Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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You are here: Home / Christmas / A Christmas Surprise

A Christmas Surprise

December 25, 2013 at 8:09 am by Claudia

We took a walk late yesterday afternoon. After a week that started with 63 degree temperatures, all the snow had melted, save for a few mounds here and there. When we returned to the house it was about 5 pm. Don went out to the car around 6 to grab a present that he needed to wrap. A bit of time passed as we ate dinner and got ready to watch It’s a Wonderful Life. Around 8 o’clock, Scout needed to go outside, so I opened the kitchen door to let her out and stood there for a minute, not believing my eyes. Somehow, in that little pocket of time, with no warning, snow had fallen and covered the ground. Light, fluffy, about half an inch or so.

I shouted to Don, “Don! Come Here!”

I wouldn’t tell him why.

He arrived at the door, did a double take, and shouted “Snow!”

Then we cheered and hugged and said “It’s a White Christmas!”

A wonderful Christmas Eve surprise.

We ran outside to take these pictures:

christmasevehouse2

christmasevehouse3

The perfect amount of snow. We have a White Christmas.

Your last Holiday Bokeh shot:

candlebokeh

Merry Christmas to you and yours

from Claudia, Don and Scout

Filed Under: Christmas 84 Comments

Comments

  1. Josje says

    December 25, 2013 at 8:15 am

    What a wonderful surprise! Merry Christmas!

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      December 25, 2013 at 12:07 pm

      Merry Christmas, Josje!

      Reply
  2. rebecca says

    December 25, 2013 at 8:15 am

    We don’t (have a white Christmas), but I feel better just SEEING the beautiful photos you shopped of our sweet home. Merry Christmas. My husband is repairing/refinishing a half-done dollhouse I bought for $5 from a facebook garage sale site this morning until we go to celebrate Christmas with my mother and father. He is a patient man! I keep coming to here to droll over YOURS and get an idea or two :)

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      December 25, 2013 at 12:08 pm

      What a great deal you got on that dollhouse! Merry Christmas, Rebecca!

      Reply
  3. Carol says

    December 25, 2013 at 8:26 am

    Merry Christmas to you , Don, and Scout! Sending sunshine from middle TN!

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      December 25, 2013 at 2:42 pm

      Merry Christmas, Carol!

      Reply
  4. Meredith says

    December 25, 2013 at 8:43 am

    Merry Christmas to my wonderful sister! I love you a ton.
    Meredith

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      December 25, 2013 at 2:43 pm

      Merry Christmas to the best sister in the world!
      xo

      Reply
  5. My Little Home and Garden says

    December 25, 2013 at 8:44 am

    Your home looks beautiful with a bit of snow surrounding it. I’m glad you got such a lovely Christmas surprise, Claudia.

    Merry Christmas to all of you.

    -Karen

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      December 25, 2013 at 2:43 pm

      Merry Christmas, Karen! I hope all the ice is gone?

      Reply
  6. pam in illinois says

    December 25, 2013 at 9:00 am

    Beautiful!!!
    Merry Christmas to you, Don and Scout. Have a wonderful day
    pam

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      December 25, 2013 at 2:43 pm

      Merry Christmas to you and yours, Pam!

      Reply
  7. Cranberry Morning says

    December 25, 2013 at 9:35 am

    And Merry Christmas to you too! I have January 7th marked on my new calendar. :-)

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      December 25, 2013 at 2:44 pm

      Merry Christmas! I’ll remind you about the date, as well.

      Reply
  8. An Enchanted Cottage says

    December 25, 2013 at 10:38 am

    Merry, Merry Christmas Claudia, Don, and Scout!!! Enjoy your White Christmas!!! Can’t wait to see photos of Scout opening her presents in a future post!

    Hugs, Donna

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      December 25, 2013 at 2:44 pm

      Merry Christmas, Donna to you and your wonderful family.

      Reply
  9. Nancy in PA says

    December 25, 2013 at 11:25 am

    Yes, please post LOTS of Christmas Day photos of Scout!

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      December 25, 2013 at 2:44 pm

      Don was taking them with my phone, so we’ll see how they come out!

      Reply
  10. Nancy Blue Moon says

    December 25, 2013 at 11:36 am

    How magical Claudia..I am so happy for you..Wishing you, Don & Scout a wonderful Christmas day..Hugs!

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      December 25, 2013 at 2:45 pm

      Merry Christmas to you and yours, Nancy!

