Why you want to avoid this year's 'superbug' norovirus

Winter always brings the flu but this year it is bringing a superbug that is sure to cause upset tummies from one end of the country to the other as well as around the globe. In Virginia, the norovirus began showing up before Christmas as we joined other states that are seeing increasing numbers of cases across the nation especially in areas that see groups of people in close contact such as nursing homes, schools, and even cruise ships.

What can you look forward to with this year's flu? Some tidbits about this uninvited visitor:

- This stomach virus can hit victims with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, headache, achy muscles, low-grade fever, weakness, and dehydration.

- Symptoms come on suddenly, sometimes within a few hours of exposure.

- Up to 50 percent of American could become violently ill because no one has immunity to this new strain of norovirus.

- Norovirus is far more contagious than regular flu.

- 1,000 regular virus particles needed to get sick; only 18 norovirus particles needed to get sick.

- Flu germs can live up to four hours on hard surfaces. Norovirus germs remain infectious for weeks.

- Clean surfaces with bleach. Wash hands regularly with soap and water; experts say hand sanitizers don't work on the norovirus.

Good luck avoiding this meanie but if you come down with it, check out these suggestions for treatment.

Pinterest: Top 10 Pins of 2013

Pinterest! It continues to grow among those who enjoy looking at ideas for a variety of subjects from others, and among those who are just discovering this wide-reaching media marvel. As we close out 2013, what were the top pins for the year?

Pinterest has listed what they consider the most popular although I must admit only a few of these categories were ones I was interested in checking out. Be that as it is, here's what Pinterest listed as the Most Popular Pins of 2013:

—Taco cupcakes, churro waffles, and beer-candied bacon in Food

—The Caves (Jamaica), a geothermal spa (Iceland), and Temples (Myanmar) in Travel

—Tulle, boho, tartan, and collars in Women’s Fashion

—Bowties, colored pants, and hipster haircuts in Men’s Fashion

—The real Django, Tuskegee Air Women, and a Japanese female warrior in History

—Refurbed bikes, souped-up trucks, and The Chevy Stingray in Cars & Motorcycles

—Treadmill plans, medicine balls and yoga poses to detox in Health & Fitness

—Ikea hacks, pallet walls and grey paint color schemes in Decor

—Brain breaks, creative writing prompts and parent involvement in Education

—Lace gowns, mismatched bridesmaids, and grandmothers as flower girls in Weddings

—3D printers, wearables and motion sensors in Technology

Wonder what the trends will be in 2014....

Saying goodbye to our grown kids after Christmas vacation

Today we wrapped up our family Christmas by driving SWAC Daughter to Blacksburg to meet up with SWAC Son-in-Law after he spent the weekend visiting former work friends in the land of Virginia Tech. Our 10 days of family time together ended all too soon as SWAC Husband and I hugged them goodbye and watched as they drove away toward their Tennessee home. Christmas 2013 is now in the memory books.

Sigh. I miss them already.

We raise our children to be independent but sometimes the memories flood back of my shy little girl who wouldn't let go of me, hiding behind my legs when we were in unfamiliar places, remembering her satisfaction of retiring to the safety of her room in the evenings where there would be cuddles and mooches. The nostalgia also includes the memory of a little blond curly-haired boy who enunciated his words, looked out for his younger sister, and was quick to give hugs and kisses, and who now owns a home not far from us. The weekend with both our children, now grown, was priceless, a time of board games and HGTV marathons and movies and grilling out and just lounging together.

And so today I had to smile as we watched SWAC Daughter and Son-in-Law leave. We had squeezed every ounce of fun that was possible out of our time together -- along with my parents, sister, brother-in-law, and niece -- who had all joined us for a Shenandoah Valley Christmas at our house. Those memories will forever be cherished....

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
December 2013

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus

In 1897, eight-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon asked her father if there was really a Santa Claus. He suggested she write to The Sun, a prominent New York newspaper, because, as he said, "If you see it in The Sun, it's so."

And so Virginia wrote her letter:

The letter landed on the desk of editor Francis Church, a former war correspondence during the Civil War. Perhaps his observations of the hopelessness during that tragic time in American history made him want to install hope and faith in this little girl. He responded in an editorial that was published in The Sun:

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy.

Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! . . . You tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world, which not the strongest man, or even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real?

Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else so real and abiding. No Santa Claus! Thank God! He lives, and he lives forever — a thousand times ten thousand, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

— Francis P. Church

The response is timeless and as meaningful today as in 1897, and feeds an innocent faith that yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.

