"Come, St. Nicholas, patron of shoppers and gift-seekers, and make Christmas this year fun, creative and love-filled."

A St. Nicholas’ Note . . . . . . . . . . . . . . "It is fitting that the feast of St. Nicholas comes at the beginning of Advent and the beginning of the shopper’s season. As the patron saint of shoppers he proclaims, ‘Keep it simple!’ Keep it simple enough to fit in a shoe or a stocking.
"Come, St. Nicholas, patron of shoppers and gift-seekers, and make Christmas this year fun, creative and love-filled." Edward Hays, A Pilgrim’s Almanac (adapted)


The perfect Santa Belles at our Unique Boutique table @ Campwoods Grounds in Ossining N.Y. Poised in this charming hamlet many locals and visitors were anxious to support artists selling handmade items. So refreshing to hear men, woman and teen girls excited about their purchases to give as gifts or to keep for themselves. Many were telling us where they picture installing their items in a window or on the wall illuminated by lighting to enjoying between being wearable art. Thanks to Rena Casey-Wilhelm for organizing the 1st Unique Boutique sale as well as all of the shoppers who supported the artists.


The Boutique sale was just the beginning of a delightful weekend. I spent perhaps the most delightful St. Nicholas celebration of my life as guests in the home of Meghan's family friends.

Invitations into this exponentially growing connection of friends began through Meghan, who is engaged to my son Barry. Kara met everyone during her visit in October when she came home talking for days about how much I am going to love this family. I was invited to partake in a homemade Sicilian Sauce with Pasta & Garden Salad meal at their home since I am the Momma.
Barry, Kara and Meghan are so right; I fell in love with their friends and their charming home within seconds of my arrival. The evening got better every minute until we walked out into a gentle snowfall late in the evening.

Being invited as a guest into ones home is a treasured privilege, the home is the place where one can relax and allow your individualism to shine. Only close friends and relatives are invited into the sanctity of the house to share in house hospitality, it is the one place where more informal communication may occur.

Not wanting to invade privacy, I will refrain from sharing images except for this one showing the dining room table laden with lovely roses, chocolate candies, sweet oranges and even marzipan. Thank you Catherine for the lovely petits fours.

After dinner we relaxed around the fireplace. Here is Misha on the carpet and the final image is of me holding hands with Toby, the contemplative, adorable, pampered pet Poodle.