Post-Christmas Post.

Hello everyone!  Well, Christmas is finally done and it was a very nice time that was had by all.  And we all spent some time remembering the reason for the season,  the people that count, and what we can do better for others.  

I didn't finish everything I 

was supposed to, but that's ok, I will get it done.  I did make my chocolate/peanut butter fudge, mostly to send to my daughter in Massachusetts, and I made gingerbread cookies, just for fun.  

As you can see, I am still not finished with the blanket for my granddaughter.  It is just the tangled mess that is left.  That is, the threads to sew in, and cut off, making it nice and clean.  It is beautiful, if I do say so myself.  Not my pattern, or my color choice, by the way.  I found it on Pinterest and there was no pattern, but it looked pretty easy to follow.  I made some slight changes to what it looked like, but I am pleased with how it is turning out.  

The 

cookie jar has since been filled with gingerbread cookies.  And then emptied!  Yum!  

This was our tree this year, a little sparse , as I just didn't have time to drag everything out.  But it was pretty.   I made some star and snowflake garlands, and some tree garlands that I gave as gifts, plus several cowls and a snowflake garland, too!  What fun I have had.  Now I can start for next year!  

I love my little elf, sitting on the bench waiting for guests to arrive.  

I have so enjoyed making things this year, and blogging, and Pinterest and blogger friends.  This has all been a God-send for me, as life has it's difficult times, and we all need something to help us get thru them.  This has all been relaxing, comforting and cozy for me.  Thank you to all who have given me inspiration and support.   I hope that I have been able to give a little inspiration to others, as well.  

Later......JO

Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays!

I have to share with you a most special gift sent to me by a treasured friend.  We don't see one another often, as she lives in Vermont, and I live in Arizona, but our friendship has endured.  My family lived in Vermont for about seven years until 1984, and I loved it.   For many years since we moved from Vermont, my friend, Gayla, sent us a fresh Vermont wreath at Christmastime.  For the last few years, she hasn't sent one for whatever reasons, but I understood.  But this year, I was surprised to see a flat box, that looked like it might be a wreath, in my mail.  I can't tell you how excited I was.  I almost bought one for myself a week or so ago, but I smelled it, and it wasn't the same.  It hardly had any nice scent at all!  No, I just didn't want it.  

But yesterday, lo and behold, there was my wreath.  Simple, but beautiful, and it smelled sooooo good.  I stick my nose in it every time I go outside.  

Thank you, my friend!  You know me so well!  

Later.......JO

Back from TEA!

Hello again!

I'm back from tea!  What a wonderful time we had for the day!  We arrived a little early as we had been told that there was a Winter Festival going on in the immediate area today.  We walked around for about a half hour taking in the sights at various booths.  But we knew that tea was waiting, so we hurried over to the tea room.

 My niece and   

 I had been there  before, but the other two girls had not ever been to "tea",  so they really enjoyed the delights that were served, and the tea room itself.    

 

 We chose pretty hats for ourselves, took our time with tea, and even  took pictures for others, and had some taken for ourselves.   We all enjoyed it, and the girls decided that next time, they would invite their mothers, and a couple of neighbors.  So we are on in a month or so.  Yay!  

  

We even

 encountered a couple of folks who were going to be in the parade later, and they were kind enough to pose for us.  

My niece is my new partner for tea now, as she is my sister's daughter, and as such, the tea room is a special place to her, also.  

We rounded out the  day, with a walk around the festival booths, and taking photos of the tea room and the festival.  

It was 

a wonderful day, and by the way, the temperatures were in the high sixties for most of the day, so it was the loveliest of days all around.  While we were walking around, we saw this festive dog with his owner, and I couldn't resist asking him to pose for a photo.  

AND  I got to bring leftovers home, namely scones, jam, and clotted cream!  Ooooohhhh, be still my heart (and stomach), for it awaits in the fridge!   

LATER.........JO 

TEA!

Hello all!  And welcome to my little piece of the world!

I have soooo much to do, but today I am taking time off to go to tea!  At the English Rose Tea Room in Carefree, Az.

.i must get this blanket finished, as I have to mail it across the country, as well as other gifts, and the little tidbits need to be finished, too!, of course.  

But for now ......  TEA!  I am so excited, as they are having a Winter Festival, in Carefree as well today, so that will make it even nicer.  It's quite cool right now, about 42 degrees, but will warm up a little later.   So I'll be back with some photos and blabbering  about my tea with my niece and her friends.    later.......JO

Busy, busy, busy!

