Now that the California Pepper Tree is missing a limb, we have the perfect place for our fire pit. This evening we were able to enjoy the fire outside as well as view it from inside.

Our Maine Coon, Smarty Pants, enjoying his new ornament.

This morning we woke up to find the storm had passed yet the snow still lingered. Most unusal for this area. I took this photo from our balcony, the foreground tree is an African Sumac. Two of it's large limbs are resting on the patio with branches in the pool. For the moment we are letting it be and hopefully it will "bounce" back once the snow melts.

Destruction....the snow keeps falling and now a major limb from our "signature" tree has fallen ...I took another snow shower trying to save the rest of the tree. Might be a long night.

Today we had a rare treat, Snow in the Desert. Once it started to stick, it didn't stop. Eventually we had to knock the snow off the limbs of some of our trees as the branches were touching the ground. As a result, I had my own personal snow showers...had no choice but to work from under the trees as the end of the limbs were skirting the pool. I've already taken an unexpected dip (early March) and have no intentions of trying it again...although I must admit, my husband is one up on me...He went in a week before me in March and again in November. Some people never learn!!!

Now that my Christmas 2008 Cards have all been mailed, decided it's time to share this photo. After beading 85 Swarovski crystal wreaths, had the chore of making hangers for each one. At the time, it seemed easiest to thread them one-by-one onto fishing line and then cut them off one-by-one to knot. Soon into the project, I realized a beautiful garland was in the making. While admiring my handiwork, I toyed with the idea of keeping the garland for this season and using the wreaths for Christmas 2009 cards. The temptation was strong but I had already printed the cards with a notice about having a new address and completed the laborious task of cutting all the circles in the cardstock, so hung up the garland, made a little vignette, took the picture and started cutting! The wreath garland reached the entire width of the fireplace mantel - 7 feet! By the way, the red reindeer card was a great find at Barnes and Noble a couple years ago.

My first attempt at a tassel from Robin Atkins Beaded Treasures Book.