Another Year, Another Challenge

•   The first challenge for this new year—remembering to write 2022!!  Seems just like yesterday we were writing 2021--time does fly for sure--especially when you get older and you want time to slow down!
• Challenge #2 finish up one knitting project from 2019--Japanese Sampler Scarf--I know!  I know! it's about time.  For some reason, I lost interest in knitting this after clue 2 and it just sat to 'age'! 
• Challenge #3--finish at least one quilt that was begun and again 'aged'!  All the pieces are there, ready to be sewn into a quilt top!  Just need to get to it--what does it mean to get to it?!  There I go again--procrasting!  
• Challenge #4--Write more blog enteries--well, in order to do that, I must have more opportunities and seek more insights into blog writing.  We'll see if that happens.
• Challenge #5--Do Not begin a new project until Challenge #2 or #3 have been completed!!!!
• Challenge #6--Be prepared for anything that gets thrown into my path--good, bad, ugly!
• Challenge #7--Chose One word that will emphasize my daily life and use that word every day!

Is this a good motivation photo?

Wrapping up This month!

 One of my friend's birthday is January 1--can you believe?   But, we have a way of celebrating--we close out the old year by attending the ball drop in our neighborhood plaze--and then, if it isn't too cold, we have a birthday party minute after midnight on January 1--always fun to have cake and champage in the same hour

• It’s also time to work on my gifts for friends—since we ddidn’t meet in December, it gave me extra time to decide what to make. 
• Since most of my friends are quilters, I decided on pincushions—who can’t use another pincushion?

I had handwoven fabric with handspun weft--no intended purpose--ah!  I have an idea!

I had scrap pieces of wool fiber--not going to spin that stuff

and I had these milkware pieces from my mother's estate--wasn't going to use themandand no family member wanted them==been in

my pantry for years and no occassion to bring them out anyway.

So--I cut into my handwoven, handspun fabric to make circle, stuffed with the leftover wool bits, sewed it up and ta da--pincushions!  Hope they like them.

Now, if only I could think of someway to use the milkware plates that came with the cups.

Boxing Day 2021! Another QAL

 My photo of the day is Leftover Cookies!

Boxing Day got its name when Queen Victoria was on the throne in the 1800s and has nothing to do with the sport of boxing.

The name comes from a time when the rich used to box up gifts to give to the poor.

Boxing Day was traditionally a day off for servants, and the day when they received a special Christmas box from their masters.

The servants would also go home on Boxing Day to give Christmas boxes to their families.

Another way to end 2021 and begin 2022– is with a mystery by Jessica Dayon!  Each week Jessica will release a scrappy block, which I'll enjoy as my scrap bin is overflowing!  Jessicain.blogspot

Merry Christmas!!

Holy Moley!

 Would you look at me!!  For a couple of days, my energy level went up--couldn't be because I looked at all those blocks and thought "something must be done--soon"!  

I took all those unconnected blocks and built a quilt top--just needs some borders, little quilting and binding and someone will have a nice warm welcome to the cold weather!

The larger blocks were from three QALs and the smaller blocks were from another SAL--I have the

small connecting blocks already--don't know why I had these all made--am hoping it wasn't for a much larger quilt that I've forgotten about.

Here is another one that I took large blocks from two other SALs and combined them

liked the sashing and might add it to the borders but right now, it's resting and I'm thinking on it!

My summer quilt is complete except for the quilting--comes in January when I get back to the long arm.

Brown headed daughter has already spoken for this one--darn!  Was looking forward to using this for spring and summer--I have many more scraps, so I can make something else--hate repeating!

I feel so much better that I created something useful from all those QAL/SAL blocks--It's a great feeling to have that lifted off my shoulders.  Onto other challenges--

Rehashing 2021###

 The year begins all gung-Ho—only started about 5 or 6 different sew alongs—tried to keep up!  All was going well and then...................pouf! By end of October, All the drive was gone!  Now I have so many unconnected blocks.  Of course, I could finish up the quilt alongs—naw—don’t think that will happen.  Besides, another year is just around the corner and several new QALs will be available.  What should I do?  Besides, I am woman! And I have the right to change my mind!

