, a non-gambler should remain firmly so, so not to be disappointed!

************

With the 'big day' now a distant memory, I hope everyone had what they wished for, for Christmas, enjoyed good food & fine wine and shared it with much merriment with their loved ones.

My time was quiet.

But, greatly brightened by e-mail greetings, two phone-calls and a 'Merry Christmas' text, from special friends all made via 'virtual' Blogland - I won't embarrass them by saying who they are - only, that it meant much to me that they took the time, whilst others 'real' family & friends who will remain equally nameless didn't.

Despite being solitary, I drank well - only the best is good enough once a year & it was all mine too...

And, I will be feasting of my stuffed Turkey Crown till the New Year...

Forgot to take the post roasting & pre-carving photo - maybe too much bubbly - LOL!

Happy Boxing Day friends!

True Colours Thursday - A Very Merry COLOURFUL Christmas to Everyone!

To me personally, one of THE pleasures of Christmas is seeing delightfully decorated, fairy lit trees glimpsed through windows in homes, but as I'm not voyeuristic enough to photo those, here's three captured whilst shopping instead...Re my own tree - artificial these years despite the love of that real pine fragrance in a warm room, I don't have a favourite, particular colour scheme, as my decorations are a treasured COLOURFUL mishmash of the old & new - some dating back years...Others, more recent Seasonal Gifts from close friends like Maggie & Mitch and BJ...However, this year, things are a bit different.

I finally put up my tree on Monday, the latest ever, ever, ever!

And, it is the barest/bear affair too!

Only Santa knows why I heaved my well laden wicker Christmas Decoration hamper up into my loft last January!!!

Despite several attempts to retrieve it, I was forced to gave up for safeties sake, re being too unsteady on the ladder!

Grrr!
Thankfully, the Tree its-self, laughably called a 'Tall Canadian' - it looks nothing like Little Buddy; and it's Lights - new last year & regrettably, oh so white LED ones - how I miss that mellow candle glow, were stowed away downstairs!
So, I've decorated it with a few small teddybears, cats, an appropiate mini stocking, gift bows & a trace of tinsel...

However, as happy as I am with my result, I do miss my special ornaments!

Hence, if neighbour Pussycat Paul, calls in today, I'll probably push him up into my loft - not quite the Xmas Greeting he will be expecting - LOL, but he's a nice obliging guy, a good friend!

I leave you, with my favourite seasonal cake from the Celebration Cake Shop, which says what I wish you ALL...

To join True Colours Thursday, all you need, is to post a photo/photographs & text, or better still both, on the specified colour of the week.
If you simply want to use the idea as a 'prompt' for a post, as I do now, with many memes, that is fine with me.
But, if, you'd like others including me, to visit you, please leave a comment below, so we know you are 'IN'!
For this meme only, I lift my 'Comment Moderation' to help players connect with each other.
Everyone, who to my knowledge has participated recently, is named in the TCT Roll Call in my side bar.
Now, as next week is New Years Eve, and I imagine celebrations will abound.
But, in case you still have time to join me, the colour is PINE GREEN!
And, please remember ideas for forth coming colours would be very welcome!

Wordless Wednesday & Color Carnival - "Away in a Manger"!

Two fer Tuesday - Santa on the Roof!

Seeing that again, the blow-up Santa & Mr Snowman are 'gracing' - I use the word loosley, the outside of a neighbourhood pub...

I was reminded of this Fred Basset cartoon...

Monochrome & Odd Shot Monday - The Salvation Army plays Carols!

Christmas wouldn't be Christmas if the Salvation Army's Brass Band weren't playing Carols outside the local Marks & Spencers store on the Saturday leading up to the holiday.

My B&W take for Aileni's Monochrome Weekly is from this year...

This second photo comes from 2007 - the less than prim 'lady' model caught overseeing the musicians made me smile...

Odd Shots home is @ Katney's Kaboodle.

Camera Critters Sunday - A Christmas Deer Park!

This years Christmas centre piece @ Dreamingspires Clarenden Shopping Centre is a delight.
Meet the finely furred Elk & Deer who gracefully bow & nod their heads around a elegant & simply ball decorated tree...Camera Critters host is Misty Dawn.
To access real animal shots, check out the blog HERE!

Comment Moderation Glitch!

