Rounding out 2025

As 2025 winds down, my body and mind are reviewing the year.  Every year, we always think the days flew by quicker than last year—does time really speed up as you grow older? 

It was a busy year for us!  My brother said he was bored and didn’t know what to do with his days.  Sad! 

Our days are so full, I long for the rocking chair at times—peace to sit and do nothing!!  Well, actually I can not do nothing—my hands need to be knitting!  Or spinning! 

During the year, I enjoyed many lattes in my favorite cups—during holiday season, my cup is Mrs Claus

This morning my latest knitting adventure is November’s Jane Austin socks—yes, of course, I’m late—soon, this will be completed—just toe section to finish.  Finishing the toe is always a hassle!  That Kitchener stitch is a Problem for me!  I lay open the grafting plan and begin—off to a good start— then someone asks a question or makes a comment and ………….I’m lost.  There needs to be a better way to close that toe if you knit top down!! Maybe, I’ll do toe up from now on!!

This isn’t entirely true!  There is a long list of wonderful things I want to do!  I promise myself NOT to begin a new UFO—let’s finish up some UFOs!  

What should be started first?  

How about FLG (fingerless gloves)?  Haven’t knit those in a while.  Pick a pattern….

I’ve found a way to use my handspun

Silk blend yarn;  it has been aging for years!  I like the whole color look—besides, 

I’m 2 lazy to search for small amounts of yarn!  Maybe for next pair will be different yarns. 

I like using my short needles! 

Working second mitt on two circulars

One UFO down

Using my hand spun silk yarns on Advent socks designed by Becky Greene, Christmas Tea Party. 

I wasn’t sure that the silk yarns would work for this pattern—I was sure wrong!  

 

 

Holiday Foods!

 What is it about holiday foods?   All those goodies you consume or if you have good will power to just look at!  Braver person than me! 

Let's talk veggies first-- are you a Brussel Sprouts person?  I wasn't for the longest time until our son turned us onto delicious sprouts with bacon jam!  Oh My!  Make the sprouts crispy and mix in bacon jam--you'll love it!

How do you feel about spinach?  If you live in Louisiana or eat like Louisianan, then this dish is on your menu for the holidays.  It is perfection for spinach lovers.

This is the first recipe from River Road Recipes and now an updated recipe

And how about that turkey stuffing!  I love a good cornbread dressing.  My mother in law always made oyster dressing--I didn't like it much. not that I don't like oysters but she used soda crackers as the base.  I'd rather have oysters on the half shell or in a bisque

speaking of bisques here's one of our favorites that is usually served on Christmas Eve

Crab Bisque!!

Recipe

Serve this with French bread!  

If you live in Texas, then you're ready for Tamales!  and Pozole!  

My granny made a 'mean' pozole!  I've never made it but sister in law makes a fairly decent Pozole.

Recipe

Tamales take a village to make!  Most often tamales are made after deer season so venison is the meat of choice.  Love Tamales!!  We wait till our friends gift us a couple dozen tamales.  It isn't Christmas till you have tamales!

Whatever your tradition during the holidays, it will be a merry time!!

Just Breathe!

I keep looking at all these wonderful projects that I can work on—supposedly during Advent.  

Alas! There is no way—I tell myself “ just breathe!

These projects will be waiting in the New Year to tackle. 

This looks so fun!  Small items use small scraps—IF this is completed in January—I’ll be ready for Christmas 26!!

This is after Christmas —thank goodness! 

Christmas socks?  Oh yes! Please!  Next year! 

More Socks!  Just Breathe!!

Just Breathe!

I did start Advent hat—just knitting to keep my fingers busy—no time to nibble on cookies when you are busy!!

Did you know that knitting uses 32 muscles?!

And you can burn 100 calories an hour crocheting—which burns more calories than knitting!  

Deep Breathes!

 

Feeling The season!

  I had hopesthat I 

would be working on these projects for Advent.  The stitchery  looked so doable!  Alas, I didn't even get it copied to fabric or add yarn to my needles for the hat.

   Instead, we have been busy with family activities--my Florida brother/spouse are coming  so he can preach one Sunday at our Cowboy church.  So various family members from far and wide want to attend to hear his message.  We arranged extra lodging and meal planning is in the works to feed ? people!  

House is decorated!!  That's a good thing! 

The tree is bright and shinning

Our wooden shoes from Netherlands placed nearby

Our little Gnome from Norway has a perfect location

Our Mary with baby Jesus ride a donkey led by Joseph--

hand fashioned clay structures from our years in Venezuela

Every chance we ventured to the little art community outside of Puerto la Cruz to

visit with the artists there.  Since we have moved, have no idea if the area is surviving

Festive garland hovers over the photos of our favorite great grandsons.

The house was blessed yesterday as the small hands busied themselves assisting me with the nativity set, which was made by my Granny( their great great great grandmother) in 1970;s.  They did their best to display the scene in their own way.

All the animals are placed in the stable with Mary-- seems logical in their eyes; 

with the other players in the Nativity scene lined up in proper fashion!  Baby Jesus is ouside the boundary till Christmas morning.

I will not change a thing or rearrange--

Family is Christmas!!