It's That Time Again!

My Dears,
After a most delightful long Thanksgiving  weekend with my fella, I am now back to the normal hustle and bustle of the week..and dealing with an icky cold too! Granted, sounding like Lauren Bacall isn't such a shabby thing, but I'll be glad when I'm all better again!

Anyhow..Christmas decorating has begun at Harmonie House. I've quite a bit to go yet, but at least the tree and trimmings are up amongst other pretty greenery around the house and my honey put up the outside lights and decor. Once I feel better I can set up the Christmas villages and all the other sweet knick-knacks that add to the spirit of the holiday.

 Thomas Kincaid makes every Christmas seem magical.

Christmas tunes are playing as I type away and my heart is filled with cheer. Every year I plan to make Christmas time a most magical experience. This year shall be no different. The child in me still believes in Santa and I'm tickled by the sight of snow and the taste of marshmallows in my hot chocolate. Roasted chestnuts are a staple at Harmonie House and they taste even better when shared with a loved one. Cuddle time by the hearth is a must! A hug for an old friend who drops by adds to the joy of the season as does the warmth of mulled cider as it brings cheer to the soul in one single sip. The sweetness of Mr. Knightley snuggled contentedly between my fella and I as we share a warm cuppa while sitting across the tree simply creates a most blissful interlude. Yes indeed..there are many ways to bring the magic of the season into our lives. Just open your heart and see with the eyes of a child. We alone have the power to make our day to day life extra special!

I believe!

from here

I'll make sure to snap photos of Harmonie House in its Christmas finery. In the meantime...I wish you joy in all your preparations and celebrations!

Blissful Tidings...
xoxo
Miss Sandra

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Happy Thanksgiving!

My Dears,
Just stopping by to wish each and every one of you a most blessed and happy Thanksgiving! I shall be quite the busy one getting Harmonie House all decorated for Christmas. However, I'll be stopping by soon enough to share my blissful moments!

 from here

Do keep in mind dear ones....there is always something to be thankful for!

Blissful Tidings!
xoxo
Miss Sandra

PS: I have heard that some of you have had issues trying to leave a comment and not being able to do so. Please send me an e-mail and let me know if this problem is still in effect. Truly Blogger can sometimes become quite vexing! *sigh*

Happy November!

Tis the season!! Mmmm..

My Dears...

Has it been over a month since my last post? Heavens to Betsy! I haven't forgotten you...in fact, I try to visit as many of you as possible when I get the chance. My world outside of blog-land has been keeping me quite preoccupied. There are changes in the midst and I guess I'm just gearing myself up and laying low while these changes take place.

Well first..Happy Halloween! Belated, yes, but sincerely meant! It was quite a nice one for me and my fella. Harmonie House glowed in candlelight and was scented in the perfume of autumn. Halloween music played throughout the evening, setting the ambiance. I dressed as a gypsy fortune teller and one couldn't tell that I had worked in the kitchen all afternoon cooking away. I made a yummy dinner for us (butternut squash soup...honey/apricot pork with couscous and glazed veggies...and a corn pudding pie for dessert). Oh yes...we were pleasantly full! I hope your Halloween was absolutely delightful!

 Any similarity to Mr. Knightley is purely coincidental. ;)

Did someone say snow?? Yes my dears. Harmonie House was in the path of Saturday's storm. Truth be told, this one caused more damage in this area than hurricane Irene. My front tree lost several limbs and one should see the surrounding neighborhood. Tree limbs line the streets from one block to the next. Tis quite sad really. Thankfully we didn't lose any power. I must say however..this storm made for a most lovely, relaxing time by the fire while feasting on yummy fireside picnic fare (chestnuts, cheeses, crackers, olive bread, etc..). Granted, there was shoveling to be done the next day, but my honey and I made quick work of it!

 from here

I'm thrilled about the cold weather we're having. After all, I'm in my element! Yes the warm soft blankets are out...the afghans...the cozy socks...the flannel...the firewood...and the stock on cocoa and tea has been replenished. *sigh*
Oh I am indeed ready for the nesting season. Are you??

Ratty's home in Wind & The Willows.

The comforts of a cozy winter's nest are evident. 

One of the dearest holidays is upon us now. Thanksgiving brings to me a feeling that all is simply right with the world. It reminds me that my blessings far surpass my woes. It's a time to reflect and be grateful. When Thanksgiving comes along I begin my trip down memory lane, for this marks the beginning of the holiday season. This is the time when the child in me comes out to play! The joys of the season we beheld as children should always be welcomed in our adult life. The childish glee, wonder, and curiosity that made our lives seem so magical should ever be present within us...you will find that this feeling is quite contagious!

Oh and let's not forget Thanksgiving dinner! If there is any thought that instantly brings a smile to my face is that of the table on Thanksgiving! *sigh* Yes..turkey and all the fixings! Tis tradition at its best! I think I better stop musing over this. I'm becoming hungry.