WOE is me this morning!
Not only do I have a raging migraine, but have had to delete yet again, a raft of unwelcome 'Spam Comments'.
However what is seriously worse, I've also accidently deleted as well, lovely greetings & words from friends BJ, Brill, Cousin Misses Peach>(^;^)<, Jeannie & Rudy re my last two posts - Grrr - I want to scream in frustration!
So, I'm am regrettably re-instating 'Word Verification' in hope of stopping the smut & so preventing klutzy me making this silly error again when her brain is not fully engaged!
Hopefully, it will be a short term measure, as know many of you hate it.

22 Christmas Questions!

I found this fun Seasonal meme over @ Maria Berg 's yesterday, when she joined True Colours Thursday.
And, as it's been a while since I played a tag, thought I'd give it a whirl!

(1) What is your favorite Christmas movie?
'Doctor Zhivago' (1965) - Directed by David Lean and starring Omar Sharif & Julie Christie.
Okay, it's not an actual Christmas movie as such, but one I love to watch it @ this time of year - the Ice Palace is wonderful.
(2) What is your LEAST favorite Christmas movie?
'The Polar Express' (2004) but soley because I have a STRONG aversion to the actor Tom Hanks!
(3) What is your favorite Christmas Song?
Songwise - 'Last Christmas' (1984) by Wham - tacky it maybe, but I like it.
Re a traditional Carol - 'The Holly & The Ivy'.
(4) What Christmas song(s) drives you crazy?
Slade's 'Merry Christmas Everybody' (1983) - Grrrr!
(5) What is your favorite Christmas drink?
Bucks Fizz @ Christmas Brunch time...Then, a well aged Vintage Port after my dinner!
(6) What is your favorite Christmas memory?
It always seeming to snow on Christmas Eve as a child in Northamptonshire as my Mother & I bought last minute goodies from the Market!
And, the very single good memory I have of my Father - he always woke my Mother & I on Christmas morning with a mug of hot Rum laced Tea & a box of Chocolates each!
(7) What is the best toy/gift you've received on Christmas?
My Rocking Horse as a child from my Mother - my Diamond Stud earrings more recently from Little Buddy!
(8) What is the worst toy/gift you've received on Christmas?
From childhood, a second Sewing Basket!
More recently a un-scented Olive Oil Bath Soap - YUK!
(9) What do you LOVE about the holidays?
Christmas Trees, Candle Light & Carols
(10) What annoys you about the holidays?
Rude Post Office staff when I post my cards late & the Sales starting before Christmas!
(11) Do you prefer star or angel on top of a Christmas tree? Or something else?
A Star, but mine of late has had a teddy bear taking pride of place - snap from last year... (12) What is your family favorite recipe at Christmas?
Victorian Plum Pudding, mine dates back to 1900!
Regrettably, I no longer make as it's too much for one!
(13) Are you a Grinch or a Who at Christmastime?
Err, not sure what a Who is, but am definitely not a Grinch!
(14) Christmas light displays - Love them or Hate them?
Love simple Icicle Lights - Hate Flashing Santas!
(15) Santas at the mall - Fun times or Creepy?
Fun, as fondly remember visiting him a child.
And, had a fine working relationship with Santa Maurice in his Grotto in 1985 - was his photographers assistant...

(16) Christmas cards - do you send them, yes or no?
Yes - lots but most by good old fashioned snail mail, as thats the way I like to recieve my greetings back.

(17) What is the best thing about Christmas, in your opinion?
Have to repeat myself here as it's Christmas Trees & Candles plus Cards!
(18) What is the worst thing about Christmas?
The crowds pushing & shoving when it comes to last minute food shopping!
(19) When do you put the tree up and take it down?
The second Sunday in Advent, but am running late this year due to my recent travels.
And, sadly take it down on Tweflth Night ie 6th January with a tear in my eye!
(20) Out of the 12 days of Christmas, which day and item would you want your truelove to give to you?
Seven Swans a Swimming - they are such elegant birds, but if Little Buddy's latest Las Vegas trip had reaped rewards, Five Golden Rings!
(21) What is your favorite smell at Christmastime?
A real Pine Tree.
(22) What would make you happy at Christmas this year?
Having someone I loved to share it with!
But, as that's not going to happen, will settle for roasting my Turkey Crown with trimmings to perfection!

Now, knowing everyone apart from me, is busy, busy re Christmas preparations, will leave this as an open TAG!

Hopefully some of you will to play, want to share!

