It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in New England.☃️
Six inches of snow fell on Saturday night. We were lucky that Sunday dawned with decent temps and bright sunshine so we had good weather for shoveling and plowing.
A snow/sleet/rain mixture is forecasted for tomorrow. I’m hoping for the rain since we have a Master Gardener holiday get-together in the afternoon.
Bright and early this morning, I went down to visit Officer Murch and Officer Caproni at the Dover Police Mounted Patrol barn. I picked up one of their wonderful horseshoe trees. Officer Murch’s father makes a limited number each year as a fundraiser using CJ and Rasa’s horse shoes.
If you’re a horse lover, you’ll see the beauty in it. If not, well, I like it enough for both of us.
Tonight is movie night. I have always been a fan of Vince Flynn’s Mitch Rapp series of mysteries, and they made one into a movie recently – American Assassin. We’ll have to watch early though because the Patriots are on at 8:30 p.m. 🙂
If anyone is a regular user of Instagram and has any feedback for me, it would be much appreciated. I have one account associated with the blog and one I just set up for my Master Gardener group. In all honesty, I’m still trying to figure out what it’s all about.
How are you doing this second week in December? Have you got most of your Christmas presents bought and wrapped? Baked or enjoyed anything truly decadent that the rest of us need to know about? 🎄
NewEnglandGardenAndThread 
It looks pretty there. More tomorrow morning. Tis the season. Go Pats!
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Any Patriot billboards down your way that need photographing? 🙂
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First of all, I LOVE your horseshoe tree! It’s even more special because it supports those beautiful horses and the wonderful people who care for them. They give Dover such small town New England charm!
I’m done shopping now! Yay! Just a bit of wrapping remains. I’ve also distributed my cash to the animal welfare groups I support, especially during this time of year. It’s nice to be able to just ease into the season without the frenzy I used to experience!
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I’ll bet each grandchild has a special gift, and it is beautifully wrapped. I can only imagine how your artistic skills come to the surface this time of year. 🙂
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Beautiful! Send snow this way please!!
Still have gifts to.get but that is normal for me. I am not a early shopper. Bought Christmas cards today , now.just.need.to.send.them. Bought a Christmas pointsettia 🙂
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Sounds like you have a plan, and you can look at the beautiful poinsettia while you write away. 🙂
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Love the horseshoe tree! I have a lot of horsey friends here on LI – great area to ride on mostly level ground through woods and fields, especially on trails maintained by the local towns in the Pine Barrens. And we are still getting 50deg days, with only 2 slushy inches from the last storm! Our friends up in Gilmanton expect 6-10in from tomorrow’s clipper! We are being very lazy this Christmas. Marian has decorated nicely, but we are still figuring out gifts for sons and wives/partners, who we expect for Christmas Day. A grand Italian feast at friends house last Saturday, where everyone gives a <$8 gift to everyone else… we came home laden! Blessings on your Christmas!
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Sounds like a wonderful place to ride, and nice weather. Gee, I wonder why you relocated. 🙂 Yes, we are still hoping to get rain, but there is snow for up north. Nice Italian feast and a family Christmas – life is good is Long Island. I send you best wishes for a blessed Christmas as well. 🙂
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Oh Judy, your snow photos are beautiful. Here, summer school holidays have started so I have six glorious weeks to enjoy. It’s warm and sunny. I found you on Instagram but couldn’t find the Master Gardener account. What’s its name?
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Six weeks of warm weather adventures – oh my goodness. I am envisioning the posts that will be coming our way. 🙂 The MG user name is NHSCMGA (NH Strafford County MG).
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Well, I’m doing the Kevtoberfest series now so you will see plenty of warm spring sunshine in the photos.
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The horseshoe tree is a cool idea. I have a friend who will love seeing that.
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I bet you could even figure out how to make it a beautiful planter for a Monday post. 🙂
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The horseshoe tree is fantastic!! I love it. Photos are great. Everything looks so beautiful….until you have to get in it with a snow shovel. Lol. We had 6″ of snow here, possibly more tomorrow.
My dog Murphy loves it. Me? Not so much!
Decorated today. My friend puts up her tree and decorations on November 1st!! Way too early for me.
