Each and every year, I declare I'm going to start enjoying the down time of winter somewhere around the first of November. Don't know what happens (each and every year) but before I know it, it's Thanksgiving time and then the decorating, gift buying (or making--- oops, too late again) and baking of goodies fills the whole month of December.
There. That's my feeble excuse for not posting here at decent time intervals.
Of course, this December and holiday season is going to be different as has been most of the year. Way back in the first of the year, plans were discussed for our California family to be here for Christmas of 2020. No chance of that happening now. At least technology these days makes it easier to stay in touch with friends and family that we won't be able to be with in person.
Our decorations are all up (phew!) and we're enjoying all the indoor colors and lights and our little tree. I always said I'd never have an artificial tree but after getting this one a few years ago, boy, have I changed my mind. Both Papa Pea and I really, really disliked the task of putting lights on a "real" tree and finding one the right size for the small space we have for it . . . what a chore. This "cheater" tree is the perfect size and shape and came with lights permanently attached. Oh, joy!
This is a little X-stitch pillow I recently finished that sits on the back of our couch. The design itself is only 8" x 8" and worked up fairly quickly using 7-count Klostern. I'm really enjoying my X-stitching right now but am very much looking forward to spending many happy hours quilting later on this winter.
I finally purchased the materials to organize my embroidery floss and know it will make a big difference once I get the organization done. Previously, all my floss was kept in small baggies and it was a chore to hunt through trying to find a color number I needed. Good thing I have some good audio books to listen to while winding, winding, winding the floss onto the holders.
There will be a Christmas Cookie Bake here this coming Saturday. I've gotten out of the habit of making holiday candies (only doing cookies) but have a craving to do so this year. Chocolate Rum Balls? Yum, let the sampling begin!
Warm pre-holiday wishes to you all with hopes December is going well for you and that you're all staying happy and healthy.
24 comments:
Enjoyed looking at your tree. We have our tree up ,but haven't decorated the house yet. Liked your cross stitch too! That's the one thing I haven't tried . It's going to be quiet around here also at Christmas time. Let's pray they get that vaccine to us soon! We get a little scared When we go out We use every precaution there is. Take super care! Thank goodness for the internet. Great way to shop for Christmas! xo
The x stitch pillow is just right. The trimmings enhance it nicely too. I'm almost finished the needlepoint I've been making; just two colors left. I think crochet next.
My mom has a hankering for chocolate drizzle popcorn, but this year she's going to make her own.
We have all the decorations up except for the tree. Probably do that this weekend. I need to start baking too!
Your tree and the ho ho ho are very cute! We have used an artificial tree now many years and it seems to work just fine. Happy Baking to you!
Your tree is so pretty! Inspiring too, we need to get ours up as well. I agree about the winter season. It isn't much of a downtime at all!
Getting the right artificial tree is such a joy. I have one that I sort of hate that sheds more every year, and a smaller one that I LOVE that opens like an umbrella, is pre-lit (for now) and has plastic "needles" that don't shed.
I love your cover photo. Beautiful water drops
Cookies?!!! Did somebody say Cookies ? Sign me up please! That tree is perfect!
I'm quilting again!!!
I've got all the squares cut out for my everyday cathedral window table runner. I finally found a "quilt" I can totally do on the machine. It's all quilt as you go, and it's all straight cuts! I'm knocking my stroke addled brain for not thinking of this pattern sooner.
As soon as I can get to the "big city" with a fabric store and get some Christmassy fabric, I'll continue making ornaments because I plum ran out of styrofoam balls. But the good news is I've got 3 dozen out of 5, done for next Christmas. If they have any 2" balls left until after the new year. I also need another cotton quilt batting (twin size) for a new winter bedspread for my bed (I still have those black trash bags full of scraps, but no individual holidays type fabric.
linnellnickerson - I know the brick and mortar stores are really suffering this year, but shopping on the Internet certainly is easier for more than one reason. Staying safe, warm and as happy as possible is a high priority right now.
tpals - How about a little show and tell of your needlepoint? Please?
Chocolate drizzled popcorn? I've never had it, but sure do like caramel corn!
Jan - It's always a hard call for me to figure just when is the right time to start baking holiday goodies. Too early and it doesn't feel as festive, plus most everything is gone by Christmas, and too late seems to create a rush-rush atmosphere. Such problems, eh?
Leah - The "ho-ho-ho" blocks stay there until I start putting gifts under the tree. Then they go on the windowsill in the living room.
Leigh - No rest in the winter time especially in your neck of the woods where the weather is nice enough to work outside on tasks then. I'd have a hard time finding ANY down time where you are!
