A Tale of Two Bears

Today I'm going to tell you a tale of two bears.

When Mr. Dragon and I first moved to Galveston Island,

we discovered their holiday festival called

Dickens On The Strand.

For 38 years, Dickens has been centered on

The Strand National Historic District.

Parades, strolling carolers, roving street entertainment --

all dressed in Victorian garb.

 

That first year, we made a trip to San Diego

for a professional meeting for Mr. Dragon.

On the waterfront, we found Mr. Dickens Bear.

He was perfect!

His top hat, velvet vest ... with his heart for all to see.

I sighed over him and we made the trip home without him.

Or so I thought.

But on Christmas Day, Mr. Dragon surprised me with 

Mr. Dickens Bear.

This year, Mr. Dragon is no longer with me.

My first Christmas without the love of my life.

I decorated the house, inside and out.

I put up two trees and today,

two days after Christmas,

I came home with the Court Jester Bear. 

I love his old loved look.

It just seemed right.

Two friends who can tell each other stories

and can bring a smile to my face. 

***

There are other Christmas bears who have their own stories.

Several more bears who dress in Victorian garb,

but their stories are for another time.

I have done well this Christmas.

I miss Mr. Dragon, but I know he would want me to

*suck it up and get on with it*.

No tears were shed ... until THE grandson ... on 

the other side of the country said:

"Merry Christmas Nana Snap.

Santa came to visit and this time he got it right!"

Wishing YOU well and JOY filled holidays!

Merry Christmas

May traditions

that you treasure most

and all the festive plans

you've made

Bring sentimental Christmas joys

and memories that never fade.

Good Morning!

Wordless Wednesday: Santa

A Christmas Tea This and That

Every morning this month I've been getting up and making 

tea in my Christmas Cardinal/Poinsettia Mug.

I found the mug and teapot at Homegoods last year.

It's a BIG mug (Gibson Elite China) and filled with

Twinings Christmas Tea, gets the day off to a wonderful, warm start.

Twinings Christmas Tea is a black tea with a little cinnamon and cloves.

In the evening I have Twinings Winter Spice.

It is camomile tea spiced with cinnamon, cardamon and cloves.

Just in case you haven't noticed,

I love cardinals!

***

I missed getting to the gym this morning.

On days when I miss walking on the treadmill,

I try to walk into my village (weather permitting). 

Off I went with a list of books to look for at Half-Price books.

This book wasn't on my list!

 

But Mary at Home Is Where The Boat Is was very impressed

with Nigella Christmas. In fact, she even gave a copy away!

I didn't win (!!) and when I saw this at the book store I just had to give it a good look and I ended up bringing it home.

I'm glad I did. 

My mouth has been watering and tummy growling all afternoon!

It's worth the price for the recipe for the poinsettia cocktail!

I love butternut squash and look forward to trying butternut orzotto.

It's a beautiful book and I probably should have picked up a few extras for gifts -- great price at Half-Price Books!

Thanks to our tea party hostesses.

These are just a few of the tea parties in the Land of Blog.

Teapot and Tea Things Tuesday

Tea Time Tuesday

Teacup Tuesday

Tea Party Tuesday

Tuesday Tea For Two

Friends Sharing Tea

Wishing YOU well and a wonderful cup of tea!