No, no, it is not, definitely not, a Christmas tree. ☺ It is quite different. It is a winter tree, hence the label. I have finished packing Christmas away. The view in the Christmas closet looks just like a Tetris game, boxes and bins fitted just so. I forgot to pack the Christmas aprons so they will hang on a peg in the sewing room. I will still be finding Christmas items in June. Happens every year. It's the strangest thing as I do not even see the items. It's as if they are wearing a stealth cloak.
That snow out there? It has been greatly reduced after a massive rain storm throughout Sunday and overnight. I imagine the ski resorts are bemoaning the fact. It will get good and cold this week so they can make their own snow.
So I am as ready as I can make myself for winter with twinkling lights on a wee tree that make me grin just to see them. What are you doing to make winter easier to bear or do you not require the little games I play?
P.S. Downton Abbey? A bit dull this second episode or is it only I who thinks so?
I haven't seen Downton Abbey yet....I missed it tonight and will miss next Sunday as well as I hope I am still down here in isolation in the country. Hopefully they will record as scheduled!
ReplyDeleteI love your winter tree and I plan to keep one or two myself....as soon as I return home. The changing out from Christmas to Winter is something I play with every year. I am so NOT ready to leave all the pretty decorations.....just yet. By the end of February....it is past and I am ready for spring. Until then.....
I love you beautiful Winter tree with its twinkling lights, a lovely backdrop with the snow.
ReplyDeleteMy head kept "bobbing" during last night's Downton episode. I hope they pick up the pace a bit.
ReplyDeleteLingering Christmas decorations drive my Warren crazy. Since we keep our Christmas Decor up in the garage attic and he is the only one willing to go up and down that ladder it falls to him to make repeated trips when I don't get it all.
Love the Winter tree!
I love your wee tree. I haven't taken mine down yet. Just can't give up the sparkle! I like your wee tree so much that I think I will look for one for me ... for next year .. so that I have sparkle all winter long. Santa Claus is being replaced by snowmen in the house ... slowly. I taped Downton and will watch today, if I get a chance.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny, Vee. I was thinking of you last evening, as I watched Downton. It seems to me that the writers are spending a great deal of time 'sewing up loose ends'. It's the last season, so there's very little big action that can take place until we come to the principle characters 'swan song scenes'. I rather suspect that we will be treated to Lady Mary pulling a Scarlett O'Hara line at the end such as 'We'll never be estateless again!", as all around her are selling off. Frankly can't see where else DA can go ... but we love it and will go down with the ship, so to speak! PS ... thank you for your kind words on my poetry. It's been hard getting back to it, but I'm trying. As for winter tricks? Candlelight and keeping the fires going is my trick. Soften the light and everything looks better!
ReplyDeleteAwww - your Winter Tree is so cheerful! I've spotted a few things over here too that didn't get tucked away yet. I've kept the string of lights on above my wall unit for a bit of sparkle for the winter. I also know for sure that there is a lot of dust left over from Christmas - eek! Time to give the house a good cleaning. We have to wait till the end of the month to be able to purchase the DA dvds. It'll be my belated birthday gift.
ReplyDeletePefect! There is nothing so lovely than to see those tiny white lights shining in windows as winter sets in. Many Mainers did just that and allowed them to glow through until Spring. love this Vee! Yes, Downton was a bit tired.....but the fashion never disappoints!
ReplyDeleteGood morning! I love your little tree! And the snow backdrop is just perfect...I DID manage to get everything this year, but can't count up the number of items that have escape my notice in years gone by...lol...your right, I just didn't see them though they sat in plain sight, lol. We didn't watch Downton last night but we taped it so we will watch tonight. We are watching all of the previous seasons over again on
ReplyDeleteAmazon which we are really enjoying. I have been amazed at how much I had either forgotten, or possibly dozed through as there seems to be so much I hadn't seen. Netflix has totally spoiled me for wanting to watch a series this way...just one episode right after the other. You just never forget what's going on that's for sure. Have a good good week Vee!
Downton---I love the Carson/Hughes issues that pop up and their arguing...for pete's sake--its her wedding! (giggling)---- I am so sick of Lady Mary--never mind.
ReplyDeleteSnowing here in western NY, Vee--expecting upwards of a foot by the time it is all said and done sometime during the week. Not complaining, it is winter. Love the tree and I too, as it seems, Christmas items that were left out--or did they jump out of the box? LOLOL
Beautiful, Vee! I love your winter tree, and the cozy photo with the snow outside the window. It would make me grin just to see it, too.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes -- I do require the same sort of little games you play to make winter more bearable. Lights, glitter, sparkle, snowmen ... I need them all. I must admit that I have not changed out much from Christmas yet. Just difficult finding the time. Mr. T and I like to work together on it, and our lives are so busy that it's been hard to find a good block of time. The latest thing that happened was that our freezer stopped freezing. The issue is the thermostat control, and since he is not the computer person in our family, this required lots of time online last evening trying to locate an affordable part. (Last evening was the time we had set aside to take down the tree. We had also thought he might have the day off today due to wet conditions in the woods -- and we could do the tree today -- but they will spend the day doing equipment maintenance. Oh well, I will do what I can with the Christmas decor in the kitchen instead. Realistically that may be all I could find time for anyway.)
