Time to Relax a Bit

Just two days until Christmas and I'm virtually ready. We even have several inches of fresh snow on the ground which will give us the traditional "white Christmas." Now all we need is the arrival of family members to make it a perfect holiday.

I had to make a quick emergency trip with my laptop to the computer doctor first thing this morning. Ten minutes and twenty dollars later it was fixed and if it hadn't been so icy in the parking lot, I would have danced a little jig. I feel lost without my trusty laptop.

I'm resisting the temptation to start one more project before the 25th. I'll be satisfied just listening to Christmas music, reading my current book, and sipping a cup of tea.

Christmas Sewing

On a whim, I decided to make a set of Christmas napkins to replace the rather shabby ones I've been using for many years. When I saw this wonderful poinsettia fabric at Cottage Bliss (our local quilt shop) I knew this was the perfect fabric for holiday napkins. They look good with my vintage Christmas tablecloths.

To make the napkins, I use the mitered corner technique. The measuring and pressing need to be precise to get perfectly mitered corners, then the sewing is quick and easy.

I won't do any more sewing before Christmas and today I'll tidy and vacuum the loft so it's ready for company - a lot of company! One of my grandchildren will be sleeping on the pull-out sofa bed in the loft. We'll have ten extra people (four adults and six children) sleeping here for several days and more "day company" during the week after Christmas. Happy chaos will reign! I can hardly wait.

Sweet Bailey

Bailey is a member of my daughter's family and just like all members of her family, she has stolen my heart. Although we usually maintain a pet-free home, we've invited her to visit us (along with the rest of her family) for several days during the holidays. She does have a spark of mischief in her personality but I think she'll be a fun addition to our festivities.

Waiting for Christmas

In years gone by, Christmas was a stressful time for me. Several years ago I read a book which helped me change my perspective and now I look forward to the winter holidays with enthusiasm. For me, Christmas is not one day but a whole season to be savored and enjoyed. We've already begun our Christmas with a visit to the mid-west to see our son and daughter, their spouses, and our six lovable grandchildren as well as my mother-in-law, in an Iowa nursing home, and my husband's sister and her family. We had a lovely party at the nursing home, visited with old friends, and enjoyed activities with the kids. We stayed at our son's house and woke up Saturday morning to the gorgeous frosted trees in their yard that you see above.

Holiday House 2011

Setting up the TRQ booth at Holiday House

Trail Ridge Quilters did exceptionally well with sales at the annual Holiday House. We set a record for our best year ever with well over $8000 to spend on new equipment for the Estes Valley Medical Center. We had a great spot this year at the center of the big room. We'll take a break until after the holidays then start gearing up for our 2012 season. I was happy to sell the last three of the personalized Christmas stockings I had made. I have ideas for some new items for next year.

Moon and Clouds

Here is a magnificent and mysterious photo taken by my friend, Walt, from his San Diego deck. Linda, his wife, knows I love interesting cloud formations and sent this to me. I'll add it to my cloud journal.