Well, I've been TRYING to stamp a little this past week or so, but just can't seem to keep my focus and stay in my chair.  I just have to keep running outside to the porch to either shoot some more pictures or just stand there and marvel.   I'm amazed at the breathtaking beauty of the view from here!  Well, both amazed AND amused – for a while, anyway.  Until the realization comes creeping back in that it's looking more and more like our traditional December 25th family get-together will be held by teleconference, lol! 

But who knows?  Maybe there's a weather miracle in there somewhere.  Afterall, it IS the season of miracles!

Four days ago I thought this was a really dramatic picture.  Until this morning's shot (below).  At first I was amused at how the lanterns on the brick wall were up to their shoulders in snow, and wore darling little snow-caps.  And there was this pretty layer of white gently tracing the branches of the vine maple that shelters the porch……

But THIS morning, there ARE no lanterns and hardly any brick wall at all.  And that poor vine maple can barely support the weight it's burdened with.  (I know, I know, I should go knock off the snow while I still can.  But I had to get this picture first!) 

I think the bluish cast in the picture is a result of the "not too long past dawn" thing. 

Oh, and those foot prints that begin half-way down the walk and disappear around the corner of the garage?  Those are *my* tracks – actually made this morning with my bedroom slippers!  Um…Don't ask!  Ok, maybe those of you who join me at my January stampin' events WILL get to hear the story – if you promise not to laugh too hard.  On second thought, maybe that'll be a great reason to make SURE you come!   

Ok, so this obsession of stepping out onto the porch at least hourly seems to worsen after dark, and I find myself out there several times an hour as the night grows deeper.  But at least that's what allowed me to capture THIS picture last night at roughly midnight.  You shoulda heard me squeal when I saw the results!

Merry Christmas, everyone!  And stay WARM and SAFE out there!