Welcome 2011!

Happy New Year! I'm expecting good things from you. Wishing the very best for my family and friends.

Goodbye 2010

December 31st and the New Year is almost here. We had such a fun time at the beach and during the holiday. It was nice to have Jim home now that he is retired. The weather is cold and clear today with a bit of wind.

Duane is making good progress on the buildings. We have decided to add doors with windows for better light and a tighter fit. They are looking so cute. I have been taking photos of his progress.

I'm working on some thoughts for the New Year and will post again later today or tonight.

Here's a few pictures from the season.

Looking back over the year, it's been another busy one. Knee surgery for Jim, moving dad into unassisted living, emptying his home, an estate sale at his house and now renting it, fishing trips, hunting trips, putting on three quilt retreats, going to Maupin retreats, 4th of July in Idaho with Allyn's family, trips to Illinois for Jim to care for his mom, Jim's RETIREMENT in August, Gina's visits from New Mexico, a trip with Angie to Clarice's book signing, LaVonne's visit from MT, meeting new Tasha friends and spending time with some we already had met, my birthday trip to Poulsbo with Jim (fabulous shopping and food),Gina getting her driver's license, Angie setting up a booth in an antique shop,becoming a dealer at the antique shows....lots and lots and lots of activity! Of course, sad times and trial too as with everyone's life. We keep moving forward and praying that God will give us the strength to survive.

Oh, I see that LaVonne has a new blog...so will have to find that and start adding my friend's links to my blog....growing and getting better, I hope!

I seem to have cut off some of my post when I added more pictures...hummm....too hard to go back and edit, so it is what it is!

It's almost Christmas!

We're off to the Oregon Coast for a little Christmas vacation tomorrow morning.

Today was spent finishing up Christmas, delivering gifts, visiting, grocery shopping for the trip and some food prep. It's hard to believe that Dec 25th is almost here. It all goes so quickly.

We'll open most of our gifts when we return on Monday...doing stockings only at the beach!

The Christmas cookies turned out pretty good this year. Maybe having Gina here to help made it all so much fun.

The storage units are coming along in the backyard. Duane does such nice work. They still look like boxcars, but the roof is next, then windows and doors. The wind has been blowing so hard, I don't know how he stands it out there...burrrrr!

Dad was happy today when Jim and I took his Christmas presents over to him. He looks good and I'm so thankful for his progress this past year.

My cousin Cathy's husband passed away last night after a year long battle with cancer. My heart is with them.

The Moon

Mother Nature has a show for us tonight-a lunar eclipse. Tomorrow is Winter Solstice and the Full Moon. Lots of good names for the moon:

Christmas, Bitter,Snow,12th, Cold, Long Night and Rain and Wind Moon.

I think I like Long Night Full Moon.

I'd love to see the coppery red moon tonight, but it's cloudy. We had some snow last night and there is talk about more on Wednesday.Ah, it is winter!

Gina is treating me to a pedicure in the morning and then we're going to bake cookies.

Angie spent the night we had lots of fun decorating ornament for the beach trip.

Still have to get a little tree and shop for the groceries. I think I'm done with shopping and just have a few more things to wrap.

I hope to deliver some Christmas gifts and cheer before we leave for the coast on Christmas Eve.

The Annual Christmas Card Day...

Ahhh, I spent all day writing out my Christmas cards. I'm one of those old fashioned people who loves to send Christmas card via snail mail. I had a nice warm fire going all day and listened to Christmas music while I was all alone today-nice! It's a fun way to remember family and friends.

I have them all stamped and now ready to post.

I saw the moon tonight before the rains returned. It will be full on Winter Solstice this month.

Time for bed.

December 17th

Spent the night at the Washougal Best Western hotel with Peggy to check out our new home for the retreats. We had a good time and she had rum cake and a wonderful birthday gift for me. We were able to get our Christmas cards done for our clients. It was hard to take the time out from this busy season, but it was fun and kind of a nice get away from the busy days of the season.