Happy November my dears! May this month bring to you the sweet anticipation of the magical season to come...filled with family, joy, lots of yummy food, and oodles of bliss. May the blessings of our daily lives be counted and never taken for granted.

 "The happiest of people don't have the best of everything...they just make the best of everything."

Blissful Tidings!
xoxo
Miss Sandra

Rainy First Autumn Day!

from here

My Dears..

Just stopping by to wish you all a HAPPY AUTUMN!!
And remember that raindrops are kisses from Heaven. So let a smile be your umbrella! *Please turn off music below to enjoy this lovely old tune & video.*

Blissful Tidings! xoxo

Miss Sandra

At The End Of The Day...

My Dears,

I'm feeling wistful and blissful at the same time. 

Life is beautiful though not perfect. It need not be so. After all, perfection would become quite dull after a while. We need the challenges that creep up on us. In the long run, I believe it's how we've handled those challenges that has shaped us into who we are today.

Every day is a gift...even if when unwrapped disappointments sneak in to mar our lives. Regardless of all that, at the end of the day we and only we remain the makers of our every moment.  Let's make it worthwhile and let's remind ourselves that we can tackle those obstacles that may come our way. I grew up hearing that we will not be given any challenge we cannot handle. Deep down I know that's true. I may not always see it that way, but in the long run I will have overcome and knocked down every barrier in the way of my future.

Human nature is a plethora of all that is good, bad, indifferent, and misunderstood. If we can accept that then we can move ahead in our daily lives and make the best and most of our every moment. We cannot be perfect, but we can definitely be blissful.

Happy Autumn my dears! May the light of comfort be ever present in your lives and may love conquer all!

Blissful tidings and sweet nothings!

xoxo

Miss Sandra

Can You Feel It?

from here

My Dears...

Can you feel it? Can you feel it in the air? I do...I can feel the kiss of Autumn gently romancing my senses. It is ready to step foot into my home, sit by my hearth, and sweetly coax the cold days into my world.

It's in the way the trees wave about..the leaves slowly changing color in preparation for their glorious display before the branches gently shake them off to drop and wither back to Mother Earth. It's in the subtle hint of spice in the air..brought on by the cool breezes in the evening hours when daylight begins to fade. It's in that snuggly feeling early in the morning when the day has just begun. It's in the warm cuppa that not only revives but also comforts the heart and soul.

Oh yes indeed! Autumn is in the air and ready to envelope us in all its comforts. Let the nesting season begin!

Blissful Tidings To All!

xoxo
Miss Sandra

By The Way..

I'm Fine!! *smiles*

My Dears,

I should have kept you posted sooner to let you know we got through Irene with only some fallen branches and such.
We were fortunate..though many were not. My heart goes out to the many who suffered loss, injury, and damage due to this awful hurricane.

Thank you for your kind wishes and concern. You're the best followers a gal could ever have. xo

Till the next..I wish you all blissful tidings!

xoxo
Miss Sandra

Irene...

My Dears..

Just a quick note to those on the path of Hurricane Irene. Please be safe and have all the necessities at hand! May the storm blow over swiftly and leave no damage behind.

I have cleared my backyard/garden of everything that can be blown away. My pantry is stocked and my hopes and prayers are for the storm to lessen before it reaches our turf.

Safe wishes to all! and blissful blessings!

xoxo
Miss Sandra

A Note From Mr. Knightley

Dear Friends of Mama,

I thought I'd stop by to make you all aware that today, August 17th, is National Black Cat Appreciation Day.

You must know just how much Mama appreciates me..as does her fella no doubt. My baby-sitter absolutely dotes on me as do all of Mama's friends who visit. It pleases me to no end knowing I have my very own day of appreciation. Actually..every day is Mr. Knightley day in Harmonie House. However, to have it proclaimed tickles my fancy. *purrrrrr*

I am so handsome..how can anyone not appreciate me?

Do feel free to appreciate me all you want. I am always ready to receive oodles of loving attention, petting, compliments, donations treats, sweet talk, more treats, a computer of my own treats, and anything else in the way of good stuff and such.
I think you get my meaning. *saucy kitty wink*

Anyhow, I guess I should leave this post before Mama gets here and catches me on her blog. I'm off to have the run of the house and of Mama too! Here's a picture of me taking a snooze on her legs. I'm quite cozy and comfy...can you tell?

I guess I better go and play cute around my Mama. No doubt she'll coo and give me some treats....did I mention I like treats?

To all of you with black kitties of your own...spread the love and appreciation. You are quite fortunate that they've chosen you. Now go and give them some treats. *Cheshire cat grin*

Sincerely,
Mr. Knightley of Harmonie House.