Winter

 Now that Christmas is over, I have seen several variations on "Christmas is done, now it's time for summer."  But not for me!  The year we got married, I developed a lasting appreciation for winter.  Since we got married in December, fall was full of fun activities, followed by our wedding, honeymoon, then David's niece's wedding.  It was a wonderful time, but instead of feeling let down in January when all the activity stopped, I found that the quiet was peaceful and restful.

To kick off this season of  rest, I took off the days between Christmas and New Year off.  The dogs and I have really enjoyed it!

I made America's Test Kitchen's Dream biscuits, which turned out HUGE but were pretty good!

I finished this 'winter lamb' hooked rug for Mom for Christmas.

What could be more "2020" than toilet paper and paper towels with bows?  Festive AND useful!

Christmas day was really cold, but the day after was downright balmy.  The dogs enjoyed splashing in the lake and then drying in the sun.

The dogs and I have logged a lot of time snuggling on the sofa, napping and rug hooking.

Since I've been taking Christmas decorations down, it's nice to have something fun to fill some of those places.  This Frosty will keep an eye on us through the winter.

The dogs don't realize it yet, but they're going to be sad when I go back to work!  I'm loving this time at home!

Christmas Tour 2020

 I really enjoy our house at Christmas, and realized I hadn't taken many pictures the last few years. so here's an updated tour.  Welcome!  

Some favorites in the kitchen are the sign above the stove and the "believe" towel on the cabinet door.

I also like this crock shelf with the feather tree with oranges and gingerbread men.  The Santa is new to our house this year and was a gift from Todd.  He belonged to Todd's mom.  

Next up we head to the dining room, where the big tree has lived most Christmases that we have lived here.  I believe this is its 17th Christmas!  It's on its third of fourth set of lights, but I just haven't found one I like as much!

Santa on the TV cabinet is one of my favorite decorations.  He's also been around for about 17 Christmases.  Time flies when you're having fun!

I like this view from the living room back into the dining room.

I like the color that the quilt from my Quilting 100 class has brought to the living room.  The pups and I have enjoyed snuggling up with it also! 

Now down the hallway and past the Santa mug collection.  I don't think I have room for even one more Santa, but I enjoy them!

From there, into the Snoopy room.  It's fun to keep an eye out for Peanuts ornaments in flea markets.

This is the only tree in the house with multi colored lights, and it's a fun addition.  

At the top of the stairs, we find a simple tree decorated with cranberry bead garland, dried oranges, homemade gingerbread men, and has a simple tin star on the top.

Old toys decorate this hallway with a few Christmas books added this time of year.

Down the hall to what has become one of my favorite rooms in the house - the guest room turned sewing room.

The ceramic trees have made a big comeback, but this has been around since these were popular the first time.  It was a gift to my mom from her dad and stepmom, and now it's on permanent loan to me. :)

Fletcher was a big help with the pictures!  This has been a good place for sewing and Christmas crafting.

The snowman was a gift from our realtor the first Christmas we lived here.  I think he is neat!

Since the dresser was replaced by a sewing table, this tree needed a new spot.  I was glad that this stool was up in the attice, and it was the perfect spot!

I don't have much Christmas in our master bedroom, but I do like this little scene with the pear tree and a Santa next to a house that is there all the time.

That is it for Christmas tour 2020!  It's a lot of work to put up and take down, but I sure enjoy it!

Crafty

 I'm not sure whether it is the pandemic, or my age, or what, but I am sure enjoying this season of making things.  I think of it as practicing for retirement. :)  

I'm working on a wall hanging.  I started it at around 5:00 last night.  Had I not spent most of the day lounging on the couch, I think it would be finished.  It's not perfect, but I'm happy with how it's coming together.

I have some squares of fabric that belonged to my Grandmother.  I'm not sure exactly what her project was, but I used them to make the very blue little table runner above and the table mat in browns below.

Triangles are more difficult than I expected!  I could use some more practice there.

Hooked rug #3 was a gift for my mom.  I love the tan saltbox.