It's Christmas!! A Photo Essay

Christmastime at home.

As some of you may remember, I showed what Halloween looked like at my house. Well, in the spirit of fair play, it's time to even the playing field and show the Good Lady Wife at her absolute best, at her favorite holiday. So without further ado, I give you......

Christmas


Let us begin with those who watch over the landscape of the holiday. In the living room, atop the bookcases, which are decked with numerous adornments, you will find....



The Clauses, Santa and the Missus


They watch the living room, without a doubt, the most important room in the house, as it holds...


The Christmas Tree!!

This year, unlike the spruce that is usually found in the tree stand, we opted for the new Blue Korean tree. We were told that it is a hybrid of several different trees and is new to the market. It's branches and needles are actually somewhat sticky, which accounts for the wonderful scent of pine that flows through the room. Denser than usual, I was unable to do the layered lighting that I have done over the last several years. 

As with many trees, there are inhabitants that make the holiday brighter. Ours in no exception. 


There is usually at least one owl in our tree.


The Christmas Mushroom. Anyone can have a pickle in their tree.


The Good Luck Pig from Germany.


Our latest resident: a Hummingbird.


Atop the tree, an Angel in red, above several of the glass balls that are always found on the upper, more sturdy, branches.


From there, a walk through the house brings on other scenes of this beloved holiday. 



The Hutch, holding Santa, an Angel and varied tea and chocolate pots.



A small forest on an iced-over pond, guarded by wine glass soldiers.



A place to put your letters to Santa and Loved Ones.



Even the window reminds passers-by what is important.

Above the Film Library, the Snow Families congregate, watching those watching television.


They seem happy.



So, if you do stop by, 


Have a seat.


...or have a Cookie. 

But, always remember....


Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!!


2020 Short Film Challenge

I have been challenged by my friend, V, at work to watch 500 short films that I have not seen, during my lunchtime at the office (generally one hour to one hour fifteen). (If you read my articles at Bloody Whisper, you might remember that V was the friend who viewed the two Dead Snow movies with me for my article revisiting the series.)

I have excepted this challenge.

I am a short film lover. Currently, I have seen more than 1600 shorts.

Yes, I have kept track of them long before Lettrbox!

So, here's the numbers...

there are 52 weeks in the year
times 5 days a week

260 possible days

less 22 days for occurrences (sick time, vacation, etc)

238 possible days

less 26 furlough days

212 possible days

less 5 holidays

207 possible days

to see 500 short films.


The rules:

1. A short film is defined as any film less than 45 minutes in running time.
2. All short films viewed must not have been seen by me before 2020.
3. In order to qualify, the short film must be listed as such by IMDb.
4. All short films must be attainable on line.

These are rules for viewing that I already follow.

5.There will be blogs for each week with the films viewed, many accompanied by a list of those I have already viewed.







I am already putting together Theme Weeks based on Birthdays and World Events. For instance, the week beginning 5 Jan 2020 will be Animation in honor of Emile Cohl (born 4 Jan) and Winsor McCay (born 5 Jan).  And so one. (by the way, Animation will be a reoccurring theme. There are a lot of cartoons out there. I'm looking forward to Max Fleischer week!)

I also plan to leave links if you would like to see some of the films that I have seen.

Feel free to follow along.
It might be fun.

Feel free to ignore the whole thing.
But you might miss something. 

Either way, I am going to enjoy this.

En garde!