Thom took this spooky picture of the tree. Doesn't it look like a dollhouse?

Toy soldiers giving an a cappella concert in the lobby where I work. So bizarre and, yet, entertaining. They were actually quite good and totally into it. But I'm dying to know where they come from. Do you think they tour all the office buildings in the city? Do you think they are out of work actors?

(Please forgive the truly crappy picture. Stupid phone with no flash.)

one. more. day.

Ornaments, originally uploaded by HeroProtagonist.

The "holidays" officially begin today. At least in my mind, where "holiday" really just equals "not being at work."

I'm so excited for the food and relaxation that I'm having trouble focusing on the work that I actually do need to get done before I leave today. Too many shiny ornaments dancing in my head.

Hope everyone has a nice celebration of the end of the year. A year that has been for us - amazing, wonderful and life-changing.

so sweet it hurts

If you haven't met Dean Damon I feel sorry for you. He's just one of the most amazing people on Earth. And one small part of that is the fact that he still sends us popcorn every year even though Haverly no longer lives with us.

If you ask me - Haverly got lucky in that department.

all dressed up

And damn proud.

Haverly's mother, Linda, made these amazingly gorgeous stockings from scratch! I'm the doves and Thom is the partridge in the pear tree. I can't wait to start filling them with treats.

We owe Linda one big huge "thank you."

Jasper's Xmas gift from Val & Tony is a bone bigger than him. We keep telling him he's supposed to play with it but he still thinks it's a bed.

getting in the holiday spirit

We'll take any excuse to celebrate around here. Maybe that's why on December 1st we were out getting our tree. And naturally we recruited Ms. Damon - Queen of all things Christmas. Plus she's just damn good at lifting heavy things.

Haverly picks the biggest tree she could find.
Putting the tree through the wrapping machine. (The iPhone's camera malfunctions whenever it feels like it - boo.)

The tree finds a home.

Now we just need some ornaments - and presents!

flying biscuit brunches

stuffed

My family doesn't have many traditions. None, really. Thanksgiving is the only thing we do each and every year. And it's always a great time with delicious food, family and friends.

Can't wait for next year!

add it to the list

Jasper and I are headed down to Atlanta tomorrow for the Thanksgiving holiday. We can't wait!

Thom actually headed down early on Monday for work. And he was kind enough to take all the luggage so that Jasper and I could fly unencumbered.

So marrying that man.

fall in ny

Although I absolutely loathe when the days shorten and I no longer have any hope of leaving work while it's still light out (remember those half Fridays in the summer? yeah, me neither), there is something magic about the city as the air begins to get crisp and the lights come out. This is the view I see as I make my way home these days.