One Last Post for 2014

Last Friday through Sunday was spent quilting with friends in Stoughton. I was able to complete another block for my crazy quilt book of cigarette silks featuring turn of the century actresses from vaudeville, stage, and screen. Here's a close-up of some of the beading.

Anticipation . . .  This amaryllis will soon provide a bright splash of color as the holiday decorations are packed away. 

At least I won't have to waste time contemplating resolutions for the year ahead ; I can just use the same ones from last year!!! Wishing you a happy, healthy, adventurous new year!!!

Emma Turns Three

It doesn't seem possible that my little Emma will turn three tomorrow. Here she is shortly after returning from the groomer this afternoon. She is tons of fun in a tiny package. You should have seen her yesterday when my cousin and her little girls came for "Ladies Lunch;" she was delirious with happiness.

I hope you all have had an equally deliriously happy holiday season.

O "Deer" Me!!!

       Last week I mentioned that Emma had spotted some deer in the small strip of woods behind my house. Here's the proof that I wasn't dreaming. There were a buck and two does and a few houses down there were two more deer. I know what you are thinking . . . doesn't she realize that flash only carries  about twelve feet? Yes, of course I know that, but it was really, really early and really, really dark and I wasn't quite awake. I didn't even realize that I had the flash on. The image was so dark that I had to lighten it to even reveal the deer. I've been thinking that I ought to try getting up super early to see if they are still coming by, but as yet I have not done so.
     

Lobster Trap Xmas Tree

 

Our local paper published a photo of this Christmas tree made from a countless number of lobster traps and buoys in Cohasset. Naturally, I had to go to check it out.  

It was decked with lights and so I waited, and it was worth it.

Isn't it absolutely magical?  Speaking of things magical, on Tuesday morning I went to a Kindergarten Nativity performance and yesterday afternoon a Christmas show at the parochial school that my cousin's little girls attend. Both were beyond wonderful. 

Adventures with Emma - Turkey Alert

     Here's Emma just back from our morning walk. I'd like to tell you it was uneventful, but that wouldn't be true. We started out, and as it was much colder than I thought it would be, I decided to cut our long walk in half.  Everything was fine until we were passing a house where there were fifteen to twenty wild turkeys pecking around the front and side yard. Fortunately, there was a hedge, so Emma didn't see them. I kept silently repeating, "Don't let her see them," and as I indicated she didn't. My luck ran out two houses down where there were eight to ten more turkeys in a side yard. Oh my gracious goodness!!! Such frenzied barking and flapping of wings as they took off up into the trees . . . truly a sight to behold!!! Two turkeys ended up on the roof of a neighboring house. How I would have liked to have captured that picture. My iPhone was with me, but I didn't dare loosen my grip on her leash. Sometimes I will just step on the end of the leash to anchor it, but she was much too excited. 

    One dark, dreary morning last week Emma also spotted three white-tailed deer in the woods behind my house. I wouldn't have even seen them if her barking had not caused them to turn around, check us out, then jump leisurely over the stonewall and be on their way.

     Life with Emma is always interesting.

My Halls Are Decked - 2014

     Anyone who knows me knows that I love to decorate for every season and every reason, but when it comes to Christmas I go all out. This is the living room tree which features angels, vintage ornaments, ornaments from my travels, schnauzers, Santas, and more. There is another fully decorated tree on the sunporch and one in the backyard. Why am I telling you all this? Well, I just finished watching HGTV's White House Christmas 2014. It's one of my favorite Christmas programs each year. It's amazing to watch the volunteers who come from all over the country to decorate the White House. Each room and tree is beyond beautiful. I don't really have a bucket list, but if I did, visiting the White House to see the spectacular decorations would be on it. If you missed the program, it's on Monday, 12/15 on HGTV at 8:00.  If interested, you may also visit the White House site to see some videos.

     I haven't posted since last Sunday since it has been a lovely whirlwind of decorating, shopping,  get-togethers, and lunches and dinners with friends! Life is good!

A Full, Fun Friday

   A few friends and I headed north early Friday morning to Hopkington, N.H. to attend an artisans' holiday fair.  I purchased some handmade ornaments including an adorable angel. According to the tag, these angel ornaments were also selected for the White House Christmas tree. ( HGTV takes a look at the process of decorating the White House each year. The White House Christmas 2014 program will air next Sunday 12/14 and Monday 12/15.  I always look forward to this show. ) Anyway, back to the fair . . . there were some wonderfully decorated wreaths for sale and two of them came home with us. I forget what other items were purchased.
     We passed this barn with the large American flag while driving toward Henniker. My friends are always willing to stop, so I may hop out to take a quick photo. We were on our way to Quilted Threads, a favorite N.H. quilt shop. Next it was time for lunch at Daniel's which is just down the street from the quilt shop. Since it was still early, we also stopped in Concord to check out a few of its interesting stores in the center. We made it home with time to spare before attending our quilting group's Christmas party at Heart in Hands in Weymouth. It was a really full, lovely day.

Crazy Quilt Pages - Actresses - Cigarette Silks

   As you can see, I have been making progress on my crazy quilt project. Today I thought I would show you some more completed pages.

     I am really enjoying this work and have another crazy quilting project in mind when I finish this one.

     Yesterday was "Ladies Lunch" day. When my cousin's little girls have early dismissal, we often have "Ladies Lunch." They arrived a bit after noon, and Emma met them with every ounce of tail wagging - happy dancing possible. She loves these girls and their mom as much as I do. Next it was off to lunch and then we went on an adventure to The Christmas Place in Abington. Interestingly enough, this store was featured on Chronicle last night. They said it is the largest Christmas store in all of New England. The girls each selected an ornament and enjoyed seeing the dancing penguins, the train layout, and all of the trees and ornaments. Our last stop was at the quilt shop where Lucy picked out fabric to be used in a quilt that I am making for her birthday. All in all, it was a very fun day!!!

Update: I have reposted these photo which now reflect the colors more accurately.