Christmas

Happy Holidays

rshaner

I will be taking a break for a couple weeks to celebrate Christmas and my birthday. Here is a look back at some Christmas pasts.

I think this says it all.
This neighbor is really in the Christmas spirit.
The Nativity at a local church.
My town makes a great collective effort with the Christmas lights.

A Little Bit of Christmas This and That

rshaner

Here is a look at some of the Christmas season scenes around my neck of the woods.

This enormous wreath was at Jenkins Arboretum.
Where these leaves were still looking especially colorful.
The door display over a local business.
The local bakery is in the Christmas spirit.
Devon Station was looking good in the afternoon golden hour.

A Sugartown Christmas

rshaner

Historic Sugartown in Chester County has been featured on my blog before if you would like more information about this location. They usually do seasonal decorations. This Christmas did not disappoint.

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The William Garrett House of 1805.
The Book Bindery.
Behind the Sharpless Worrell House …
along with a close up of these wreaths.
A reflection on the Carriage Museum.
Nearby Sugartown Farm
This lovely display was in front of the General Store.

Merry Christmas to All

rshaner

Here are some scenes from around my local area which I shot during a short drive after Christmas dinner with family. Here’s hoping everyone had a safe and happy holiday ands is looking forward to the New Year.

The town tree at the train station.
This adorable pup is at a local vet’s office.
I’ve featured this before but it’s my favoite light display on a local business.

Here are some more local houses.

This is my favoite light display on a local home.

Heavy rain last night washed away our remaining snow, so there was no white Christmas, but a joyful time was had by all.

The Wilder Side of the Holidays

rshaner

I took advantaage of the fact that the Elmwood Park’s Zoos had its Wild Lights attraction open this holiday season with timed tickets that limited visitor numbers. I think most of this post is self-explanatory, so just enjoy the festive lights and holiday cheer. The Elmwood Park Zoo is located in Norristown, Montgomery County. The pictures are pretty much in the same order as if you followed the pathway through the exhibit.

This Eastern Screech Owl was popular for selfies with the kids.
One of the zoo’s jaguars, checking out the tourists. Excuse the glass reflections here.
Another owl in a desert exhibit in the jaguar house – it looks like a burrowing owl to me.

Have a Happy New Year

rshaner

I hope everyone is having a happy holiday season. Christmas season for me lasts until Epiphany, so I thought I’d throw in some additional holiday cheer from a local office building. I love the open, sunny interior of this building and all the plants.

A Little Lancaster County Christmas Closer to Home

rshaner

Here is a look around the Lancaster County Farmers Market in Strafford. It’s not in Lancaster County, so I suspect the name has more to do with the origin of some of the vendors. This is a great place no matter.

At the produce stand.
A little holiday decor with your produce.
Now, this is my kind of holiday display.
A little coffee to go with those sweets.
Decisions, decisions …
A little assistance for a boy at the candy counter.

A Stoneleigh Christmas

rshaner

The Stoneleigh Natural Garden in Montgomery County is a recent addition to the the Natural Lands Trust. The mansion house on the property hosted a Christmas open house on a recent weekend. Although the property is open all but Mondays, Christmas, and Thanksgiving, the house is open only for special events. This property has been used as a residence since 1877, with the current house dating to the turn of the twentieth century. The history of the property can be found here.

After entering the house you soon come to the grand staircase

This is quite an impressive staircase.
This room also holds a large fireplace.
There are some beautiful stained glass windows to the side of the fireplace (with some additional commentary from yours truly).
There was a lovely Christmas tree just off the dining room
There is beautiful woodwork throughout the house.
This plant needs no introduction.
A look out one of the upstairs windows.
The view down an upstairs hall.

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and will focus on the exterior and grounds in upcoming posts.

A Merry Christmas Pageant

rshaner

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season. Here’s a look at the Christmas Pageant at St. Davids Church in Wayne, PA. You can’t beat the combination of community spirit, cute kids, and potentially miscreant livestock. A great and inspirational time was had by all.

The donkey, however, was not pleased.

More Christmas in Black and White

rshaner

Here are some Christmas scenes from Phoenixville this past Saturday night.

There was quite a crowd going through town.
A visit with Santa.
It was a “starry” night.
Time for a night cap.

I followed up by visiting the Luminaria display at the Lock 60 Recreation Area on the Schuykill River in Mont Clare.

This was impressive in an eerie sort of way.