My friend Lynda made me a plum pudding for Christmas. She's such a fine cook who does amazing things with food. Everything always looks so beautiful.

Gina and Jim found a nice little VW Golf car. It's just perfect for her. A new adventure for her begins.

I hope to write some Christmas cards tomorrow or do some baking. Still so much to do and Christmas is coming!

All ready for Ms Gina!

Gina will be home from New Mexico tomorrow morning at 10:30. Jim and I spent all day getting ready for her visit. We always use the fish room for wrapping and just piling things up! I couldn't even see the bed this morning. Now it's all clean and the gifts are pretty much wrapped. Still have cards to write and Christmas baking.
Jim will pick her up at the airport as I had scheduled lunch with Lynda.I have to spend Thursday night at the hotel in Washougal with Peggy, so Jimmy and Gina will have some fun time together without mom.
Time for bed...I'm tired!

Sunday

Today is the third Sunday in Advent and the candle is called the shepherd's candle. I like that and it makes me think of LaVonne and my other Tasha friends who tend sheep.
Jim and I did some fun shopping and had an early dinner in Canby. Had to make a few stops on the way home.
I have been trying to focus on the true meaning of Christmas today and am taking a break from the hustle bustle.It's nice just to sit and look at the tree and enjoy the warm and cozy fire. Things can wait tonight.
Away in a Manger has been running through my head...such a sweet lullaby.

Christmas wrapping....

Oh, it's ok to wrap packages, but when you have to wrap and package gifts...ugh! I have all of Jim's family presents ready to go tomorrow!
Now I have to wrap my things. As we are going to the beach for Christmas this year, we are only doing stockings. We have a tradition, that all stocking treats have to be wrapped in tissue paper, so that's next for me.
It's the 3rd week of Advent to day~light another candle.
A busy week ahead...Dr. visit for dad, sewing party, cards to write, lunch with Lynda, an overnight stay with Peggy at our new retreat hotel in Washougal and then Gina comes home from New Mexico!
I must have more coffee and wake up!

My Birthday~December 8th

I had the most wonderful birthday this year. In the past, my birthdays have been something I just wanted to forget. Being in retail, trying to survive the Christmas rush or worrying about paying all the bills for the extra inventory, just didn't make for a nice birthday.
Jim took me to Poulsbo WA and we stayed over night. This was my 3rd time there this fall! It was sad not seeing Angie or Clarice, but it wasn't fair to bother them this time. It was a fun time to share it all with Jim! Great eating, beautiful scenery and fun Christmas shopping. The weather was pretty wet, but we did have some sun breaks yesterday and that was nice.
We love small independent shoppes and it's such a treat to find them anymore.
I got lots of cards, gifts and tons of Facebook wishes! I love FB! The best gifts are time with special people, good friends and staying connected.
Gina had a great birthday too in New Mexico. We are birthday girls and share the same birthday! She got her driver's licence...yeah! This is going to be a good year...and I am thanking God and believing that it will be filled with many blessings and opportunities to bless others.
Here's a picture of the little doll trunk Jim found for me and some of the holly gifts LaVonne sent me.

St. Nicholas Day

Today my Tasha Tudor group Take Peace celebrated St. Nicholas Day. It's become the beginning of the Christmas season and I have come to celebrate my birthday on Dec 6th too. They just sort of merged together.
After doing some errand this morning, I returned home and set up my St. Nick's Tea in my tearoom. Now that Jim is retired, it's more fun to share these Tasha events with someone.
We had the Dundee Cake, Honey Cake from the Russian shoppe and German gingerbread cookies. Lots of black vanilla tea to warm the windy day. I added a new twist...a wee glass of port before the goodies-a very nice addition, I must say.
Jim had a gift for me...a little antique doll trunk. I love it and it will be perfect for Annabelle.
Speaking of Annabelle, she was all set up for her tea too! She has become the little decorator.
Robin had my name and sent me several teas, two ornaments, a little box and a little pin. Such a fun package.
LaVonne sent my birthday present, which i just had to open. She had asked what symbol of Christmas was my favorite. It's holly and she made me a felted garland,sent a darling book, a holly kitchen towel and other goodies. The real present I got from her is she booked a flight to see me in February. Have to plan a Valentine's Day Tea to celebrate.

