Catching Up

  I didn't get here much in the fall so let's catch up a bit.

                                        

In November we had a visit with all three boys (along with their young ladies - and their pups) 

So rare to get them all in the same place at the same time. Short, but sweet.

While Jason was here, some friends came by to visit. They spent so much time in our home when they were in high school - it's nice to see the young men they have grown into and that they remain friends.

At Thanksgiving we took Tyler to 'Santaland'. (drive through Christmas light park) They have added a lot since the last time we were there, granted it has been many years since we have been. 

Tyler had the primo view.

Mid-December we joined Timothy, Cindy and Tyler and celebrated Tyler's birthday at Medieval Times.

Since we are already over half-way through January, I won't take you on the whole tour, but here are the three main trees. I don't know why the big tree looks like it's leaning in the picture - it wasn't.

I will show you my mantle - I completely changed it from years past and I loved it so much I took down the stockings and the trees are still there! They will probably stay there until I put out Valentine decorations.

Last but not least, our outside lights for 2021. 

Hubby likes to add something new each year - this year he added the ground lights and wrapped the two trees. I prefer all white lights but he pushed me out of my comfort zone and added red on the ground. I'm still undecided.

That big, bright blob is a snowflake and is really pretty but does not photograph well.

What will he add next?

A Little Stitching

I always start out trying to keep track of what I stitch every year and then I flop.

I feel like I might have finished a few more - maybe I've already posted them, maybe not. 

Sometimes I give them away before I get photos, which causes a problem when I try to remember who I gave it to.

Anywho - here is what I know I haven't posted yet. I'm so far behind these people who stitch 100+ a year.

This is the only new (handmade) ornament on my tree this year. I decided to give punchneedle another try. I used Lori Holt's Stitchy Starts cross stitch pattern and just drew it off on the weavers cloth and picked some reds and greens so I could use it for Christmas.

Hey There Pumpkin by Hands On Design.

This is a random piece of evenweave fabric from my stash that I dunked in some tea/coffee. I think I used the called for colors. I hope to get it something done with it before next fall.

I Wish You Lived Next Door by Heartstring Samplery.

Sitched on 36ct Light Coffee with the called for DMC. Ones strand over two. 

I finished it into a small pillow for a friend's birthday.

The next four are all from Jack-o-Lantern Jubilee by Brenda Gervais.

They are all on yet another mystery fabric from my stash that was dunked in tea/coffee.

I think there are two more in the book that I would like to get stitched (and ffo'd) before Halloween but I'm not sure if I have any more of this particular fabric. (which is a shame because I really like stitching on it!)

The next three are from Stitching With The Housewives

Chicken Joy

Stitched on 29ct Glenshee using the called for colors

Mrs. Claus on 28ct Black Cashel Linen with DMC except for the white and I used Anchor for that.

Mr. Claus stitched on 28ct black Cashel linen using DMC floss.

I hope to get all these fully finished before next fall/Christmas. 

I usually take pictures of all my Christmas decor as I put it out but this year life happened and photos didn't. I plan to start taking it down tomorrow so maybe I can get photos before I take it down. If I do, I'll post them next time.