I don’t want you and Dennis overdoing the shoveling. That’s me being selfish. I’m so anxious to resume my armchair traveling with you to SC, so I don’t want either of you to get hurt and not be able to take your planned trip. I’m really not interested in spending that time with you while you’re in a nursing home rehab recuperating!!! 😂😂😂
Boy, with a friend like me …………!!
Stay warm. Be safe. Enjoy the MG holiday get together.
—-Ginger—-
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Glad you liked it. It really is cute with an attitude. 🙂 It’s 27 degrees right now, but the lights, decorations AND the pellet stove are keeping us warm. 🙂
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I am a horse lover and I do love the horseshoe tree.
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We’re kindred spirits. 🙂
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Hi Judy. We are enjoying- so far- a wonderful cool Spring and Summer here in Queensland North East Australia, so its me still out in the garden planting flowers and fiddling about with mulch and bird baths etc. Usually by now its up in the 30’s (90F) ,and humidly HOT!! and a retreat into the aircon with the dogs. I do enjoy to read all about your beautiful part of the world and the joyful activities and explorations that you get up to. Good Cheer.
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Sounds like your weather is giving you a break so you can spend quality time outside. Just the idea of working outside quickens my pulse. 🙂
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That tree is so pretty and so creative. I can see why you left early to get one. I hope you have good weather for your event. The first snow always looks good.
Be safe.
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I’ll have to be careful my husband doesn’t exchange some of the ornaments for Patriot and Chiefs ornaments. 🙂
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Our daughter gave us (me) several Steelers ornaments. I think I could fill the tree now.
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Love your horseshoe tree! And those snowy scenes sure look like Christmas.
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Thank you, and the landscape is all white outside so it does put you in the mood. 🙂
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Um, aren’t the shoes supposed to face the other way to bring good luck? It’s a beautiful display, regardless.
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Now, that’s an interesting piece of trivia I didn’t know. I guess I can just swivel it around. 🙂
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I love the horseshoe tree. So unique! Go Pats!
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Yes – go Pats! 🙂
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I love your horseshoe tree, and I know my neighbour will love it even more than I do, so I’ll send your post to her….we have so many horses around here I’m surprised I haven’t seen one before now. I must say, bright days after snow must be really something, but I don’t envy you the shovelling of snow.
Lots of present buying still going on here, and I’m looking through my daughters’ fluffy toy box because our little granddaughter will be coming to stay…..she probably doesn’t really need any more toys, true be told!
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Glad you liked the tree and hope your neighbor does too. I had some of my daughter’s toys, and my granddaughter loved playing with them. Plus the first year or two the boxes and the wrappings are way more exciting. I hope you have a blast. 🙂
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My answer to you is No I don’t have my act together.. yet..lol! I don’t ride horses but think they are amazing. It has been disturbing to read about the death of so many in the California fires.. Sad! The horseshoe tree is cool.. I am at instagram and like it a lot. I will look for your link..
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Those fires always leave me speechless – so much devastation. And, it happens year after year. I pray for them all. Glad you like the tree. I’ll look for your link as well. 🙂
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Oh, that snow is so beautiful….and I do love that Christmas tree.
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It was a pretty snow, and I’m glad you like the tree. 🙂
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Oh, I do want one of those trees!!! I have a beautiful coat stand made of beautiful wood with a base of horseshoes. They’d go beautifully together, but I imagine the shipping from there to here would be horrendous. Anyway, I’d be happy to take some of the snow so it would seem even more Christmas-like.
What am I doing this second week? I’m still picking up goodies for when everyone is home and getting ready to wrap presents. I’ll probably start tomorrow. Can’t help you much with Instagram. I was on it for a time but then found out that it sounds like they can use my photos without my consent, so I got off. One less thing to do isn’t all bad.
I wish I’d know “American Assassin” was based on Mitch Rapp’s book/s. I’ve read them all. As for food, I haven’t made anything yet, but I’ll be making various cookies, smoked almond sea salt dark chocolate bark, and peanut and raisin dark chocolate clusters at some point.
