a christmas house

 Last Saturday morning I awoke early to the sound of crunching, munching. Looking out the window it was a very pastoral view of the cattle on the farm where my friend Stephanie and her man Ian live. Steph and I were on a mission, heading for a car boot sale with our stuff to sell.

 A few minutes to catch my thoughts and refresh with cats Miro and Olly quite settled by my feet where they had been all night.

 Taking in the view out my window, in the distance there was a low mist hiding the view of the east coast and Rangitoto Island.  We were soon on our way to Beachlands where we set ourselves up and waited for the customers. Alas it was a quieter day than usual and our selling was not very successful which cant be said for my buying as I spent more than I earned. Oh well, maybe next time.

 The day after, on my way home from church I paid my usual visit to my friend Janets place for a coffee and a catchup.

 Heading up the path you may be able to see all the Christmas decorations. Janet made the snowman which lights up at night along with the rest of the house. Even the hedge is filled with lights but I'm afraid my phone camera is no good for night pics.

 Knock on the door, though thats hardly necessary as the dogs announce my arrival.

 This is what I love about villas, their huge hallways, so lovely and wide allowing furnishings and decorations galore.

 A gathering of bears ready to sing carols I think. They sit on a family eirloom seat.

 Santa and his reindeer ready for the big night

 Lots of Christmas goodies on the bookcase

 A lovely hall stand from trade me. Such pretty additions to a period home.

 Into the lounge for the ultimate tree festooned with old and not so old baubles and tinsel

 And at night over 300 lights

 Still in the lounge is this lovely big dresser with some of Janets collection of old china

 Don't forget me says Mr Snowman

 This is one of three cabinets of trios that Janet has been collecting for just a few months

 It all started with one set and the disease set in till now there are over a hundred. They are all so beautiful and of course an investment dear.

 Into the master bedroom and there is a fireplace adorned in Christmas finery. The Huge eagle hanging above is actually a paper tole masterpiece made by a relative of Janets and just recently sent to her from her home country of Canada. It is quite breathtaking.

 On the bed is a quilt Janet made called Oh so pretty, and I can still remember her coming into our shop and picking out the fabrics. It is so pretty and I think it was about her 2nd or 3rd quilt. Another bug she caught quickly.

 This is the spare room with another iron bedstead and very prettily decorated

 with such things as this special antique wash stand with everything a lady needs for a morning wash.

 The part of a quilt that you can see covering a little vintage sofa is the first quilt Janet made.

 Across the hall is the music room where Larry has his drums and other instruments and the computer. He was busy here and a little shy so I didn't intrude any further.

 And so there is a bathroom of course with this vintage washstand and a roll top bath

 But now its tome for that coffee in the kitchen diner

 With another fireplace fully adorned below

 this wonderful plate wall.

 Refreshed and caught up it was time to be farewelled by Dixy and Pebbles

 And return home

 where I must declare the trees are now fully clothed

 And my cottage garden is flourishing . It is such a joy to see those tiny plants grow so fast

 and now this glory

 The rich blue is clarkia and the decoration is a plate with dish and vase all bolted together on a stand and wallah a forever flower made by a very talented neighbour.

 I move it around as the mood takes me

 These voluptuous flowers are Godetia which I love. They remind me of those flowers that the old style magicians used to pull out of their pockets.

 The Penstamens are another favourite and I am thrilled with how they have turned out. It was just a small punnet so I didn't know what colours they were.

 The Cosmos just keep on flowering

 But now I am on a mission to finish oldest grandsons quilt for his Combie  van as he is setting off for the South Island after Christmas. He's only been waiting for it for 2 years so I better get down to it.

So now its nearly Christmas and I want to wish you all a jolly, merry, time with family and friends. May the Peace , joy and hope of Christmas fill your homes and the ones you love , with blessings, Trills.xx