BAHAMIAN BLOOM

We're home from our holiday cruise and I'm still unpacking and downloading pictures. We had a lovely time despite the fact that we counted the time we had sun in hours not days. And not very many of them. But our  family was together and that was all that counted. Hopefully, I can find some "sunny" pictures to share.

HOLIDAY AT SEA

It's been a busy year for everyone in our family. Some things have been fun, others stressful. So we've decided to put our feet up, soak up some sun, and toast Christmas at sea. We'll be cruising until after Christmas, so I want to wish all my blogger friends a blessed Christmas and hope that 2010 brings you nothing but good things, especially, health, happiness and love.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

MOSAIC MONDAY #3: TWINKLE

More Christmas lights from a magical place.

To enjoy more Mosaic Monday pictures, click Mary's Little Red House.

WEEKEND REFLECTIONS #5: ARC and FRIDAY 180 DEGREE #3

Another reflection at the lake at Bellingrath Gardens.

To see more great Weekend Reflections, click here.

And to join the fun at 180 degree, click here.

SKYWATCH FRIDAY #1: Before Sunset

As the sun begins to set in the west, its light is reflected in the clouds to the east.

For more Skywatch Friday photos, click here.

A "GOLDEN" LINING

Clouds may come, but clouds must go, and they all have a silver lining. For behind each cloud you know, the sun, or moon, is shining.”

~Anonymous

One day last week, clouds were coming in and the day had become progressively grey. But a just before sundown a sliver of sky below the cloud line appeared, allowing the sun to light up the sky and the water as it set.

MUSHROOM- 180 DEGREE #3

A mushroom from the front and the back.

WEEKEND REFLECTIONS #4: MIRROR LAKE

During our visit to Bellingrath Gardens (see post below) the lights on the lake were beautifully reflected. But I noticed a tree that had been lit from below also reflected in the water. I wish I had had a better lens with me, it was much more dramatic in person.

To see more Weekend Reflections, click here.

LAST BLOOMS

I will be the gladdest thing
Under the sun!
I will touch a hundred flowers

And not pick one.

- Edna St. Vincent Millay

There are still hibiscus blooming in the garden, though I doubt for very much longer. It's nice to still see some bright color outside.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AT BELLINGRATH

"Bellingrath Gardens and Home was the creation of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Bellingrath. The Gardens first opened to the public in 1932 while a national garden club meeting was taking place in Mobile. Mr. Bellingrath placed an ad in the Mobile paper, announcing that anyone who would like to see the spring garden could do so free of charge. After an overwhelming response, the couple decided to keep the gardens open year-round, beginning in 1934.

Throughout the year, this 65 acre Garden Estate is in full bloom with camellias in the winter, azaleas in the spring, roses in the summer, chrysanthemums in autumn and Magic Christmas in Lights during the holiday season. " 

 (Taken from Bellingrath's Home Page.)

Sunday evening, my husband, son and I drove to this wonderful estate to once again enjoy the lights of Christmas. It is the most amazing place--a virtual fantasy land. This is our second visit (my son's first) and it is quickly becoming a holiday tradition. I'm happy to share some of the 134 pictures I took that night. Enjoy.

The stockings were hung by the fire with care...

Through the rose garden to the observatory and the portal to wonderland!