We won’t be home for Christmas, as for our 50th wedding anniversary celebration, we’ve booked ourselves on a Patagonia and Antarctica cruise which leaves from Valparaiso in Chile, ending in Buenos Aires Argentina. We leave here for Chile on December 13th, and arrive back home on 15th January. It’s all very exciting, although I think I’m going to find myself a bit out of my comfort zone as we trek through snow and ice during the seven days of our ‘Antarctic Experience’. We do get free Parkas, and are renting special boots. I’ve also opted for walking poles even though hubby kindly said that I could hold onto him. I really don’t want us both landing up in an embarrassing heap on the ice in front of our fellow passengers.
I decided that I needed to make our home look just a bit Christmassy for the couple of weeks we’re still here, so bought a tree for the front porch.
In our entrance hall, is a granite top which seemed to lend itself to my display of Santas and the Christmas bells which I’ve collected over many years. As you may notice, the renovations aren’t quite finished, but we’re getting there.
Wishing you all a splendid weekend.
anotherdayinparadise 
Even if you won’t be home, your home looks like it’s ready for Christmas. I am sure Antarctica is going to be very special.
What a fantastic celebration Sylvia, and I see you are off today as I type this. I miss you, I have been blogging when I can but not as much. I wanted to check in with you and wish you a very Merry Christmas before I sign off for the year…and also many congratulations on your Golden Wedding Anniversary! Your new home looks beautiful…almost there by the looks of things! Have a wonderful time as I know you will…love & hugs Sherri 🙂 xxx
Thanks so much, dear Sherri. It’s been quite hectic since we got back home, and now we’re all ps led again and on our way to MIA. It’s all GO! Hope I get to relax on the cruise……..when I’m not chasing penguins. 😅 xxx
Once you get on that cruise ship, you’ll be able to relax at last and enjoy every moment of it…it has been a whirlwind for you lately! I hope you get to see (not chase!) penguins, and of course, post pics, how amazing that would be…what an adventure! Take care dear Sylvia, be in touch soon! Love & Hugs to you my friend… 🙂 ❤ xxx
I’m sure you’ve enjoyed your lovely decorations even for just a little while. What a memorable way to celebrate your anniversary. Early congratulations, I know you will have a wonderful adventure.
Thanks, Karen. Madly packing now. 🙂
Pack lots of warm socks…our Florida toes aren’t used to that kind of cold. 😀
I bought a whole bunch of socks. 😀
it is looking like Xmas…
and quick question for you – can you send me the link to that post you did with your family member who paints like Klimt?
and do you have a search feature on your blog?
Thanks, Yvette. Here’s the link: https://anotherday2paradise.wordpress.com/tag/gustav-klimt-style-paintings/
Thanks – I have a painting I am going to link up – it has a Klimt kinda feel!
What an amazing trip you have ahead of you . . . . enjoy your last three days of all your stunning Christmas decorations.
Thanks so much, Becky. 😘
It can be quite awesome to be on the road at Christmas with someone you love.
Wishing you a splendid cruise and a happy anniversary.
Happy Anniversary and a very Merry Christmas, dear Sylvia! You and the hubby have a safe trip and exciting time! It is so much fun living vicariously through your travels. Seriously! 🙂 🙂
I’ve always dreamt of going south for the Christmas holiday — just not quite as far as you’ll be going. Your trip sounds wonderful, though, and I’m sure you both will have a wonderful trip and enjoy a very special Christmas.
What a splendid adventure you guys are going to have! Woohoo! I am very happy for you and hubby and Happy Anniversary ❤ XX
Thanks so much. Yes, I’m sure it’s going to be trip of a lifetime. ……. well one of them at least. 🙂 xx
I think this may be the best idea for a 50th wedding anniversary I have ever heard!! SO beyond excited for you!!
Thanks so much, Sue. Definitely a Bucket List trip. 🙂
Ooh, i envy your trip! Have a lovely time. Can’t wait to hear about it!
Thanks so much, Marina. 🙂
Wow, Patagonia! Sounds great, Sylvia! You two have a wonderful time [which I’m sure you will!] and enjoy the holidays! 🙂 xxxxxxxxxxx
Thanks so much, dear Marina. 😘
Oh Sylvia, your trip sounds really exciting and adventurous. You’ll get to see penguins! And 50 years together is incredible–congratulations!