Oh, I have been busy!  You have too!  We are all busy at this time of year.  I haven't felt this happy about Christmas for a long time.  I am just having fun, and sharing all your blogs make me really appreciate the season.  I have very little family here that can get together, so I get together with all of you, virtually!  Thank you.  You have no idea how much my life has improved since I got involved in the blog world, and got back into crocheting and knitting.  

So first of all is the lovely little gifts I received from Stef at Crochetapy!  You know I love my tea, so that was nice, and the little folder for charge cards, or tea bags to carry with me is so cute.   The snowflakes reminded me of the snow that I miss from New England, so I loved all my gifts.   Thank you, Stephanie!  

 My good friend , Jeanette, had a birthday , so I whipped up this beautiful cowl for her, and guess what?!  When she got it, she called to say "what do I do with it?  She had never worn one, but she loves it now that I told her how to wear it.  She lives in Delaware where it is colder.   Happy Birthday, dear friend.  

 Next, I made this wonderful, delicious  vegetable chowder for dinner last nite.  Oh, it was so good.  I don't know where she got the recipe from, but my sister sent it to me years ago, before I lived in Arizona.  Now that it is winter here, albeit not like the winters I remember from New England, I keep soup as a regular on my menus at least once a week.  Everyone loves soup in the cooler days, don't they?  

And lastly, but not leastly, are my projects that I am working on.  I have several going.  Most are for gifts, so I am working on the ones that have to travel to their rightful owners before Christmas.   And now, Jeanette just called and asked me to make two cowls for gifts for her daughter and daughter in law.  Ooooeeee.  Now, I am busier!   My hubby has never seen me crochet this much, and he smiles as I work.  And I think I have made the yarn stores a bit richer!!!  I have bags and bags in my closet.  Hehe.   I will share pictures of finished projects after Christmas, hopefully.   

I lied about the lastly thing.  I have one more thing.  I would love to hear comments on my blog, if you are so inclined.  I so love hearing what you are doing, or if you enjoy my goings on, so I welcome you to jot me a short note if you can.  I appreciate all the comments.   

Take good care of yourselves, stay warm and cozy, happy hooking, and sewing, and crafting, AND  cooking and let us all remember the reason for Christmas!    Later.......   JO

One Down, One to Go

Well, that's one holiday down and one to go.  Thanksgiving was wonderful!   We had seven here altogether, and it was warm out, so we sat out on the patio quite a bit.  The food and the company was great.  We had contributions from my brother, brother-in-law, and niece;  all delicious!  We chatted, never got to dessert, as we were all too full, but everyone took some home, along with leftovers from the meal.  I always get a pretty large turkey, as everyone likes to take some home.

We talked over Christmas plans, and my niece and I decided on tea at our local tea shoppe very soon. That will be a very welcome break for me, and for her too, I think.  Tea!  I will be so happy.  We usually go to the antique shops nearby afterwards, so that adds to the pleasure of the day!

I've been working on quite a few projects, which I can't show until after the holiday, as it will spoil the surprise.  But I am almost finished with one grandaughter's blanket.  I'll lay it out tomorrow, and sew it together, then add the edging.  One down, one to go.  Now the grandson wants one, but he knows he is on a "waiting list".  lol.  

Will post a couple of photos tomorrow, if I can.  So busy, so busy!  Love it!  Good luck with your projects.  I'd love to hear what you are working on.  Drop me a line.  Take care, keep busy, take a break with tea, and we will see you .....Later.......JO

Thanksgiving and Heaven!

Hello and Happy Thanksgiving from my house to yours.  Let us all be grateful and thankful and full,of love, because we are so blessed.  For me, I am thankful for my hubby, my children, and grandchildren, all of my extended family, and my wonderful friends, some of whom I have had as friends for 50 plus years.  For my warm, comfortable home, for everything in nature, for sunshine, and for YARN!!!!  I am thankful that I can do these things, albeit with hindrances at times (Arthur..itis, mostly), knitting and crocheting and crafting, as they make me happy.

It's Heaven because today is my FAVORITE day of the year.  Even now, a big, plump turkey is in the oven, and the scents that are coming from the kitchen are heavenly!  My house still needs some picking up, and I need to get the leaves into the table, and set it, but I have plenty of time for that.  It's always a last minute rush getting the last minute things done, but I don't mind.  And by 6:00 this evening, I will be full, and EXHAUSTED!, but happy.  Family is coming, and we will have a wonderful dinner, some wine, much talking and planning for Christmas, and I will love every minute of it.  And we will have more memories to add to the many we have from years gone by and people gone, but not forgotten.  We always talk of memories.... Of mom and dad, our big family of seven boys and four girls, our childhood, and the Thanksgivings and Christmases when our parents filled our lives, and then when we gave memories to our children to pass down, hopefully, to their children.

