A Bit Of Christmas Eve Eve In Mt. Dora Florida

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Thu Dec 24, 2009 4:08 pm

I made the yearly pilgrimage to Mt. Dora, Christmas Eve Eve. I went early to look in the shops. After dark, they light up the central park, have buggy rides, and folks come out dog-walking and ready to chat- very friendly place.

It was about 65 degrees with a balmy breeze.
Stef, it wasn't the same without you!

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Thu Dec 24, 2009 4:10 pm

The Tea Room Entrance

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Thu Dec 24, 2009 4:12 pm

One of the rooms in the Tea Room interior

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Thu Dec 24, 2009 4:16 pm

The Tea Room across the courtyard
I wanted this pic to look 'fuzzy.' There was a recording playing of distant piano music with bird song embedded. I was alone there at the time~ very soothing.

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Thu Dec 24, 2009 4:18 pm

Same room.
I sat down and stared and lost myself in the genteel splendor.

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Thu Dec 24, 2009 5:10 pm

Just down the hill from the village centre, Lake Dora

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Thu Dec 24, 2009 5:13 pm

Sunset time, Dec 23rd. The Lakeside Inn is behind me
To me, the Spanish Moss looked like garland decorations...

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Thu Dec 24, 2009 5:17 pm

Behind me there is a heated pool and beautiful grounds. Folks were embarking on a sunset cruise by pontoon boat to my right.
There was a sandy beach with lounge chairs, near the water's edge, to my left.

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Thu Dec 24, 2009 5:19 pm

The famous Lakeside Inn

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Thu Dec 24, 2009 5:23 pm

The Porch of the Inn
It's getting darker and my camera is pretty old, so that I had no light control over these latter views.

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Thu Dec 24, 2009 5:25 pm

Beautiful lobby. To my right a seating area with fireplace burning and a group of 2 couples on couches there awaiting their dinner reservations.

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Thu Dec 24, 2009 5:30 pm

Upon leaving, I met "Norman."
A "sleigh" group asked me to take their picture, out front of the Inn.
Then as I walked to the downtown area again of the village, a few blocks away, there was Norman again.

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Thu Dec 24, 2009 5:33 pm

At the Inn, I told Norman he was "a good boy!" and he shook his head up and down, nodding!

Here he is awaiting a green light.
The lights in the background are just a little touch of the huge amount of decorative lights in the town square.
Final Pic

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Thu Dec 24, 2009 8:55 pm

BTW: I visited a shop that handled the most beautiful clothing!
The designs were by Lee Andersen.
I had not heard of her, but I bet Shelley or Susan has!

The fill-in (relief) proprietor is a retired stage actor from NYC. She designs unique clothing as well!

Here is an example of Lee Andersen. Her clothing as art, from her website:

http://www.leeandersen.com/table_of_contents.htm

A few of the prices I looked at were in the $500-$600 range

The shop is
The Secret Garden
www.secretgardenmtdora.com

Tina-Kate · Post by **Tina-Kate** » Fri Dec 25, 2009 11:09 am

Beautiful!

Some day I vow to myself I'll spend the holidays in a warm climate.

MERRY CHRISTMAS, KAT!!!

SteveS. · Post by **SteveS.** » Fri Dec 25, 2009 7:37 pm

Ithought id spend Christmas always in a warm climate too living in west texas but today we woke to a Christmas at 7 degrees and 5 inches of snow on the ground. A white Christmas in Texas. Thank you Santa

kssunflower · Post by **kssunflower** » Sun Dec 27, 2009 5:14 pm

Lovely pictures, Kat. It seems a world away here where we're buried in several inches of snow, blustery winds, and temps in the teens. I took my brother back to the airport earlier so he could head back to Savannah, GA. He just couldn't wait to get out of here.

Angel · Post by **Angel** » Mon Dec 28, 2009 10:33 am

Beautiful pictures. I love Norman.

nbcatlover · Post by **nbcatlover** » Mon Dec 28, 2009 2:16 pm

Lovely photos, interesting clothes. I like Norman.

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Mon Dec 28, 2009 11:06 pm

Thanks you guys, and you're welcome.
He is a smart horse, with a sense of humor.

I meant to tell folks that if the picture goes off their screen, they can click on the pic in the box, and it will open on a different page, as larger.