The Weeks Before Christmas

During the weeks leading up to Christmas I was treated to a lot of different things:  We attended a Nepali themed fundraiser, watched a ballet, went carol singing, attended a concert in a barn and also went to the Sisters Starry Nights concert.

Christmas Lights

Dec 2nd - On this night we attended a fundraising dinner event in Sisters for the Ten Friends non-profit, which supports educational projects such as the building of libraries in Nepal.  It was great to eat Nepali food (curry, etc) and then look at the Nepali arts and crafts for sale!  I purchased a square scarf at the event.  After dinner, we took a drive through the town to see some of the Christmas lights.  

American pride radiates at the Community Hall

A residence

With a snow man

Local fire station!

At home :)

This a a tree right in front of our house that Chris decorated with lights.  It brightened up the whole neighbourhood!

Here's another photo I took on the evening after a snowfall.  Do you see the moon in the background?

The Nutcracker

Dec 3rd - I really enjoyed watching The Nutcracker ballet with Aunt Heidi.  Not only do I love the Nutcracker story, but it was the first time for me to watch a live ballet.   The ballet was performed by the Central Oregon School of Ballet in the city of Bend and consisted of both adult and child dancers.  Although the audience was asked to not take photos during the performance, I saw no harm in taking a couple at the closing. ;)  

'Chinese Dancers' about to take a bow

'Clara' (in purple) and the rest of the dancers

Getting a shot with the Nutcracker after the show :)

Carol Singing At The Cutest Bed And Breakfast in Town

Dec 9th - Chris, who is a musician, was kind enough to support a carol singing event at a friend's B&B in Sisters.  I was glad to tag along, even though I was a little wary of my singing ability, and ended up having a really joyous experience!  The B&B is big and very 'homey'.  They had decorations everywhere, it was warm and there was hot apple cider and cookies for the guests.  I definitely felt the Christmas spirit!  Apart from that, we took a tour of each bedroom (there are four) which are all themed differently.  Although I don't remember all the rooms exactly, I recall that one looks like it could be a hunter's cabin and another looks like it could be a fisherman's cabin.

The living room of the house was so cozy with the warm lights and sofas.  I love how the stocking hang over the fireplace... In the background you can see Chris and the owner (forgive me but I don't remember her name!) setting up to sing.

Quotation above the doors that lead to the backyard: "It is better to be lost in the woods than found in the city."

 Now this is a little touch that is just too cool... Each room has, hiding in the corner of one wall, a tiny mouse hole!

Just for mice (or for the 'cute factor'):  Fully furnished mouse apartment with electricity! 

Close up - they even made Christmas presents!  How adorable is that?  The height of the hole cannot be longer than from my wrist to the tip of my finger.

 Concert at a Barn

Dec 10th - The Barn at Pine Meadow Ranch periodically hosts concerts featuring local and national touring acts.  We were able to watch a two man band that played folk music as well as Irish songs.  I love live music, so even though I didn't know any of the songs, I enjoyed it.  

Myself with Heidi and Chris, seated and ready for the show to begin

The concert venue becomes a regular barn space again in the day time. [Unfortunately, I can't remember the name of the group, help anyone ?]

Encouraging the crowd to sing along.

There was an intermission and guests were able to go outside and stand by a bonfire.  On a chilly night, it was simply perfect.

Sisters Starry Nights

Dec 17th - Didn't take any photos myself at this event, but I thought I'd tell you a little about it anyway.  Starry Nights is a benefit event for the Sisters Elementary, Middle and High Schools and it supports programs in the schools which the regular school budget wouldn't allow.  'The event has featured performances graciously donated by such renowned artists as Vince Gill, Amy Grant, and Lee Ann Womack.' - Sisters Starry Night Website.

I was able to see country singer Gary Morris perform.  His voice sounded familiar, but I'm not sure if I know any of his songs from before.  Matt Morris, Gary Morris' son, also performed with him, and I really like his voice so I bought his album 'When Everything Breaks Open' after the show. 

Here is a photo off Facebook of the show:  L-R Matt Morris, Gary Morris and Carl Herrgesell.
*I am not claiming this photo, credit goes to Jim Williams Photography