Winter has arrived at the Duck Pond

I aways consider the first day of official winter the day the fence goes up on the duck pond.  Shawn M. put the chain link up around the walkway of the pond on Friday.  He paused briefly from completing the task as to not disturb them while I was feeding, as the ducks were not at all happy with the process.  Now that it has been completed I don't think they care at all.  Here they are anticipating another feeding, but soon afterward retreated to the unfrozen water in the back of the pond.

Christmas Traditions - Invitational Design in Assembly Room (Wreath by Nancy P)

Invitational design created by Nancy P.  Nancy and I both show up to many of the workshops offered at Kingwood, but imagine my surprise at her being in the wreath workshop today.  Having seen her invitational wreath (shown above) displayed in the Assembly Room (and knowing that she volunteered helping to make the fresh wreaths, which hung on the grounds and outside Kingwood Hall) I asked her why she would want to take a workshop. 

She said that she wanted to make the wreath design (shown above) being offered in the workshop.  The wreath created for the Assembly Room was made with decorations she saved from other workshops she had taken at Kingwood.  Nancy P is so much fun and does so much for Kingwood.  I really enjoyed her invitational wreath display and visiting with her at Kingwood throughout the year whether it be volunteering or sitting together in a workshop.   

Christmas Traditions - Invitational design in Assembly Room (Peacock Tree & Winter Wreath)

Created by Charles Applegate.  This tree is actually an artificial purchased for a few dollars at a hobby store.  Charles decorated with bits and pieces of whatever was left over from other projects.  This turned out as one of my favorite trees.

Created by Linda Applegate.  The wreath was picked up by Linda from the garbage collection pile of their neighbor.  It lived in the garage for a couple years until she brought it back to life with some fresh boxwood  and sparkle.

Christmas Traditions - Invitational Design in Assembly Room (Tree of Gift Wrapping)

Tree decorated by Colony Club.  Project was started off with Sandra C. inviting Colony Club members over to her house to work on wrapping little presents.  Muriel J., Margaret M, Bonnie H. and I showed up to work on wrapping little boxes. Since I only accomplished three little present boxes at Sandra's house, I took some more boxes home to cover in paper then handed them off to Bonnie H., who finished them up with decorative ribbon.  The one I liked the best had a peacock feather tucked in the ribbon. 

Great turn out for tree decorating.  Mary R., Anna F., Anita W., Samantha G., Nancy J. and Bonnie H. all had a hand in creating this special tree.  I love how the theme was carried from the tree topper of presents, through the gift tag ribbon garland down to the tree skirt of wrapping paper triangles.  

The gift tag garland was a collaborative effort of thought and labor between Bonnie H., Anna F. and Nancy J.  I give this tree an A+++++ for creative.

Christmas Traditions - The 18' tall Frazier Fir Tree

Kingwood Center is decorated for Christmas.  There was a preview Friday night before opening their doors to the public.  I had been in the house a few days before and seen the majestic 20 foot tall Frazier Fir set up in its stand.  Partially adorned in the daylight it was an impressive sight.  Walking in Friday night to view the fully decorated tree with 7,000 lights, made everyone stop with awe.  Keeping with tradition, the Kingwood Center staff and their family, like little elves, ordered pizza and decorated the tree in the quite of an evening before all the guest were to arrive.

It was a lovely evening with Bill Collins and Kay Hostetler being host and hostess at the top of the stairs.  The music of Charles Applegate playing the grand piano could be heard.  All the decorated rooms were open for viewing.  In the dining room, Nancy P. and Ann W. were serving frothy punch made from lime sherbet and lemon lime soda.  A frothy raspberry type punch was being served on the other end of the house and cookies were everywhere.  After a silent Christmas last year, all the traditions of Christmas have returned to Kingwood Center.

Supporting Kingwood Center

My guy mailed in my renewal Kingwood Membership this week.  I set up my membership to expire in December so I can get an early Christmas present from him.  I like to joke that I supported Kingwood before they started laminating the membership cards.  Last year when I was showing my card to John M. at the gate, he said if I was really really good, they would give me a laminated card.  Well, I guess I will know when I get my card in the mail.  I had a Friend membership last year, which Kingwood renamed a Dual. So, I went ahead and added my guys name to the card so we could keep one in the truck and I don't have to remember about grabbing the one I keep in the jeep.  I also have a volunteer card, which allows me in Kingwood Center.  So it is official.  I have as many cards to get in Kingwood Center as I do credit cards.

Chuck G. put a note on my membership renewal letter.  It said "What an amazing year of volunteering you've had"!  And yes, I have had an amazing year of volunteering.  I was allowed to help with so many interesting things at Kingwood this year, from sorting tulips bulbs to washing Ohio Brass China in Mr. King's kitchen. I have had the opportunity to work with most of the staff on one project or another.  They all taught me so many things and allowed me to feel as if I had made a difference. (even if I had never done the task before and needed quite a bit of instruction and overseeing)  I also have worked with amazing volunteers there as well and developed good friendships. Some of my social gatherings have been scheduled as a volunteer task at Kingwood.  So yes, I do agree with Chuck, it was an amazing year of volunteering but I'm not sure who benefited more.  Kingwood Center or myself.

Kingwood Happenings - Christmas Workshops and Events

Kingwood Center 's web site has been updated with all the December happenings.  Bonnie H. has done a fabulous job providing an informative page (detailed with pictures!)  I have signed up for the wreath making workshop on December 1st and plan on attending the caroling on December 9th well as other events like Interest in the Winter Garden on December 12th.  More Kingwood happenings can be found on the web site under Education then Programs.  Visit by clicking on the link above or go to http://www.kingwoodcenter.org/