Monday, December 24, 2018

Christmas Eve

                         Seasons Greetings from The Humble Bungalow.


Our Island and many of the southern Gulf Islands are recovering from a devastating storm last week that blew down trees and power lines.
Many people are still without power. We never lost our power and I am so grateful that we are warm and cozy snug in our home.

We are ready for the festivities...
time to enjoy our family and friends.


Our faux Christmas tree is lit with plain white lights
"cat proof" 
with no baubles.

Chester climbs it most days 
he has not knocked it over (yet) 
he got stuck once 
with the wire of the lights stretched tight across his belly
fortunately I was able to extricate him.


                    Like many of you, I have been busy these past few weeks.

"It's true, Christmas can feel like a lot of work, particularly for mothers. 
But when you look back on all the Christmases in your life, 
you'll find you've created family traditions and lasting memories. 
Those memories, good and bad, are really what help to keep a family together over the long haul. "

                                       ~ Caroline Kennedy ~


I love the message on this Emma Bridgewater tote!


It's not quite time for me to hang up my gloves...
the cooking is not finished.


The baking is done


The rum balls, citrus shortbread and butter tarts are ready for the tins.
The deliveries are in process...


Stuffed devilled eggs are ready for the party.


Christmas Day 
we will serve a simple brunch 
followed later by a small turkey dinner.


Thank you for your comments 
on the recent passing of my husband's mom.


"The spirit of Christmas is the spirit of love and of generosity and of goodness. It illuminates the picture window of the soul, and we look out upon the world's busy life and become more interested in people than in things."

~ Thomas S. Monson ~

Best wishes for a Peaceful and Happy Holiday.

30 comments:

Susan said...

Merry Christmas Leslie!

Susan B said...

Merry Christmas to you Hostess! Everything looks cheerful and yummy!

La Vie Quotidienne said...

you have such a great way of making food. Look so yummy, My deviled eggs don’t begin to look half as good as yours. LOL

I can!t remember if you are the one that recommended Amy Snow, I am reading it now and I can’t put it down. if it was you, thank you!

merry Christmas

Madame Là-bas said...

Your baking and your devilled eggs look delicious! Merry Christmas!

Ryoma Sakamoto.Japan said...

I hope that your Christmas would be enjoyable and may the essence of Christmas remain always with you. Merry Christmas .
Ryoma.

Anonymous said...

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas! Your family gathering is lovely and your meals sound scrumptious. Very pretty deviled egg platter. Isn't the presentation special... Nice decor. Beautiful tree with bright white lights. Classic beauty. Hopefully after a climb and tangle experience kitty will not repeat this experience. Thank you for your blog and writings. Each post brings much joy and authenticity.
All the best, Susan

gwenrob said...

Merry Christmas to you and yours.

Patricia said...

A sweet Christmas post. What fun that Chester climbs the tree - his own Yuletide tradition! You cooking looks so beautiful and I love a Canadian butter tart. Wishing you joy and peace at Christmas.

Anonymous said...

Everything looks festive!
Merry Christmas
Dottoressa

KSL said...

Merry Christmas Leslie - it all looks beautiful. And yes, it all falls on the mother, but reading Caroline Kennedy's quote was very helpful this morning.

LadyJicky said...

Merry Christmas .... your home is just beautiful .

LA CONTESSA said...

HAPPY YOU SURVIVED THE STORM!
IT IS A BUSY TIME FOR US MOTHERS!
NOW a little reading and napping are in ORDER!

Unknown said...

Hi Leslie...we are still without power....no sure when it will be hooked up. A tree took out the line.
It is quite a disaster with all the trees down. We were lucky, no house or car damage. A lot of homes had serious damage and will be months before any repairs will be done. It looks as if a tornado went through and then returned in some places.
A Christmas to remember for sure....
Ali

sharon said...

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and thank you for another year of sharing thoughts and life in such a kind and gentle way.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Hope that you had a wonderful Christmas Susan and all the best for 2019!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I enjoy reading your blog posts so much and I am planning a trip this fall to Tuscany and France for 3 weeks and I plan to use a carry on so I am looking forward to more of your packing advice!
Happy New Year!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Oh and I think my devilled eggs look messy! They are gobbled up quickly so it must not be that important...I do admire the professionals that pipe in the filling.
Happy New Year Adrienne!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Your holiday in Mexico looks wonderful...how clever of you to get away from all the stormy weather.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Best wishes to you for a very happy and healthy New Year.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Susan I thank you so much for your kind comments...
best wishes for 2019.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Hope that you enjoyed the holidays...Happy the New Year to you Gwen.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Sending you warm wishes for 2019 Patricia.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

It's hard to believe that Christmas has come and gone and we are looking forward to 2019...best wishes to you and your family.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

When I saw the quote from Caroline Kennedy it spoke to me and I thought it may ring ture to other readers.
Happy New Year Kathy!
XO

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Thank you Lady Jicky...hope you enjoyed the festive season and all the best to you in the new year.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I've been taking it easy since Christmas and Boxing Days...reading my new Louise Penny mystery novel...its fabulous!
Happy New Year Contessa!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Oh I thought of you ovet the holidays and wondered how you would manage with so many days and no power...what a horrific storm and the hydro workers from all over the province who left their families to come here and help.
Best wishes to you and I hope your power has now been restored.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Its hard to believe that another year has come and gone...looking forward to new adventures and considering what resolutions to make....and keep!
Happy New Year to you Sharon.

Deborah Montgomery said...

Look at all those lovely tins of cookies! So festive! Half the family is doing keto right now, and I don't need the extra calories, so I didn't make any, but I sure did miss it. will be making some next year for sure. So sorry to hear about your husband's mom. Sounds like she left some beautiful memories. Happy New Year to you. xo Deborah

Sheila said...

Happy holidays, and a happy new year to you, Leslie. Sorry to hear of Mr. Hostess' mom's passing.