Good morning Folks ~ It is a gray, drizzly morning, the temp. is 69 and feels like it is 64. The rain is bringing us a ‘cold’ front. Ha. High 60’s are the predicted low temps for the next few days. To me that’s not cold.
Yesterday on the 4th anniversary of my dear husband’s ‘home going’, I set up the nativity. He made the creche many, many years ago for our humble Spanish ‘mud’ figures, that we bought when we lived in Rota, Spain while he was stationsed there in the US Navy, early 70’s. We bought 8 little figures in the town square from a little shop.
I went simple this year, so only a few ‘heavenly host’.
Nativity ‘mud’ figures, Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, three wisemen, a donkey and a cow.
The ancient angel at the back of scene is ‘old’. I bought it at the flea market many, many years ago for $1.
God came down to earth as a little babe, born in a humble stable in a lowly manger.
His name is Jesus, He is Immanuel, ‘meaning God with us.’ He is the reason for this holiday season. May we all feel His love, mercy and tenderness for us, and may we feel that way towards others. Love is a wonderful gift to receive and to share.
The angel hanging on the left was my husband’s when he was a little boy.
The silver salt shakers in these two photos hold frankinsense in one
and myrhh in the other.
The lace angel below was made by my late MIL. One of my favorite Christmas ornaments from her.
The next pictures are of some delicate, old angels. I got them many years ago at the flea market or a yard sale.
Now for some flowers that are in bloom right now. Photos taken yesterday.
The first photo is Downy Jasmine. I bought this from the local veggie market because it had 2-3 different kinds of butterflies flying all over these plants. I found out from my ‘butterfly’ friend Jessica that the males love white flowers.
George Tabor Azalea
Lantana
Panama Rose
Next two photos are of Ruby Hibiscus blooms. I have quite a few volunteers from seeds of this plant.
Spicy Jatrohpa
Tropical Hydrangea
‘Paul McCartney’ Rose
‘Picnic’ roses
That’s it from Plum Cottage and gardens.
I’m meeting my brother-in-law, husband’s brother, for lunch.
Happy Christmas holidays ~ FlowerLady
Hello there! The angel you bought for $1 is priceless; I love those old plaster figures from the turn of the century to the 1930's. It's lovely that you carry on your traditions with your husband in your heart and mind. Everything looks festive and interesting!
ReplyDeleteGod bless you as you start your 4th year journey without your hubby by your side. Not easy, I know. That creche is adorable and the baby Jesus reminds me of a sweet little Kewpie doll. Love that the angels have such special meanings. That is what Christmas is all about, isn't it? xo Diana
ReplyDeleteLovely post Rainey. I love your little creche. Your "cold front" is warmer than we keep the house! Ha! It's hovering around 19 degrees here today. Hope you have a fun time with your in-laws!
ReplyDeleteHugs
Jane
Your nativity scene is so precious. I like all the memories you have with it and that it represents the birth of Christ. Your flowers seem to be blooming in some way all the time. They ones you shared are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteOh it all looks wonderful! I bet as you put out each piece, Mark is right there with you. Happy holidays! Love, Kit
ReplyDeleteBeautiful angels Rainey. They add so much to Plum Cottage. And then along came those deep pink blooms, every one different and equally stunning. Take care as your 4th year has started. Hugs from down in NZ.
ReplyDeleteI'm absolutely charmed by your nativity figures and the stories behind each one! And the story of Jesus NEVER grows old or loses its wonder...♥
ReplyDeleteWhat a dear sweet Nativity display! And so many lovely blooms outside. I just came in from taking a walk in 22 degrees with snow gently falling. Brrr! :)
ReplyDeleteYes, I love your nativity. The little faces are so sweet.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a wonderful lunch. :)
Your Nativity is one of the loveliest I've seen Lorraine! I love unique, and it is just that! Love all the sweet angels too♡♡♡
ReplyDeleteits hard for me to imagine flowers blooming in December, and I enjoyed seeing yours so much Flowerlady! I hope you have a Merry Christmas sweet friend!!!
Sending hugs...
