A Very Birdy Christmas

My growing interest in birds has been a boon to Kelly when it comes time to buy me presents. Like my birthday, when she equipped me with some basic birding gear (binoculars, Peterson field guide, Lang Elliot's Common Birds and Their Songs audiobook), Christmas had a bird theme -- though with a decidely more artistic bent.

There was a set of tablecloth weights to use al fresco next summer:


A bluebird of happiness to see us out the door every morning:


A rooster from ancient China to wear around my neck:


An owl from ancient Egypt to pin on my sweaters:


A woodpecker carved in stone and wood, from Argentina:


Sibley: a beautiful and informative guide to North American birds.


And the very best: a piece of Finnish tableware, Taika by Iittala, that is all magical birds and enchanted forest in crystally jewel colours.




Good thing we weeded dishes in the fall -- we might need room in the cupboard for a few more pieces of this!