. . . . and 2012 begins

I've started off the new year kind of the way I ended the old.  Negleting my blog.  Not that I have neglected Kingwood Center.  December was a busy time with Kingwood Hall decorated for Christmas.  I assisted in many hours of hostessing in the decorated house.  And as January started up, so did I... helping pack up the Christmas decorations. 

  ===== I have also neglected my pictures, so I took Bonnie H's from the Kingwood Website for this blog without asking. Thanks in advance Bonnie!

As the picute here of Bill Collins in a sea of Christmas aftermath will give you a visual.  What turned out to be my favorate project this year was puttng newspapers in bow rings to keep the felt bows in good shape for next year.  The bows came off the wreaths which decorated the house and there were sooooo many!  It was great fun working with my partner in crime Miss Kathy M.  Lisa Duckworth joined in to help as well.  She is the new volunteer coordinator upon Kay's retiring.  But they gave her a different title of Events Coordinator.  Whatever - more on the 'Whatever Kingwood' in another blog.

Last year I spent most of the tear down time taking lights off the tree.  That would be one of my least favorate jobs.  If you remember there were 7,900 lights on that tree this year.  I was very pleased that the task was for the most part done as we worked on other things.  Here is Glenna Sheaffer finnishing it up.

When I first showed up Jack was loading up the flocked Christmas Tree, that took so much effort by the Johnny Appleseed Garden Club, in a truck to go to the chopper.  I snickered a little as he got flocked lifting up the tree.  He was not quite as amused.  As I came outside later in the day, it was just one of many on the truck.

So to sum it all up, that is much of how I spent my first week of January at Kingwood Center.  I'm glad Bonnie H had her camera those days.

and the year winds down...

A good day at Kingwood today.  There was a light snow cover for the first time this season.  Was wishing for a nice snowfall on the house with the Christmas Wreaths out, but missed my only one shot at it before the season ends tomorrow. 

I have been waiting to use this picture of the urn in some manner.  I have decided to use it as the facebook page icon for the winter months.  Jen had taken some better ones, but since she removed her pictues from the Kingwood Facebook, I am going to have to make due with mine!

Johnny Appleseed Garden Club at a Kingwood Christmas

This was Year One for me with the Johnny Appleseed Garden Club to participate in the Kingwood Christmas Decorating.  Not to be overwhelmed, we decided to only commit to a tree and not dive head first into a room.  Much discussion starting in October and the core committee of Carol O, Mardy B, Darleen M. and myself decided we would go outside the box with a flocked tree.  Trees used for a Kingwood Christmas are fresh cut. We couldn't find anyone in town to flock the tree, so Darleen went to work and located a flocking machine.  She and I were going to take the tree from Kingwood and bring it back flocked in all its fake snow covered glory.  However, the situation occurred that the tree needed to be decorate sooner than anticipated.  Since I was out of town, Darleen manged get the flocking done by herself. What a wonderful job she did.  The air compressor decided not to participate, so she did the entire tree by hand with a sieve.  Delivered by Mardy and her hubby to Kingwood Hall on Friday. A little help from Bill Collins with the stand and every thing's set for decorating the next morning.

These cute polar bears were made by the garden club at the last meeting with stiff glittery felt. We selected some icicle garland and sparkly snowflakes from the Kingwood collection to accent his cuteness. Red pipe cleaner was used in the tree bears and also on the stuffed polar bears at the base of the tree. A fun time decorating and we were all pleased with our finished Artic Tree.

Kingwood Center Christmas on YouTube

What an amazing job Jen D and John Makley did on this Christmas Video of Kingwood.  I was especially envious but am excited to see the picture of the Christmas tree mirror illusion.  Putting it to the music of Charles Applegate warms my heart.  This video is wonderful.  To see it click on the link below.

