Today’s post is the final Random Five Friday for 2016. So difficult to believe that, in a few days, we’ll be writing 2017.
1. AND, on that first day of 2017, my sweet Motor Man will be celebrating his birthday. Happy Birthday, MM. Love you SO much! Photo credit to our dear friend Pam, One Spoiled Cat. We were having lunch with Pam and her husband, Dave,at historic Hanover Tavern in Hanover, Virginia, parts of which date from the 1700’s. (Pam took this right after Motor Man commented: “Can you imagine how many drunks have stumbled up those steps through the years?”)
2.) A couple of years ago, my friend, Bev, and I decided that, rather than exchange gifts at Christmas, we’d each just each fill a stocking for the other. We’ve bent the rules a little, though, and now, rather than stockings, we use pretty totes, decorative boxes, etc. It’s fun to be on the lookout all year for little things we know the other one will like. This year, Bev filled one of those pretty boxes for me with all sorts of useful, fun items. And, a very special gift that I will cherish. You may recall that one of Bev’s and my favorite past-times is walking along the shore, looking for treasures. Unlike me, Bev often uses her findings to create pretty little pieces of art. And then she shares them with her relatives and friends. In the nativity scene pictured below, the shell was purchased, but the sea glass is some that was found on our walks on the beach. Bev said she had used all the pearls in her craft supplies on other nativities, so she went to the thrift shop and bought a cheap inexpensive pearl bracelet to finish mine. The little findings for the star were also from old jewelry. Notice the halo for Baby Jesus, crafted from jewelry wire. Thanks, Bev. This is an easel I just happened to have on hand; after finding a more suitable one, I think this will be on display year-round.
3.) Earlier this week, I downloaded all the pictures off Motor Man’s flip phone: all 364 of them. It had reached the point that he had such little storage space left, he couldn’t receive texts. And in the motor world, receiving texts from other engine builders is vital. And of the 364 pictures, the subject in 223 of them was….um, not motors, but rather?
4.) Late yesterday afternoon, a cold front came through our area, bringing strong winds and amazing clouds. It also made for a gorgeous sunset sky,
…which dramatically changed over the course of about 30 minutes.
5.) Oh, and what’s that sound? That would be the beach, calling us for one more 2016 trip.
Happy 2017. May it be a happy, healthy one for us all.
~These Days Of Mine~
these days of mine 
What great “randoms”……I just love that gorgeous shell ornament Bev made for you – very clever but also very beautiful and displaying it on a stand is the perfect touch. The photo turned out well of you and JR smooching on those old Tavern stairs! I hope you two have a lovely trip to the beach tomorrow to celebrate the end of an old year and an early welcome to the new……I am SO ready for a HAPPY new year.
Pam
Happy Birthday to MM! Gorgeous photos, Dianna. Happy New Year!
Bev’s art work is fantastic. Using her finds on the beach is perfect. Happy New Year.
Hard to believe 2017 is right around the corner..
This is a great way to close it here on TheseDays!
The sky pics are awesome, and Bev’s art continues to impress; I look forward to seeing what’s next !
Happy New Year!
Love the randomness today. The Tavern sounds wonderful and Bev’s nativity – what a beautifully creative idea – so special. Enjoy the last beach outing of 2016.
So funny about MM’s phone having all those pictures of Gypsy! Gypsy is so cute in the picture… she looks like she is totally contented. Pam took a very nice picture of you and MM at The Tavern. Happy Birthday to MM and Happy New Year to you both!
Happy and Blessed Birthday to JR! With so many pics of Gypsy on JR’s phone I know now for sure Gypsy is his kitty and has him wrapped around her paw!! Bev’s gift to you is amazing and a treasure. Chuck and I wish you, JR, and Marshall a very Blessed 2017 ❤
That lovely shell nativity scene your friend Bev made is amazing, so charming. Super sweet to know that Motor Man’s phone was stuffed properly with Gypsy photos, had to laugh, and she’s got such an adorably content (smug) pose on the couch. Gorgeous photos of the sky and sea, sigh… what a heartwarming happy new year!
I loved the shell nativity – wow – amazing! And cute that MM’s phone is full of Gypsy photos but I mean, how could he resist?
Happy Birthday to your guy and Cheers to a happy and healthy new year 🙂 MJ
Happy Birthday to Motor Man, and I hope that you have a wonderful new year.
Happy Birthday MM!Celebrate well!
Super funny MM’s humour of the stairs. True so true.
The stocking/tote idea is such good fun. Bev is really a special friend to have made such a thoughtful and beautiful gift for you.
Love the model for MM’s photo. What a beauty he chose to adore.
I like your pretty changing sunset.
I hope you got to make that road trip. What a fun way to enjoy the end of the year.
I wish you & MM a Very Safe and Happy 2017 with oodles of success!
Lovely post! And Bev….what an astonishing piece of art. I think I would have cried when I saw it! There is not a better recipient than Dianna as I know she appreciates it with her entire heart.
I love, love, love that beautiful nativity shell crafted by your friend! Have a blessed, happy, and healthy 2017, Dianna. And Happy Birthday, MM!
What a lovely shell creation! That last shot is one of the best ones yet.