Freezing With Friends

For someone who doesn't love Christmas, I sure spent the weekend immersed in holiday events.
I guess as long as I stay away from the commercialization of Christmas and holiday obligations, I really kind of like it! I'm embracing doing what I want to do and not caving to societal pressures.

We all took many pictures of The Mount, but this is my best. My only regret is that I couldn't figure out how to get the blur off the moon. It was a clear waxing crescent.

 Friday - I enjoyed three fun events this weekend, all outside in really cold conditions. The first was NightWood at The Mount in Lenox MA. The temperature was 24 degrees which was tolerable with the use of HotHands warmers along with ToeWarmers and full winter gear. We started off the evening with dinner at the Firefly pub, and ended it with hot chocolate and Bailey's at my house.

I had a decent salmon burger and much laughter here.

The Portal              📷 :Amyjean

We all immediately thought this was a phallic display, though mushrooms also came to mind.

Frozen Garden

I have one of these bell jars in my house, though the frosty trees were an
inspired decision in this display.

This was meant to signify the death of a great tree and rebirth in the forest ecosystem.

The stream.
If you imagine the ethereal music and the dancing fairy lights throughout, 
it really was a fantastical journey through the woods.

This was one of the last illuminated trees as we made our way back to the car.

Saturday - Our hiking group Christmas party was a tad warmer at 30 degrees at the Orenda Pavillion at Saratoga Spa State Park. The roaring fire in the center, along with way too much food and beverages, kept us warm and toasty! 

I took no photos, but was able to grab this one taken during the party. I am in the background chatting with Chris, Sue Ellen, and Peggy.

I made a pretty, yet sad, discovery this morning. 

This Garden White butterfly must have emerged from its chrysallis on the underside of my garden box.
Unfortunately, I have nothing to feed it.

This is the current state of the garden, so not an option for a butterfly. I have 
a few flowers and I cut half an orange to see if it would feed on either. We'll see.

The third event was Troy's Victorian Stroll this afternoon. No one was available to go, so I went by myself. I took a long walk by the river to get a little exercise in as well as seeing the sights of the city.

Many performers as well as regular people dressed in period garb. 
It made me think about making or buying an outfit for next year for both
the Saratoga and Troy events!

The drivers had to keep yelling at people to make way for the horses - an
opportunity for improvement next year?

The Witch Wander SOSA danced again - they raise money for animal shelters.

I chatted with a couple of these ladies - they said they have a lot of fun with this group.

Troy's historical figure, a meat packer who provided meat to the US military. 
He was the original Uncle Sam.

This is my friend Doris's father who has taken on the persona of
Uncle Sam at just about every local event in the Capital Region for the
past 30+ years. Fred is over 90 years old!

Many other music venues, food and shopping made the Victorian Stroll a success in holiday spirit!

Update: The butterfly has flown or crawled off and I can't find it. At least I won't have to watch it die.