'Twas the Night Before Christmas

By Clement Clarke Moore
 

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds;

While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;

And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,

Had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow,

Gave a lustre of midday to objects below,

When what to my wondering eyes did appear,

But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer.

With a little old driver so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment he must be St. Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,

And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name:

"Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now Prancer and Vixen!

On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donder and Blixen!

To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!

Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"

As leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,

When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky;

So up to the housetop the coursers they flew

With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof

The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I drew in my head, and was turning around,

Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,

And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;

A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,

And he looked like a pedler just opening his pack.

His eyes—how they twinkled! his dimples, how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,

And the beard on his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,

And the smoke, it encircled his head like a wreath;

He had a broad face and a little round belly

That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,

And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head

Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,

And laying his finger aside of his nose,

And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight—

“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”

The 12 Days of Christmas ... Day 12: Linus explains the true meaning of Christmas

A Charlie Brown Christmas first aired on December 9, 1965, and became a classic that still rings true more than forty-five years later. One reason it remains among the most popular Christmas shows of the season may be because friend Linus reminds Charlie Brown of the true meaning of Christmas by reciting the King James Bible New Testament verses from Luke 2:8-14 describing the birth of Christ.

The fact that the message is delivered by an animated character doesn't diminish the impact of the meaning.

Interestingly, the story goes that network executives did not want the scripture quoted in an animated show, assuming viewers would become bored. Charlie Brown creator Charles Schulz, however, was adamant that it remain. "If we don't tell the true meaning of Christmas, who will?" he asked.

Today, even more than in 1965, we need to hear the true meaning of Christmas as told by a little animated boy in a scene that is beloved by millions.

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and goodwill towards men.'

"That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown."

How much richer we are for Charles Schulz standing by his principles. Merry Christmas to Charlie Brown, Linus, and the rest of the Peanuts gang!

Merry Christmas 2013 from Governor Bob McDonnell

'Hallelujah'

This is beautiful. A Christmas Version of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah. Enjoy....

Hallelujah

I heard about this baby boy
Who comes to earth to bring us joy
And I just want to sing of this song to you
It goes like this
The fourth, the fifth
The minor fall, the major lift
With every breath I’m singing, ”Hallelujah”

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

A couple came to Bethlehem
Expecting child, they searched the inn
To find a place for your were coming soon
There was no room for them to stay
So in a manger filled with hay
God’s only son was born, oh Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

The shepherds left their flocks by night
To see this baby wrapped in light
A host of angels led them all to you
It was just as the angels
You’ll find him in a manger bed
And there you’ll meet your Savior, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

A star shown bright out in the east
To bethlehem, the wise-man three
Came many miles a journey long for you
Into the place at which you were
Their frankincense, gold, and myrrh
They came to you and cried out, “Hallelujah”

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

I know you came to rescue me
This baby boy would grow to be
A man who’d one day die for me and you
Our sins will drive the nails in you
That rugged cross, was my cross, too
And every breath you drew was “Hallelujah”

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah

The 12 Days of Christmas ... Day 11: The story behind 'Where's the line to see Jesus?'

The poignant story of the little boy who saw the children lined up at the mall to see Santa and asked, "Where's the line to see Jesus?" was first sent to me by a friend. Soon after I received more emails with the story and link to the song.

At a time when the war on Christmas continues, a small child's innocent question makes us slow down in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the holidays and think about the true meaning of the season.

Here is the true inspiring story behind the music "Where's the line to see Jesus?"

While at the mall a few years ago, Becky Kelly's then four-year-old nephew, Spencer, saw kids lined up to see Santa Claus.

Having been taught as a toddler that Christmas is the holiday that Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus, he asked his mom, "Where's the line to see Jesus?"

Becky's sister mentioned this to her father, Steve Haupt, who immediately became inspired and jotted some words down to the song in just a few minutes. After putting music to the words, and doing a quick home recording, he received a great response from friends. Her father asked if Becky wanted to record the song to see what could happen with it. Becky listened to the song, made a few changes, and headed to Shock City Studios.

It was at the studio where Chris Loesch, owner and producer, rewrote the second verse and part of the chorus. With goosebumps and emotions high, they all felt like they had something special and recorded the demo in just under two hours.

Two weeks before Christmas last year, her cousins decided to do a quick video to see what we could accomplish on YouTube. The first day it had 3,000 hits and it soared to a million from there! Becky received e-mails, phone calls, Facebook messages from people all over over the world asking for the music, CDs, iTunes, a full version, anything ... they had nothing.