Christmas at Kingwood Center

Christmas Wrap-Up

The tree is down.  A progressive three day task.  Starting Tuesday (as I helped the Buckeye Garden Club take down decorations in the Reading Room) Bonnie H had herself perched on top of the ladder removing icicles.  She spent Wednesday morning up there as well as she was step one in an assembly line, in which ornaments came down to me (at the bottom of the ladder) and were handed off to Carol S, who sorted into boxes, which were taken into the workshop where Kay Hostetler and Judy counted and wrapped.  Bill Collins said by Carol S sorting the decorations as we took them off the tree it made the process much smoother this year.  Then came the lights.  Glenna Sheaffer sure knows how to put on 7,000 lights making the tree beautiful and a challenge to undo.  Lights were wrapped around every branch and wound through the tree.  We made it through the bottom half of the tree that day.  Little unknown fact is that there were actually 6,900 lights on the tree, but is sure seemed all of 7,000 as we took them off. 

On the third day, Bonnie worked on rewrapping lights, connecting the ends and boxing them up as Judy and Kay continued to work with ornaments.  I helped Lee and Shawn McClain with the remaining top half of the tree.  We were discussing how many lights were used for the season.  Shawn was calculating linear footage to come up with a number that I cannot remember.  He took into account the trees in every room, outside decorations and the crab apples.  Discussion was to put more lights on the crab apples next year. 

Kay left me a message on Thursday at 5:00 that Bill and herself just packed up the last box and with everyones diligent work from the last few days, we wouldn't need to come in on Friday.  So for our part, by January 6th, Kingwood Center Christmas 2010 was officially over.  

Kingwood Center is Closed for the Season

For 2010, we were able to take part in Kingwood Christmas Festivities, which was more that last year as Kingwood Hall was dark for the Christmas Season.  But again this year the gates will be closed for January and February  I fear this will be a new tradition.  I volunteered to help pack up the decorations, which keeps me around there for one more week. Will be working with the Buckeye Garden Club on Tuesday straightening up the Reading Room. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday it will just be whatever needs to get done.  I signed up the extra day on Friday just to work with Kathy M.  We have so much fun.

Onward to 2011 and let us see what that brings. 

Christmas Traditions - 2010 Year End

Volunteered in the House for New Years Eve.  When I arrived, Charles Applegate was on the piano, which was a nice surprise since it wasn't scheduled.  He finished his set with the song Auld Lang Syne.  I remember Christmas at Kingwood a couple years ago. (as the Kingwood Hall was closed for the season last year)  It was great, but this year was amazing because I was able to participate and wasn't just a spectator.  The garden clubs outdid themselves this year with a Traditional Christmas and I cannot wait to hear the theme for next year.  Picture left is of Mr. Charles Kelley King.

Christmas Traditions - Jim Smith on Piano in Drawing Room

Time is counting down and there is only one more day of the Christmas Traditions theme at Kingwood Center.    Last night was a lot of fun volunteering in the house.  Kathy M and Mary Lou M (my neighbor cross the street) were both there with me.  Same crew as day after Christmas.  Unfortunately is was slow from 5:30 to 6:00, but that gave the three of us time for a fun visit.  Once visitors come, we place ourselves one upstairs (me), one in the assembly room (Mary Lou) and Kathy was the greeter - money/ticket taker.   Sometimes the hostesses switch shifts on the hour, but this system worked for us last time, so we stuck with it.  

Well, while I had abandoned my post upstairs, it turns out the Grinch came and took just one light from the Christmas tree in the Drawing Room.  Of course that made the whole strand go out.  John Makley put Doug McCraken to work on it as the guest entertainer  Jim Smith was fixin to play the piano for our musical enjoyment right there in the drawing room.  This room gave me my second scare of the season, just like at the Christmas party.  As I was talking to Jim, I saw movement at behind the tree and almost screamed as at first I overlooked Doug  as a manikin.  First Jim and I played the game what is wrong with this tree.  Jim got it first, I had to be told.  Then I blinded Doug M with my picture flash.  After that, Doug M went back to work.  Tree issue was resolved,  visitors started to arrive, and Jim started to play. 


