Snow and Ice at Meadow House

Sunday evening was very very cold, a dusting of snow carpeted the ground, and we went to bed knowing that there would an ice storm overnight. Sure enough as the morning dawned it was obvious everything had frozen solid. I had planned ahead, got plenty of groceries and stacked firewood indoors, so there was no need to venture out except to scatter seed and put a dish of water out for the birds and squirrels. I worked from home but in the early afternoon I had to go out and take photos, wrapping up warm and stuffing hand warmers in my pockets.

It was beautifully peaceful outside, the only sounds were of branches tinkling and shards of icy glass shattering as they slid off the trees. I occasionally heard what I thought were gunshots but then stopped in my tracks as in front of me a large branch was wrenched from its trunk by its heavy load of snow and ice, an earsplitting crack echoed through the wood as it hit the ground.
The cats made the most of the winter weather by practicing their hibernation skills, snuggling up in the fleece and sleeping nearly every minute of the day.

Then the snow came again overnight, and the ice was completely covered by four inches of white fluffy powder. Another day of working from home, and none of my neighbors were leaving their homes either. Again, I stayed indoors until mid afternoon when once more I had to grab my camera and venture outdoors. This time it was warmer and the snow along with the ice was dripping, or dropping long slivers of ice to the ground, the sun glittering and glistening like diamonds.

It was a beautiful wonderland but even though the road was beginning to thaw, there wasn't enough daylight left or enough heat from the sun to disperse the water and I knew it would be solid ice again in the morning.The temperatures never really rose above freezing all week and it wasn't until Thursday, with the snow and ice still clinging to the ground, when I was able to get off the hill. Freedom!

Brookside Gardens Christmas Lights 2013

On Saturday afternoon, I met with friends to go to Brookside Gardens, MD, for the Christmas Lights. I'd been here a few years ago to see a butterfly exhibition and the lights display has always had rave reviews. It's different from Bull Run as those lights are geared for drivers, lots of space in between the displays so the show isn't over too fast. Here, the display is to be walked around so the lights are much closer together. 

It's extremely well planned. We walked into the visitors' center first where you could buy hot drinks with snacks to enjoy there or to take with you as you wandered about the gardens. I had brought hand warmers stuffed into my pockets so I was ready. It was a cold night but thankfully there was no wind to bring the temperatures down even further.

A caterpillar tunnel was the entrance to the display.

A rainbow arched over the path with rain clouds, lightning and snow flakes. Dragonflies flitted above us.

The display was not made up of the usual drummers, reindeer, snowmen or other traditional Christmas ornaments but instead was made up of creatures and plants, fitting for a garden environment. Butterflies and bees flew in the branches of the brightly lit trees.

A wolf howling at the moon. Some of the displays were close to the path and could be inspected close up. I was very impressed with the details and at how many lights were used. This wolf looked so realistic as did many of the other light displays.

A giraffe with a tree monster, a lion and some fire ants.

Inside a large green house was one of the best model railways I've ever seen. Built in  a 50's theme, it was made up of kit and custom made buildings, some were made to look like local establishments. There were 50's cars parked and steam trains chugging around the tracks.,

There was also a Glen Echo display, very well made, with a working carousel and the entrance to the park accompanied with moving trams, as it had been many years ago.

This was one of my favorite scenes. I have no idea if it had some deep hidden meaning but just seeing Yoda looking down on a picnicking 50's family made me chuckle.

The Loch Ness Monster, and an elephant ear plant. Many of the animals also had sound accompanying them.

All too soon we were back at the visitors' center. This was easily the best display of holiday lights I've seen in a long time, and I would probably say they were the best in the area. Obviously a lot of thought and preparation had gone into these creations.

We even chosen the best day to come as just for tonight a renaissance choir were singing carols and we were encouraged to join in. Drinking hot chocolate with a slice of homemade chocolate cake while enjoying the beautiful songs really put us all in a festive mood. The wonderful gift shop also had some fabulous crafts made from local artisans so I managed to purchase a couple of Christmas presents. I think this may become a tradition for me, I'll certainly be back again.

Emblemax Christmas Party 2013

On Friday after work, Emblemax had its Christmas party. I had hired a mechanical bull so decided a western theme would be fun. I'd also ordered a Wrecking Ball game but had no idea it would be this big.

It was a monster and barely fit in our shipping room. Joe checked it out before everyone else arrived. It really was very bouncy and I was so pleased that it was something the adults could play on too.

An undressed mechanical bull. Looks a little lame like this and certainly doesn't look capable of throwing a whole company around a room.

Joe and Mike dressed in their gear and looking awesome. I couldn't stop laughing at Mike's outfit which was obviously too small but still looked great. Not sure if the size of his garments was planned to be that small but he brought a smile to everyone's face.

Folks couldn't wait to get on the bull and it was a lot harder than it looked to stay on. It had a very slippery saddle and there was no help with staying put apart from a rope string at the front of the saddle, not even a handle. The longest ride was only about 40 seconds, I'm too ashamed to say how long I managed...

And so they all fell off...

..and Johny here performed the best acrobatic flip. I didn't get a photo at the moment he went over because we were all just staring open mouthed as he flipped vertically into the air, somersaulted and then landed on the bull's head before coming to rest on his knees on the mat. He wasn't hurt but I think we were all in more pain from splitting our sides in laughter. He got the top points of the evening. This photo was of him was launching.

And here is little Addison, the most gorgeous boy I've ever come across. As well as being handsome, he's incredibly funny, a born performer, overflowing with confidence. But even he couldn't outdo the bull, the mat awaited him.

The Wrecking Ball was also very popular with the kids. I tried to get on one of the posts but found it almost impossible to stand upright, most of us big kids gave it a miss after finding it impossible to get up from our knees. The girls were more keen to imitate Miley Cyrus' video by swinging on the ball so we had to put a stop to that!

I made Wanted posters of the guys and pinned them up over the buffet. Jose added an additional decoration to his.

He was the only one of the production staff that came dressed up but he did it in style. He's another great actor and really played the part.

The Washington Redskin's Number One Fan, Billy, dressed up, and wearing a Skins hat from the 70's.

My boot bling. Everyone seemed to have fun. I was disappointed that I didn't get any photos of me but my bad, I should have passed my camera over to someone to take them, so lesson learned for next year. The games proved to be a huge hit so I felt relieved about that, I worry before every Christmas party that I'll choose something that will flop. So now I have to start thinking for next year. Already have some great ideas from folks, so next year should be a breeze.