the smells of a nigella-inspired dinner (duck AND a stuffed pork roast) wafting upstairs from the oven, harry connick christmas music playing on the stereo, a blissful hour and a half all to myself, while husband and sabin go pick up the big girls, a glass of homemade eggnog, and a bit of time to set the table, shower and take some photos of the ornaments. friends are coming for dinner, plus we have a really interesting couchsurfer staying with us - a bit of a wise man from the east, since he teaches at a university in singapore - the dinner conversation should be very interesting.  and on top of it all, sabin is feeling much better. it all adds up to a lovely christmas.

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obligatory matrioshka ornament.

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one of the original ornaments mom got me for my tree when i began to have my own tree.

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mom got this one at the same time - back in 1989.
it's my very favorite ornament and always needs a place of honor.

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since we've been mad for robots this year, this is our new ornament for 2009.

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the birdie hides in close to the trunk and one of the purple star lights.

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a purple pinecone. why not?

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my oldest ornament - made by my grandmother.

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i used to have a little mechanical turning device for this one
so it would go round and round on the tree.

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came from mom back in 1989 together with the fish and the little bouquet.

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and my table centerpiece. which i did all by myself instead of paying a small fortune.
#96 in the year of creativity.

and i've also decided that i love the purple.
i'm not getting rid of it. it all means too much.
and there's value in something you've built up over the years.

so here's wishing you all a wonderful christmas full of love and laughter, wherever you are!
i'm really glad i've had all of you in my life over the past year.