Time to hit the road again...

Browsing through the local paper, I came across an ad for an open house this weekend, Home for the Holidays it read. So I clipped it to pin up on the calendar. Each year on the day after Thanksgiving, I pull out numerous plastic containers of holiday decorations, years of accumulated Christmas finery to adorn our home with the spirit of the season. My daughter is enthusiastically coaxing me to begin the tradition promptly as not to waste a single moment's enjoyment of the kaleidoscope lights and thought-provoking keepsakes. But today, we wanted to see something special, somewhere new and different. So the three of us hopped in the car and took a drive to Ringwood, New Jersey.

Now in their twenty second year, the Skylands Manor House opens its doors to a celebration of the hope and joy of the season by hosting tours of the elaborately decorated interior. Sponsored by volunteers and friends of the Skylands Association, proceeds of the event are used to provide improvements, services and other educational programs throughout the year. All of the decorated rooms are the result of endless hours and ingredients generously donated by dedicated individuals for public enjoyment. Have a look for yourself...