Gadding About at IKEA During the Holidays

Whenever I make a trip to Shelby, I pass by the Swedish store, IKEA.  Although IKEA is known mainly for its modern and reasonably priced home furnishings it has a cafeteria with an interesting assortment of Swedish dishes.  Recently I was there near lunchtime, and I stopped to have a bite to eat. I had a smoked salmon burger, my favorite drink, lingonberry juice, and a chocolate pastry or candy.  All were quite good.

After lunch I thought I would have a quick trip around the store, but I had forgotten that there's nothing quick about getting through the store even at a fast pace.  I wasn't looking for anything, just looking which I rarely do. If I go shopping it is to look for something in particular.  I'm actually not fond of shopping for the sake of shopping.

There were lots of decorations for the Christmas season.  Pretty red and white tins, Christmas balls in silver and gold, and wrapping paper.

I did find a pretty pillow with cats in black on white.  I bought two---one for the Chatfield house and the other as a gift for a friend who really loves anything feline and who has two black and white cats.  They had quite an assortment of stuffed animals, and I've always wanted a Husky so I put one in the cart and brought it home.  It can be a buddy for Maggie.

One of the drawbacks of shopping at IKEA is the long line at checkout, and this was especially true for the holiday shopping.

The Twelve Days of Christmas at the Carolina Inn

My friend Marcia and I made a quick trip over to Chapel Hill to see the Twelve Days of Christmas Designs at the Carolina Inn.  We had gone several years ago and enjoyed it so thought we would try it again this year.  The artists who design the vignettes are diverse and creative.

My bff Marcia.  

The Christmas tree in the center of the lobby is always a work of art, and this year was no exception. I especially like the lime green ornaments and lime touches in the ribbons.

I photographed just a few of the displays for your enjoyment.  If you are in the area, you really just not miss a visit to the Carolina Inn for this annual display.

Two turtle doves had real doves.

Seven swans swimming was one of my favorite. 

Nine ladies dancing. Created by Lance McRorie, a professional glass artist.

Ten drummers drumming.  

It would have been fun to stay for the afternoon tea, but there is a waiting list for reservations.  And we resisted the temptation to have dessert before we left.  (We did stop for ice cream on the way home though.)

Gadding About at the Symphony of Lights

Over the weekend I visited cousins and friends in Columbia Maryland.  On the way back from dinner Rick, Joan and I drove through the Symphony of Lights Display in downtown Columbia.  This really put me in the Christmas spirit.  We tuned the radio to the designated station and there was Christmas music playing as we drove through.

I had a great time visiting everyone and this spectacular display was just the icing on the cake for me.