One of the things I like most in Christmas decorating blog posts is seeing all the different nativities. I don't think I've ever seen two alike. Yours is very special, Rainey. So sweet. I love all your angels, but my favorite is your MIL's lace angel. Very pretty. Okay, now about your flowers. They never cease to amaze me. Every one is gorgeous, however the hibiscus took my breath away. You really are The Flower Lady. Hope you have a nice lunch with your brother-in-law. Hugs, Nancy
ReplyDeleteIt is so good to have these special memory keepsakes from our loved ones.That creche will always bring back special memories.The flowers are all gorgeous in my eyes, especially during our cold winter season.
ReplyDeleteHi Rainey,
ReplyDeleteTo see your pretty flowers blooming ahhhhh. We just see a blanket of white snow here. Love all your beautiful collected little angel ornaments. They are just the sweetest. That nativity is so sweet too. Love that you have such good memories with how this nativity came together. Wishing you lots of peace and comfort. I know this time of year is especially hard to be missing your sweet hubby. Hugs.
Kris
Beautiful flowers from your yard! And the nativity with those mementos of your husband, etc...very special. Baby Jesus is so cute! Andrea
ReplyDeleteWhat a special Nativity set, and even more so with all the memories. Love all the sweet vintage angels, your heavenly host, all around. Blessings to you as you mark this fourth anniversary without you husband here. I love how you said in your previous post that you hope to age gracefully as you await your reunion with him. Hope your dental pain has subsided, too. xo Deborah
ReplyDeletePeace be with you on this sad anniversary, Lorraine xo
ReplyDeleteYours is the sweetest Nativity scene I've ever seen, Lorraine, such an innocence about it all. And a precious way to observe the anniversary of your husband's passing. I do hope the pain is soon gone from the teeth pulling and I appreciated reading about the research you did. The new toothpaste sounds good.
ReplyDeleteWe enjoyed that little cool spell here too, wish it had lasted a little longer. And the two hibiscus trees in the backyard here seem to be exploding with blooms now after a little hiatus.
Have a good and safe week, dear friend,
Dewena
At the present time, about 8:30p.m.it is 17 degrees. Brrrr I love the lace angel. I had angels made from my wedding dress years ago and gave them to my kids. I wonder if they still have them! My husband and I thank the Lord every day that we have each other. May got comfort and bless you special during this holiday season! Nancy at http://cozythymecottage.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteIt was a lovely idea to set up the nativity with your husband's creche on the anniversary of his passing...making new traditions while including something that has a sweet memory attached.
ReplyDeleteHugs...
Thank you for this post
ReplyDeleteand always
for your comforting words
sent to me.
love you...
Your Nativity scene is precious not only for the sentimental reasons, but because it embodies the truth of Christmas. It is about our Saviour Jesus ! How much more precious it is that your crèche full of figures reminding you of loved ones now in Heaven but also our Lord & Saviour.
ReplyDeleteNo better time and season to not only reflect on your husband who is in the presence of his Saviour , but the birth of our Saviour. With your crèche comprised of sentimental pieces that represent the very foundation of our faith ... this is moving. Bless you.
ReplyDeleteLorraine, how wonderful to have those special pieces that you and your husband found together and loved. I think it is very hard to have a loved one pass during a particular holiday. My son passed on April 1 and it is always something about that day that people bring up and makes it more painful. Hopefully we can always remember the good times and cherish them as you do your favorite Christmas pieces. Your flowers are still so pretty and love those cute little angels you have collected. Thanks for your visit and a Merry Christmas to you..xxoJudy
ReplyDeleteHi Lorraine, What beautiful treasures found by you and your hubby. I love the darling nativity and I am sure beautiful memories warm your heart when you display this. Four years and the anniversary of your beloved makes this so special.
ReplyDeleteLove your beautiful angels. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and many blessings in the new year.
Thoughts and prayers. xo
Christmas decorations always bring back memories... I just decorated my tree two days ago and did it all by myself which I found that I liked very much. Your decorations are so special!
ReplyDeleteGod bless you and make you feel the power of God With Us all through the season.
I love your very special nativity and those angel ornaments are beautiful! Love and prayers coming to you from your friend in AZ.
ReplyDeleteThe creche is lovely, Rainey, and holds so many dear memories. It's up to 23 this morning and expecting rain although it's sunshine now. I need to move hay, must do that in dry weather. Wood stove is blazing, propane logs are blazing; dogs snore beside me and I'm still in my nightgown...lazy bones!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas, Rainey!