Sunday, December 21, 2025

What a Couple of Weeks it has Been

 

Although Christmas is merely days away, it seems like this month has been 36 weeks long already. Or is it just me?

And with that many weeks in a month, one would think I'd have managed to post before now.
One would think...but one would think wrong, as you already know.

Let me explain (as briefly as I can as that is not what this post is intended to be about):
Just so far this month (which, I would point out, is not yet over) several things have gone awry. These are just a few of the most-recent "highlights:"

~My knee completely gave out resulting in a few days of crutches and requiring a steroid injection;
~An attempt to save a kitten on the way to an out-of-town specialist appointment (more on that later) left me drenched in coffee, scratched and swelling, and smelling of ugly smells by the time I arrived (despite best efforts, sadly, kitten didn't make it);
~A (very) bad reaction to my initial infusion of Reclast (for osteoporosis) left me unexpectedly incapacitated,
~My order for the bed and nightstand for the lake finally completely blew up. It started deteriorating months ago but I still had some, albeit frustrated, hope. All for naught... I could write a book about all that went wrong. (PS..NEVER, EVER, purchase furniture online from Perigold (or its affiliated companies - i.e., Joss and Main, Wayfair, etc.),
~The outdoor Christmas lights I had put up once again went out after less than 2 weeks (after years of this, it doesn't come as a surprise, but it still comes as a disappointment),
~Every gift I ordered online within the last month except one has been delayed and now won't arrive until sometime in January, and
~Months after they were to be installed, the overhead garage doors (note, doors as in plural) were installed at the lakehouse earlier this week. They are not the right ones (and no resolution/remediation in sight).

And these are just the things that stand out.

Anyway...moving right along.

Christmas!!


I took a different approach to decorating this year. Instead of rushing to pull everything out and get it up in a few days, I decided I was going to take out a few things at a time and truly appreciate and enjoy them for themselves and the memories they bear before moving on.
I found I like doing it this way. I might not get everything out by Christmas, but I don't care. It's only me who will see them anyway.  
I feel like I get to appreciate each piece - or collection - fully before moving on to the next. Kinda of like spending time with old friends I haven't seen since last Christmas.

But my new methodology means I won't be able to show you things as I hoped I would - certainly not the curated home tour version like Janice @ Prims by the Water, or
the perfectly gathered collections like Lauren @ Rugs and Pugs.
What you get instead is a very un-curated and very random bunch of photos.
No rhyme, no reason although I tried to avoid views and things I've showed previously.
Most are dark because...well, it's been very dark in Nod of late.

I'll shut up now.
On to the photos.

{Entry sidetable - Putz, old bibles, flower frog tree and crooked lampshade 😉)

An old clockface serves as a star atop the flower frog tree:


{Handmade spun cotton snowman candy container (hat removes) on top of vintage cash register rolls on top of vintage tape tin}

{Old desk in the bedroom}

Close-up of desk:



{Some of my Santa chocolate molds. The photo is terrible, but they look wonderful at night with the little white lights reflecting off their metal and the mercury bead garland.}

{Vintage Santa mugs...the more stained and crazed the better...and, yeah...there's more...I'll spare you.}

The fellas in red:
{Papier mache and pulp/pressed paper Santas, etc.)


Not to play favorites or anything, but the fella second from the right with his original pipe is pretty special:


...as is the little putz deer sitting between the two Santas in the center:

The boys in blue:
{Vintage saltglaze Santas....difficult to photograph no matter the time of day due to the windows...but this is where they hang out.}


{Very old candy box from Montgomery Ward & Co. I have a special connection to it as I worked on the initial phases of the class action lawsuit against the company when it shut down all its franchises.}

{Vintage bottle brush trees, papier mache Santa boots and cast/pot metal deer atop the spice cabinet in the kitchen}

{Vintage bottle brush trees in pounce pots/sanders}




Christmas of a different than most of yours I'm sure but Christmas nonetheless...and someone is on high alert for Santa. 

May you all find some quiet moments of anticipation and be touched, in some measure, by the spirit of the season in these precious days before Christmas. 



 



17 comments:

acorn hollow said...

I sm so sorry for all your issues.
I do love your approach to decorating and will try to remember it for next year. I sm slays in such a rush!
Cathy

Saundra said...

Wow woman, You posted so many wonderful items and I've a list to write so perhaps not all will make it on this comment. In the first photo looks like you have one of those expensive snowmen made of Warm and Natural from the same person Lauren has.
Lovely presentation of your tree stitchery, nicely done. Lovely setting with the old desk, top hat and hooked rug. Did you hook that one?
Wish you'd told us about that beautiful Santa with a pipe, you certainly piqued my interest. And inquiring mind wants to know if you won the Tommy Tucker franchise case! Me this my wordsmith lawyer friend did indeed win.

jabblog said...

