Quiet???? and Christmas stuff

Terrible....where does the time go? EXCEPT I needed gifts for my dozen or so volunteer receptionists, and I made each one a bookmark...hemstitched linen with a small cross-stitch motif. So far I've given out four of them, and the ladies LOVE them, which is very heartening. I made a dozen different ones, no two alike, and tell each recipient that if the gift they choose (they are wrapped identically) doesn't suit them, they can "trade back" once for a different design. So far, nobody's done that. Designs are assorted - butterflies, angels, animals, ladies (a Shepherd's Bush lady and a colonial sampler-type lady), flowers, geometric.

I've done NOTHING yet for family or friends/neighbors. Hope to get that organized and underway this weekend! Well, other than a very few (five?) stitchy ornaments.

Sue

I have two orni's ready to be finished....and they still aren't finished. I did get the Xmas placemats and some of the Xmas napkins ironed but.....so much to do. I did print out a calendar of Dec to plan out cookie baking, etc. and got all the ingredients but... Of course if I would put that my new Kindle Touch away maybe I'd get things done.

Nancy

I'm farther along than usual but no tree yet! We'll probably find a tree this weekend but, with two cats in the house (1 1/2 & 2 1/2 years old) who have never seen a Christmas Tree, I'm not sure how I'll decorate it. Some of the older, handmade ornaments will will have to be put away for a few years - Little Twerp EATS things she shouldn't!

- but, since I have enough ornaments for several trees and only room for one, it won't, by any means, be empty! :-) I may even get the Christmas cards out but, since I need stamps & can't afford them until next Wednesday, it may be the following weekend before they go out. :-)

I started right after Xmas last year and have completed crocheting five afghans and knitting nearly 20 pairs of socks. I have become tired of the ever expanding circle of people wanting socks so have been teaching some young 'uns.

They came here last Sunday, for me to find out, amongst them only my daughter had ever knitted anything. We carried on, I can't see that starting with the normal scarf is that exciting anyway. They are coming back this Sunday with promises they will have reached the heel flap. They seem driven types, so maybe. After that they can swing past if in difficulties.

I am not overly fond of people, when in company, texting, however one of the girls told a funny story. She gives in and visits with her boyfriends father and stepmother. Stepmother is strange to say the least. Last time she went she made him promise he would not take off outside with his father but stick around. He goes off as usual and stepmother strips to show her the scars from her boob surgery, tummy tuck and derriere lift.

She excuses herself, goes to the bathroom and from there texts her boyfriend saying "YOU GET BACK IN HERE!!" - we thought it was funny and probably the best use for texting we have heard.

There's a Harry & David store in the Las Vegas area; maybe you can stop & pick up some pears to eat while you're there! :-)

I finally have a quiet moment - I don't go into work until 2 today. Already have the dishwasher going along with the laundry.

I feel like I'm either at work, going/leaving work or asleep on the couch.

I'm on the last of the 6 penguin ornies - might actually have them all finished for the 25th. And get to start them all over again for the "penguin posse".

Did a lot of online shopping this year just because it was easier. Did take DD out for an evening and helped her shop for friends, big brother and Daddy.

Did carve out an hour or so to see Margaret St. John a few nights ago and ate supper together. We gave each other (totally unplanned) garden stakes. Her's is a flamingo, I got one that says Ladybug Lane. Spoke to Gill on the phone recently. Twas nice.

Still have one or two presents to get - forgot to get my neighbor an new ornament at the bird store. And boxes of candy for the parents of friends of DD. We seem to be sharing daughters. And a few to find and mail. Those will be late this year.

DS is home from school, just in time to mail his license back to the state for 45 days. Maybe this will take the lead out of his foot.

Hugs - love you all

I like that girl...

She's a go-getter type lol

They came back last Sunday and had all dutifully knitted to the end of the heel flap ready to turn the heel. When they left, they were round and heading for the heel.

Will the first pair be perfect ? No, but at least as good as a scarf or the dish cloth my g-granddaughter knitted for me. They are all talking about their subsequent pairs of socks, so I rate it a success and if anyone else is teaching, maybe it's a pointer to start with something useful/interesting in order to inspire.

That was really funny and it was great seeing you. Thanks for coming down. I came down with a nasty cold Friday so I spent the weekend resting. I am so behind. It's going to be a very long night getting the packing , wrapping, etc done. We leave when I get home tomorrow night. I hope the cat sitter doesn't intend to stay long tonight. I haven't seen him for a while, so I'd love to have a nice visit but can't. I'll visit with him after we get back. My project I was making for a Christmas present for DH's Aunt is going to be a present next year. The quilted wall hanging of baby dragons that Cheryl helped me with is complete. So at least one stitched item is going to be unwrapped this year. Thanks again Cheryl for all your help. Yes I'll take a pic and post it after Christmas.

-Margaret in MA