Christmastime at Longwood Gardens

I love to see the gardens and light show at Longwood Gardens at Christmastime.

The main display is always stunning.

Beautiful flowers are everywhere.

A display of apples.

The orchid room is always gorgeous.

Creative decorations

Lots of lovely displays.

A little forest!

Trees decorated by children.

A tree of cupcakes!

How many trees did we see today?

Yes, bananas have flowers!

This tree is decorated with dried artichokes!

The magic  happens when the sun sets.

A fountain of light.

A magical train display.

Oooh!!! Aaaahhh!! The fountain show!!!!

Paths lined by green trees.

Winter Solstice Hike in Lambertville, Dry Run Creek Trail

Saturday was the Winter Solstice, which marks the beginning of Winter, but also the lengthening of the days. From now on, our world is getting brighter, lighter, and eventually, warmer. What better way to celebrate the occasion than with a beautiful hike outdoors!

We are having an unusual warm spell, with temperatures in the low sixties. However, we recently had a couple of large snowstorms, so the trails were covered with snow and sometimes ice. Lovely patterns of melting ice bordered the creek.

A nice little surprise tucked away, apparently a bench made by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

 
A pretty creek wound through the park.

It was fun to hike on snow covered trails in weather warm enough for T-shirts!