The "Eyes" Have It

When Dan fell the other day he was lucky not to break anything---even his eyeglasses.  He did lose one of the nose pads though, and the other day we popped into an optician's nearby to get it replaced.  While they were working on Dan's glasses I noticed how nicely decorated the shop was and proceeded to take a few photos. 

First I noticed a great poster of Willie Nelson, a favorite of mine.

A second poster caught my eye.

The lovely flower in the silver colored urn matched a poster of orchids in the background.

They certainly have cute eye glasses for kids these days.

And look at all the colorful eye glass cases.

There was even a touch of the holidays with one of the arrangements.

In short order, the optician had replaced the nose pads, had touched up the frame in a few places where the coating had scraped off and presented them as good as new.

Dan's specs as good as new. 

While browsing around I saw a beautiful pair of polarized sunglasses that have my name on them.  Are you listening Santa?

Sunglasses by Cocoon.

I never knew when I went into this little shop that I would find something to blog about.  But here it is.

We got splendid service in a lovely setting.  Thanks!!
 Bob Morris Opticians

 

An early present from Santa.  What could that be?????

 Oh look what I found under the Christmas tree this morning.  An early present from Santa!!!  I wonder what that can be?

Our Elf on the Shelf Has Disappeared

Ellie on hearth among gifts.

I don't really know what is involved in the Elf on the Shelf craze, because I don't have any little ones, but I did see this cute little elf in the store the other day and on impulse I bought her.  I even named her "Ellie".  Now I have her sitting around the house in different places as I get ready for Christmas.  When any of the grands come by (they are not so young anymore--the youngest is twelve) I will ask them to look for the elf.  They humor me and play along with their Grandpat.

On a shelf in one of the bookcases in the living room.

Here's what our Elf has been doing as I get ready for the holidays.

Among the Christmas gifts.

On porch waiting for carolers.

Hanging out with the Christmas gnome on front porch.

On cabinet in guest bathroom.

Hiding behind one of my favorite pieces of pottery in the guest bedroom.

One morning I found her on a shelf in the cookbook bookcase.  I decided perhaps she was wanting to help me cook.

On a shelf in the cookbook bookcase.

And sure enough, she helped me make spiced pecans, gifts for our friends and neighbors.

Ellie helping stir in the melted butter before roasting the pecans.

Sometimes she doesn't really like being on a shelf.

Being a couch potato.

One night, I discovered she was having a sleepover with Maggie our puppy.

And there she was on the top of the tv in the den the other day.

On top of tv. 

It's been fun watching where she will show up each day.

On Christmas Eve when we were having our traditional Christmas Eve supper/party Ellie was there, but after it was over she was tired from all the merriment.

Tired Ellie.

Ellie has gone back to the North Pole.

This morning when we got up, Ellie had disappeared.  I understand elves go back to the North Pole on Christmas Eve so she must have hitched a ride with Santa last night.  Maybe she'll return next year. 

Vietri Outlet in Hillsborough, NC

Large platter with a Venetian theme.  Pretty for serving or for displaying on wall.

While I was in Hillsborough the other day for the Leland Little Auction, I decided to visit the Vietri Outlet Store  Vietri imports Italian dinnerware and glassware in beautiful patterns and colorful designs.  At the outlet store one can buy Vietri straight from the manufacturer in Italy at a much lower price than at expensive retail stores.  The dinnerware reminded me of the pottery we saw in Italy on our recent visit there.

At this time of year the outlet is well stocked with products suitable for Christmas.

Poinsettia mugs.

Pretty red and white table setting.

Christmas red glassware.

Christmas green glassware.

I had a great visit with Keith Cecil who was in charge of the store that day.  For a minute there I thought I might be in one of Santa's workshops and maybe I was having a visit with the jolly old fellow himself.

Keith or Santa?  In any case a very welcoming merchant.