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.