Wool for Weenie Woman

If I could hibernate until Spring, preferably under the covers with the opposite sex,  I would. 

In the meantime, wool is as good as it gets for the cold spell we've been experiencing.  I particularly like the DeFeet wool gloves.  No, that's not snow above.

Ah, how could I not end the year with an article in the Paris Review about librarian fantasies. 

Reindeer Topiary

Well, apparently Helen of Sparta in my neighborhood is catching on elsewhere.  I was biking home from work when I came upon this -- the photo above.  That's actually a hedge that has been sculpted into the shape of a deer, I think.  Or a fantastic animal.  It was not lit up when I saw it.  A strapping young man, more precisely, a lanky fine looking man in jeans and sleeveless undershirt, saw me standing there.  He turned on the lights just for me.  I'd like to believe he said something like, "Would you like me to turn you on?" or perhaps he said, "Would you like me to light you up?"  Ah,  fa la la , tis the season for joy and merriment.  I'd like him to come down my chimney....

A Sweet Home

Every year, during the holiday season, the Fairmont San Jose showcases a display.  One year, it was a river of chocolate (still my favorite).  This year, a house built by Bijan Bakery.

The sugary smell assaults the senses as you approach this house of confection.  I think the rooftop shingles are meringues. 

 Down the corridor, I found this painting upon a wall.  "I'll build a stairway to paradise with a new step every day." [George Gershwin, An American in Paris].  Reminded me of the time The Boyfriend and I vacationed in Montmartre, Dec 2007.

In the Eye of the Beholder

In case you were wondering what Helen the Reindeer of Troy looks like in the evening ....

I think I shall spend December documenting that which catches my fancy ... on that note:  I give you The Pallet of the Penguins, an art installation at San Jose State University.  Below two photos I took.

The artist has a statement to make but I simply saw, because undoubtedly I'm just simple, a penguin amongst bikes and that caught my fancy.

I mean, sometimes, you just go with your instinct, as in, wow, I like that or not, without further interpretation or contemplation and sometimes, you do indeed attach the whole enchilada and think about the meaning of life.  Sigh, right now, I'm thinking, I'd like a boy toy to serve me a drink topped with fruit and a little pink umbrella.  Yeah, I'm deep. 

Reindeer of Troy (Sparta)

Where have I been?  Seeing the World as usual but with little to share.  Today, plans changed and as I lounged in my pyjamas, waiting for the fog to burn off, I contemplated my options.  Stay under the covers?  For one brief moment, I thought about going out on the bike in my jammies.  I decided it was time to check out the newly paved Guadalupe Trail. 

 Even with the sun, a chill remained.  However, I wore my new SmartWool baselayer and was good to go as I came upon Alviso.  The trail is not finished but I enjoyed the outing.

 Now as to the title of my blog.  Okay people, what do we think?  First impression for me was, "Oh my God, it's Helen the Reindeer of Troy."  You literally must go under it to get to the front door. 

It's across the street from my home.  At night, all lit up, it's quite a sight.  My second reaction was to wonder where they plan to store it the other 11 months of the year.  Ah, the Season of Joy is upon us.  Rejoice....