WELCOME TO Val's Alentejo -I write about my region of Alentejo. My art ,painting, my cottages, Family life, my animals -Travels And my love for Roses- and rural country life.

Wednesday 19 December 2012

Christmas Greetings

Its starting to get busy around the cottage . Friends for lunch and afternoon tea. And preparing for the arrival of my family this Saturday. It will be the first time in 20 years that My family and Heleen's family..my D.in Law's family..will all be together since their wedding.  There will be 25 around the christmas table at - 'Alfanges'. Manel's Herdade that joins my place.

Finished the touches to my simple decorations . All Stocked up with wood, goodies in the pantry. I know the grandchildren will go straight to see what is in there! When they pop over to grandma.

  Very happy at the moment that its not raining. Its rained all week until yesterday after noon.. To see the sun was a delightful bonus. I  hope that we have some sun for christmas day!
                                                little angel watch over us all
                             The lovely red hearts with the green ribbon that Suzy @Rustic Vintage Cottage made for me.  I have hung on the curtain rod at the entrance to Rose Cottage. I think they look lovely.
                          I have hung up some of my plate collection. Still more to hang.  -4 are painted by me.
                        I posted the holy family on one of my recent posts .. Every year it has the same place on my little antique table at the front door entrance  of the cottage. At night i light a candle  to remember all my friends and family gone and thank The holy family for all the good things that have happened through the year, and to watch over us all.
 I took the photo again  during this morning  as you can see it better.     I painted it many years ago . Our lady's head veil is of gold leaf..and also Joseph's coat.
 I finished  last week, my last oil painting for 2012.  I am very happy with it.   Roses from my garden.
  Me .!
 In my Christmas fairy dress my dear mum made for me.    I remember helping her glue the sequins onto the dress.(1954) Where have the years gone! 
 It seemed always to be Christmas in our home.  I was blessed with wonderful parents that made life seem like a dream. I miss and love them very much.

 I send my fondest best wishes for a wonderful happy peaceful Christmas 
  to all my dearest blogging friends who have taken the time to read and leave your kind appreciated comments on my blog. Thank you and a big hug.

    I am very happy I have met  you all. You have all given me inspiration and added a new dimention to my day's, besides my art  I can add blogging and photography now as another hobby.!   I have learnt so much from reading all your wonderful blogs.  
 2013 lots more to come!
   We have met family and friends from all over the world,exchanged wonderful recepies  and  read each other's posts of  our ups and downs and joy's.     Stories of our loving  animals . of awards and giveaways. 
 Travelled  to many countries with each other .
  Learnt about different customs and lives  and so much more.

So for now dear friends ,once again  THANK YOU..
From me Val-  Hardy on the left, Issa in the middle and Jeffrey Cassidy on the right.. Bonita is getting a little too old for photos.
A HAPPY HAPPY CHRISTMAS.


Looking forward to seeing you all again in the New Year.
Take care and God Bless.   
Have a wonderful time with your families. 


Val.xxx

43 comments:

  1. Dear Val - it sounds as if Christmas is going to be a wonderful family affair for you - sending you my very best wishes for a really Happy Christmas.
    I like the way you have rounded off your blogging year, beautifully written sentiments.
    I have really enjoyed getting to know you Val, I enjoy and value your friendship from across the miles.

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  2. Val, what a wonderful post today. I'm so happy to hear that your family will be there for Christmas - 25 of them! The sweet little hearts from Suzy add a nice touch to the house, and I love the Holy Family in your front entrance. How special of you to light a candle for your family and friends. Oh my goodness, Val....the picture of you in the fairy dress that your mom made for you is priceless. You know how much I love fairies, and I would love to have a copy of this picture. You look so cute! How old were you? That is a picture to be framed. Yes, our bloggy friends are so special to us, aren't they? I want to thank you for being such a dear bloggy friend to me. Merry Christmas, Val, and have a wonderful and peaceful time with all your family.
    Much love,
    ~Sheri at Red Rose Alley

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    1. Thank you Sheri,
      Its been great blogging with you girls.
      Stay well and enjoy a wonderful Christmas..
      Until our next blogs.
      love to all
      val xxxx

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  3. What a beautiful post, Val! I have enjoyed reading your blog. I, too, have learned so much from all my friends in "blogland"..