Thanks so much, Jet. I’m so excited about the penguins. 🙂
Wouww your home like exciting.The Christmas feeling touch me.
Thanks, Marylou. 😘
How exciting! I can’t wait to see the photos xxxx
Thanks, Dianne. I’m sure we’ll have lots of wonderful things to photograph.
Liebe Grüße und einen schönen zweiten Advent wünsche ich dir Gruß und Umarmung Gislinde
Danke schön, Gislinde Hugs to you too. 🙂 xx
What a wonderful way to celebrate this milestone, congratulations! May your trip be full of wonder and happiness. Your home looks lovely and cozy with all the decorations.😀
Thanks, Cocoa. Yes, I’m sure our trip will be very memorable. 🙂 xx
That looks lovely and Christmassy. Wow what an adventure you are going to have. Enjoy this amazing trip and come back safely!
Thanks so much, Ute. We are so looking forward to it. 🙂 xx
Lovely to see your Christmas preparations, and how exciting to celebrate with a cruise.
Thanks so much. We won’t be here for Christmas, but I thought I should make an effort. 🙂
Happy Anniversary to you both and what a fantastic trip you have chosen as a celebration! Your Christmas decorations look very festive.
Sylvia I’m a total bah humbug about cold, but it is going to be wonderful, I’m just imagining all the wildlife you’ll see. Christmas and a diamond anniversary while you’re away, what a celebration. Have a fabulous time and loads of photos for us please 🙂
I’d say your trip is a good substitute for Christmas at home and you deserved it for 60 years of marriage.
Good to see your Xmas tree, I always wonder about putting the tree up if we are not going to be at home for Xmas, but it is worth it…always feels good. I’m looking forward to photos of all the places you are going including the Antarctic…have your camera in your pocket everywhere you go!
Looks so lovely! Have a wonderful trip and Happy Anniversary!
Now that will truly be a Christmas to remember. turned upside down and embracing the earth and the elements … sounds amazing!!
Looks beautiful and your trip sounds amazing. I’ve eyed an Antarctica excursion for a while. Enjoy!
Thanks, Ingrid. I’m sure you’ll get there. 😃
Amazing, Sylvia
As amazing is going to be the wonderful trip to south America!
….congrats for the beautiful decorations in your new home and Happy Anniversary for both Hubby and You!
Thanks so much, Anna. 😘
What a wonderful way to celebrate your anniversary. Have a fantastic time and make sure to take lots of photos to share with us later. And what a good idea to rent boots.
Thanks, Carol. Yes, I will take lots of photos, for sure. I hope the boots are comfortable. They look like Wellington boots, and according to their sizing chart, I need a size 11!! 😆
Maybe they have lots of lining inside!
Haha I hope so. 🙂
Oh how simply stated and pretty. Wow, that’s some trip!! I can’t wIt to see your posts from those places. And yes please be careful walking around in snow and ice, after all you are a Floridian….. :)!
Be safe. Have fun and happy anniversary 🍷
Thanks so much, Kathy.😘
Happy Anniversary!
Thanks so much, Jessica. 😘
You’re welcome. How are you?
Sounds very exciting Sylvia, I hadn’t realised they even did Antarctica cruises during the winter! By heck lass it will be COLD!
And even though I am not in the least a Christmas person I have to admit your festive decor does look cosy 🙂
Happy anniversary to you and hub – have a fantastic time and I shall look forward to hearing all about it next year!
Thanks, Jude. Yes it will be cold, but it’s actually summer at the South Pole, not winter. We won’t be visiting Santa. 😀
Ha! I realised that after I posted. But I still expect it to be cold. Give my love to the penguins 😀
That looks Christmassy and so warm,
Thanks, Sarah. 🙂
You’re welcome.
What a wonderful trip you have ahead of you, Sylvia. Happy 50th anniversary! I don’t envy you trekking around in Antarctica, but I’m sure it will be amazing even if it pushes you to the limits. I guess you know Buzz Aldrin was helicoptered out of Antarctica on his recent trip? I hope you have a fantastic time.
It’s nice to know your renovations are almost done. Your house looks very festive, even if you won’t be around during the holidays. Happy holidays!!
