We spent most of the weekend putting up Christmas decorations and lights. The newly planted fir trees on the hill behind the cottage were also decorated with garland. They were beautiful last night in the moonlight.

Cocoa loves the sun room. She watches the birds that land just outside the windows and also keeps an eye on passing stray cats, and neighbors, who get up early and carry arm-loads of split wood into their houses.

Tonight we are lighting Christmas trees on campus! There are “open” dorms, too! Chipley couldn’t wait to try on his “hoodie” just in case he gets to go. Hoodies are a big deal on campus along with flip-flops. (Hoodies, jeans, and flip-flops even in the winter!)

Another photo of Mr. Chip, who is beginning to need a haircut!

These are probably the last photos I’ll post of the leaves at Toccoa Falls mainly because they are gone. Guess it is time to turn another page in life’s journal and begin to look for Christmas scenes to post. The mountains are especially deep and lovely this time of the year. As I drive around the area, I can’t help but notice thin lines of smoke rising up from distant but friendly fireplaces. The sight of these never fail to fill me with a sense of welcome, wonder, and warmth.

The last time we were in London, we made sure to check out the gate the Queen enters to open Parliament. It is called the Sovereign’s Entrance. St. Paul’s Cathedral has one, too. It is a door that is only opened when the Queen arrives. This morning (November 18) the Queen of England and the Duke of Edinburgh arrived in a horse-drawn carriage at this location—the Houses of Parliament in central London for the State Opening of Parliament. http://tinyurl.com/crpeby

The weather was absolutely beautiful this weekend. Friends dropped by and we sat on the sun porch with the windows open and talked. This photo, however, is not of a sun porch or of people sitting around talking. (smile) It is another one from last weekend at the gorge.

Here’s my first little video, which was so easy to do because Chip is such an easy subject. He’s in school at Dog School 101 and he is trying to learn how to sit, watch, stay, and lay down. Next video will have to be one with Cocoa Joy in it. BTW the trainers at DS101 are the best!