Thanks for sharing your winter tree. Very inspiring.
I've kept a small tree out too! It is cheery with lights on it. We've had dreary, overcast, rainy weather so I like the sparkle! I use candles, too, especially great during this season where the darkness comes so early.
ReplyDeleteWe may get a wee bit of snow tomorrow, but I'm not sure if it will really lay. It's cold at night but the ground isn't frozen yet.
Have a good day!
Deanna
I think the glow of the winter tree is pretty! This is my first winter in South Carolina and I am not sure how cold and or snowy it will get. We had a week of rain last week and it was gloomy! I kept all of the candles out on the mantel and tables and they are lit every evening.
ReplyDeleteYes...dull and short! It seems like it's a build up episode. I like your Winter tree. I made Dear leave one string of lights up on our privacy fence that I can see when I sit in the family room. Making things fit back in their bins and boxes is always a spatial exercise! Have a wonderful week!
ReplyDeleteI like your winter tree Vee. I also have one in the dining room bearing crocheted snowflakes. We lost a lot of snow with the rains last night too but it is turning really cold really fast today and will be a cold week. I see snow in the forecast on Wednesday and maybe the weekend. We need some so we can go snowmobiling. I finished season 4 of DA on Netflix. Now I'm waiting for 5 to come on - who knows when - and then 6. Lots to look forward to for me. :)
ReplyDeleteI love your sweet little tree with white lights. When we had our cabin we had a pencil tree with white lights that we kept up all year long. It was decorated with hydrangea in the spring/summer, fall leaves in the fall (duh), and homespun ornaments and I added colored lights at Christmas. I really don't mind our winters, but I do think accent (low-light) lamps give off a sense of coziness. Stay warm! :)
ReplyDeleteVee only you would come up with such a romantic idea. I have a small tree and it is not brightly colored but white covered and mystical. It is not in the way of anything since Papaw and I stay mostly in the back of our house. I am going to keep mine up also. Not real but romantic. I am into making things with old jewelry and just may come up with some seasonal ornaments. Thanks for the idea.
ReplyDeleteYour tree will certainly brighten the cold winter evenings, Vee. Lovely idea. Downton Abbey was over and I said to Grayden...Is this episode over? A Little disappointing last evening, but the story line about Marigold is heartbreaking. Hopefully next week will be more exciting! ♥
ReplyDeleteI was jolted when the episode ended last night. It seemed slow....and then it was over. Huh. I do love that Mrs. Hughes is standing up to have her wedding done her way! Carson just looks a bit flustered all of the time. The fashion in DA continues to astound. Even a perfect choice for the pig show for Mary!
ReplyDeleteI am still plugging away at de-decorating. I hate putting it all away for another 10.5 months. Being retired, I just take my time and work at it when the spirit moves me. I don't have any rush, especially when it is -6* outside this AM. ugh. So far the hubs isn't pushing, either. It will all get done eventually.
Love your little winter tree... I might copy your idea next year. After Christmas is put away, my winter decor is mostly snowmen here and there but I do like the small "winter tree" idea. I think mine would have some small clip-on birds on it, along with snowflakes and maybe pinecones, and white lights of course...
ReplyDeleteYes I found DA a bit slow too.. but as others have said, the fashions never disappoint...
I love it! I have not taken down the tree in my living room yet or my nativity. They are so pretty, and cheery, maybe in a few days. xoxo Su
ReplyDeleteThere's no reason at all to think we can't put up a tree at other times through the year!
ReplyDeleteI've decided I'll take your lead and try and hunt one down in July - our mid Winter here.
How nice it will be to see twinkling lights on cold dark afternoons and evenings!
I hope I don't forget ha ha!
I have twinkling lights on some lighted branches in a vase. Got to have lights in these dark months! I MAY venture out in the bitter weather we are having now
ReplyDelete:( to see what beautiful green living plants (or flowers!)Home Depot is offering right now. I need a little plant life. I need green that's not evergreen. Your little lighted tree is a great idea, but we always have live trees and they just don't last that long.
I love the idea of a winter tree. I don't have your creative mind and you inspire me. What will I be doing to bear winter? All spare time is spent with thoughts are about moving.
ReplyDeleteStick with Downton, it gets good!! xx
ReplyDeleteYour winter tree is ideal to add warmth and cheer to the winter landscape.
ReplyDeleteMy trees just came down and I must admit I was still enjoying the beauty of the lights each evening. As you know, our winters are pretty mild, but I did decide to leave the snowmen on the family room shelves as I'm not quite ready to say goodbye to them yet.