Thanks so much, Cathy. I’m sure we won’t be actually trekking very far……..well, I do hope not. 😕 Yes, I saw that about Buzz Aldrin, but I think he’s at least two years older than me. 😆
I would never think in a million years that you’re anywhere close to Buzz Aldrin in age!!
😃
Your home looks very Christmassy, Sylvia! Have a wonderful trip, and hang on to hubby!
Thanks so much, Sue. I’ll decide whether it’s safe to hang onto hubby when I see what the terrain is like. 😀
Wow, such a wonderful decorations!!!!
Thanks, RV. 😃
That sounds wonderful, and something I’d love to do – I’m really looking forward to reading about it next year some time. And congratulations on the forthcoming anniversary.
Thanks, Anabel. Yes, I know that you’re quite the one for an adventure. 🙂 Maybe you’ll do it next year.
I will do it when I persuade my husband to retire! I don’t think this will be next year 😦
Ab well……..something to look forward to. My hubby has been retired for 17 years, but is always very busy. 😅
What a great trip you have planned! I do hope you’ll take lots of pictures to share with those of us you’re leaving behind, Sylvia. Beautiful decorations! Merry Christmas! ❤
Thanks so much, Jill. Yes, I’m sure that there will be lots of photos to share. I think we’ll be having a very merry Christmas on board ship. 🙂 xx
Safe travels. I’m certain that Santa Claus will make it to the South Pole too!!! Have a marvelous adventure…
Thanks, Rebecca. I do hope that he does, but I’ll be having such a great time that I won’t need any extra treats. 🙂 xx
You can’t fool me, Sylvis! I knew it was you in disguise 🙂 🙂 Your home is looking wonderful! With all the warmth and love of Christmas even if you won’t be there. Hold on to that man of yours! 🙂
Thanks, Jo. Would I ever try to fool you?? I’ll have to see how sure-footed hubby is before I decide to hold onto him. 😆
Very cute decorations too ^.^
Thanks, Andy. 🙂
^.^
Wow you’ll be touring past where I grew up! I grew up in Iquique and been to Valparaiso 🙂 truly beautiful places especially from the water 🙂
Wow, that’s really interesting to know, Andy. I never heard of Iquique before, but I just looked it up on Google. It looks like a fun place to visit.
Fun and it’s changed so much since I was there, Back then there was just a small town without even a bus service 🙂
I like the display and the granite, nicely arranged. Not sure if I will put up a tree. Not sure it it gone throw out in fact! The obligatory stepladder, always in place at ou house, currently in the bedroom I think. Don’t even notice them these days.
Have a wonderful cruise. Had a friend who worked at BAS in Antarctica, went back two or three times. Brought back wonderful penguin photos. Buen viaje.
Thanks so much, Jude. The Christmas tree just waved to me when I went to the hardware store with hubby. The sooner that ladder becomes redundant, the better. It’s standing in my sitting-room-to-be at the moment, together with an orange scaffold and a couple of wood cutting machines, not to even mention assorted boxes of tools etc.. I’m so looking forward to seeing the penguins. I might smuggle one back to add to my menagerie. 😆
I’ll leave you to sort out the name issues.
But anyway, for I don’t know how many years, my washing up bowl is perched on a black and decker workmate. My would-be kitchen in the flat is full of … tools. WTF do I do with that though when he ain’t here? Not today’s problem.
Leave little penguins be! Have you seen them in NZ? Beautiful.
So sorry. 😡 Ofcourse I know that you’re not Jude.
Ive seen penguins in Cape Town but not in NZ.
I am so NOT jealous of your upcoming trip, Sylvia!
The very idea gives me the shivers.
BRRRR . . .
That said, your decorations look festive and I hope you and Hubby enjoy the trip!
Thanks, Nancy. That’s okay. I’ll have to fish out my thermal leggings and gloves. I’ll probably dress like I did in Yellowstone when we visited in spring and it was -8C. My own mother wouldn’t have recogised me underneath all those layers. 😀
Simple yet, perfect! We are always in San Diego for at least a week at Christmas, so we can’t even put outdoor lights up or have a live tree. I do decorate inside for the few weeks we are home. Your cruise sounds fabulous! my hubby has relatives in Chile.
Thanks so much, Terri. I’m so looking forward to the trip. I love San Diego. Have a great Christmas there.