New setup.

I've angled the living room furniture. Looking at the previous set up, it looked like all we ever did in there was watch TV. A design book I was reading pointed out that people should be able to sit and engage in conversation without turning their heads. Our previous setup did not have that feature. So here's the new setup. I'm still deciding whether or not to get rid of the pink chair.

View from the kitchen:

View from the front door.

View from the corner of the living room.

Cats

A few end of the year portraits.

Antares watching from the safety of the chair.

He's always alert.

Sentinel, looking handsome on the coffee table.

And not pleased to have his picture taken.

Results

The first image is the "before picture" and the second image is the "after" picture and quite honestly, they don't look very different. But in real life, things are much more organized.
For one thing, I finally hemmed the dresses that have been hanging there since summer, which means they aren't blocking access to the shelves. I've also moved the canning jars to be more accessible gotten rid of all the non-essential stuff.

Atlas just says no.

Merry Christmas!

There is nothing like the early morning glow of the tree with presents under it.

Holiday decorations

My Aunt Pat has her own holiday decorations, as well as the traditional family decorations. Here are some of my favorites this year.

Aaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!! The angel is trapped in the fireplace. Trapped behind the fire screen. What if someone lights a fire?

Joining us in a Bethlehem stable will be a large metal enclosure with tons of knee-sized truffles. An offering from an American chocolate conglomerate to the Prince of Peace?

These angels are trapped behind a golden fence with musical notes. Sadly, it doesn't seem to be inspiring good music.

Have your run out of room to store a flower arrangement that is bigger than you? With our brand new Amphora Bustle, you will be able to take along your Christmas floral arrangement on your next December caroling date.

Calendars

Matt and I have been using the Flylady calendar since we moved in together. I find it hard to believe that we have lived together long enough to have four of them to discard. But there is the evidence, right there.