CHRISTMASTIDE COMES TO AMELIA ISLAND

The little angel frolicking in the surf comes from Pinterest.  It says just what I want it to say-Christmastide has come to Amelia Island.  No Black Friday for us: it is a blue and gold and red Friday with lots of tinsel and sea shells to show for it.  Lights have been strung on pier posts and a message hung on light posts.... that message is one of peace.

Our day after Thanksgiving is not one of rush and bustle.  Matter of fact it is a fun day downtown with folks still dressed in their pajamas...  If you are wearing pj's you get a 20% discount on your downtown Christmas shopping.  Plus, you have a whole sleigh full of fun.  It is a chilly day but it did not stop the fun and good humor.  I think this year there were more grown-ups acting like children then the other way around.  

This next merry gentleman is enjoying himself and is the hit of the day. Just to his right

notice that this year we had a bell ringer making lovely music.

   The shops are all decorated.  Pajama clad and otherwise shoppers stroll slowly among other strollers. There is nothing that looks like an unhappy crowd.  Shops offer free refreshment and around a corner Santa is set up to hear secret lists.  Another corner and lo, a little band is setting up.  A new charming toy store glistens and invites just across.  Look to the end of the street and boats bob in the harbor.

Another Christmas in Amelia for us, the ninth one.  Each year the Christmas scene here delights and refreshes.  No arguments on should if we should call it Christmas! You can bet your traveling elf, not a one. It is a traditional, if quirky season for us here in this southern town and it is all ours.

Christmas is very precious here. We are reminded of it's real meaning, the sense of giving and caring. You can hear the ringing of the Salvation army bells manned by volunteers all over the Island and the sound of giving. If it turns cold our volunteer cold shelters are ready for the less fortunate. Amelia Island is a small town with a big heart especially at Christmas.

Here is hoping you had a good Thanksgiving and 

that your Christmastide is full of blessings.

Happy U.S.A. Thanksgiving!

A very Happy U.S.A. Thanksgiving to one and all!

We have so much to be thankful for..let's not take it for granted

and let's remember those who have little...

YES, VIRGINIA, THERE IS AUTUMN IN FLORIDA

There is autumn right here in Amelia Beach, Florida. Today it is a chilly 46 degrees but then tomorrow will be back in the 60's or 70's.  See. here is a changing tree to prove it.  One of the reasons we love the Island is that it has the seasons....without SNOW and ICE.  This is great for us transplanted New Englanders!

 Still it goes back and forth, you can see it was cooler on this Saturday when we were at the Farmer's Market.  This little lady was wearing her holiday sweater near her owner's booth selling goat's milk products

                                and also quail eggs....hmmm, enticing to try.

There is now a craft alley at the Farmer's Market in downtown Fernandina Beach and I was taken with this crafter's booth shared with her father's wood bowls. The shell candle holders are made of oyster shells and just lovely.  The wooden bowls are carved from a particular type of tree that grows in our swamps here.  The tree is beyond its time but the years have made fascinating shapes which are a crafter's dreams.  

I know a gentlemen here on the Island who makes wondrous canes with them.

                                              A very special wooden bowl ....a keeper.

Our shell artist, Kangee Graham,  with her wares.

All in all,  another lovely Saturday morning in downtown Amelia Island, where

surprises and delights await.