Everything for dinner is coming along.  I made my pies yesterday, and the stuffing for the turkey, peeled and chopped the vegetables, and got all the dishes out.  We went out for subs, so that I would have a more restful evening, (thank you, honey),  and came back for some little apple turnovers and tea.  No fireplace to sit by, but we were together, and that's what counts.

I wish for you that you will take a few moments to reflect on how fortunate you are, despite whatever problems you have, and be thankful for the life God has given you!  May you have family and friends around you,  and seize the day!    Later.............JO

Santa's Elf

Hello......

I've been working like one of Santa's elves, like the rest of you.  Making decorations, gifts, etc.  I KNOW  I'm not going to get it all done in time for Christmas.  I should have started in July!  Next year, next year!  But it is so fun!   The squares above are for my grandaughter's blanket, which is coming along nicely.  Also, making hats, wristies, a Halloween bowl ( I know someone who LOVES Halloween),  some little bags, pot holders, washcloths, etc., etc. 

Yesterday was my football day, and both my teams won.. Hehe.  I made another batch of applesauce, and we had breakfast for dinner.  Scrambled eggs with cheese in them, (Vermont cheddar), and corned beef hash!  All favorites in this house.  It was a cold, damp, dreary day, as it has been for several days now, so I was cuddled up with a quilt, and my yarn, and crochet hook.  Fun day!!  

I really have to catch up with all the lovely posts you girls have put out there.  You all do such wonderful work, and photograph it so beautifully, you put mine to shame.  But that's ok.  You are my INSPIRATION!  Thank you.  

Back to work.  See you.......Later.......JO

Gorgeous, Beautiful, And Thank You, Lord!!

Hello, all!  A couple of days ago, my grandson woke me up at about 6 a.m., and said "Get up quick, you have got to see this".  Of course, since that was a day I did NOT have to take him to work, (his car is down), I was not a happy camper.  I wanted to sleep in!!!!  I went to the front door, following him,  in my pj's, and this is what we saw to our East.  I don't think I have ever seen anything like it.  My photos do not do it justice, because I am not a photographer, like some of you wonderful girls out there, but I grabbed my IPad, and took these before it went away.  

But isn't it gorgeous, anyway??  It certainly made my day.  I couldn't go back to sleep after that, I just kept looking at the photos.  The sky did change very quickly, but I still had my photos.  

So, I got up and made a cup of,tea, and got back to work on my gift for Stephanie, of Crochethapy, with whom I am participating in a swap.  I can't show you what I made her yet, cause it is on its way to her now, and I don't want to spoil it for her.  I really hope she likes it.  And I was so tickled to do it.  The swap, I mean.  I have never done anything like that before.  So that was fun.  

In the meantime, I am back to work on my grandaughter's blanket, which is coming along nicely, and I will be starting a few smaller projects also, as I like to work on different things at the same time.  Keeps me from getting bored ; keeps things interesting.  

And of course, I am getting ready for Thanksgiving, (My Very Favorite Holiday of the year, in case you didn't know!), as we are having eight for dinner including ourselves, and as you all know, it is a lot of work.  It is work that I love, tho.  I found Macintosh apples, which are usually found in the Northeast, but not found easily here.  So there will be apple pie, and mince meat pie, and pumpkin pie.  The first two I make myself, but I never make pumpkin.  I don't know why,  I just don't.  So my brother-in-law gets it for me at Costco. 

So that's what I have been doing.  And I am counting my Blessings, as I have so much to be thankful for, such as that beautiful sunrise.  I'll see you......Later.......JO

So Sorry!

I'm so sorry I posted about the dark day.  But you know, I just let it slip away.  Sometimes, it's not that easy, but yesterday, I crocheted, cooked a little, watched football and after awhile, I was feeling much better.  I hate bad dreams.  They can sure spoil a mood.

Anyway, in better news, I won a contest over at Crochetapy for her blogaversary/swap.  So now I am frantically looking for something to send her.  No, not really.  I have a couple of ideas, and I am working on them.  I thought about that yesterday;  how nice it was to win a nice little thing like that, and how nice it is to have blogger "friends".   I am so glad I started blogging and I am so glad to have all these interesting blogs to read.  I love seeing what all of you are doing, what projects you are working on, and what ideas you share.  Thank You!

