Winterfest

Strings of colored lights highlight a grove of trees at the east end of Hartford's Bushnell Park.

Skating

A skating rink in Hartford's Bushnell Park is open from Thanksgiving until early January.

The snowman helps beginning skaters.  Especially fallen skaters.

Lots of city dwellers have never been on skates before.

It Was a Very Merry Christmas!

Hazel loved her new tutu.

Willa liked her LEGO house.

Lola and Sequois were exhausted.  As were the girls' parents.

Willa modeled her sweater from Norway and her tutu.

Merry Christmas!

And Happy New Year.

A Wreath for John

Susie placed a beautiful wreath on the column commemorating John.  The black and white plaid bow recalls some of his favorite shirts.  Such a thoughtful daughter, wife, mother and sister.

Happy birthday, John. 

A Christmas Party

Last night was the 2018 edition of a wonderful annual Christmas party.

Eleanor, the hostess' daughter, takes very good care of George.

Everyone brings an hors d'oeuvres or dessert.  This competitor was declared winner by acclamation.

The evening ended, as it always does, with a pianist leading spirited singing of Christmas carols.

(I always blur the photos from this party, to protect the innocent and the not so innocent.)

Creche and Santons

Back in Connecticut for the holidays.  Looking forward to seeing a daughter, 

son-in-law and two adorable granddaughters.

This creche scene has had additions on every trip to France.  The small pottery figures ("santons") are made in Marseille in the factory of Marcel Carbonel, a fourth generation santonnier.

The painting is of the main intersection in West Hartford Center.

Yes, mixing cultures, but it works for me.