A Busy Monday

Got all my Tasha Tudor St. Nick's gifts all done, packaged and mailed for December 6th.
I'm so excited because I figured out how to get the Playlist music gadget on my blog! Yeah.
I'm learning bit by bit.
Duane was here this morning to discuss building some storage units in the backyard. I'm excited, but will have lots of work ahead to do!
Tomorrow I'll get all the fall decorations down and will get started on Christmas.

Better get some sleep.

Post holiday

It was a very nice Thanksgiving at my sister's home. The cousins had a good time. A time to be thankful for so much. My dear friend Wilhelmina lost her father tonight and it just made me stop and think how blessed I really am.
Duane is coming tomorrow morning to give us some bids on more house projects and then I hope to start taking down the fall decorations and start on Christmas. So much to do. Need to get my St. Nick's gifts off to the east coast tomorrow too.
Christmas is coming.

Baby it's cold outside!

Winter weather has come early to Oregon. I had icy roads on Monday night when I drove to the airport to pick up Jim from his trip to Illinois. It was really icy this morning and it's cold tonight! As you can see in the photos, the hard freeze has put an end to the flowers now.
We are trying to be positive about some bad news Gina received today from NMSU.Due to budget cuts, it looks like she will only have one class to teach next semester. Jim and I have been thinking of ways to help her as it's important for her to keep teaching for her resume. Angie spent the afternoon with her sister and I think that really helped.
We dropped off the white Camry for John and Ang to use and brought the girls home for homemade lentil soup and bread and an evening of just being together. We hope to find a place to spend Christmas at the beach tomorrow and will probably do some more Christmas shopping together or just have some fun. Need to stay positive and be thankful for what we do have.

Practice

I'm working on learning some a few more things from Gina for my blog so she's making me practice...MS Teacher!

She shared her friend's wonderful site so I'll try to see if I can post this link. I hope I pass my test!

So, click on the her link at Colette Patterns and enjoy.

Gina's home!

Picked my baby up at the Portland airport last night and just hugged her. She looks great! Stopped and had breakfast and talked some more.
Came home and fired up the woodstove as it was cold.We talked some more and tried to fall asleep, but I kept talking.
It's fun to catch up. I haven't seen her since August...isn't that hard to believe.
I made her favorite M&M cookies to greet her. We're going to have fun today and will go to see Papa.

Baking round two!

I don't know why I'm into baking this year for
Christmas! I got up early and made Clarie's Chocolate Cherry Fruitcake!
Oh my, the house just smells yummy yummy. I have to soak it in port for
weeks now. You can buy her little baking book on her Storybook Woods
blog, which I love to read.
It's another rather gloomy day in the
Northwest. Just talked with Gina...she'll be home tomorrow night. Can't
wait. We've been planning out our Friday. Lattes to Aunt Alisa, a visit
with Papa, maybe the craft show at theTroutdale park, a trip to Craft
Warehouse to buy sea shells for the beach trip Christmas tree! Still
trying to find a place at the coast. Thought we had one, but the price
was $350 more than quoted. Not going to work.
Off to meet Peggy for a bit of fun and need to review the last quilt retreat.