What a chapter of accidents you have experienced, not to mention the mismanagement of deliveries. 2026 must be better,
Your Christmas decor is amazing. It's a good idea to take time and savour each piece.
Your very beautiful cat is alert and hopeful!

Prims By The Water said...

For not going all out for Christmas you sure did pack in some wonderful collections. What a treasure that Putz deer is. All those wonderful items are just perfectly placed and I thoroughly enjoyed perusing up and down all of these pictures taking it all in. So sorry you are having issues once again and also sorry the kitten did not make it even with your attempt to help. Here's hoping 2026 is better for you. I hate shopping online for anything. I want to see it in person, but alas it is coming to that. Janice

Nancy said...

You did it beautifully. Love your collections. So sorry about the kitty you tried to save...but your kitty is adorable. What sumptuous fur! Treat yourself to a cup of pine needle tea, and the words in a favorite book today..

Dicky Bird said...

Robin, you're a natural story teller. I love how even in your staging, I can see a story. I love the mustard prim desk with top hat display. I had no idea you had that many Santas. Sorry about all the issues you have had. Merry Christmas

yaya said...

Wow, what a month! I really hope the next one is better and 2026 brings good surprises your way. I love your decorating and all those cool Santas! I used to collect them but pared down my supply and gave many away to my kids who picked what they liked. However, new ones seem to seep in every year! I love that top hat on the desk! Looks like scrooge just left it there or maybe frosty? Have a Merry Christmas Robin and best wishes and prayers for a Happy New Year up in Nod. Hugs from Ohio!

Linda said...

Love it all but especially the top hat. Always enjoy your style.

Colonial Rose said...

I'm sorry life has been so less than perfect for you recently. I will wish you, and say a prayer that 2026 will bring happier times. I enjoyed seeing your Christmas decorating. So many treasures. It's the quilt that got my attention. On pictures 3 and 4. It appears to be brown and white? Do you have a story to tell about the quilt?

NMK said...

So sorry you have had such a disappointing month . Your Christmas displays are so beautiful . Lots of very special pieces. It is nice to savor those fond memories of your collections. I hope 2026 in Nod will be more rewarding . What a wonderful fur coat your Kitty has !!! Have a Merry Christmas , hope you spend time with your precious grand daughter ! Think we are all looking forward to a Happy New Year !!!

Betty said...

Oh my gosh you've had way more than your fair or unfair share. I had a similar experience with bone loss medicine many years ago. Awful!! and no one would believe me. Once was enough.
I'm delighted by all your Christmas collections and it looks to me like you've gotten the spirit out and placed it all around. Slow and savor and share. Thanks Robin. Merry Christmas.

Rugs and Pugs said...

Prayers that 2026 will be less chaotic and more healthy.
Your vignettes are so special. Less is more…and I need to take a lesson (though I’m sure I won’t 😝).
I have never seen a white Santa mug that you have so many of. And document sanders. Wowzers! So sweet with the bottle brush trees.
Everything is just perfection .
Merry Christmas, dear friend ♥️💚♥️

Shrimpton and Perfect said...

Ah my dear friend, I do so hope you have folk close who are sharing the not so perfect moments with you. With all the disasters you have endured I think I would be a teeny bit overwhelmed. I feel sure you are focusing on the magic of the season now, how else could you decorate with such affection and aplomb? Every year I get decoration envy when I see your cosy vintage Christmas vignettes. But the print of Rev Robert Walker is superb alongside a real top hat. Inspired my girl. The painting is one of my favourites at The National Gallery of Scotland. I wish you the best Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Anonymous said...

Evening Sweet Crow, I’m so so sorry to hear about all that happened to you, sure hope your ok now, feeling better… I have checked on you a few times but no new post until today… I adore all your wonderful collections and how you display them all. The paper Santa’s are amazing, I wish I had one but never see any in these parts. The Putz deer also is a treasure, your vignettes amaze me. Your kitty picture is so cute, great photo.. wishing you health and happiness this holiday season and in the coming New Year. Christmas Blessing,Francine.

Maureen said...

It’s all lovely and I have come back to visit several times already. Very peaceful. A healing atmosphere after all the difficulties you have been dealing with. I send you a bushel of hope that things improve and get easier for you. Merry Christmas 🎄

Mary, Windy Meadows Farm said...

Oh Robin - good grief, when it rains it pours. I’m sorry to read all that’s happening - some days it’s just too much. (I admit at times I find a long, hard cry helps just a little). I hope this Christmas Eve you’re settled in snug as a bug in Nod, twinkle lights on, and watching the snow fall. My - all your decorations are stunning. You have such an eye for the wonderful old pieces that speak of the past, and then know just how to bring them together. It’s inspiring for me. I know what I like when I see it, but I struggle pulling it off. Well, by now Santa is on his way - so I’ll send you happy Christmas wishes across the miles.

marly said...

I couldn't leave a comment when I first read this. Came back, read again, still no words for how sad I am about the health issues you deal with. Seems nothing goes the way it should for you.