Happy New Year!

Even though 2020 seemed like it may never end, it still seems hard to believe that it is gone! And, for whatever reason, I had a hard time letting go...not to the year but to the Christmas decor. I loved it this year. It was comforting and cozy and I really had to give myself some serious "talkings to" to get started taking it all done. I was somehow under the mistaken impression that Christmas to Valentine's was one of my easier switches. I guess I felt that way because a lot of the "red" could stay out and, I will say, the break down was a bit simpler but the rest of it is still not finished. I have almost all of the Valentines decor up and just finished getting the last of the Christmas put away but, this is the end of "day 4" and I still have the outdoor lights to take down. That is on the agenda for tomorrow and should go pretty quickly and then I will be done and can start taking some pictures.

And, hopefully, those will be much better pictures because I got a new camera for Christmas. I am still getting familiarized with it, so the change may not be instantaneous but, fingers crossed, I will figure it out rather quickly. Of course, I still have the same photo shop program so we shall see. My hope is that if I am starting with a better picture, I may not have to do as much manipulating. Again, fingers crossed. 

I'm definitely looking forward to learning how to use that zoom lens. I have missed so many close-up shots at dance recitals, award ceremonies, graduations, sporting events and on and on. I'm still not sure I am going to enjoy switching the lens but we shall see.

And, it appears that I may have found the perfect conditions for my Christmas cactus because it is beautiful this year. This cactus started as a single little stem that someone had given my mom on a visit to her nursing home. It was fine for Christmas but there really wasn't a lot of extra space for live plants in her room so I brought it home and really never did more to it except watering...and moving it to a larger pot each time it was necessary...and, before I really thought much about it, it was blooming like this. And, I think it might even be ready for another pot upgrade.

So this is where I am as we begin another new year. I am hoping that I can start showing you some of the Valentine's Day decor very soon. Of course, it is only January 4 so it's not like I really need to hurry. Lol I'll be back soon. Stay safe and stay tuned.