Ring in 2023

Hubby and I spent Christmas with our adult kids in Montreal. The snow, sweet holiday lights and festive markets were a wonderful backdrop for celebration.

 As the year ebbs away, my heart is full of times with family and friends 

Merry Christmas

May the beauty and wonder of Love come down to earth, of Emmanuel—God with us and among us— sing with gusto it’s rich melody in our lives!

May our mourning, strife, anger and hopelessness disappear in the face of this amazing Grace.

Merry Christmas 

Hooked Ornaments

 I’ve been busy finishing ornaments for a job and one for a senior. These Santa’s carry books in their bags— they are going to librarians. 

And Big Mama Squirrel is the likeness of my client’s friend who is fed hulled sunflower seeds year round. Big Mama has raised many kits, has a notch out of one ear and has her whiter winter coat on. 

And here she is in pride of place on her little tree: 

My pre Christmas “to do” list is winding down. Though I kept it low key this year.  I have a brunch this morning with several close friends. Last week we had our rug hooking potluck party. I wish I’d taken pics. We exchanged gifts, ate and ate, played Left Right and Center with wool strips, and laughed a lot. Can’t get much better. 
May your week be calm and bright.

Christmas at Kings Landing

I’m thoroughly enjoying volunteer work behind the scenes at the Kings Landing historic site. Going through the mats here I feel like a kid in a candy shop. But last weekend the site opened temporarily for Christmas in the Village. Sunday was a chilling 24F

so hubby and I wrapped up and headed there. Maybe you’d like to walk through with me…

L

The attention to decorating small spaces is charming 

Yes we sampled these sugar cookies, prepared in an old wood stove. Mmmm

The general store was doing a brisk business with hot chocolate, cider and fudge sales. We said yes to all three.

A Christmas tree suspended from the ceiling of the store. 

These horses were decorated with sleigh bells and their breath came out in clouds of steam. 

I’m finishing some hooked ornaments I’m gifting for Christmas. I only made four ornaments on commission this year; too busy with other things to put the word out. I’ll post photos soon. 

I spent the morning making gingerbread cake, a spice loaf and Moroccan stew. The smell was amazing. 

May you pause frequently in the day to connect with others and nature around you♥️