After a couple of meetings with Chris following the amazing response, the team got serious. They headed back into the studio this past spring, this time with guitars, drums, bass, pianos, choirs ... the real deal ... and here it is today.

Getting everything set up, a website put together, and loving that thousands upon thousands of Christians have come together to remember the true meaning of Christmas. Out of the mouths of babes come profound truths that many adults can not understand. Hopefully, Spencer's observation will cause people all over to reflect on the love of Jesus, and that one day we will all stand in line to see Him. Becky is most thankful to our Heavenly Father to have this chance to share her music with you. Merry Christmas, everyone.

Performed by: Becky Kelley
http://www.wheresthelinetoseejesus.com/
Now Available on iTunes!: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/wher...

About Becky:
Becky Kelley was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. She first sang on stage at the ripe age of two and never looked back. Singing and dancing her way through high school, she ended up going to college in Nashville, TN, at David Lipscomb University. It was there when she started to get a taste of the Nashville music scene, singing and performing with some of Nashville's best.

After college, Becky decided to go back home, get married, and settle into a family life. Apparently life had other things in store, as she eventually found herself being pulled back into music, recording in the studio and welcoming an exciting new chapter into her life all while embracing her current life at home. While life has gotten busier, it has also become richer. Becky loves using her gifts both in the professional world and also singing her baby girl to sleep at night, praying God is leading her every step of the way.

Interesting facts:
* A portion of the procedes of CD sales will go to Christian Family Services in St. Louis and the good work they do finding homes for children in need.
* The man playing piano in the video is Becky's father Steve who is also the main writer of the song and is the pianist on both recordings.
* Gloria Estefan's bassist, Jorge Casas, is the basist on this recording.

Recording credits:
Performed by: Becky Kelley
Written by: Steve Haupt & Chris Loesch
Produced by: Chris Loesch
Recorded at: Shock City Studios, St. Louis, MO

Video credits:
Directed by: Chris Benson
Cinematography: Chris Benson
Edited by: Gabriel Reed and Chris Benson
Produced by: Carlyn Graumenz, Chris Benson (Lamplight Films) and Chris Loesch for Shock City Producitons
Cameras and Lights: Heroic Age

Important links:
iTunes purchasing: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/wher...
Band Camp purchasing: http://beckykelley.bandcamp.com/
Christian Family Services, Inc.: http://www.cfserve.org/
Shock City Studios: http://www.shockcitystudios.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbi...
Original (Demo Version) Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPViKJ...

The elves have arrived ... fa la la la la

 

Let Christmas 2013 commence!

Fa la la la la!

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
December 22, 2013

The 12 Days of Christmas ... Day 10: 'A Christmas Carol' at Staunton's Blackfriars Playhouse

Only three days until Christmas and it's rainy outside so why not take in a Shakespeare play at Staunton's Blackfriars Playhouse? This identical replica of its namesake in England, known as Shakespeare's American home, presents all kinds of entertainment throughout the year, pulling the audiences into the story lines in the up-close-and-personal setting.

With a reputation that has grown every year, "The American Shakespeare Center hosts an internationally acclaimed theatre company that performs Shakespeare's works under their original staging conditions -- on a simple stage, without elaborate sets, and with the audience sharing the same light as the actors. Home to the ASC's resident troupe and the ASC on Tour, the Blackfriars Playhouse has been established as one of America's premier Shakespeare destinations."

Today Blackfriars is featuring three plays, two presentations of the traditional Charles Dickens classic "A Christmas Carol," and one of the boisterous, adults-oriented "The 12 Dates of Christmas."

While in town, there's restaurants for lunch and dinner, and coffee houses to sit and chat with friends. It's Staunton ... there's lots to love.

Fa la la la la!

Blackfriars Theater events for Dec 22, 2013

A Christmas Carol

December 22 2013, 2:00 pm | Blackfriars Playhouse The 2013/14 25th Anniversary World’s Mine Oyster Tour takes a break from touring the country to give you some ghostly season’s greetings. Marley, the three Christmas ghosts, the Cratchits, and Tiny Tim are all back to take Scrooge on the ride of his money-grubbing life. Expect to be right in the middle of this beloved tale with new twists, surprises, and a production filled with music and cheer for the whole family. Note: Children 3 and older are welcome to attend. But remember that some kids need coaching about rattling chains, spooky noises, and creepy faces!