SmartAlex - One of your artificial trees sheds needles?? You need to replace that! ;o) My blog header photo was one taken by my daughter and is, I think, my favorite of all the beautiful shots she's taken. Thank you!
wyomingheart - Wouldn't it be a blast if all of we bloggers could get together for one huge cookie bake? (We'd have to rent a very large space with lotsa ovens!)
Cockeyed Jo - So good to hear you're back at quilting. And I can hear the excitement in your voice. What about ordering your supplies through the Internet? It would be easier and quicker if you could find what you need.
Mama, the only problem with ordering fabric over the internet is the 2 yd minimum and the shipping cost. As far as supplies go, this is for Christmas 2021 so I've got time.
Great tree! We got one too, easier on our allergies and clean up. Your pillow came out so cute!!!
I have a few new holiday recipes to try, but haven't had the motivation. We are not even putting up our big tree this year. Just using the smaller one that one daughter put up (from her apt). I have organizers for my floss as you purchased. It sure keeps it organized. Whenever the kids move out, my yarn will be organized upstairs and not crammed in totes as it is now. I can't believe Dec is almost half over already.
Nancy - Happily no allergies here . . . except perhaps the allergy to stringing lights around a real tree! ;o) Thanks, I'm pleased with the way the little X-stitch pillow came out, too.
Kristina - Some years the usual decorating can seem like more trouble than it's worth. Having most of your family together (in mind or spirit) is the important thing. Yep, December is almost half over, but I'm already looking forward to the beginning of January and less going on. Hopefully, a better year also.
A lovely tree! I used to cross stitch but carpal tunnel ended that. You stitching is lovely and the design is perfect. Things needn't be complicated and labor intensive to be beautiful! I still do a little embroidery and sewing by hand, but not so much. I do like knowing where everything is....yours will undoubtedly stay far more organized than mine do. I have never made Christmas candy, I only dabble in cookies, cakes and puddings and pies are my go to Christmas bakes. Please be sure to show off those rum balls and whatever other goodies you make!
Kim - My mom was a fantastic crocheter but had to stop because of carpal tunnel. She had surgery that was unsuccessful. Her surgeon specialized in carpel tunnel and said she was only one of two patients that he considered his "failure." :o( Glad you still do some embroidery and sewing. It's such a lovely past time. Thank you for your kind words on my little project. I'll picture my Christmas candies . . . with samples for all!
We are going to be downsizing our tree this year. Love the pillow!
Val - Thank you! I don't like the term "downsizing." Makes me think of getting ready for the "old peoples' home!" I'm going to start using the term "simplifying." How does that sound? ;o)
I switched over from a real to artificial tree many years ago, when getting the tree up fell entirely to me alone. After years of having a full size artificial tree, I am thinking my next purchase will be a table top tree. I am the only one who seems to want a tree - and I don't need a full size so may as make it easier on. me. My Christmas decorations are not up yet because we were supposed to have window replacements this month. No windows yet, Ill give it another few days and then get the tree up. It will be a smallish Christmas this year - very different. Hope your holiday is happy and healthy.
I have never been able to enjoy a tree, having a cat and all. I did finally succumb to a small, live potted tree, but then had to try and keep it going until it could be planted in the spring. I now have a small artificial tree - with lights - and I love it. I sure do miss all the cookie-baking, but it really is much more fun when you do it with another person. I might just churn out a couple dozen, but, then again, I might not. My Christmas has downsized into a much smaller 'celebration' as time goes on.
P.S. I love that pillow!
Susan - I'm surprised Slimmie doesn't "bother" the artificial tree! Yeah, when there are no kiddlies directly involved, Christmas just isn't what it used to be. But you've got to bake at least some of your favorite holiday time cookies. Thanks for the nice words regarding the pillow. By the by, how much snow did you get??
Pretty little tree, and love how the white bits sort of shine in your X stitch. Hope the cookie baking day went well. That's a lot of floss winding! but it will be so handy and look so pretty when it is full. Picture? My flosses are still in little baggies, and probably will remain so, as I am finding that fine needlework is eye straining! Perhaps a BIG magnifying glass!! You have inspired me to at least look at an unfinished X stitch in my craft room. Maybe I'll give it a go in the new year. I dislike leaving things unfinished. Best wishes winging their way to you and yours for the season. All the best.
Rosalea - Our cookie bake was fun (and exhausting, as usual!) and we got a lot done. It's so nice to have an assortment of cookies to put on plates to give to friends. Now if we can just limit ourselves to the consumption of those still here . . .
I hope you can find a way of doing the needlework you would still like to do. I know I'd be lost if I couldn't do mine.
Best wishes to you and yours, too, for this fast approaching holiday season. Can you believe Christmas is in just one week's time? Yikes!
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