I still want that horseshoe tree!!
janet
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I have tried to buy one a couple of times before, but they always sell out. Over the weekend I saw a post that they had one left. I offered to buy it and didn’t even know how much it was. Let’s just say I’m glad they offered to give me a ‘donation’ receipt. I thought of you as I brought it home – I knew you’d love it. 🙂 Your coat stand sounds great too. And, your list of foods had me smiling – delish.
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I am a horticulturist and I had to board horses to pay rent when I was in school. How can I love horses? They do not care how rare or important the plants in my garden are. If they can get through the fence, they eat it! But you know how horses are. If they know I dislike them, they are extra nice to make me like them.
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Anything a little unusual like your horseshoe tree would definitely get my attention. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that NE stays white until we get there for the holidays.
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I’m looking out right now, and I’m thinking you’ll still see lots of white when you get here. Safe travels and have a wonderful holiday. 🙂
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What a unique tree and great fundraiser. I would think they’d be collector items. Does he date and sign them? Then they would be!
I like the red ornaments again the green. How tall is it? Looks heavy!
Am planning on staying home tomorrow. If they call off school, I’m going next door to play with the kids! Otherwise, I have some flour asking to be made into bread or cookies. 😉
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It is not signed. The shoe part is 24″ tall and 17″ wide at the bottom row. From the bottom to the top of the decorations is 28″ tall. It is very heavy. Playing with kids? Now, that sounds like fun. 🙂
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Not a horse person, still think the tree is marvelous in its creativity and design 🙂
Beautiful pictures!
I’ve been on Instagram for 3+ years. What kind of feedback are you looking for? If you’re wanting to find some people who enjoy the same kind of photos, like gardening, then hashtags are VERY helpful. #garden #gardener #nursery #seedlings #growyourownfood #shadegarden #annuals #perennials #newenglandwinter #poinsettias — add hashtags to your photos and search those same hashtags. Then like those other people’s photos and leave comments when appropriate. Most of my fellow followers are in the flora and fauna groups. It does take a while to gain a following, but it’s wonderful to see all the pretties 🙂
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Glad you like the tree, and thank you very much for the Instagram feedback. I appreciate the help. 🙂
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Oh good. Anytime 🙂
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Your photos are wonderful! How snow does transform the world! I remember your mentions of the Dover Police Mounted Patrol in the past, so I see the horseshoe tree as more than unique: it’s a tribute. Still unpacking here, so Christmas prep is a bit spotty. About Instagram I know nothing so I can be no help at all, sorry to say. Thanks for the beautiful images to start my day!
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When you have an entire house to unpack, I can only imagine the desire to unpack boxes and boxes of decorations is somewhat low on your to-do-list. 🙂 Spotty will be just fine for this year. 🙂
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Snow here as well, Judy and more on the way today. A good day to stay indoors ( when not moving about with snow shovel in hand!) and do a bit more decorating. The tree is up and my little ‘woodland display’ is on the table. Maybe a few loaves of Christmas stollen and some cookies, certainly a box of goodies to send to Noah and his family who won’t be making it home ( after all) for Christmas. Love the horseshoe wreath, what a prize! A great way to support the Dover police and their horses! Hope you tuck indoors today and enjoy some tea and festive goodies! Merry Christmas to you and Dennis!!
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Your baked goods sound like a wonderful idea. Sorry your special guests can’t make it for Christmas. Bummer. It’s snowing right now, but I’m hoping it tapers off in time for our MG meeting this afternoon. Moisture is good but could it work around our schedule – hardly. 🙂
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As snow is once again falling I look forward to this afternoon’s rain 🙂
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Yes, rain I can handle much easier. Stay safe. 🙂
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We didn’t get the weekend snow but we’re supposed to get several inches today. After seeing how pretty it looks at your house, I’m ready! The horseshoe tree is fabulous–clever and understated and so effective! (Bummer about the Patriots . . . )
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I guess they were missing the Gronk. 🙂
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Love your horseshoe tree. My sister gifted one to “another” sister a year or two ago. Yay for the “donation” receipt. Not ready quite yet for Christmas. Did some “online” shopping this weekend, and hoping packages arrive as ordered. Have a couple of things “under the tree” still in the “mailing wrappers”. Getting ready for a crowd of Queen Bee’s today for pot luck luncheon. Honey had some of the deco up before I got home from my LONG trip, but we managed to get the rest up in the last week and do a thorough “deep cleaning”. We enjoyed seeing the 6″ of snow here in Delaware, and were glad the driveways melted quickly. No shoveling was required, as the pavement was still quite warm.