On my own~

Jim is in Illinois again so I'm on my own until Gina arrives from NM on Thursday.
I
sure have been getting a lot done! It's really chilly and grey outside,
so glad I have inside projects.Snow in the mountains and maybe a few
flakes down at our level. Glad Daune hauled up some wood for me.
Just finished the little quilt I started at the quilt retreat. Lost a lot of points...maybe taking cold meds isn't a good idea when your trying to sew. At least it's not a UFO any longer.
Baked the Dundee Cakes yesterday for the Tasha Tudor St. Nick's ornament exchange on Dec. 6th.
They are yummy and turned out good this year. I think I'll try to make
Clarice's chocolate cherry fruitcake next. She's such a fantastic cook
and baker. She is amazing and so willing to share her recipes.
I'm pretty excited for Christmas this year.It's all MS Gina's fault.
Time to start thinking about gifts for everyone.I have a few ideas floating around in the back of my head. I'm glad I have a little time to make some gifts.
The Troutdale craft show is at the park this weekend. It's a very nice show with quality items. I'm sorry Jim will have to miss is as he really likes this one.
Sha and her friend will be there and I'm hoping we can see each other. I think Gina would like to go. There's also a show at the Mission Museum in Salem that I'd like to go to. Need to swing through Aurora on the way down...need Christmas Tea from Time After Time.

Aunt Arlys

My very special auntie passed away Thursday night. RIP dear one. You will always be in my heart. How funny you were-always making me laugh and laugh and laugh. I was only 28 when Uncle Rich left us...way before his time. I always thought you two were the cutest couple. Mom didn't even get upset when you came for a visit and she just didn't like company.
You were a great lady and one of my favorite aunts.
I will miss you.
Much love to you always.

Taking time to be with dear friends....

I've been too busy for too long! A dear friend asked me to meet her and her mom at Multnomah
Falls this morning for breakfast. Why is it so difficult to set aside a
bit of time to just be together with friends? I drove my new (well, new
to me) car Mary Todd up the old gorge highway and oh, what a wonderful
autumn drive! The sun even agreed to peek out and warm up the chilly
morning.
We had a little pot of tea and and a nice breakfast while
we gazed out of the window at the falls. The wind and harsh rains have
just about stripped the trees of their painted leaves.

This morning was a lesson
in friendship-a reminder that relationships are dear and the time given
up to spend time with others is a blessing. I need to practice this and
enjoy my friends more than I do.

Another great retreat!

The Gingerbread Quilt Retreat is over and it was a great success! This
was our last one at Cascade Locks, so we really had a great time and
lived it up.Had a great group and lots of fun. So many beautiful
quilts. It was a bit sad to say good bye to the staff and to the hotel.
It's such a lovely location on the Columbia River. Next March we will
be in Washougal on the Columbia. It's a lovely new hotel, but it doesn't have the scenic view. It's new and I think our ladies will like it.
I'm still pretty tired...the four day retreat is extra work. I even went to bed at 8 PM last night and slept around the clock.
The weather has turned cold and wet. It's moving toward winter. Here it is November 8th...almost
time for Thanksgiving. I need to take down the Halloween decorations
tomorrow and put up the turkeys.Gobble gobble gobble!
My niece Anna is getting married this coming Saturday so we have another family wedding.
LaVonne called today-a trying day for her. Her daughter was in an accident and totalled her car, but she is OK. LaVonne had to put down one of her sheep this morning. A new adventure for the my shepherdess friend. I don't think I could have done it.
The
Tasha Tudor family settled their law suit out of court this morning. It
seems they will be able to have some type of museum on the property.
Good news!

It was a busy and sad day....

LaVonne left early on Halloween morning. Her car was so stuffed, it was
hysterical. Almost no room for Sarah! It was really hard to say good
bye. Oh my, how much fun we had. I can't believe what a strong
friendship we have developed in just a few years. Jim said the house
was so quiet and it was and is...sigh. Lots of fun memories are in my
head and heart. What could have more meaning? So, I thank God for that and being able to care for someone so much.
Helped Jim take down his booth at the antique show. He did well and brought home a fantastic fall painting.
Lots to do today-the retreat is coming! YIKES!
A new month too. The year is slipping away.

more.....