But, Which way will I change my mindset? The brain is running in twenty different ways. I know I will NOT discard all these blocks I've been working on the past few months and I want to be ready for 2022 and the new QAL's that will pop up.  I know I'll be wanting to make new UFOs and my energy will return after the holidays.  

Should I continue writing this blog?  Although, I think I’ll pause the blog, it’s about the only way I can keep up with ME!  I can look back to see what projects I did complete or have waiting in the wings.  It’s a measure of time in one way—recently I looked back on my blogs.. 2009 I found a hat pattern that I had forgotten about!!  Oh wow!  It’s been many years of writing! 

Many years ago I did a 365 projects of photos—a journal of daily life.  Beginning in 2022. I plan to embark on this project again.  Some or many of the photos will upload to the blog. A different way to write when there isn’t much to say. 

I pray that you will have a thoughtful rehashing of your 2021 and make a new start in 2022.  I have high hopes and plans to make it a good year!

Memories Path

Our tree is up and so beautiful!

I do miss the real tree and the aroma of fresh spruce; 

Couple years ago after our real tree fell over, some precious ornaments broke,  many pine needles went everywhere, I threw up my hands and said “enough”!  Promptly marched to Costco and bought that unreal tree—I really do miss the outings to the tree lot to pick out the perfect tree! Oh well......

  Everyone decorates with memories!  Now, that our kids are grown and out of the house, I don't put up those little ornaments they made in school art class but I still take them out of the box and think about the kid and how they were so proud to add it to the tree--

the santa made from a toilet paper roll

the wreath from cotton balls

popsicle stick tree

macaroni ornaments

Each in their own right a memory of their days as children!

Now, that we make our own memories as senior adults, it isn't different for us

Each precious ornament holds a special memory!

So, we cherish those times when we found that memory and added it to our lives.

Years ago when we lived in Venzeula, we would visit an artist community outside of 

Puerto La Cruz--loved those trips!  We visited this artist many times and have several of

her pieces in our collection.  When she learned we were moving back to the states, she pressed this into my hand, gave me a big hug and 

smiled.  I didn't speak much Spanish or she much English, but we knew what this gift meant to her and me!  I'll always be honored with her gift.

  I don't remember her name or the name of the art community,

but I certainly will always remember her kindness.  

She made this lovely angel with clay from their region.  Her hands

sculptured each line with love.  Each year it brings joy to our display case as I

think of her and her metal artist husband--think of them often and wonder what

as become of them in that tormented country.  and I pray!

This is another prize memory--Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus.

I bought several of these sets for family--hoping they can remember the 

meaning behind Christmas and how it should be celebrated. 

And of course, this nativity set made by my Granny back in the 1970's is

special--very special in my heart!  

What memories do you hold dear as you bring out your treasures?

 

Baking? Cooking? OR

 Sure, I'd rather be quilting or sewing or weaving or knitting or spinning, but there is that kitchen that keeps calling me--'come bake'! 'come cook'! "come clean the dishes!" and then there is the call "What's for dinner?"  Didn't we just eat couple of hours ago?  Well, guess what?!! It's leftovers===again!!

There is still leftover turkey in the freezer and hubby's homemade veggie soup in the refrigerator--but, we just had that last night and the night before with a turkey sandwich (just how many ways can you use leftover turkey and not go crazy?)  Maybe, next Thanksgiving we'll get a much smaller bird or just have something completely different--like tofu turkey!  Bet that will go over big!!

Anyway, since the refrigerator gets so crowded with all sorts of holiday goodness, it was time to take a peek of what's behind those bottles- more leftovers!  Here we go--

Brussels sprouts are languishing and we don't like just plain sprouts--so I made Bacon jam!  Delish on sprouts and almost everything--of course, it puts me back in the kitchen--really like this recipe

Then there are these small tomatoes that are going really soft--made tomato jam!

Yummy tomato jam!