The 12 Dates of Christmas

December 22 2013, 5:00 pm | Blackfriars Playhouse What happens when Mary sees her fiancé making out with his co-worker on national TV at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade? She dumps him and drops her engagement ring into a Salvation Army kettle. She then spends the next year being set up, hooked up, strung up, and fed up as she navigates her life “alone” as a New York actor in her thirties—”Sex and the City” for real people, with no Mr. Big in sight. Allison Glenzer returns to perform Mary in this delicious one-woman show about how much the holidays suck after your heart’s been crushed. RECOMMENDED FOR MATURE AUDIENCES.

A Christmas Carol

December 22 2013, 7:30 pm | Blackfriars Playhouse The 2013/14 25th Anniversary World’s Mine Oyster Tour takes a break from touring the country to give you some ghostly season’s greetings. Marley, the three Christmas ghosts, the Cratchits, and Tiny Tim are all back to take Scrooge on the ride of his money-grubbing life. Expect to be right in the middle of this beloved tale with new twists, surprises, and a production filled with music and cheer for the whole family. Note: Children 3 and older are welcome to attend. But remember that some kids need coaching about rattling chains, spooky noises, and creepy faces!

The 12 Days of Christmas ... Day 9: Busch Gardens' Christmas Town, Williamsburg

If you love Christmas ... if you love lights ... if you love the music, then Christmas Town is your destination where every inch of real estate is a nod to the season. From the millions of twinkling white and multi-colored holiday lights to the choreographed gigantic "O Tannenbaum" Christmas tree that flashes to the music of the season, to Santa and elves and floor shows reminiscent of the days of Andy Williams, Christmas Town is absolutely breath-taking.

Busch Gardens describes Christmas Town this way:

Joy, laughter and cheer are in the air at Christmas Town. This one-of-a-kind event combines the magic and merriment of the season with stunning Broadway-style shows, unique gift ideas and millions of twinkling lights.

Sip on Busch Gardens’ signature peppermint fudge hot chocolate while strolling through Christmas Town’s latest addition, Holiday Hills™ a nostalgic vision of mid-20th-century Christmas traditions complete with tin toys and miles of garland.

Plan to share your holiday wishes at Santa’s workshop and to see the park’s 50-foot tall, light-animated Christmas tree for a memorable Christmas Town experience. Christmas Town opens Nov. 22 and continues select days through Dec. 31.

Learn more at the Official Christmas Town website.

This holiday extravaganza has become a family tradition for us. You may find it's something special, too.

Photos compliments of Busch Gardens Williamsburg

The 12 Days of Christmas ... Day 8: Creating holiday goodies

Every family has traditions of the holidays, and one in my family is cookie baking and candy making.

While trying to duplicate a mice recipe from a couple of years ago, I tried to take a shortcut by using packaged sugar cookie mix. The dough wasn't stiff enough and they not only spread while baking but were flatter than pancakes. SWAC Husband called them road kill. 

 After making up a new batch of dough that was stiffer and chilled, the mice came out much better.

The best part of it all is sharing with friends and family.

Butter Sprintz Cookies

Toffee

 

 Toffee Cookie Bars

Forgotten Cookies

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
December 2013

The 12 Days of Christmas ... Day 7: Holiday offerings at the library

Augusta County Library's Churchville Branch

There's Kindles and laptops and video games and smart phones and every other device available out there but the wonderful thing is that libraries are still as popular as ever. With lots of seasonal reading selections, a trip to the library provides hours of entertainment for kids and parents during school vacation.

These two dedicated folks run two of the three western Augusta County Library branches. Ginny works at the Deerfield library branch and Jack at Churchville.

The library also provides internet access, in-house computers, DVDs, children's programs, craft time, genealogy research, workshops, job help, meeting rooms, and much more.

This ever-popular, colorful baby dinosaur -- decked out for the holiday season -- was made by Augusta County resident Kurt Michael and his son five or six years ago, as a "son" to "Lucy," the larger-than-the-kids dinosaur that has resided in the main Fishersville branch of the library for 20 years. This little fella likes to visit the various library branches and spread joy to the kids who shower love on both dinosaurs.

