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.