Back to whatever I was doing before the kitchen called.....................

Nuts To You!!

Okay!  I’ve found the perfect thing that adds to any party—hence, nuts to you!  Recently, we attended a wine tasting and this dish was a hit!  

Mixed nuts with rosemary—simple to make, easy to eat!  Here's the

recipe:

3 Tbsp of unsalted butter, melted in pan; add 1 Tbsp. dried rosemary, chopped;

1/5 tsp. salt; 1/2 tsp cayenne or to taste;  stir to incorporate herb flavor--

then

3 cups of mixed nuts (pecans, cashews, etc.

pour onto baking sheet

bake 10 minutes stirring often--

cool! EAT

Yummy! Delicious!

For another tasty snack--

1/2 lbs. almonds

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 T papricka, cayenne, cinnamon, coffee (Yes, coffee), cocoa

1/8 cup brandy

200degrees for two hours (leave door cracked with wooden spoon)

toss immediately after taking out.

cool completely before serving!

Tasty Spiced Snacking Nuts

And now for our son's favorite!

Healthy Spiced Nuts

Happy ‘nuts to you’ cooking! 

Hallmark Bingo Anyone?

We’re playing Hallmark bingo!  Since we all live in different areas of the country—this is one way the gals in the family have fun this time of year.  We played last year and enjoyed the competition so much we’re doing it again.  We tweaked the rules some from last year—only one card—start day after Thanksgiving-blackout card wins—and it must be only Hallmark Christmas movies.  You can pre record,  so I’ve got my cuppa, sitting in my favorite comfy chair, pen handy to name the movie that fits the square.  

I’m even wearing my Hallmark Christmas movie watching shirt!

You might want to sort through several cards before you choose from one of the many generator sites.  I think I made a good choice after perusing several cards before I printed it off. 

When you find something in the movie from your card, you write the name of movie in that square. I keep a clean card with a copy to write on.  So far, I have crossed off five squares—middle square is free, of course! 

Reward? You ask—Besides taunting our fellow players——$5 from each player if you are first with full card.   This season,  two of our friends inquired if they could participate—of course—be prepared to lose though—we’re pros!!
 Here is my card: 

Of course, by day three of Hallmark Christmas movie watching, I'm burnt out! 

and still, I'll keep watching with half a eye to find that interrupted kiss or ski resort that

needs to be saved!

December!!

 Ahh, December!  What is December besides the last month of 2021 and December 1 is our granddaughter's birthday!  We begin to panic December 1 when our shopping isn't finished, meals aren’t planned, gifts aren't made--Oh, I meant to begin that last January but life got in the way and the days ticked by--swiftly!! 

 We know that Christmas is celebrated in the month of December--BUT, most likely the reason for our celebration--Jesus' birth-- didn't really happen in the month of December--

It is not believed Jesus was born on the day Christmas is globally celebrated. Instead, Christmas was chosen as a convenient celebratory day on the same day of a pagan holiday that celebrated the winter solstice, according to The History Channel.

None the less, if you believe, then it's a beautiful story for you and me, no matter what month Jesus was born.

On a secular note--there is a calendar for national day of:--today, December 2 is 

• National Fritters Day
• National Mutt Day
• Special Education Day 

So, if you are ever bored and want to know what to do on what day--look it up on the above calendar--always something to think about on that special day!

 

Another thing to do daily is countdown to Christmas! Each day December 1-26 from Moda! 

Making lists is another prority for December!  List of cards to be sent out; list for foods to buy; list of gifts to buy; list of events; list of times to shuffle to the airport; list of lists!!

Sometimes, we need to take time to sit and reflect on what we are doing in our lives--is it necessary to panic--nope!  it will all get done one way or the other!  no need to place extra burdens on our weary minds or bodies--if, it doesn’t get done, so What?

okay, I"m off to begin knitting those darn socks that I should have started days ago!! 

While My ears are listening to Book of Revelation on The Bible REcap off Podbean--look for the app on your device;  if you didn't think there was stress enough, listening to Book of Revelation is another thing!!