Monthly Archives: December 2014

Christmas on the coast

I grew up on the coast of North Carolina. The coast is lined with a row of coastal islands called The OuterBanks. The coast of North Carolina also juts out into the Atlantic Ocean and the warm waters of the Gulf Stream which explains the mild climate.

Everything has a nautical theme including Christmas decorations and food.

Christmas trees often have shell decorations such as starfish and sand dollars.

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This is my sister’s tree decorated with a garland of starfish and ornaments of boats and seashells.

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A table decoration made from oyster shells.

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The traditional food of the holiday includes seafood, too!

Stuffing made with oysters.

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Spaghetti and shrimp

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And back in Raleigh the winter garden is in bloom!

Mahonia

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Snowflake

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And we toured Oakview Plantation:

The farm was purchased by the State when the beltline was created in the 80s and the house and barns section was purchased by the County as a park and the remainder of the farm was used for county offices.

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I love old buildings and this old farm is beautiful! Although, their goats a large and the vertical pupils freak me out! I guess I watched too many horror movies growing up in the 80s?

Now on to spring planing for the garden!

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My new ceramic knife!

My Christmas present to myself! A ceramic knife! It is very sharp!

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They are suppose to be harder than steel and remain sharp! I am a bit frightened of it…

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NC State Capital Tree lighting and Govenor Mansion

Each December the governor lights the State Christmas tree in the Capital grounds and the Governor Mansion is open to view the Christmas decoration.

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The NC Capital is open, too.

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Fayetteville Street which runs from the NC Capital to The Center for Performing Art is decorated, too!

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Each room in The Capital has a theme.

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They grounds were decorated, too.

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The PNC Tower is lite for the season, as well.

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Not long now… And almost a new year!

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Filed under General Gardening