The music was lovely and Jim took requests from the visitors.  Everyone commented on how much they enjoyed his playing.  I was lucky to have been scheduled to volunteer during his performance as it was rescheduled from December 12, cancelled due to ice.  Here is a link to his web site.  I looked it up this morning and copied this part as I found it interesting.


  Jim Smith

Jim recently released an album, under the pen name of Brandon St. James (www.brandonstjames.com) which features 12 of his original compositions. The recording, “Only Dreamers Understand” covers such a wide variety of musical styles (pop, folk, ballads, jazz) that it’s hard to narrow down into a description of just one musical style. A multi-instrumentalist and experienced session musician, Jim plays all of the instruments on the recording (except for drums on 4 of the selections), and covers all of the vocal parts – including the backing harmonies.

Duck Angel

Christmas Eve Day is a magical time.  Here I caught a picture of a duck angel hovering over the duck pond.

Christmas Traditions - Home for the Holidays in Drawing Room

Decorated by Late Bloomers Garden Club.  During the open house, we had the pleasure of hearing Charles Applegate play.  Though I couldn't get a picture then, he played twice more and so, I was able to get a snapshot.  The piano isn't an original, but what a nice addition for times like this.  The decoration of this room must have been a collaborative effort because of the businesses thanked for lending many of the posed family members from places about town.

So this is how I think this must play out, here is a little girl looking out at the deer looking in.  It must have been a reindeer checking things out because when I went back Rudolph was looking in the window.

As I hostessed in the house, I saw how much the little ones really loved this room.  It depicted a traditional family Christmas, which showcased some of their favorite things about the season.  They squealed when they would see the deer looking in and one little boy came up to me so very excited that he saw Santa's legs in the fireplace.  He wanted to make sure that I knew Santa was there.  And I guess Santa was checking to see and deemed me nice this year since my membership card came to me laminated.

Christmas Workshops

As I mentioned a few times already, I had attended the Kingwood workshop to make a Christmas wreath.  Kay Hostettler led the class and I had  good fortune to be able to sit next to and collaborate with Nancy P.  A picture of my partially assembled wreath.  We got to choose either a sugar or plain apple and gold or silver theme.

Another time, I was hostessing in the house and also was able to take some pictures of the Snowman Mug Workshop. This was a child/parent workshop.  Carol A started the workshop off with a great Russian Christmas story and some active songs.  She sure knows how to get the attention of a crowd of kids and parents alike.  Since my son has been grown a while, it reminded me of what seems now like long ago story times.  

Bill Collins directed the kids on how to get started.  I was in awe with some of their arrangements as a child's creativity puts mine to shame.  For some reason, nearly every kid there was able to create a better bow than I had in my workshop.  Oh well. 

Christmas Traditions - An Old Fashioned Christmas Diner in Dining Room

Designed by the Art of Gardening of Ashland.

The garden club used images of Father Christmas to transport visitors back in time.  Of course, they also had the perfect room to accomplish the feat.   The Dining Room, now used as a board room remains similar to how it was in the 30's and 40's.  The wall paper is hand printed and was imported from France especially for this room.  Chandeliers and sconces are Waterford crystal and the chairs are 19th century.  Of course Mr. King's china, crystal and flatware are settings for the table.

Christmas Traditions - Williamsburg Style in Hallway

Designed by Pleasant Vally Garden Club.  Designs used American Holly, Winterberry Holly, Fruit and Boxwood.  Additionally, the red lights were round and looked like glowing berries. Included also are hedge apples. (green bumpy fruit shown on left side of stand and pictured below).  So many people asked me if those were edible that I did a little research.  Also called Osage Oranges they are neither apples or oranges but a family of the mulberry. 

Not eaten due to their irritating latex-like sap and bitter taste.   A folk remedy is to use them to repel spiders.