The main library and branches will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, December 24 and 25, so stop by soon and find your holiday entertainment to enjoy during vacation.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

- Day 1: Olde Richmond's Christmas of yesteryear ... Miller & Rhoads' holiday windows and Legendary Santa
- Day 2: Afton's Bethlehem Village and the greatest story ever told
- Day 3: Experience Colonial Virginia with Monticello $5 admission
- Day 4: Lantern Tours at Staunton's Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia
- Day 5: Celebration of Holiday Lights in Staunton's Gypsy Hill Park
- Day 6: Goodies for library & FCMV staff, volunteers

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
December 18, 2013

The 12 Days of Christmas ... Day 6: Goodies for library & FCMV staff, volunteers

It's fun to play elf and deliver Christmas goodies to staff members and volunteers at the three Pastures District library branches that I represent in Augusta County and the main Fishersville branch as well as the Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton, a sweet token of appreciation for their hard work year round. Fa la la la la!

- Day 1: Olde Richmond's Christmas of yesteryear ... Miller & Rhoads' holiday windows and Legendary Santa
- Day 2: Afton's Bethlehem Village and the greatest story ever told
- Day 3: Experience Colonial Virginia with Monticello $5 admission
- Day 4: Lantern Tours at Staunton's Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia
- Day 5: Celebration of Holiday Lights in Staunton's Gypsy Hill Park

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
December 17, 2013

'Twas the week before Christmas

[I'm taking a break this evening from holiday preparations for our Shenandoah Valley Christmas with my family, something we are very much looking forward to. Visions of my own version of "The Night Before Christmas" danced in my head and I sat down and popped out a few verses before getting back to work. It's Christmas in the Shenandoah Valley....]
 
'Twas the week before Christmas and all through the house
Every creature was stirring including the mouse.
With plans for family, friends, and neighbors, too,
To celebrate together ... there was much left to do.

Last touches on the tree, a wreath on the door,
The presents were bought except perhaps just one more.
Gingerbread baked in the oven with care,
Looking forward to when our guests would be there.

Cleaning the house and planning the meals,
And scanning the ads for those last-minute deals.
Gift wrap was piled deep on the floor,
To decorate gifts and candies bought at the store.

A Shenandoah Valley Christmas is what we'll celebrate
With everyone here, this holiday's sure to be great.
One week left to go, we're almost done
Then it will be time to settle back and enjoy the fun.

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
December 17, 2013

Winter 2011: Shenandoah Valley farm with snow-covered Appalachian Mountains

Central Shenandoah Valley farm with snow-covered Appalachian Mountains in background.

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
29 January 2011

The 12 Days of Christmas ... Day 5: Celebration of Holiday Lights in Staunton's Gypsy Hill Park

Everyone loves the lights of the season so pile the kids in the car and head to Staunton's Gypsy Hill Park "Celebration of Holiday Lights." Drive around the two-mile loop and gaze, ooh, and ahh over the dozens of Christmas displays set up by area organizations. Each year tens of thousands of vehicles take part in this holiday treat. Open daily now through January 5, the lights will be on from 5-11 p.m. offering a delightful treat for young and old.

Better still, park the car and walk around the duck pond in the cold night air and give the kids a chance to stretch their legs.

In what has become an annual tradition for many, 2013 represents the ninth year for the ever-popular displays with the magical glow of thousands of twinkly lights that can be seen around the Gazebo, duck pond, playground, ball fields, and open spaces. Particularly touching is the herd of deer on the grounds of the Gypsy Hill pool, lighted in memory of loved ones.

This year the Celebration of Holiday Lights will stay up through January 5, 2014, from 5-11:00 each evening. This event is free and presented to the community with help from the Staunton Parks and Recreation Department. See you at the park!

Photos from past years:  Christmas in the Valley ... Gypsy Hill light display

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell

Nooks and crannies of SWAC Daughter's Tennessee home

 Decorated for Christmas, SWAC Daughter had lots of little seasonal touches throughout her new home in Tennessee.

 We weren't in Virginia anymore and, knowing my love of history and exploring new places, SWAC Daughter had picked up a number of maps and brochures of the Nashville area from the Tennessee Visitors Center.

 The Santa came from her Mammaw in Richmond. He's holding kittens ... of course!

 Also from Mammaw....

 It's always fun to see SWAC Son-in-Law's Charlie Brown Christmas tree from his bachelor days set up and enjoying the holidays ...

 ... even though he has competition from a real live Frasier Fir.

 SIL's advent calendar ... yum!

 You can take the girl out of Virginia but she still needs a touch of Colonial Virginia. This swag is from Monticello.

 SWAC Daughter made burlap wreaths last year, and it still looks good as new. She asked for greenery from our Shenandoah Valley yard so we took some evergreen, magnolia, and nandina berries that she used to make her place look even more Christmasy.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
December 2013