      Reply
  11. Janet in Rochester says

    December 25, 2013 at 11:50 am

    Here in Rochester we got a lot more snow [personally I’m hoping for temperatures north of 40 degrees really soon] but it IS nice to have a white Christmas. Hope Santa was good to everyone at Mockingbird Hill Cottage. At our house we do most everything on Christmas Eve so today we completely relax with treats & snacks in front of a nice warm TV loaded up with “The Bishop’s Wife,” “The Man Who Came to Dinner,” “Christmas in Connecticut” and “Remember the Night.” What did Santa bring Scoutie?

    Reply
    • Tana says

      December 25, 2013 at 11:58 am

      “Remember the Night” is my very favorite! You don’t see it often on TV, but I keep hoping! I will need to find the DVD.

      Reply
    • Claudia says

      December 25, 2013 at 2:45 pm

      Sounds like a wonderful Christmas day, Janet! Merry Christmas!

      Reply
  12. Tana says

    December 25, 2013 at 11:54 am

    So beautiful! We have a little frost this morning that looks “snow like”. We’ll take it. Have a beautiful Christmas and thank you for your wonderful blog that I always look at first thing every morning. May 2014 bring you many blessings, adventure and good times.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      December 25, 2013 at 2:46 pm

      Merry Christmas, Tana!

      Reply
  13. Donna@Gardens Eye View says

    December 25, 2013 at 11:59 am

    Fabulous Claudia…not sure if home had a white Christmas but we were supposed to get snow…we are in Massachusetts and they did not melt so it has been a white a lovely Christmas..sun shining and temperatures very cold…but so warm with family!!! May you, Don and Scout have the loveliest of Christmases and a Joyous New Year!!

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      December 25, 2013 at 2:46 pm

      Merry Christmas, Donna – enjoy your time in Massachusetts!

      Reply
  14. grace says

    December 25, 2013 at 12:14 pm

    Your Scout pictures from yesterday are beyond heartwarming. Along with the b!anket of snow I hope the enchantment may embrace the three of you with joy and hope this Christmas and into the New Year.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      December 25, 2013 at 2:46 pm

      What a lovely sentiment Grace! Thank you. Merry Christmas to you and yours!

      Reply
  15. Mary says

    December 25, 2013 at 12:20 pm

    You lucky ducks!!!! We haven’t seen a flake yet but still hoping. Happy Christmas Day dears………….enjoy your snow, the cottage certainly looks perfect and those pics should be next year’s Christmas card!
    May all your wishes come true for the coming year, and yes, marked my calendar for Jan. 7 – really excited about seeing Don in action!!!
    Love and hugs from us both to the 3 of you – Mary and Bob

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      December 25, 2013 at 2:48 pm

      We had over a foot on the ground and it all melted when Sunday’s temps went to 63 degrees, Mary. We figured that was it for our White Christmas. This was a total surprise. Merry Christmas to you and Bob – have a wonderful day!

      Reply
  16. Pat says

    December 25, 2013 at 12:47 pm

    It’s perfect!
    I know that just made your Christmas…like icing on a beautiful cake!
    Merry Christmas Claudia, Don and Scout!

    You know what Buster gave me for Christmas? Skunk. He was sprayed by it last night!!! He had to sleep with a heat lamp on the front porch. It is warming up today and he’ll get yet another bath…3 rd bath in 2 weeks! ” Merry Christmas, Mom!”
    LOL…
    have a wonderful day, Claudia

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      December 25, 2013 at 2:49 pm

      Oh, boy! We’ve been through that – it happened several times when we were living in San Diego. Oh Buster!!!!
      Merry Christmas, Pat and have a blessed day.

      Reply
  17. Debby says

    December 25, 2013 at 12:49 pm

    I love seeing pictures of your house, and these are really special! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. (I have marked my calendar for Jan. 7th, too!

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      December 25, 2013 at 2:49 pm

      Merry Christmas to you and yours, Debby!

      Reply
  18. Dottie in Missouri says

    December 25, 2013 at 1:01 pm

    So happy you got your White Christmas! Have a fun, cozy day.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      December 25, 2013 at 2:50 pm

      Thanks Dottie! Merry Christmas to you and yours!

      Reply
  19. Joy@aVintageGreen says

    December 25, 2013 at 1:08 pm

    The snow makes a wonderful frame for your home. Merry Christmas Claudia and Don and Scout.
    Joy

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      December 25, 2013 at 2:50 pm

      Merry Christmas, Joy! I hope you and your loved ones have a wonderful day!

      Reply
  20. Judy Clark says

    December 25, 2013 at 1:13 pm

    Merry Christmas dear friend to you and your family!

