Earlier this week, we had a lovely dinner with friends, then drove over to the Lake Julian Festival of Lights, a drive through light show with part of the proceeds benefiting Special Olympics. This one is much smaller than the big Tryon show, or the ones that take up a stadium parking lot, but has more charm. The path winds around the park next to Lake Julian, a small lake in Arden, NC. The night was overcast with rain on the way. The almost full moon can be seen at the top of the photo. The main display had a reindeer on top of a waterfall, with the blue lights moving like water. A fish jumped up from the bottom, and then disappears into the spray.
I forgot my camera, and My Sweet Babboo’s phone was all we had. Lots of blurry photos, but a few came out OK. This one of the Ranger Station was cute. Between the figure and the house, you can see more lights stretching down the road.
The light show has increased the number of lights by a huge number, and they seemed brighter this year. We think maybe they are using more LED lights, along with more animated displays. It was as charming as ever. This Santa on a sled with dogs was adorable, and very big. The dog’s legs moved like they were running. We drove slowly, pulling off to the side here and there to really enjoy the animation, listening to soft Christmas instrumentals on our car stereo. Our friends were enchanted as they had not been to this event before.
Today will be a quiet day, a time to read, maybe get a bit of sewing done and just relax. The craziness of the last few weeks will wind up tomorrow with opening presents in the morning, time with family on Zoom, calls to friends along with some good food and a lot of football. We’ll watch a Christmas movie in the morning as we enjoy our Blueberry Turnovers – see that post for the recipe and a tablescape. My Sweet Babboo requested these for the holiday breakfast instead of the egg casserole this year.
In this time of holiday cheer, I’d like to take a moment to thank you, dear readers. It is humbling that so many of you want to read my ramblings, and take the time to comment. I am very grateful for each of you, those who only read, those who do the projects I offer or cook my recipes, all of you who leave wonderful comments, those who are inspired by a post, and everyone who shares on our Facebook group. The support of all of you makes writing a pleasure and gives me encouragement to keep blogging when so many have stopped. So, my wish for you on this day is to take a just a moment to be quiet, to breathe in the joy of the season, to appreciate those in your life who are important. Be good to yourself. Enjoy this Christmas eve day and have a wonderful holiday tomorrow.
Merry Christmas!
From My Carolina Home 
Merry Christmas……hope we can get together after the holidays!
Merry Christmas! Looking forward to seeing time next week once the grands leave.
Merry Christmas to you and your sweet Babboo. Looking forward to the new year with your blog.
Blueberry turnovers sound wonderful. Enjoy your Christmas – I wish we had a light display near by like that but the closest are some drive away. Watching a movie and just relaxing sounds wonderful!
The turnovers sound great! Merry Christmas!!
Love reading about your drive through light show.
Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones.
Thank you for sharing that link to your blueberry turnovers and egg casserole recipes! I would definitely take the icing drizzle on mine. 😉
I enjoyed the photos of the Christmas lights and think we will go look at some tonight. It’s a little strange this Christmas with high 70s forecast today and tomorrow, but my husband is happy because he loves heat!
Yes, don’t you wonder I enjoy reading your rambling and print some of your recipes that I intend to use one day. I read your “rambling ” as if it’s a story. I like it. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Merry Christmas to you Carole! Always enjoy your “ramblings”! So fun to have friends to share the things we enjoy! Hope everyone has a lovely safe holiday!!
Hi Carole. I made your Fantasy Cookies this week again. They are delicious. Thank you for sharing your recipes!
Wishing you a joyous Christmas and a healthy, happy New Year.
a very merry christmas to you as well carole…
Have a very Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to you and your family too! I love trying your recipes and playing with your quilting projects.
Wishing you and your husband a joyful and peaceful Christmas. Your creative writing and sharing of so many experiences is greatly appreciated.
Connie
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Enjoy all your “ramblings” and pictures throughout the year! Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas, Carole!! Thanks for all the recipes, decorating, and quilting ideas!
Wishing you a happy and creative New Year.
Thank you so much for your blog! I enjoy your ramblings and am inspired by all that you do. I’m looking forward to getting back in my sewing room after the holidays. Merry Christmas!
Have a blessed Christmas Day!
Merry Christmas, Carole! I hope you have a lovely day! Your plans sound much like ours. The light show you went to looks wonderful. We did a Christmas lights drive around town the other night and enjoyed it very much. Thanks for your blogging friendship – I appreciate you!
Merry Christmas to you too!
Just a line to let you know how much I enjoy your blog! The photos of the natural beauty in your area, the recipes, the book recommendations, the quilting ideas, etc., etc. I love it all thanks so much for the effort you put into all these posts!
Have a very Merry Christmas and a healthy, happy 2022!
Merry Christmas and health and happiness into the new year to you and your family
Thank you for sharing those wonderful lights! Quiet here, NO SNOW but I’ve started a quilt that is laid out on the table, as I have another quilt on the design board and I can’t move either one. So that’s the plan for today. Ham in the oven, simple dishes for sides. Dinner at 6 if you are in the neighborhood!
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas my dear friend and Happy New Year!🌲
Thank you for sharing this wonderful light show. My husband and I are mostly housebound for health reasons right now and unable to go out to see the lights around our area so love seeing lights and decorations. Want to at this time to thank you for your wonderful posts. Your projects, recipes and book recommendations are much appreciated. Wishing you, your “Sweet Babboo,” your family and friends a very Merry Christmas.
Season’s Greetings to you and your Sweet Babboo, the lights are magnificent, the breakfast looks very tasty, enjoy the day, and with hopes that 2022 will be a safe and easier year for all.
Merry Cristmas! Thanks for all the stories, the road trips, the book reviews, the recipes, Autumn Jubliee, Safelight projects, & the patterns. Watching ‘Christmas in Connecticut’ – she was the influencer of her day.
Carole. May you and hubby enjoy a peaceful, safe, and happy Christmas!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Looking forward to another year of your emails, patterns, recipes, tablescapes and your blog. Thank you for sharing all you do. I enjoy it very much!
I hope your Christmas was merry and bright. It sounded like a wonderful plan to me. ANd yes, I agree — sometimes small has much more charm!
I look forward to a new year of many visits with you. Much joy over the holiday and beyond.
What a wonderful day and I’m hoping these past few days have been equally wonderful & relaxing. I love reading your blog, enjoy dreaming about making your projects and actually even doing some(!), comparing reading lists from you & your readers, and really love your wildlife photos. Thank you! Thank you!
Merry Christmas Carole. Thankyou for your lovely ‘ramblings’ and sharing parts of your days. They are always so interesting.
Enjoy all the good things that come with this joyous season.