Deck the Halls

. . . not with boughs of holly, but with branches trimmed from the Christmas tree and evergreens from the yard. On the porch, pots that in the summer held angel wing begonias and scented geraniums , now brim with green and gold juniper and false cypress as well as some trimmings from the bay trees in the green house and a few thorny barberry stems twinkling with tiny red berries.

I tie the larger branches into big swags and hide the utilitarian sea grass string with red ribbons, re-used year after year. One swag for the door and five to march up the stairs. (The cats are particularly fond of the stair decor and love to lurk half-hidden in the greenery.)

I couldn't resist adding in this picture of William. Justin and his two dogs were on the sofa watching Carolina basketball and I was stretched out on the love seat, working at my laptop. William is letting me know that his usual sleeping places have been usurped.

Oh, those expressive Chihuahua ears . . .