Christmas in Murphy

 Larry and Pat drove up from Marble (the Kingdom of Marblonia) to warm up on beef stew and have cake and ice-cream with us before heading into town for the "lighting-of-the-tree" excitement........a big event in Murphy!  They were kind enough to eat my second attempt at making whole wheat rolls and bread.  This recipe is my brother-in-law, Vic's, who is a great cook and very comfortable in his kitchen.  No one could eat the first loaf, but I'm getting more confidence and enjoying the process now.

We didn't do a cake on my birthday so yesterday morning Cliff made the "cake-in-the-pan" recipe and did a mighty fine job!

The merchants of downtown Murphy kicked off the Christmas season last night with performances by the students from the Learning Center.  Intermediate grades outfitted in festive garb did a really nice job of performing a few of their favorite scenes from the Nutcracker Suite.  Then the primary grades, dressed in holiday reds, sang Christmas and winter songs welcoming Santa's arrival in Murphy's fire truck.  Temperatures dropped from sunny mid 50's to low 40's with a slight breeze adding to the chill as the sun disappeared behind the mountains.

Lighting of the tree.  This is the first time I used the "night" setting on my camera.  It's hard to hold the camera completely still so as not to cause a blurrrrrr.  I don't have a tripod.......too much equipment to tote around, too.

Santa's arrival by fire truck.......sirens blaring, of course.

 I actually like the effects this shot has on the firetruck lights.  It ads festivity and playfulness to the mood.

 Everyone enjoyed Santa's arrival.  Pat and I sang songs and welcomed St. Nick along with all the kids.