I'm so glad you have all enjoyed this weekends posts. I am really into the spirit of things. After my half day of work, which will mostly be our holiday party, I'll be departing for the ole ancestral home for a week before returning to have a quite New Years Eve back in Bucks County. Christmas Eve is actually my favorite part of Christmas. My aunt will cook a dinner of roast beef and Yorkshire pudding followed by her famous egg nog that I shared with you all. Then me and the mother will go home, polish off more egg nog, and watch A Christmas Carol by candlelight. The whole day is rather peaceful. Just like my favorite thing at Longwood Gardens.
While on my visit a week ago, I came across Longwood’s three treehouses which were built in 2008. It took four months to build them using mostly reclaimed materials from the grounds. The structures are supported by a pin foundation system, which leaves surrounding tree limbs and roots unharmed. My favorite of the three is the Canopy Treehouse.
But the real treat was the Wildlife Birdhouse tree. It was another of the outstanding sights this year... a “tree” made of 200 handmade birdhouses from fallen cedar, redwood and oak trees, and were all made by the volunteers of Longwood, and will then be donated to local schools. Each birdhouse was also illuminated at night. The other real trees were adored with all kind of natural elements for the birds to feed on, not to mention tons of squirrels.
I spent the better part of an hour just bird watching. A volunteer there was watching also. At one point he said a blue wren had landed on the back of my jacket!!!! It was quite something. It was a calm and peaceful moment, that lasted an age.
So after that, I'm off for a week, but not before I wish you all a very peaceful and happy Christmas, and know that I truly enjoy everyone for stopping by. I hope your holiday is a good one and the way you want to spend it. I leave you with my grandmothers favorite song, and it reminds me of her, a way of remembering her at this time.
🎄Merry Christmas Everyone🎄
xoxo
Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas, Mistress Maddie.
Merry Christmas, MM!
ReplyDeleteHappy Xmas, Mistress!
ReplyDeleteXoXo
Seasons greetings to you, mistress Maddie
ReplyDeleteHope next year is a happy, healthy one.
Can I take this opportunity to say a huge thank you for your fantastic blog. It brightens my day. I don't always comment but i always read it.
The photos you post, especially the birds are amazing.
Although these Christmas posts are special too. I feel as if I've been to all the best shops and not spent a penny!
So, thanks again.
Looking forward to next year. Xx
Love that birdie condo! Enjoy your time away, sweetie.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas, mistress! I’m glad that Sixpence Nonethewiser introduced me to your blog. Always quite enjoyable!
ReplyDeleteWow! As a fellow merchandiser I love what you do and dred what's ahead for clean up.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!!!
I too Mistress concoucur that your blog is a bright enjoyable spot in a sometimes drakes world we live in, with bullying and negativity, so you provide a lovely escape. I adored this post, and that touching song. Kate could belt.Merry Christmas handsome.
ReplyDeleteThat Wildlife Birdhouse Tree is magnificent! I can understand how much it would appeal to you as a birdwatcher too. Merry Christmas, Mistress! Enjoy your eggnog tonight!
ReplyDeleteLoves the bird house tree!
ReplyDeletehave a good week off, dear maddie! perhaps we can do something in january to wipe away the dreary month, yes?
ReplyDeletec ya next year!
didn't you people already drink the town dry?
DeleteThat tree house is amazing!!!!! Can I move in it?!?!? Merry Christmas dear sister.
ReplyDeleteA Merry Christmas and healthy, joyous New Year. Thank you for your interesting blog every day. I learn something every day a little of everything, or a tip on decorating, or see another place I'd like to check out. Martha Stewert better look out!!!! Those birdhouses are something!
ReplyDeleteWow what a nice peaceful post for the day! Great pictures. Merry Christmas cutie! Thank you for your lovely, inspiring blog. I agree with many others here.
ReplyDeletedon't tell me i'll be getting a treehouse to live in instead of the big house? is this a hint? tis rather cozy though....
ReplyDeleteYou're right, that bird house tree is simply smashing! Oh, and I've always heard that a blue wren on the jacket is good luck, as long as he doesn't shit.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas! Have a great week,
ReplyDeleteI love that birdhouse tree! And the treehouse is amazing.would they mind if I moved in and used it as a summer house???
ReplyDeleteWhat a creative way to decorate for Christmas and feed birds. Love the pictures. That Kate Smith song is beautiful. I wonder why you dont hear it more? Have a lovely yule.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas Maddie! :)
ReplyDeleteAmazing pictures and that tree house?!?!?!
ReplyDeleteThat place is amazing and very touching they look out for the birds. Very charming.
ReplyDeleteOh man, what’s Christmas without Kate Smith?!? And those treehouses, but especially those bird houses on the tree!
ReplyDeleteI don't know how I missed this post, but it sure was lovely. I know you had to be in your happy place with those amazing trees and birds.
ReplyDeleteThat banana print wallpaper was designed by Don Loper (yes, THAT Don Loper) for the Beverly Hills Hotel. It's called "Martinique" and can still be purchased (along with countless knock-offs).
ReplyDelete