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    1. Happy Christmas Meggie,
      Thank you for passing my way.
      Its been a great year of blogging.
      val

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  4. The hearts Suzy made you look lovely and I loved the photo of you in that pretty dress! I wish you and your family a very Happy Christmas. Thank you for commenting on my blog over the past year, it has been lovely to get to know you . You have highlighed,the benefits of blogging so well. Looking forward to following you in 2013 too!
    Sarah x

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    1. Thank you Sarah.
      lots more friendship in cyberspace next year.
      best wishes.. and a Happy Christmas
      val

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  5. Your home looks lovely, Val! I wish you a beautiful Christmas with your family, and New Year filled with happiness. Thank you for posting such lovely photos and interesting topics on your blog all the time. It's truly a gift.

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    1. Best wishes Haworth.
      Thank you for your blogging friendship
      Hope you have a wonderful Christmas with family there
      val

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  6. You are such a sweet person dear Val!
    I am privileged to have met you through blogworld

    All my best for a lovely Christmas : )

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    1. God bless Demie,
      Will look forward to posting again soon.
      Always love your posts.
      happy christmas
      val

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  7. My dear Val what a lovely post. Your cottage looks wonderful and oh so homely and welcoming. Your family are so lucky to have you and you are so going to enjoy their company as they will too. Thank you so much for your lovely comments on my post. It means such a lot and I'm so glad to have met you through blogging. As you say there are so many wonderful people out there who share our daily lives and I count you dear Val as someone who will always give me a lift when I'm feeling low even though you don't know it. It's been lovely sharing your life and I've enjoyed letting you into mine. Have a wonderful Christmas and a Healthy and Happy 2013.
    Patricia x

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    1. Dear Patricia,
      It pleases me to know that I help lift your spirits when a little low.
      We all have our ups and downs. Its been a pleasure blogging with you and thanks for your friendship.
      lots more to come 2013..
      have a wonderful holiday time and Christmas
      hugs
      val xx

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  8. Good Afternoon, Val. First I must say how happy I am to have "met" you and your beautiful country and family. It is always a pleasure to read about the goings-on at Rose Cottage and also to receive your sweet comments always to me. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas with your family, what a joy to all be together after so many years. Sounds like you will be busy until then and may not have time for visits until the new year. So I will tell you Merry Christmas now and hope you have continued health and happiness throughout the New Year..Until then, Judy

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    1. Dear Judy,
      Thank you for always leaving such kind comments.. Its been a wonderful year of blogging and I love to visit Gold Country Cottage..
      looking forward to reading more about all the happenings at your home and thank you for sharing your life and home.
      Happy Christmas Judy
      xx val

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  9. Hello Val
    Thank you for all your kind words over the months..and special Christmas greetings to you..Have a wonderful time with your family and all the best for 2013
    Speak soon
    Thea x

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    1. Greetings to you too Thea.
      Enjoy this wonderful season...
      best wishes
      val xx

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  10. Everything looks beautiful! The fairy dress! I can imagine how you must have loved it.
    Have a wonderful Christmas season!

    Jen

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  11. Hello Val

    Your house looks very festive and I am sure the laughter and good times and delicious food will all make for good times.

    I love your oil painting and the subtlety of the colours and to think the subject matter came from your own garden, how original.

    Happy Christmas and a year filled with goodness

    Helen xx

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    1. Thank you Helen. I am pleased you like my roses.
      All is cosy now here.
      family arrive sat. cant wait.
      much love
      val xx

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  12. I am having physiotherapy because I have tendonitis in my right shoulder. I can hardly write, either with pen or computer. To get dressed, drive, or comb is hell. At school I have to write on the black board under terrible pain in the shoulder and arm. So I have been away from the blogosphere, my friend. I have seen your comments which I am very grateful and I appreciate.

    Hope you have a wonderful Christmas, dear!

