Day Of Giving

As promised, here are a few of the pictures from the Santa Project.

In the autumn of each year, Mr. Mickey starts letting his beard grow out for a significant project for all those involved.

A special group of friends contributes funds for this project, benefiting more than fifty children who might not otherwise have much of a Christmas. They are given a coat, shoes, school clothes, and a toy by the "real" Santa.

 

During the early part of this twelve-hour day, I wore a black long sleeve tee and black jeggings with a red boiled wool vest, all from Chico's. The bag is from Express. The boots are by Vince Camuto from Nordstrom.

In the evening, I removed the necklace and animal print belt, and smaller earrings and replaced them with longer earrings and a low slung belt from Chico's. I also added a tartan ruana from Foxcroft and black fur-trimmed leather gloves.

Wine Cellar Gathering

It may seem as if my life this time of year is filled with one party after the other, and you would be correct!

Last evening we gathered at the home of our friends Millie and Don.

It was great to catch up with old friends and neighbors and meet some new people.

Beyond this custom made iron door is the wine cellar.

The entire house is decorated for the Christmas holiday!

I wore a red Covered Perfectly tunic with a long necklace, silver cuff, and Travelers silver cardigan from Chico's years ago. The Tahari black knit slacks are from Ross a couple of years ago. The black pumps are by Nine West.

In January, I am going to settle in for a long winter's nap. For now, it is time to get ready for the next party!

Neighborhood Gathering

'Tis the season!

Everyone in our neighborhood was invited to the beautiful home of the Paulsons to have wine and cheese.

Mary Jane loves to decorate. I lost count of the trees!

It's wonderful to have such lovely neighbors!

I wore a black long sleeve tee, black slacks, and heels with a red boiled wool faux leather-trimmed vest from Chico's. The gold, pearl, and crystal accent necklace is also from Chico's.

Open House

Our dear friends Ben and Natalie held an open house for the holidays last evening.

Where to put your blush...

Dinner, Symphony, and Ballet

It was a perfect holiday evening for us. We had a long leisurely dinner while visiting with friends at our favorite restaurant, Gourmet and Company.

The tree was set up right behind our favorite table, so this was how Mr. Mickey saw me this evening.

Mr. Mickey was looking dapper as usual! His 1940s Hickok cuff links are part of his vast collection of Mickey Mouse antiques and collectibles, of which there are more than 3,000 rare pieces. In his previous home, he had a museum to showcase some of the collection. This lifetime collection is being offered for sale in its entirety.

 

Each time I see this friend of a friend, we talk about shoes. This time we were wearing a very similar style.

Mr. Mickey was a happy man when he heard that this bread pudding made from croissants was on the dessert menu. Bliss!

The Johnson City Symphony has been performing for forty-five years. Their Christmas performance is one of the most popular. The words to many favorite Christmas carols are projected upon the giant screen above the stage so that the audience can sing along. During intermission, the poinsettias are removed so that young ballerinas can dance for us and the final performances.

The stained glass windows in Mary B. Martin Auditorium, Seeger Chapel, were decorated with wreaths and candles.

Retired Judge John L. Kiener was appointed to the judgeship years ago by Mr. Mickey's efforts while active in East Tennessee politics.

That's my sweet friend, his wife, Belinda Kiener.

My look for this evening includes a double-breasted wool jacket from Talbot's a few years ago. Tailored slacks and clutch via Saks Off 5th. The shoes are by DVF from a few years ago. The statement necklace is from Chico's last year.