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.

Blue Moon Dinner Theater

We enjoyed an evening at the theater with a group of friends on Friday.

We attended the Blue Moon Dinner Theatre to watch a funny play about how we celebrate Christmas worldwide.

I often wear all black for the evening. Whenever I wear all one color, I vary the textures for added interest. The shoes are suede, the pants have a texture almost like a grosgrain ribbon, the long tunic top has a silky rayon texture, and the mink fur vest adds yet another texture.

The fur vest was a long-ago Christmas gift from Mr. Mickey. Earlier in my life, I dated a man for a couple of years who never once gave me a gift. When I opened this beautifully wrapped gift, I cried.

As is also my custom, I wear subdued jewelry and carry a small clutch with evening attire. The suede heels are Italian made from Saks. They are very comfortable. This was the first time I wore them, and we walked several city blocks. This fact speaks volumes about the quality of shoes.

The clutch is from T.J.Maxx. The crystal detail silver bracelet and crystal earrings are from Nordstrom. The rings are items purchased during my travels.

Mr. Mickey is counting down the hours until he can get his hair and beard trimmed. It's almost time for his Santa gig!

We have the most fun friends in town! My friend Millie and her partner in life, Don, kept us laughing for the whole evening.

I wore a black trench coat draped across my shoulders for the long walk to and from the theater. Johnson City has a thriving nightlife, so parking is a rare commodity at times.

Layers For A Cold Morning

When the temperatures drop into the 20's it is officially cold here in East Tennessee.

Mr. Mickey and I attended a surprise birthday lunch for one of his long time friends today.

I am wearing a long sleeve tee in silver gray with a low slung belt over denim jeggings from Chico's. The long light gray sweater is from T.J.Maxx. The red, black, and gray tartan ruana sweater is from Foxcroft. The over the knee boots are by Vince Camuto via Belk. The fur-trimmed gloves were a long-ago gift from Mr. Mickey's wonderful daughter, Regina.

Hill & Dale Garden Club Brunch

It's that time of year when my sweet friend Rose invites me to be her guest at the Hill & Dale Garden Club Christmas Brunch.

There were so many beautiful and yummy looking items in the auction this year!

It's great to visit with friends we haven't seen for a while and have a mimosa while shopping for gift items in the auction.

As always, there was beautiful music and carols to set the mood.

My dear sweet friends Rose and Mitzi.

Girls do love their shoes!

The red blouse is from Express. The black faux leather-trimmed ruana wrap is from Carlisle Per Se. The waxed jeans and the gray bling sleeve cardigan are from Chico's. The boots are from Nine West via Saks Off 5th.