Putting Away Christmas

 Putting away Christmas is a rather melancholic task.  I wonder what will transpire in the coming year.  Who will be born?  Who will die?  What will happen in this world we live in.  Peace on earth?  Or another global war?  Yes, I have these thoughts as I carefully pack up my collected Christmas treasures.

This year I have decided to keep on display some of my valued objects and rekindle the warmth of Christmastime each day until Spring.  Joy to the World🎶

 

Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2025

Blessings,

Frannie

Pre-Christmas Family Gathering at Bonnet Creek in Orlando

This year I decided to join my sister and her immediate family at Bonnet Creek Resort in Orlando, Florida, and I am so glad I did.  Usually the holidays can be very nostalgic and despite the hustle and bustle of baking, shopping and decorating, remembering and reminiscing of past Christmases can be daunting.  This year was more joyful knowing I would be spending time with relatives.

The weather was mostly warm and partly cloudy which allowed me to continue my routine of walking every day.  Bonnet Creek Resort has a large lake surrounded by numerous high-rise towers and the landscaping is very tropical and stunning.  The Lazy River is a favorite for children of all ages!  Koi food is available for those little ones who are mesmerized by seeing the fish and turtles swarm to be fed.  Miniature golf is also a popular draw for families.  And, the strategically-placed five pools accommodate the sunbathers and swimmers for the Resort.

 

Bamboo 

HawaiianTi

Birds of Paradise

Bonnet Creek Resort is a lovely property right next to Disney World.  I think your family would enjoy it.

Have a very Merry Christmas and a Healthy, Happy New Year ❤️💚 

Peace, love and joy,

Frannie

We Three Kings of Orient Are

In June I began a counted cross stitch project thinking I could surely have it finished by Christmas.  At this point, and you can see for yourself, my Nativity Scene will not be completed in time.

Proposed Project

                                                         Where I am at this point…

Actually I am okay with that.  A friend soothed my soul by informing me that according to the Bible, the Three Kings of the Orient did not arrive to meet Jesus until he was two years old.  I am relieved and will take my time finishing the piece and then framing it.  By the way, I so wanted to have it hung on the wall by Christmas Eve, I ordered in advance a specific 10” x 18” “Art to Frames” frame through Amazon.  

Easter is April 20th this coming year.  Maybe that will be my new goal.

Blessings,

Frannie

Mikasa Electric Candle Warmer Lamp

 What a wonderful birthday surprise from my daughter-in-law Ana Maria, Tyler and Axel!  A Mikasa Electric Candle Warmer Lamp.  Ana Maria knows my fondness for candles and the ambiance they provide.

The lamp measures 13” in height and the wooden base is 6” square.  A dimmer switch allows the brightness of the lamp and consequently the heat provided to melt the wax.  A regular glass candle fits in the indentation of the wooden base.  It is a very attractive lamp with simple lines and could be used in any decor.  I also like the ability to adjust the degree to which the wax melts thus varying the intensity of the fragrance.

Due to the fact you are merely warming the wax instead of burning a wick, I would think the candle would last longer.  I will see.

Ana Maria purchased the lamp at Kohl’s, but I am sure it would be available at Amazon as well.  It truly would be a wonderful Christmas gift.

❤️💚

Women of Williams Park aka WOW

 A few months ago I started a group called Fridays at Frannie’s.  I had decided it would be fun for some of my neighbor friends to meet once a month and catch up on local news, family and maybe some gossip!  Seriously it has been a blessing for us to come together and bond.  We are all retired and mostly in our late sixties and seventies.  Some are from the South and some from the North.  It is so interesting learning each other’s stories.  My dear friends have begun sharing in the monthly festivities so the group’s name has now been changed to WOW which is the acronym for Women of Williams (Park).

Today Debby and Caroline co-hosted the get-together and what fun we had making various snow globes with fairy lights.  As a special party favor, Debby gave each of us a whimsical snowman decked out in a red coat and hat.  A perfect afternoon was had by all!

The WOW GROUP with our creations

Aren’t they adorable?

Receiving orders and supplies from Caroline!

Placing our supplies just so…

Look at those serious expressions!  Everything had to be just right.

My finished snow globe ~ MR FROSTY☃️❄️❤️

Peace and joy be with you this holiday season

Frannie

Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee

Leiper’s Fork is most definitely Tennessee’s best-kept secret.  It is a unique village not too far from downtown Franklin and full of Southern charm, country music and wide open idyllic surroundings.  There are about a dozen shops oozing with one-of-a-kind gifts.  I have to admit my two favorites were Dwell and Den and David Arms Studio both leaning towards wholesome and calming pleasures.

                                               David Arms, owner and artist at davidarms.com

Other shops…

Outdoor pictures consisted of the Fox and Locke, a fun eating establishment with live music and both indoor as well as outdoor seating.  There were two S’Mores Stations which were delightful to all those young at heart.  It was most certainly a family affair!

Thank God for small American towns and villages!

Blessings,

Frannie