Pretty please, let me know if you do.

Sky Watch Friday - Somewhere over the Rainbow!!

From last weekend in Brighton - sitting in the bright, bright sunshine on the Peir, I looked back inland - WOW...I never felt/saw the rain, just enjoyed the rainbow.
And, with luck, my 'Pot of Gold' will be moving to Brighton next year.

True Colours Thursday - CRANBERRY!

Whilst I was away on my pre-Christmas travels, I sort out this weeks colour as best I could.

This Brighton shop's CRANBERRY Christmas Dinner setting is festively bright...But, the genuine period glass vase courtesy of a friend, is by far finer...

And, the Nutcracker King from the same source, wears his CRANBERRY tunic with pride...A Brighton pub from the North Lanes fits the bill too...And, a Florist in the same locality, had the perfect Pointsetta door wreath on display...Plus bless him, Jackson's coat was knitted in CRANBERRY wool...

So, that leaves me with a cake!

Spoilt for choice, I have two very different offerings from the Celebration Cake Shop's range...
To join True Colours Thursday, all you need, is to post a photo/photographs & text, or better still both, on the specified colour of the week.
If you simply want to use the idea as a 'prompt' for a post, as I do now, with many memes, that is fine with me.
But, if, you'd like others including me, to visit you, please leave a comment below, so we know you are 'IN'!
For this meme only, I lift my 'Comment Moderation' to help players connect with each other.
Everyone, who to my knowledge has participated recently, is named in the TCT Roll Call in my side bar.
Now, as next week is Christmas Eve, many of you may be too busy / happy with family & friends to play along.

But, in case you want to join me, the colour is entirely your choice ie your favourite CHRISTMAS COLOUR or combination of COLOURS as suggested by the Rocky Creek Scotties!
And, please remember ideas for forth coming colours in the New Year would be very welcome!

You only have yourself to blame if you don't contribute & end up hating my selection!!!

Wordless Wednesday - Mini Christmas Cakes!

The Farewell or Welcoming Tree!

Some what sad, in my eyes, the very best Christmas Tree, Brighton had to offer, was found @ the Railway Station... I headed home from there earlier today.
Now, I need to catch up big time with sending my 'Seasonal Greetings' cards etc - all will be LATE!

Two fer Tuesday - Bears Galore!

On Sunday afternoon I went along to Hove's Town Hall for a special event that Woodstock would have loved...It included the finalists of the British Bear Artists Awards...A winning entry in everyones eye's, including mine was Michael Jackson & 'Bubbles' from J.C.W. Bars & Furry Friends...It was my first ever Teddybear fair and I lost my heart ten times over.
In total over 28 bear makers from around the country exhibited an incredible array of 'Collectible Bears' in every shape, size & style imaginable.
Prices ranged from the acceptable for that exclusive new friend £20 - £50, to the mind boggling hundreds of pounds.
Preferring somewhat traditional designs to the wacky, here's few from my favourite stands.
Hugs Unlimited - designed by a very chatty Dawn James...
Guardian Angel Bears... Brendon Bears from Oxford no less...
And finally, LorriBea Bears, from where my new companion originates from... Meet Othello, so named as his creator Lorraine's surname is Shakespeare - just look @ his sorrowful puppy eyes... He's hand made in dark brown German Mohair with Suede pads, is highly huggable & he's a 'Growler' Bear too.
Wonder what my existing Hug will make of him???

Jonna created Twofer, which simply requires two or pairs of photo's on your choice of subject.
But, her busy life prevents her from posting frequently now a days!

A Brighton December Medley with a Mellow Yellow Middle!

There is nothing I enjoy more than pottering around here on a bright, if cool day!

Brighton Pier has it's own Christmas Tree, one of the very few I've spied in the town, more's the pity...

Maderia Drive for once has been pleasantly quiet, after the Biker & Car Rallies on previous visits...

North Street is seasonally decorated, unlike other area's...

And, the Royal Pavilion is as elegant as ever in Winter sun...

Re - Mellow Yellow - my visit of course, included a lengthy enjoyable lunch today with JI @ Bill's Produce Store...

Then, another stroll through the quirky North Lanes...

Dusk over the relic that was the West Pier, has been particularly fine this weekend...

Plus, the Pier's tree really stands out @ night...

And, no, it wasn't taken @ midnight, the clock is 'Out of Order'!