Oh Vee I am quite jealous of your sweet tree. How comforting on a cold winter night to see those twinkling white lights. I think I should figure out some way to do that.
ReplyDeleteYour winter tree puts a smile on my face, Vee. I have lights in baskets of greenery that are on timers, that I use year 'round. They just add a special glow and cozy softness that I crave.
ReplyDeleteLights in baskets of greenery on timers! What a wonderful idea! I would never have thought of that. Thanks for sharing.
DeleteCool idea to have a Winter Tree. On this gloomy, chilly days it would be nice to see something bright and cheerful in the corner.
ReplyDeleteI haven't watched last night's Downton Abbey yet, but hubby did and he thought it was splendid. I'll watch it tonight after supper. ~:)
Oh yuck, a rain storm on top of snow! That is certainly no fun and yes, I can imagine the ski resorts were not too happy :)
ReplyDeleteYour tree looks so pretty up against the window. Enjoy your week, Vee. Hugs!
Fresh flowers and live green plants in white pots refresh my home after the deep colors of Christmas. The white/green/brown combo mimics the snow bound scenes outside which makes me happy as I do love snow.
ReplyDeleteDownton's costuming is fascinating this season. The mid 1920s fashion silouette is not quite as popular to the modern eye but the fabric details are luscious. Take note of Edith's and Roz's posture in their straight gowns. The fashionable posture of the day was almost C shaped, with hunched shoulders and a distinctive walk that was quite different than the straight spine/tipped up bottom of earlier eras. Fine bit of attention to detail in acting.
I love your winter tree.
ReplyDeleteDon't do anything. I like winter. : )
This post has me smiling!! I can imagine the Tetris closet. (Our own Christmas boxes are stored in the attic which is Ron's territory. I don't think he's ever played Tetris. That would be a helpful skill.)
ReplyDeleteAnd, yes!! What is up with the "stealth cloaks"? Hidden in plain sight. Never fails.
Love your cheerful winter tree!
Your Winter Tree is prefect! I have one in my sewing area in the unfinished basement -- it definitely adds cheeriness to the area.
ReplyDeleteAs for not seeing the leftover Christmas decorations -- to me, that's like not seeing any typos in my blog post until after I hit "publish"!!
My feeling too regarding Downton - and Lady Mary is really getting to be a pain!!!
ReplyDeletePoor Edith - she's going to have to come clean to all about Marigold - imagine Mary's response -hopefully we'll see a more gentle and kind side of her personality one of these days!
I did love the village scene with the livestock contest etc., and to think there are still places and events in my beautiful homeland where time has stood still and it's exactly the same today.
I used to long to move back to a real cottage in a village - well actually I still do some days, such as yesterday!
My tile/grout guy DID get back to me with profuse apologies for forgetting yesterday was Mon. and he's here working now, thankfully! Now I just need a carpenter - does John travel, haha?
Stay warm and dry - hugs, Mary
Oh the games we play - I have a glowing star still up in the kitchen and the German pyramid is lit with candles so that the deer twirl around in the forest from time to time. (Why it's called a pyramid, I don't know - it's a twirly whirlagig that is powered by candles). Anyway, it's pretty. And candles. And sitting beside the fire. And lots and lots of tea.
ReplyDeleteThis season of DA began slowly, but I thought it picked up.
I love that you keep a little tree out, too! After Christmas I put away the tree, the stockings, and my nativity sets. But everything else gets to stay - the baskets of greens with pinecones and berries and branches, the snowmen, the lanterns, well - you get the picture. Winter is my favorite season, and I'm all for leaving it "decked out" after the holidays are over. Keeping things cozy looking/feeling make it easier for me to relax and slow down. Happy Winter!
ReplyDeleteYou are the only person I know whose favorite season is winter. I'm glad to know one!
DeleteHere's another!! That's why this transplanted Southerner misses her snow so badly, but love does all sorts of strange things, like leading one to a different state. We've been married 19 years, but I still long for snowy winters. Like a previous 'commenter' stated, I crave coziness...candles, snow, lights, fires (in the fireplace!), long socks, sweaters, and last, but NOT least, coffee! (Just discovered your site today through Deanna Rabe's blog)
DeleteGood for you to have a winter tree Vee. I keep snowflakes and snowmen out until April and this year I kept our tabletop tree out and have decorated it for Valentine's day. I may even plug the lights in!
ReplyDeleteIt's too monochromatic over winter, we still need some sparkle and twinkle.
Oh I like your winter tree! I also love the lights- and I think this would be a wonderful idea to brighten up a corner or sitting in a window. No snow here, and the night temps, while freezing, do not stick around the entire day. In fact it is 60 degrees right now- boo!
ReplyDeleteI do love your winter tree! I always wish everyone would leave the Christmas lights up all through January...it's so dark and dull.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with you...Downton Abbey is very slow this season. Hope it picks up.