    Judy

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      December 25, 2013 at 2:51 pm

      Merry Christmas, dear Judy. I’m sending hugs to you and John.

      Reply
  21. Kellianne says

    December 25, 2013 at 1:21 pm

    Lovely!! Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family.
    It’s snowing here in Michigan, too. We’re leaving for San Diego in 2 days!! I’m so excited! :)

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      December 25, 2013 at 2:51 pm

      Merry Christmas, Kellianne! Have a wonderful time in San Diego!

      Reply
  22. Chy says

    December 25, 2013 at 1:32 pm

    Sweet!! So happy you got your White Christmas! Snowing here today as well, slow flakes drifting silently to the ground. Pretty!

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      December 25, 2013 at 2:52 pm

      There’s just enough snow, Chy. Not enough to shovel, but enough to cover the ground. Perfect! Merry Christmas to you and your wonderful family!

      Reply
      • Chy says

        December 25, 2013 at 4:40 pm

        Thank you Claudia! We’ve had an amazing day and are just starting to make dinner preparations. Soon this day will be over but our memories will be treasured.

        Reply
  23. Claudia Voorhees says

    December 25, 2013 at 1:44 pm

    Merry Christmas to you !

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      December 25, 2013 at 2:52 pm

      Merry Christmas, Claudia – to you and yours!

      Reply
  24. Judy Ainswprth says

    December 25, 2013 at 2:13 pm

    A picture right out of the movies, Merry Christmas Claudia!
    – Judy A

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      December 25, 2013 at 2:52 pm

      Merry Christmas, Judy to you and your loved ones. Have a wonderful day!

      Reply
  25. Kathleen says

    December 25, 2013 at 2:17 pm

    Merry Christmas!
    We’re having a very white Christmas here in Michigan, about a foot or so on the ground and still snowing. Very pretty.
    Take care.
    Kathleen

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      December 25, 2013 at 2:53 pm

      Merry Christmas, Kathleen! Say hello to my home state. Did you get any of that ice storm where you live?

      Reply
      • Kathleen says

        December 25, 2013 at 4:23 pm

        We were lucky this time, just pretty snow.

        Reply
  26. Addie from California says

    December 25, 2013 at 2:32 pm

    Merry Christmas!!!!
    Oh!! when I was reading this post, you won’t believe what I thought was coming…….I thought there was a puppy with a big red ribbon around it’s neck on the back porch!!!! You got your wish….A white Christmas!!!! Wonderful!!!!!
    The cottage looks great all lit up.
    Would love to see a video of Miss Scout opening her gifts!!!! Our old beloved Nellie would do the same. She is many years gone now and we still miss her :(
    Have a Blessed day with many hopes of blessings in the New Year!!!!
    Addie

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      December 25, 2013 at 2:54 pm

      Merry Christmas, Addie! No, we’re not ready for another dog yet. We’re concentrating on our girl as she heads toward her 15th birthday.
      Merry Christmas to you and yours!

      Reply
  27. Teresa Kasner says

    December 25, 2013 at 2:34 pm

    Merry Christmas to you three too!

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      December 25, 2013 at 2:55 pm

      Merry Christmas to you, Teresa and to your family. Is there snow on the ground there?

      Reply
  28. AliciaTillman says

    December 25, 2013 at 2:50 pm

    Dear Claudia
    Merry Christmas to all of you! Your house looks really beautiful! And after a few days without Internet( we had no power here) I was delighted to see such sweet and beautiful photo of Scout on the pillow the best you have taken of her in my opinion.It”s so hot here that you could fry an egg in the middle of the garden (we are under red alert for high temperatures) but the Christmas spirit is alive .A big kiss to all of you especially to sweet Scout
    xoxo
    Alicia

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      December 25, 2013 at 2:56 pm

      Sorry it’s so hot, Alicia, but I remember that sort of thing from when I lived in San Diego. As long as you have the Christmas spirit, that’s all that matters. Glad you have your Internet back!
      Merry Christmas to you and your loved one!

      Reply
  29. Debbi Saunders says

    December 25, 2013 at 3:19 pm

    What a Magical Cottage you have!! So charming. I know that you and Don and Scout are having a wonderful Christmas Day!!! I would like to see and touch snow just once! It is 74 degrees in Orlando today and a gentle breeze, but hands down better than the 89 we had a few days ago!!!
    But we both know that Christmas is where the heart and family are, where ever that may be. Hope your Mom and Dad are having a nice Christmas.
    Merry Christmas
    Debbi

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      December 26, 2013 at 9:39 am

      Mom is in a nursing home, Debbi and is suffering more and more from dementia. But Dad went over there today and spent some time with her and I spoke to her, briefly, on the phone. She said ” Hi, honey.” – That’s all I need. Just to know she knows who I am for a moment. xo
      Merry Christmas!