Christmas Traditions - Natures Bounty in Reading Room

Designed by Buckeye Garden Club.  As in my previous blog about decorating the reading room, it is as awesome as the garden club that created it. I did help some as I did a few small dried flower clusters, which were used in the tree.  Marylin C stored many of the dried items until decorating.  Popcorn strands, dried oranges and so many things to bring out the home spun design.  I think the gold balls in the milkweed pods are so very clever.  They add just the right amount of glam.

The fluffy seeded insides of the milkweed pods were put in clear glass vases and covered in saran wrap.  The effect is wonderful and was used throughout the room. 

I have to showcase the birch bark and wreath that Elin D created.  This time however I get to share a picture of my good friend Kathy M as seen in the mirrored reflection.  We toured the house together as soon as it was open.

Christmas Traditions - The Christmas Tree in Flower Room

Decorated by Country Meadow Garden Club. 

This green and white themed room is a visitor favorite. For the colors, magnolia leaves on the wreath, tree topper of peacock feathers and when looking into the mirror, the tree image bounces to create the illusion of a tree row.  In past years, the tree has been placed farther back in the window and so didn't give this illusion. A new discovery this year.  I tried a few times but couldn't get a good picture of the effect.  I think the tree illusion is great, but my favorite part of the room is still the peacock tree topper. 

Christmas Traditions - Invitational Design in Assembly Room (Table Settings)

It is awesome that Kingwood invites creative people to show off beautiful table settings.  Not that it's much homage, but puts me in mind of when I used to get out the red and white checked table cloth for spaghetti night.  Maybe someday I can work my way up to this type of seasonal elegance.  Seeing these designs gives me inspiration to give it some thought and strive for a little more.

Designed by Carol T                 Designed by Silver S



Christmas Traditions - Winter Sports in Librarian's Office

Decorated by the Friends and Flowers garden club. 

The librarian's office used to be Mr. King's office.

Visitors talk about getting skates out of the basement for next years decorating.  The creative evergreen tucked in ice skates design will be copied in many homes.  

I really liked the copper colors used in the theme. There were many examples, but I absolutely love these shinny acorns with glittery tops.

Christmas Traditions - Invitational Designs in Assembly Room (Buckeye Garden Club)

Both these eye catching invitational designs came from members of the Buckeye Garden Club.  I am getting to know both these ladies as I joined the club end of this year.  Seeing these arrangements, would it be a surprise to say one of the club activities each year is flower arranging.  A little intimidating with my limited experience.  The infamous "they" say learn from the best and I think the woman in this club have a lot of talent and creativity as shown in these designs. 

Elin D's design on the left is in shiny gold.  I saw her place three times this year with flower arranging in the Harvest Fall Festival.  She also created the wreath hanging over the fire place in the reading room this season.

Helen M's design on the right is shimmery silver and looks like the snowflakes would come to life with a gentle wind. 

Christmas Traditions - 50's Christmas in Herb Library

Designed by Flower Garden Club of Ashland, the Herb Library used to be a powder room for visiting ladies.  This room has all the bling.  A silver Christmas tree, that many a visitor remembers either having or some one else having, along with a hostess dressed to party.  I am curious who was the dress coordinator.

The punch bowl looks inviting and I  just like the picture on the right showing the tree in mirror.  I may have to find out more about who decorated this room.

Update on dress and manikin.  As I hostessed in house last night (12/30), I visited with a person from the Ashland Heritage Society.  Turns out the manikin and dress are on loan from there.  How clever it was for the Flower Garden Club of Ashland to look to the Heritage Society.

Christmas Traditions - Invitational design in Assembly Room (Tree of Angles)

Tree decorated by Shelby Garden Club.  The beautiful angle floating on top of the tree catches your eye as you first walk into the Assembly Room.  The cleverness of the cloud-like tree skit, draws you closer.  Yards of tulle are piled under the tree through which tiny white lights twinkle.  Many angles sit among the tree branches.