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.