Lunar New Year

I love the variety of holidays and special occasions there are during the winter months. Each comes with its own symbols and traditions celebrated around the table. For the Lunar New Year I've gathered some things for an Americanized version of a Chinese dinner. So come with me to dinner at eight.

Snowman Dreams

I moved to North Georgia from Ohio many years ago and I miss watching snow fall. I miss the sensation of snowflakes on your face, making the first tracks across the field, the feel of a well-packed snowball in your hand. I even miss the first shovelful thrown off the sidewalk. (Though not all the ones that followed it!)

So snowfall forecasts here are greeted with great anticipation. Two to four inches were promised! Instead we got a 1-inch coating of ice. We were not amused.

To counter my disappointment, I decided to design a table covered with snow. If I design it, it will come....

Garden Lights, Holiday Nights

Growing up, one of our annual holiday traditions was nightly drives throughout the neighborhoods to view their holiday lights. Ever since, imaginative displays of lights draw me irresistibly, and we've continued the tradition with our daughter. With an extended break before heading back to college, J suggested we see the light display at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. So on the last night before the rains arrived -- and with shirt-sleeve weather -- we headed to Midtown Atlanta.

I'll let the photos mostly speak for themselves...

Daughter J