Well, it is what it is here in southern California...Once again we are told to stay inside, businesses are closed, essential travel only for the next three weeks. I was one of the lucky ones--I was able to squeeze in the final pedicure of 2020 at the lovely Spa Gregories before their doors locked--at least my toes will be twinkling for Christmas! This wasn't totally unexpected, but none the less disappointing. I think all of us are more than a bit fatigued with #QuarantineLife and #lockdowns...#HoHoHo
Since it's very unlikely we will have any holiday light shows to physically attend this year (at least here in SoCal), I thought I'd share some clips from last year's holiday season when we attended the Dana Point Christmas event. This took place right on the harbor, so in addition to the lights by the piers, we also were able to see a few sail boats in their Xmas marina finery.
We still have the lights at our house to enjoy⏬ Hopefully the CA Gov won't mind us enjoying our yard...
⏪#Santa climbing the flagpole by the pool. Palm trees laced in red twinkle lights⏬
“I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach.” ― Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol
Amen--#TheYearOf2020 is certainly teaching us all lesson after lesson--the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Be are likely standing in awe.🎀🎄 It's Wednesday, time for #DearDiary:
And now a word from our sponsors...💖👑 #ShamelessBookSelfPromo
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Cozy up by the fire with your favorite libation and travel the world with these six chilling tales...
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1920s mystery and intrigue at Lake Como this week from the writers of Twitter...
Author John Anthony Miller, Honour the Dead, 5⭐
Heiress Penelope Jones is soon to be admitted to a sanatorium on the shores of Lake Como. Erratic behavior and suicide attempts have pushed her over the edge. Her loving father, Wellington Jones and husband, Alexander Cavendish are by her side, desperate for this treatment to work. Dr. Barnett thinks he may be able to get to the root cause of what ails her---he soon finds out Penelope's main dilemma, she is convinced someone is trying to kill her.
Wartime secrets emerge, interconnecting the lives of Dr. Barnett, his poet wife, Rose and his new patient and her family. The past liaisons brings up unpleasant memories of events. Will the parties involved be able to set aside these drudged up emotions, or will they lead to further tragedy? Gambling debts and crumbling real estate investments push some of the parties to take desperate measures--does it include murder?
Author Miller weaves a fascinating tale of intrigue and deadly intentions on the luxurious shores of Lake Como. Who's lying, and who is set on taking revenge? Will we ever know the truth? A page turning whodunit, highly recommended!
Next up in the #reading queue:
Join us later today at 1:45pm EST, Holidays in Lockdown Part Deux!
#HoHoHo, say it ain't so (no can do, sigh)....join me later today as I dish about life in the #Lockdown2 lane! I have found a way to travel whilst staying indoors, have a lovely #holiday romance story from Sandy Bazinet to share, and (drum roll) learn how you can win the crown topper of your choice in my end of year bling give away (check out my Vault at Cherrywood Hall tab on the website to see options)! See you soon...
Crowns and Kisses,
Veronica
P.S. My, how time has inched...as we near the end of this apocalyptic year (thank you), I'm getting ready to reveal one of my favorite things--the Top 3 Books I've read in 2020! This post will air on December 23rd. Before we get there however, stay tuned for next week's post where the 2019 winners: D.B Carter, Lindsay Holton and Bibiana Krall give us updates on what they're working on--you won't want to miss it (take a sneak peek at last year's post here⏬)! Gemma and Rikkhe approve!🎀🎄
As usual, your photos are fabulous! I love being able to travel virtually every Wednesday to whatever destination pics you're sharing! This Christmas will be different for sure, but no less blessed for you and your family, I hope. See you this afternoon on BookEm!