Archive | December, 2011

our first hike in the hills

Sorry about the radio silence, folks!  It’s been a mad house around here getting ready for the big Christmas party today.  But I’m happy to report that it was a huge success!  Everyone had so much fun and Elliott and I were able to relax and enjoy our guests, good food, hot wassail, and entertaining for the first time in our very own Italian villa.  I’ll share some photos tomorrow.

In the meantime, here are a few from Tuesday, when Elliott had the day off and we went on our first hike in the hills around our home.

Here are the cowbells we hear from our balcony!  See the cowherd on the right?

We found a place to cross the stream that runs through the valley and started up the opposite bank.   The thick, soft green grass grew up to our knees.

An olive grove: perfect spot for a picnic.

Bites of tuna fish sandwich, banana, and mandarin weren’t enough for her.  She had to taste the foliage too.
 
 
There will be frequent hikes to come, in many seasons and with many friends, we hope.  Come visit!
3 :: in family, pretty places, Sicily

preparing and planning

As I write this, Elliott is following our handyman around our house as Mario gently pounds nails into our walls.  As Mario speaks 10 words of English and Elliott speaks 25 words of Italian, they make a quiet duo.  Lena and I check on them every now and then in between eating Cheerios, ironing wall hangings and quilts, and wiping a runny nose.

I’ve also been writing a loooooong grocery list in preparation for a shopping trip this afternoon.  Elliott’s staff are invited to our home for a potluck Christmas party this Thursday, and I’m covering drinks and desserts.  So far I’m thinking apple pie, pumpkin ginger muffins, peppermint bark, decorated gingerbread cookies (or maybe these fabulous brownies?), pretzel candy cane kiss candy, and definitely this fabulous cheese board!

I’m excited, but I haven’t often been the sole party hostess in my life.  There’s a lot to think about and prepare ahead of time!  I’m searching the internet for various inspirations, party games, and wassail recipes.  Do you have any tried-and-true desserts or Christmas party suggestions?  I’d love to hear ’em!
6 :: in holidays, home sweet home

preparing and planning

As I write this, Elliott is following our handyman around our house as Mario gently pounds nails into our walls.  As Mario speaks 10 words of English and Elliott speaks 25 words of Italian, they make a quiet duo.  Lena and I check on them every now and then in between eating Cheerios, ironing wall hangings and quilts, and wiping a runny nose.

I’ve also been writing a loooooong grocery list in preparation for a shopping trip this afternoon.  Elliott’s staff are invited to our home for a potluck Christmas party this Thursday, and I’m covering drinks and desserts.  So far I’m thinking apple pie, pumpkin ginger muffins, peppermint bark, decorated gingerbread cookies (or maybe these fabulous brownies?), pretzel candy cane kiss candy, and definitely this fabulous cheese board!

I’m excited, but I haven’t often been the sole party hostess in my life.  There’s a lot to think about and prepare ahead of time!  I’m searching the internet for various inspirations, party games, and wassail recipes.  Do you have any tried-and-true desserts or Christmas party suggestions?  I’d love to hear ’em!
6 :: in holidays, home sweet home

it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

It has taken us awhile to get our act together, but this weekend we kicked into gear and did some Christmas decorating around here.

This is our pride and joy: our book tree.  I mentioned before that we might make one, and finally we decided to give it a shot!  We chose all our favorite books for the tree, and for a tree topper I cut out a cardboard star and covered it with tin foil.  Sweet and very appropriate for this family.

In the rest of the house, there are bows on our front door…

… and garlands on the staircase.  (And a very cuddly snuggle muffin after her bath.)

We also have a miniature artificial tree that my grandmother gave us.  It is originally from Switzerland and comes with itty-bitty wooden ornaments.   So far Lena hasn’t reached either tree or the presents, but I wouldn’t put it past her.

This is the first time in our marriage that Elliott and I have had a tree or any Christmas decorating whatsoever.  For our first Christmas, Elliott was deployed to Egypt.  I left our little undecorated apartment to spend Christmas and New Year’s with him.  It seems appropriate that we make up for it this year!

(Although… to be perfectly honest, I think we’re more motivated by peer pressure.  Elliott’s vet clinic staff are coming on Thursday for a Christmas party and then my family arrives on Saturday.  Just the inspiration we needed to deck the halls!)

4 :: in arts and crafts, family, holidays, home sweet home, hospitality

it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

It has taken us awhile to get our act together, but this weekend we kicked into gear and did some Christmas decorating around here.

This is our pride and joy: our book tree.  I mentioned before that we might make one, and finally we decided to give it a shot!  We chose all our favorite books for the tree, and for a tree topper I cut out a cardboard star and covered it with tin foil.  Sweet and very appropriate for this family.

In the rest of the house, there are bows on our front door…

… and garlands on the staircase.  (And a very cuddly snuggle muffin after her bath.)

We also have a miniature artificial tree that my grandmother gave us.  It is originally from Switzerland and comes with itty-bitty wooden ornaments.   So far Lena hasn’t reached either tree or the presents, but I wouldn’t put it past her.

This is the first time in our marriage that Elliott and I have had a tree or any Christmas decorating whatsoever.  For our first Christmas, Elliott was deployed to Egypt.  I left our little undecorated apartment to spend Christmas and New Year’s with him.  It seems appropriate that we make up for it this year!

(Although… to be perfectly honest, I think we’re more motivated by peer pressure.  Elliott’s vet clinic staff are coming on Thursday for a Christmas party and then my family arrives on Saturday.  Just the inspiration we needed to deck the halls!)

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5 :: in arts and crafts, family, holidays, home sweet home, hospitality

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