A few of my favorite things

A picture of a full Christmas tree just doesn't do justice to those ornaments that make up the whole, so I wanted to share a few of my favorites from my 2012 nature-themed tree.

Well...not an ornament but a favorite bloom from one of Mother's Christmas cacti; this year we finally enjoyed these blooms. H. built frames to cover the screens on our porch, creating a greenhouse effect.  Great decision!  Frames can easily be taken down and replaced.

The original cabin...humble beginnings!

A "first" for our nature ornament collection...Thank you Susan for this elegant peacock!

 Cute Cute Cute!  Thank you Lynda!

Though not found on the tree, it was not unusual to find him under the tree!

 What's a Christmas tree without a buzzard???

Don't fall out...

 I am back  My last post was 6 months ago and during that time, I have collected a few pics to share.  So, thanks for your patience, and I hope you haven't given up on me!

Butterfly seed head...these are especially awesome when they dry, thus turning bronze.  I was lucky to have 3 of these last year....hopefully more this year. 

One of the last blooms on my dwarf fairy duster before the first frost. Really cute flowers which bloom prolifically.

Loving my reblooming hydrangeas...these were blooms from late fall.  They must love this soil because once I got them out of their pots and into this acid soil, they really perked up.   Received 2 more from my niece Kendra for Christmas so they will be planted soon.  Stay tuned for their progress! 

Another cluster of blooms prior to the frost.

Wanted to catch a shot of my Japanese maple before all the leaves dropped...loving those gorgeous colors.  From what I have read, these maples prefer shaded areas, but this is one variety that will tolerate bright sun for short periods of time.  It has survived 2 summers of drought, so  it's proving to be quite durable.

Red plumbago

So....this concludes a little pre-frost tour.   Stay tuned.............