So I am working on some things to swap with Stef, and working on some things for Christmas gifts, and some things that are just plain fun!  So I will see you all .......   Later........JO

'Ya think?

Hi all!   

I'm sitting out on the patio.  There is such a nice breeze today that I actually hear it rustling through the orange trees.  The oranges and grapefruit are ripening slowly and should be ready about the end of  December into January, by the way.  This is my latest WIP, which I am making for my grandaughter, who is in her second year of college.  

 So today, I thought I would take a little ME time, and work out here all by my lonesome.  It's so nice out here.  I don't know why I don't do this more often.  Those first two pics are from yesterday, when I was sitting on the bed working and watching tv with hubby, and having one of my favorite snacks.  An apple; oh, and a couple of marshmallows.

Anyway, I digress.  I was sitting here today crocheting and thinking.  Crocheting is a very contemplative time, I find.  I was thinking of my granddaughter, then my mind wandered to what I might make for dinner.  I found this recipe (from Better Homes and Gardens magazine), but I guess the recipe came from Recipe.com.  It's a great quick meal to make and I serve the meatballs with rice and a veggie.  Mmmmmmm!
Well, I got to thinking - I wonder what all of you think about while you are crocheting, or knitting, or sewing.  I think of all sorts of things, probably like you do.  I wonder how long it is going to take me to make this blanket, and will I get all my gifts made in time for Christmas, and I wonder how my daughter is doing.  What am I going to make for her?  And I think of your blogs, your WIP's, your walks on the beach or in the woods, or just down the lane.  All sorts of things.  But it is calming.  I don't worry.  I think about happy things.  Crocheting gives me that.  Does it do that for you?  What do you think about?  

Well, that's what I was thinking about.  We'll see you .......Later.......JO

Two Days Away!

Oh my goodness, we got to spend two days away in Tucson, Arizona!  This is rare for us, as health problems for the hubby prevent us from traveling much, even as close as Tucson.  But I was itching to get away for a couple of days, and I talked him into going, got everything ready and in order to make it as comfortable as possible, and I must say, he was a trooper.  

We travelled for about three hours, with several stops in between, and to tell the truth, there isn't much to see on the way down there, so that was just traveling.  But we talked and decided what we'd do once we got there.  I had researched a few hotels, B & B's, and we had kind of decided on the Hacienda Del Sol.  

It was a little pricey (for us), but we were only staying one night, so we said "What the heck!"  We really loved the place.  There was a beautiful fireplace that we almost fell asleep in front of that night, and a wonderful library full of very old books.  

Hubby wasn't feeling that well that evening, so we stayed in, had dinner there, which was scrumptious.  Apparently, the restaurant there has been recognized as one of the finest in Arizona.  

I did get a few photos in the evening, but it was too dark for good photos.  In the morning when we awoke, the sun was coming in thru the blinds, and made me smile, as I don't have a window in my bedroom at home.  I love to see the sunshine coming in in the morning.  Notice the old radiators in the room and the beautiful desk.  

As I said, this is a very old establishment, built in or before 1929 , open as a college preparatory school with only 28 girls, and names like Vanderbilt, Spalding, Westinghouse, etc. attending.  It wasn't until 1948 that it was opened as a guest ranch, and later visited by such celebrities as John Wayne, Spencer Tracy, Clark Gable, and Katherine Hepburn.  In 1995, having been somewhat neglected for many years, it was purchased by Tucson investors, who have spent considerable time refurbishing it to its former glory, yet keeping to the true character of the ranch.   It is very Southwest, and is magnificent in its design, color, and comfort.  We really enjoyed it and would go there again.  We loved the idea of all the history involved.  The landscaping was beautiful, with cactus, flowers, trees, and yard art.  I enjoyed walking around and taking photos.  

The second day, we climbed (with the car) to about halfway up to Mt. Lemmon in the Catalina Mountains.  It went to about 9000 ft., but we only went to about the 6500 mark, and hubby was having a little trouble with his breathing, so we turned around and came back.  The views from up there were absolutely breathtaking, you could see mountain tops off in the distance, and even see the windy road we had come up, below us.  The rock formations were interesting and we stopped several times to see them.

We had found a nice little cafe to have breakfast earlier, that we will definitely go to next time we go down, and I had a wonderful Cafe' Au Lait there.  MMMMMMMM!   Later, we just shared an apple, and another on the way home!  

