I really don’t know what to say about this photo except it is so rich looking that I feel like I could take a bite of it. It is like a fluffy wedding cake with fabulous butter icing. I tried to soften the blues, but there was no way to change what the camera did with the evening colors. I don’t even know if I want to change a single thing anyway. This hydrangea has been blooming since late May and it looks like it has more to go.

The last few days I have watched two bluebird couples fight over the lone bird house that I put on the hillside overlooking the cottage. I have no idea if they will actually nest or not. The important thing is that they found me! The second important thing is that I need to buy another blue bird box . . . and fast!

I’m crazy about this dog. I love her eyes; they’re so like I want to be—calm and sure. And yes, it is still snowing at  For•rest Cottage. In fact, a short while after this photo was taken, I looked out the window and realized the entire driveway was covered in snow. More photos to come . . . .

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!

Did you ever have a day when you needed a superman in your life? Parker knocked on my door last Saturday, and he even had a bucketful of chocolate with him!