Winter Solstice

Yule, the winter solstice, is a time of great symbolism and power. 

It marks the return of the sun, when the days begin to get a little longer.

When Mr. Dragon and I first married, on the winter solstice we made a big pot of posole, invited friends over, decorated the tree, and shared a special ornament -- usually in the shape of an animal.

When we moved to Texas, we still made the big pot of posole, but didn't invite friends over.

I often wonder why we didn't continue that tradition.

We still share an animal ornament and our tree has been slowly over run with birds!

This year the excitement has been building for the winter solstice as there will also be a lunar eclipse.

It is a rare event. Historians at the US Naval Observatory only found one previous instance of a lunar eclipse matching the same calendar date as that of the solstice and that was December 21, 1638.

Image from Space Weather

We will feast and make merry this evening.

There is a wonderful stew simmering on the stove and a warm glass of cider has our name on it.

We'll also make sure our feathered friends have plenty of food and water

as we make a conscious connection with Mother Earth.

Image from jksalescompany.com

Have a cool Yule!

Christmas Wreaths

Each year different departments at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center

make Christmas wreaths for auction.

The wreaths are displayed on the walk-way between the main building and the Mays building.

The auction goes on for two weeks with the proceeds going to family programs.

Here are a few of my favorites.

Please excuse the quality of the images.

The reflections were horrible, the lighting terrible and there was a lot of pedestrian traffic to shoot around.

I loved the pink "Ride 'em Cowgirl" wreath with its boa like feathers.

Curious George was a hit with the kids as was

the Mickey and Minnie Mouse wreath.

Then there was the "My Fair Lady" wreath with it's fancy feathers, fabric roses, ribbons, pearls and

plenty of lace.

It was the "Happy Texas Gulf Coast Holiday" wreath that really captured my attention.

Photos of the gulf coast, fishing lures, weights, shells, lighthouse.

You name it. If it had to do with fishing, it was on the wreath.

There was even part of a fishing pole hanging off the side!

Love the jingle bells, too.

A big thank you to Mary for being our hostess for Mosaic Monday.

Christmas is less than a week away.

Wishing you well, a JOY filled week, and many blessings this holiday season.

African Forest

One of our good baseball buddies joined me for breakfast and a members only tour of the new

African Forest at the Houston Zoo.

It was a beautiful morning.

Chimps have returned to the Houston Zoo with a family of ten.

The chimps have a half acre to explore. Fun!!!

Have you heard of Koolookamba?

From the mythical unicorns to the more modern day Yeti and Bigfoot, humans have a long history of fascination with animal legends and lore.

In Gabon today, there is a belief among the human population in a chimpanzee-gorilla hybrid, which they call the "Kooloo-kamba".

Fact or fiction, as visitors move through the African forest, they can find faces of the Koolookamba -- fun for the kids.

Be on the lookout! 

The journey through the African Forest continues next week.

A big thank you to Misty for being our hostess for Camera Critters.

Wishing you well and JOY filled weekend!

Postcard Friendship Friday

Seven days until Christmas!

Time is flying by.

All the packages have been mailed -- yeehaw!

Time to sit, cuddle under a blanket with the kitties, have some eggnog, enjoy some old movies.

Rest, relax, read, dream.

Here's Santa on his rocking horse.

As the horse rocks, you can see more of the village behind Santa.

This is my favorite of the reproduction postcards I found on Galveston Island.

A big thank you to Beth for hosting Postcard Friendship Friday.

Wishing you well and a JOY filled weekend.

Good Morning!