 We checked out a bed and breakfast place, that was very near the mountains, where we might like to stay next time, maybe in the Spring.  

We went down there, in particular, because I wanted to see some fall color, which, sadly, there was very little of!  

But all in all, it was a very nice trip.  Next time, we would like to see more of,the Catalina Mountains, in a different area, tho, and we would like to go the San Xavier Mission, which is of course, a very old mission there that is beautiful.  So that gives us something to look forward to!  

And, would you believe, I brought my crochet, but never even touched it.  There just wasn't time!  But that's ok, as I have time now.  

My granddaughters have both given me a few ideas of what to make for them for Christmas, so those are projects that will be coming up, as well as something for their Mom.  But they will have to wait for...........Later........JO

Oh by the way, look at this old piece of wood in the middle of the screen door, and the knotholes in it.  I found it fascinating!  And I loved the blue trim on the windows and the blue bush in front.  So pretty. xxoo

Yard sales, Crocheting and a Leaf!

So, I've been to a few yard sales lately, and my hubby was with me one day, and HE actually found these blue white porcelain things for me, that is the two on the right.  He doesn't usually go to yard sales with me, but on this particular day, he saw these two and pointed them out to me, as I have two larger windmills a lot like this one, and then I loved the Dutch lady, so he bought me both!  $5.  The house I had found a few days before for $1.  Aren't they just the cutest!!   They aren't very tall, maybe four inches.  I love yard sales.

Today, I went to a couple of yard sales and got some fabric, for 25 cents apiece, small pieces, maybe a half yard or a yard, but nice for lining a purse, or backing for a crocheted pillow, etc., and I got this pitcher for $2.   I love the pitcher with the pretty flowers.  Wouldn't it be pretty in the Spring all filled with yellow, pink, and green flowers!  That's what I thought of as soon as I saw it.

                    

Finally, I have put together and fInished off my green blanket.  I think it would be nice for a little boy's room, or a lap blanket.  It is not large, just the size for a little boy.  

I love how it came out.  And I am glad it is 

finally finished.  It was fun making it, and thinking of some little boy snuggled in it someday.    Now onto another project.  Must start doing Christmas gifts, because before I know it, Christmas will be here.  First, Thanksgiving, because that is my very favorite holiday.  I've been doing my planning.  

One last thing is the leaf I picked up today,  outside the nursing home, where I visited my brother-in-law's mother, who is 92.  As I came out, I found this pretty little leaf on the sidewalk.  I don't know what kind of a tree it was, as I am not that familiar with Arizona trees.  On Monday, hubby and I are taking a two day trip down Tucson way, to do a little leaf peeping, as I understand the colors are about at peak there.  And I'd like to go in the woods, and collect some leaves, berries, and a few branches.  I miss not being able to go out and walk in the woods, so it will be fun if I can do that even for 15 minutes.  Hubby was not really that keen on going, as he can't walk with me and he worries that he won't feel well, and will spoil my outing.  But I am very observant of him when we do these things, and we will do ok.  He enjoys it once he goes, but he is a worrier now that he is unwell and older.  He was sweet to agree to go, as he knows I don't get to do these things nearly as often as I'd like to.  We will take it slow and do what we can manage.  

So I hope you are enjoying Fall as much as I am.  HAPPY NOVEMBER!  Be well and happy.  And we will talk more......Later......JO

Tea, Crochet, Football and Baseball

Yes, this is a full day!  First, there was TEA!  How I love tea!  There were several others there at our virtual tea party hosted by  MUM of  mumssimplyliving@blogspot.com.  A big Thank You to her for organizing this wonderful day, having fun together, and learning from one another.  This is what mine started out looking like.

As the day wore on, we ate most of our little goodies, and drank tea, hubby & me.  So this what it looks like now.  We did save some goodies for Noah when he gets home from work.  

I'm full    from all that food, so now I am     making applesauce.  Yes, I finally bought some apples to make applesauce.  If this comes out good, then I will make more.  It's kind of expensive, but I don't care.  I want homemade applesauce, and I WILL have it!        

So now that is all done, now there is football, baseball layer, and crocheting in the meantime.  Actually, I'm putting together this green blanket that I started awhile ago.  And then I have to put the baby blanket together, too, as all the pieces are ready for that.  So let me go enjoy the rest of this day!  Love you all, and welcome your comments and visits.  Thank you for listening to me!   lol.  Later.....JO 

      

 

 OH,  yes, I am sorry, but there are more pictures here than I intended, and I can't get them off.  xxoo