Tired Santa...

Well, as you can see, Santa above is totally pooped from the festivities of Christmas. Although good times were had by all, it's now time for a quiet and restful New Year's Eve.
I received some festive and pretty ornaments that just made it in time to be included on the Christmas tree...I love the primitive snow man above...
And my Dutch cousin sent me a couple of Delft Blue ornaments...aren't they cute?
So here's wishing you all a much better New Year...I am so done with 2009, I can't even tell you. Let's hope next year improves in all our situations, especially where jobs and the economy are concerned. Anyway, now to decide which Olliebolen recipe to try...depends who will help me eat them!! These Dutch fritters are traditional for New Year's Eve, but are very fattening!

Cooperative Effort on Christmas

Oh, my, what a nice Christmas we had! Above you see the dearest gift I received today...a group picture of my kids organized by my kids!! Such a wonderful surprise! I am touched by their cooperative effort to get this picture accomplished! My parents received one too and were absolutely thrilled like Frank and I were!!
My homemade blankets were a hit as well as the scarves and afghans that I knitted and crocheted. My Dad below was gleefully pointing out that his afghan was full of holes! So funny since when my Mom got her afghan first, he was joking that it wasn't going to be her afghan for long when they got home...haha!! The next gift opened was his afghan so no stealing allowed!!
Dinner was very delicious! Will and I brined the turkey with maple syrup and herbs with the salted liquid! Boy, did it ever turn out well!! I think we have a new tradition!!!
It's always a source of suspense for me, so when Christmas goes this well, it's so very satisfying...new memories to cherish with everyone having a great day to remember!

Last Minute Christmas...

I went to Joanne's today in search of another fleece panel. Most are either too childish or not the right animal, but found this one with the deer that I thought looked really nice. Luckily, the fleece panels were 50% off! We added another guest for Christmas dinner, and wanted to give him something a little more special than a box of chocolate, although I still have it as back up if he doesn't like the blanket! Anyway, came home and whipped this latest blanket up and was glad that there was ample of the green backing fleece from my stash!
The other blankets and presents are all wrapped and under the tree...
With a stern Santa being protective of them...
And Maggi the dog looking as though she's ready to open them all up!! So I think I'm more than ready to have Christmas here already with homemade presents under the tree, and all the fixin's for dinner...even hunted down some inexpensive Maple Syrup at Trader Joe's for the brine we're going to try on the turkey...I can't wait to see how it's going to taste!

Creations...

Yes, my fingers were busy!! I made scarves with pom poms, and scarves without...
Afghans with huge hooks and four strands of yarn in Holiday Homespun...
and in more everyday Homespun Elegance colors...
and I crocheted two scarves in different colorways...
And I think both my mom and cousin would faint that I actually used my mom's old sewing machine to sew up some fleece blankets...this one is with an Impressionist panel...
and this one is of Doggies with footprint backing...
And another panel of a painting backed with blue...
and I finally made the huge plaid blanket that I promised months ago! All four are so soft and comfy!
So I better get wrapping!! I hope everyone likes their homemade presents made by me...

Christmas Time is here...

Whether we're ready for it or not! It seems to me that Christmas comes faster every year...too fast for me to really enjoy it like I used to, but I managed to get the tree down from the top of a bookcase in the garage, and then decorate it with just the special handmade ornaments or the ones that bring back the best memories.

I needlepointed the above St. Nicholas many years ago, and below is one of my very favorite ornaments that I nicknamed the "Nut Boy" since his butt is made from a nut. He makes me laugh every time I bring him out again, and I have fond memories of the late friend who made him. Vella, we still miss you! And I hope to see a "sign" from you this year by way of another up-side-down Christmas tree that you so love in some shopping display somewhere!
I also got to set up the Jim Shore nativity...I'm not very religious, but enjoy this nativity set very much. Very whimsicle, and I added the hanging angel this year...well, actually last year in an after Christmas sale. It was like opening a present! I love angels!
And here's the tree that almost killed me...I think had I brought the whole thing down in the green bag, it probably would have, but I opened the bag and brought each piece down one at a time...actually, two big pieces. I'm glad it's all set up for me to enjoy...I hope others enjoy it too despite these economic times. I nearly didn't put up a tree at all, but it was nagging at me. So I did it.
I hope Christmas finds everyone with their families...and that next year will be a better year for us all...