Friday, December 14, 2012

A Quick Break Before the Holidays :)


Hi All :)

I hope everyone is well and getting into the Holiday Spirit (not the Whiskey, just yet, LOL!!!!)

Last weekend, my Hubby and I took a little trip to Skamania Lodge in the Columbia River Gorge. This beautiful river is part of the border between the States of Oregon and Washington. It has a majestic beauty that, to me, typifies the North West. :)


click on photos to see larger images :)

Shot taken on a cloudy day in late Sept. 2012 (Columbia River Gorge, with Vista House on the right)



Columbia River east of Hood River (shot taken thru window of car, Sept. 2012)




Columbia River east of Hood River (shots taken thru window of car, Sept. 2012) A hazy later summer afternoon :)






Anyway, we thought we would have a few days away from home before everyone comes home to celebrate the Holidays :)

It was a lovely Christmas-y time :)

We had a little Christmas sing along, we eat, we swam, even did crossword puzzles, but mostly we sat and relaxed in the great room watching the fire, the Christmas tree and the bustle of Holiday people. :)



the lovely fire place 




The beautifully decorated stone chimney and mantle in the great room :)




Xmas Tree and Carolers who came to entertain and encouraged a Christmas sing along :)




close up shot of ornaments on the Xmas tree with the room reflected in them :)




The twinkling lights of the Xmas tree shot thru the fireplace :)





Gingerbread houses abound :)









Here is the view from our window of the Columbia River and the snow on the Mtns. to the south in Oregon :)









of course, life wouldn't be complete if I didn't take some arty shots, LOL!!!! :)








I couldn't resist some Xmas Tree Bokeh :)


Hope you enjoyed these photos :)

Have a lovely Weekend :)

Happy Painting/Creating! :) T.


9 comments:

Charlotte said...

Looks like a very cozy and christmasy weekend! Glad you had a great time before we all invade ;) Can't wait to see you. Love C :)

Meeling said...

Lovely shots and what a fun time. I love those little mini breaks I get to take with my hubby - they are a recharge for my batteries!!

ImagesByCW | OceanDreamIllustration said...

I love spontaneous weekend getaways! And yours looks extra cozy and cuddly :) The Hood River/Gorge is definitely something I will see in the not too distant future, photographing and windsurfing...
Greetings via fPOE ;)

thewovenspoke said...

I love the beautiful photos you always post. I am enjoying the fiest moisture we have had in at least 3 months! Now it is kinda feeling like December. Happy Hoildays!

Annette said...

It sounds like the perfect getaway before the busyness of everyone being home. And it looks like a most beautiful Christmasy place to be!
The photos are beautiful as always, especially the bokeh! :)
Hope you're having a nice weekend. :)

Additionsstyle said...

Amazing collection of photos! Looks like you had a wonderful visit, what a great way to relax before the holidays. Happy Holidays!
Valerie
Everyday Inspired

keithchip said...

Thanks for the memories of the trip. I especially enjoyed the cross word puzzles!

Almost Precious said...

T, thanks for sharing your lovely trip/mini vacation with us. Looks like you had a marvelous time in a truly gorgeous location.

I love the gingerbread houses - never thought to make a little village with them, that is very clever. :)

Hope your Christmas was exquisitely bright and merry and wishing you a New Year filled with good health, abundant happiness and rich in prosperity. Blessings to you and yours. hugs - Anna

ps - Wondered if it is just me or has there been an increase in blog spammers lately ?

Unknown said...

Love the festive photos. Happy New Year to you.