Pre Christmas Day Post 2023

                      Blog # 1603 --- Day  668 of the Current  ( Second ) Russian Invasion of Ukraine 

                                                                      GLORY TO UKRAINE      

With Christmas just about to happen I think it's time to have a look at the two Christmas themed cards that I have received . The first is from Germany , wishing me a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. And I wish that back to you Isa , too.

Isa used three stamps on her card. On the left is one of many Flower definitives seen from Germany. The middle stamp , although showing the date 2022, was issued in 2021 , 1 of 4 in a set of World of Letters. The right stamp, from this year shows Squirrels in the Snow. 

Card 2 is from Belgium. It's called a Christmas Boycott. I'm not sure which reindeer that is , but he sure doesn't want to help haul Santa, his sleigh and a sack of toys and presents. I think I'll put my money on Blitzen.

Gerda used 2 copies of one of the Belgian Christmas stamps issued this year. The theme was Keyboard Character Art. 

That's all for today. Thanks for these cards go out to Isa and Gerda. Merry Christmas to you both. 

Merry Christmas to all who sent cards during 2023. That includes you Meelis, Jean Pierre, Dominique, Ana, Rizleen, Barbara, Bruce, My Lovely Teena, Francesca, Yvonne, David, YaPing, Ron, Jobbo, Ravindra, Josep and Assumpta, Tsai Yun Ting, Indrit, Lena, Orla, Rob, Henning, Michi, Sherri, Nanni, Dale, Claire, Gina, and many Postcrossers. If any of you don't celebrate Christmas, I wish you well , Good Health and a wonderful winter.

It's been a great year Postcard wise and many other ways too. Take care. 

Kolli Hills and Haghpat

   Blog # 1602 --- Day  654 of the Current  ( Second ) Russian Invasion of Ukraine

                                                                      GLORY TO UKRAINE      

Well it's been a while, hasn't it ? These are busy times, it seems. Only going to get busier the next two weeks. 

My first card today arrived from India. It's supposed to show the Colors of India in the Kolli Hills. These hills are a mountain range located in central Tamil Nadu and are famous for its Government reserved forests. The green color is associated with new beginnings and prosperity in India. 

I'm not sure if this should be a vertical card or a horizontal card. As you can see I went horizontal. 

A Postcrosser named Phoebe sent this card . She used 3 stamps as follows : the top stamp was issued in 2018 and is `1 of 4 in a set of Indian Fashion Through the Ages. The bottom left stamp, from 2019, is 1 of 2 issued for Children's Day 2019. The bottom right stamp is from 2016 and is 1 of 6 showing Indian Metal Crafts. 

Card 2 is from Armenia. It shows us Haghpat Monastery Complex. 

Haghpat Monastery, also known as Haghpatavank, is a medieval monastery complex in Haghpat, Armenia, built between the 10th and 13th century. Described as a "masterpiece of religious architecture and a major center of learning in the Middle Ages", Haghpat monastery, together with Sanahin Monastery, was placed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1996.

Alena used a 2023 definitive from a set of 9 Van Kingdom definitives.

I'm trying to ease back into The Blog, so I think I'll call it a day for this time. Thank you to Phoebe and Alena for these cards today.