      Reply
  30. Ranee says

    December 25, 2013 at 3:44 pm

    I am go glad that you got a white Christmas!! Living in Minnesota, we rarely go without snow, and it is only Christmas to me, if there’s snow. We have had a couple of years without a white Christmas and it makes me appreciate snow that much more. All the years we took it for granted there would be snow for Christmas. I love snow! Now, the colder temps that are expected next week, not so much. It seems to come with the territory. Merry Christmas to you, Claudia, and Don, and of course, Scout.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      December 26, 2013 at 9:39 am

      Merry Christmas to you and yours, Ranee!

      Reply
  31. Barbara says

    December 25, 2013 at 5:20 pm

    Simple pleasures! Merry Christmas!

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      December 26, 2013 at 9:40 am

      Merry Christmas, Barbara!

      Reply
  32. Annette Tracy says

    December 25, 2013 at 5:27 pm

    Loved the picture of your cottage all aglow on Christmas Eve. We are on high fire alert out here in So Cal, with bad winds! Parts of my town are without power even! Merry Christmas to you, Don and Scout. And yes, we need pictures of her playing among the wrappings.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      December 26, 2013 at 9:40 am

      Stay safe, Annette! Are the winds Santa Ana winds?
      Merry Christmas, my friend!

      Reply
  33. Linda @ A La Carte says

    December 25, 2013 at 6:23 pm

    One of the best Christmas surprises! Snow and a lovely glowing home! Hope your day was Magical!

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      December 26, 2013 at 9:41 am

      Merry Christmas, Linda!

      Reply
  34. Dawn says

    December 25, 2013 at 7:26 pm

    How wonderful :)

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      December 26, 2013 at 9:41 am

      Merry Christmas, my friend! I hope the power is back on by now. Crossing my fingers.

      Reply
  35. Kelly says

    December 25, 2013 at 11:52 pm

    Ahhh, how nice. It’s beautiful, I’m so glad you keep your camera nearby.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      December 26, 2013 at 9:41 am

      Merry Christmas, Kelly!

      Reply
  36. Bonnie Hitchcock says

    December 26, 2013 at 12:08 am

    What a wonderful surprise!
    Hope the joy continues!
    Happy New Year!
    Bonnie

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      December 26, 2013 at 9:42 am

      Merry Christmas, Bonnie!

      Reply
  37. hayley says

    December 26, 2013 at 2:16 am

    Happy Christmas Claudia, Don and wee Scout!!
    Love from Hayley, Euan, Molly and Isla xxxx

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      December 26, 2013 at 9:42 am

      Merry Christmas to you and yours, Hayley!

      Reply
  38. Veronica Roth says

    December 26, 2013 at 5:47 am

    Very merry Christmas to you and Don and Scout. :) That was a wonderful surprise Claudia, just a little bit of Christmas magic. I hope your Christmas magic lasts well into 2014. Much love from me to you.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      December 26, 2013 at 9:42 am

      Merry Christmas to you and yours, Veronica!

      Reply
  39. Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow says

    December 26, 2013 at 6:16 am

    We had snow last evening as well! : ) And I watched A wonderful life a few evenings ago. I cry at the end every single time, even though I know the story! : )
    Well Scout will have some snow to play in this morning :)

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      December 26, 2013 at 9:43 am

      I always cry at the end too, Deb! Merry Christmas to you and yours!

      Reply
  40. GinaE says

    December 26, 2013 at 2:30 pm

    How wonderful to have a white Christmas! The day time photo of your cottage in the snow would be a lovely Christmas card next year or even New Year’s card this year.

    Reply
  41. Lynne says

    December 26, 2013 at 7:58 pm

    Beautiful!! What a nice surprise. Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  42. Cindy at Rosehaven Cottage says

    December 26, 2013 at 8:12 pm

    You got your snow!!!! YAY!!!!! I’m so happy for you. I had a feeling you would.

    Reply
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Welcome!

Welcome!

I live in a little cottage in the country with my husband. It's a sweet place, sheltered by old trees and surrounded by gardens. The inside is full of the things we love. I love to write, I love my camera, I love creating, I love gardening. My decorating style is eclectic; full of vintage and a bit of whimsy.

I've worked in the theater for more years than I can count. I'm currently a voice, speech, dialect and text coach freelancing on Broadway, off Broadway, and in regional theater.

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