Relaxing is difficult for me to do in December, but I'm managing to find some balance between activities, and just plain wasting time in front of the television (this series!) and my latest book. John made sure that we could watch "His Dark Materials" whose trailers intrigued him, although he's never read the books. I've been obsessed with the series for years and KNEW that I wanted to see this new HBO version, but paying more for a variety of streaming services gets tedious. Is anyone else fed up with that? Among the other amazing things about John is that he likes to shop, thus I'm finished with my shopping (and wrapping). He's always game for outings I suggest, yet also pushes me to try new things. I like that we're establishing traditions as a couple, and that he enjoys my enthusiasm and generally cheery personality. (which I don't think that Henry appreciated) Anyway, we had a fabulous day yesterday...
We went to the Mary Bridge Festival of Trees, which is an annual fund raiser for Mary Bridge Children's Hospital. Since I donate, I get free tickets to the event. It was crowded with wheelchairs, and people in fragile health, but that's the point, isn't it?
This moving carrousel tree had dolls in wheelchairs, and one with an IV. I'm thankful for the outstanding medical care that Mary Bridge provides. My nephew spent a lot of his childhood there, and they were wonderful.
The Seahawk tree was cool!
Go, DAWGS!
The Lego tree featured LOTS of Legos. I don't have the patience for Legos, so I was lost in admiration. :)
So many unique and beautiful trees!
After the Festival of Trees, we headed for the waterfront, and a yummy lunch at Stack 571. It's one of my favorite places at Point Ruston, but it continues to remind me of Henry. Sigh.
There's an ice skating rink, and penguins and polar bears; I love the ambiance. And I really like being with this very nice and easy going guy.
Then it was on to one of my favorite nurseries, owned by a local family and a woman whose kids went to school with mine. I ran into her there, and John joked, "Do you know everyone in Puyallup?" Well, yes?
We saw these stunning cyclamen.
Santa was there for his first day, which meant more crowds. Yet who can complain, because it's so much fun to see the excited kids!
We admired the poinsettias...
and more gorgeous Christmas trees.
We visited the reindeer. There are two, Donner and Blitzen. (not sure which one this is!)
That evening I got an hysterically giggling FaceTime from Ashley, who had received my "unbreakable" ornaments, sent priority mail. "Do you want me to put up the headless violinist, who is also missing one leg?" Um...oops. We both laughed really hard over this "lovely" ornament. I really did think they were all sturdy. Thank you, USPS. :(
Ziggy is enjoying the new Christmas décor I sent, and is busy "undecorating" the tree.
I absolutely love my new cyclamen, which is probably the first white flower I've ever bought. Isn't it dramatic with its decorative leaves?
I didn't realize the number of beautiful flowers that could survive winter. I could have easily spent much more money at the nursery(it's expensive there anyway), but I restrained myself!
Incidentally, wrapping the gifts so early could have been a grievous mistake...