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Sounds like you have the season under control. I hope your luncheon is filled with great food, good conversation about quilting, and lots of laughter. Loud applause here for snow that melts all by itself. 🙂
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Oh, I wish someone around here made these trees! That is wonderful! Have a Merry Christmas, and I LOVE your winter pictures! We don’t get much snow in middle TN. Robyn
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Glad you liked the tree. 🙂 No, I don’t suppose you do get a lot of snow, so I’ll try and post some more photos before I head your way for a couple of months. Remember, that snow has to be shoveled. 🙂
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That is some tree! Wowsah! This afternoon, I’ll be making banana bread, which will go in the freezer. I always bake banana bread and pumpkin bread for our Christmas morning breakfast. Presents will be wrapped this Sunday. Onward to ho-ho-ho!
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Oh, I do love banana and pumpkin bread. I actually have some cooked pumpkin in my freezer. I think I need to defrost it right now. 🙂
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Hi, Judy, the snow photos are lovely! I hope you enjoyed your mystery. My husband and I saw Murder on the Orient Express last night and really enjoyed it. As for Instagram, I’ll look for you there!
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I love mysteries. The one challenge with reading a book series first is you have this visual of a 36+ year old character and all of a sudden the character is a 26 year old Hollywood star that your granddaughter really likes. 🙂 The story and the acting was good. It was gritty. I found you on Instagram. 🙂
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Oh, good, I’m really enjoying Instagram, it’s my most enjoyable social media.Yes, I know what you mean book characters in your imagination transferred to the screen!
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Your pine trees look so beautiful flocked in snow! I love that Horseshoe Tree!
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Your new Horseshoe Christmas tree is amazing, Judy! I’ve never seen anything like it! Hope you had a wonderful time at the Master Gardener holiday gathering. This year, I’m saving my holiday baking until the last minute, so that I won’t be tempted to sample too many sweet treats! 🙂
Instagram is a wonderful place to share inspiration! I share my handmade cards on IG @cottageblooms. It’s such fun to share with other card makers! ♡
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I found you on Instagram. 🙂 Yes, baking too far ahead is not good for the waistline – at least not here. 🙂
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I’m a horse lover and love the tree and the thought behind it. I love looking at your snowy, Christmassy photos but have to admit I’ve now grown used (almost!) to our hot, tropical Christmas season.
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I was out scraping ice and snow off a car today with the temperature hovering around 10 degrees fahrenheit. Tropical sounds pretty good right now. 🙂
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Brrrrr…❄️❄️❄️
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I have a friend who would LOVE that horseshoe tree!
I wish I was all ready and organized for Christmas, but sadly I’m not. I still have another week to panic about it 😉
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We never get snow. Not sure if that’s a good or bad thing as I can grow stuff all year but we can build snow men, tough choice. I love looking a photos of snowy gardens so thanks for the blog. Merry Christmas from West Cork 🙂
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My pulse just quickened reading ‘grow stuff all year.’ Merry Christmas to you and yours in one of the most beautiful and welcoming countries I’ve had the privilege of visiting. ☘️
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Call in any time we love visitors 🙂
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Love that horseshoe tree!
You got a nice amount. Up until two days ago all that we’d had was flurries and a dusting. Finally about 3 inches between the other day and night. And that’s enough 🙂
As to movies, I am currently making my way through the second season of The Crown. Just as fascinating as the first though a bit racy in regards to Princess Margaret ….still, the acting is superb and I found myself often stopping an episode to go Google some more history behind it.
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History and entertainment = a good movie. 🙂
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So much rather enjoy your snow photos than go back to living in it! No presents to wrap this year. Finally convinced all that donations should go to each other’s charities instead and time spent enjoying each other’s company is the best gift of all. Unless, of course, there are children involved. Exceptions granted for anxious little ones.
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Nice charity gifting idea, and the gift of time is truly the best gift of all. 🙂
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