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    Replies
    1. I wish that you get better soon Blue Shell. I have been suffering many years off and on with tendonitis... I used to play tennis and also lots of sailing.. I had a bad attack about a month ago..and its not nice..
      Feliz Natal, e todo de bom.. com muito felicidades e amor.
      beijos
      amiga em blogging val

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  13. Dear, Val,
    Your home looks so beautiful and cosy...
    I am sending you also Christmas Blessings, dear friend and Wishing you a Joyful Noel! How wonderful you are all going to be together this Christmas..I will be sure to carry your blogging friend ship into 2013, Val!
    Love Maria x

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    1. God Bless Maria,
      Thank you for our blogging friendship ..
      Enjoy this wonderful season with your family
      see you soon
      val x x x x

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  14. Dear Val, What a beautiful and thoughtful post, full of the spirit of Christmas. Your house looks very special for the family, especially Suzy's hearts and the Holy Family. And what a gorgeous little girl you were in your sparkly fairy dress! Thank you for sharing that with us. You have expressed so very well, the joys and gifts of blogging, and I can only say how special you are, and how much I love to receive your comments on my blog too. You were so kind and helpful during my illness earlier in the year and I thank you sincerely for that. Wishing you and the family all the Blessings and Joys of Christmas, peace and happiness, and good cheer for 2013. Looking forward to more sweet blogs in the New Year. Patricia xxx

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  15. Dearest Patricia,
    Its been a pleasure blogging with you. I always enjoy your lovely posts. Thank you for sharing your world with us all.
    I am so happy with Suzy's hearts.. i am sorry i didnt order more.
    Patricia. You were in my prayers.. and i can only tell you how happy I am that you are well on the way now.. our dear lord hears us.
    Lots of happiness and a Happy Christmas.
    val

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  16. Good morning Val, I'll offer my best wishes for a Merry Christmas to you and your whole family, 25 people around the table.
    Here, too, finally stopped raining for two days, the sun is shining and not even gets so cold. I've already bought gifts for the family and for the first time, to my grandson Edward.
    I wish you a Christmas to spend with calm and serenity, see you soon! Greetings from Rome, Francesca

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    1. Thank you for your kind words Franc.
      Its been a pleasure to read your lovely posts.
      Today , the sun is peeking through the clouds..
      Enjoy the Christmas season with your little grandson Edward..
      god bless.
      grazi
      e ciao..
      val

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  17. Oh Val.. you were so cuteeeeeeeeeeee!mammamia.. definitely cute!
    I can imagine how busy you are to prepare everything and waiting the family .
    gathering all together in Christmas what a dream.

    nice oil painting.. I would love to try one day.
    very nice cottage Val.

    Wishing you a happy Christmas to you and family
    Ayu

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    1. Malto grazi Ayu..

      It will be a dream come true to have all my family together..
      Pleased you like my oil painting. I dont paint enough
      best wishes..
      ciao..
      e malto baci..
      val

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  18. Hallo Val!Beautiful post!I love your decorations ideas!!I have enjoyed reading your blog!Have a wonderful time with your family!Thank you for your kind comments on my blog!I'm so glad to meet you dear!Wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy new year!
    Dimi..

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    1. Thank you Dimi..
      I went simple with decorations this year. A touch of red and gold here and there.
      Nice to have met you.
      see you next year!
      val

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  19. Dear Val, Sounds like you are all set up for a wonderful Christmas with your family.
    It has been a pleasure to get to know you and your world this year. Blogging has been a special part of my life, too, Thank you for your friendship. I have enjoyed reading your posts and seeing your great photos. Love that beautiful yellow rose on your shelf:)
    Thank you for reading and commenting on my blog and for your Christmas wishes. Have a very happy Christmas and see you next year!
    Betty

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    1. Wishing you and your family all the best for a Wonderful Christmas Betty.
      looking forward to more nice posts from us all next year.
      Thanks for the commnents.. the yellow rose is made of silk.

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  20. Hello Val-so glad you found my blog-now I'm able to join yours! Have a wonderful Christmas with your family!

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    1. Thanks Jan.
      lots more blogging in the new year.. looking forward to meeting up
      Happy Christmas.

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  21. Val, I've read your post and it reminded me my Christmas dress and kids' parties. It's touching!
    Merry Christmas and peaceful New Year!
    Thank you for stopping by my blog!
    http://northern-garden.blogspot.com/

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  22. It is lovely to know the that there are people all over the world that they thinking of you !I am one of these persons and I am glad that we have contact ! Your decoration is simple but lovely !

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    1. Happy Christmas to you and your family.
      we have contact. I am happy
      big hugs Olympia

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  23. Merry Christmas, Val. Hope you have a wonderful time with you family..See you next year!..Judy

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  24. Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones dear Val.
    May you Christmas be filled with peace and love.
    sending blessings your way
    rita

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  25. Dear Val,
    Have a wonderful Christmas with all your family and a happy and healthy New Year.
    Heidi

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