Monday, December 6, 2010

It's cold!

It is pretty cold this morning - it was 50 degrees outside.  That's cold for us, although as I see the mainland snow on the news, I know that sounds like Spring weather to many of you.  

I had a busy weekend, but I had time to take some pictures.  

 
Tahitian Gardenia.  It smells heavenly, and it grows well up here.  
 The horses of the family - looking at me, wondering when I am going to feed them.  Sorry, guys, it isn't time for a meal! I am just saying, "Aloha!"  

 Sometimes, when the sun comes out after the rain, all the leaves sparkle.  The picture didn't come out the way I wanted it to, but it still makes me smile.  I planted these pines when we first moved here.
My sister painted this quite awhile ago - The Annunciation.  I hope she doesn't mind me posting it!  I was surprised with a Skype call from her as we decorated the tree - perfect timing!  

I baked whole wheat cinnamon buns (they were already flying out of the pan, before I could grab the camera.  I also baked 50 sandwich buns.  I usually make bagels with some of the dough, but the buns are easier when you are crunched for time.  
Siblings....

My oldest daughter decided her job was to direct the decorating efforts....





Hawaiian fabric Christmas tree skirt.  It is very cheerful to pull this out for the holidays.  

 My son really takes the decorating seriously!  My older daughter bought this tree for us with her work money.  It is a locally grown pine and the branches are very flexible.  It's the first time we have one of this variety, so we're learning how to decorate it as we go.
The tree is only half done, but it got late.  We'll finish tonight.  
Here is a close up of this tropical pine.  You can see that the branches are different than a more temperate zone pine.  It has only a faint scent inside.  I notice that our Mexican Cypress outside only have a noticeable scent when it is cold outside.

10 comments:

Lisa Mi said...

Love the pics! It's finally beginning to feel a lot like Christmas is coming. It's in the 60's here at night and still chilly in the mornings. Nice!

Daphne said...

We don't have any snow at our house yet, though there has been some in the western part of the state and to the north. This week's temperatures range from the low 30's in the days and low 20's at night - not fun when you have to take the puppy outside. Fabulous pictures! Love the ones of the kids!

NancyDe said...

Lisa, I always felt more Christmas-y on the Windward side than in Honolulu. Your house is so nice an open, but it must get chilly in the mornings!

Daph, I didn't post the one with 16 yo holding 12 yo and 11 yo holding "L for Loser" over his forehead - he was smiling, however, and it was funny - but could be misconstrued.

From Beyond My Kitchen Window said...

I'm grinning about your 50 degrees. We were in the twenties this morning. I love your tree skirt, so happy looking!!

NancyDe said...

Yeah, we have thing blood here. 20 sounds dreadful - but of course, you have better clothes for it :). I think my sister-in-law made the tree skirt....but not sure if she just picked it up a craft fair, but it is cheerful. I tried to view your last post on your blog...but it only shows the one from Thanksgiving. I wanted to see what you did with decorating :).

Chai Chai said...

Cold, really? 50*, please. Mele Kalikimaka! That is what your Christmas tree makes me think.

NancyDe said...

Yeah, I thought you might laugh a bit, Chai Chai....you with your three feet of snow...Mele Kalikimaka and Hauoli Makahiki Hou!

Grandpa said...

For me that's real cold! Of course it's raining snow in other places...
Those are nice photos, and great to see your lovely family at work in your pretty home, all chipping in.
And those buns...I wish I'm your neighbor now...

Chai Chai said...

Is that Happy New Year?

NancyDe said...

Chai Chai: Yup.

Grandpa, I would love to share cinnamon rolls and wheat rolls - most of the former are already gone. Those are a popular treat at my house. And darn, it is even colder this morning.