Our Christmas Miracle

Christmas, 2009: A Gerber daisy that we had brought in before the freeze bloomed for Christmas!

After the 16 Inch Snow

December 20, 2009: We had a bright sunny day to dig out from our 16-inch snow.

We had a cardinal come to our front porch bird feeder:
And a dove (right):

Our White Christmas Storm

The snow started early Friday evening:

By 11 a.m. Saturday, it looked like this (even though we had cleared the walks at 8 a.m.):

But, our big surprise was dozens of sparrows waiting impatiently on the porch railing and on nearby trees. Apparently they remembered our bird feeder from last winter!

So, we filled the feeder and hung out a suet basket for good measure.

Christmas Light Show on Collingwood Road

Alexandria, VA, December 15, 2009: We were enchanted by a spectacular Christmas light show at 1601 Collingwood Road near Mount Vernon.

Deer:

Finale:

Lights on the Bay

Sandy Point State Park, MD, December 15, 2009: Lights on the Bay was better than ever:

Gingerbread man:

Christmas at Homestead Gardens

Davidsonville MD, December 12, 2009: At Christmas, Homestead Gardens is to the Mid-Atlantic what Radio City is to New York and the Crystal Cathedral is to Orange County.

There's a really wonderful train exhibit:

And a sea of poinsettias:

We emerged into a winter wonderland--the Homestead Gardens lights: