Christmas Around the House- In Bits and Pieces

Aside from doing some last minute rug hooking, Christmas is wrapped up and decorated! It was slow coming this year and I have no idea why. I feel like I have forgotten something but that might just be the eggs I need to buy. 

My approach to decorating this year was to pull items from the Christmas storage tubs and decide if and where to place them. I had no plan and no theme. I mostly use the same items every year but, of all the items in the tubs, I don't use more than I do use. This means a lot of the stuff should probably go. But, it is all sentimental so I wrap it back up and put it away for another year. 

A friend came for lunch yesterday. We stayed at the table and chatted for four hours. She lost her husband suddenly this year and we have made a point to get together more often. She enjoyed the bits of Christmas I had up around the house, especially the lighted village. She is an artist and has been keenly interested in my rug hooking. She went as far as to purchase linen backing and told me she plans to design a rug for me to hook. I only hope I can do it justice.

 

The sleigh is another hand-me-down from my late aunt and uncle.

Decorating is mostly about putting greenery everywhere.

And the winter rugs and embroideries are hung.

This rug is in the guest bathroom. Yes, we may stand on it. : )

The choir candles were my mom's. The snowman mug was made by my Aunt Isabelle and given to me when I was two and a half years old. I still remember the moment I received it.

The Christmas Tree

 Regardless of the disarray around the house, I got the Christmas tree decorated. There was no fanfare, no music, no cookies, no helpers. It simply got done. A pause occurred when I drove down to the post office and another when I prepared some dinner. It started as a chore and ended up, as Christmas trees always do, magical. 

 

This plastic snowman and strands of mercury beads belonged to my Uncle Dan and Aunt Catherine. I was given them in the 1980's when they passed away. I treasure them so much that I began searching for old ornaments ever since. They remind me of the Christmases of my childhood.

This is one of the ugliest artificial tree I have ever seen. I recall the disappointment I felt when I opened my box from Balsam Hill three years ago. It is pure plastic. HOWEVER, the Charlie Brown Christmas Tree magic is real. We love this tree in our bedroom.

Colonial Williamsburg, VA

 Three days after the family left from our Thanksgiving gathering, we got on the road with our friends Tim and Kay for a long weekend in Colonial Williamsburg. It was a scramble to get away. Those three days before we left were packed with laundry, meetings, and two Christmas parties. We had to leave the Christmas tree outside in a tub of water and forego any decorating for the time being. It was a mad rush to get away but it was worth it. 

The weather in Williamsburg was bitterly cold and clear and wonderful! The town was decorated in historic Williamsburg fashion. It was only a little crowded but the crowds are what made it feel festive. We began our weekend with a morning of antiquing followed by lunch. Then, we spent the afternoon and evening in and out of the shops at Williamsburg. We took an evening stroll up and down the length of  town until well after dark. Early the next morning, we returned to Williamsburg for the Farmer's Market. We again walked up and down the length of town, browsing the little historic shops along the way. The shops feature items related to colonial times like candles, children's toys, housewares, decor, etc. We ducked into a side alley bakery for hot cups of cider and coffee to warm ourselves. While on the back street we studied the architecture, outbuildings, drains, chimneys, etc. Every nook and cranny of Colonial Williamsburg is meticulously maintained. Then, we drove to a wonderful deli for lunch after which we continued on with more antiquing and an important stop at Liberty Hill Needleworks. Our husband's knew not to wait around for us at a cross stitch shop. So, they dropped us off there and went to a local brewery for themselves. After this, the guys wanted to rest for the afternoon. Kay and I dropped them off at our rental and we drove a couple of miles to the Premium Outlets. I do not enjoy shopping malls but we had fun popping in and out of stores that were of interest to us. There was nothing pressing that we needed to buy so the whole experience was laid back and enjoyable. We ended the day with a dinner out, of the guys' choosing. We packed up and drove home the following morning. I could have spent at least two more days exploring the historic parts of town. But, we needed to be be home. It was time to prepare for Christmas!

The main street in Colonial Williamsburg- Duke of Gloucester Street

 

A warming bonfire in the center of town.

A live evergreen in the town center.

The ice skating rink is set up in the middle of the road.

Everything in Colonial Williamsburg is beautifully landscaped. Christmas music played from speakers for the skaters.

Christmas time in Colonial Williamsburg is all about the natural decor!

The door and two windows were hung with signs that read, "Peace", "Hope", and "Love".

I wished I had read some of the papers. All were hand written and one appears to be a prayer.

We asked the garden tour guide about this large, unusual basket. She said it was found in an antique shop for twenty-five dollars.

November Blows Through

 And just like that, it is December.

Three of our daughters spent the Thanksgiving holiday with us. It was a busy, productive, joy filled week. Everyone pitched in to help prepare the Thanksgiving meal. Over two days' time, everyone also helped consume it. 

This ten year old was very excited about the dinner. I think he likes to cook as much as I do. He especially loves Sweet Potato Mallow. It is rewarding to see people enjoy a meal I have prepared for them.  

A vignette from the Woodrow Wilson home.

The day after Thanksgiving, we took two cars and drove up to Staunton to see the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum. We toured the 1850's birth home of Wilson. The museum housed Wilson's beloved Pierce Arrow. I found that vehicle to be impressive, indeed. If a machine can be beautiful, this was it. Afterwards, we had lunch at a busy Chik Fil-A. Then Steve and I did a little antiquing after which we drove back roads home. It was lovely day for a scenic drive.

We drove through four counties to get home; Augusta, Rockbridge, Alleghany, and Botetourt. They were all beautiful.

 On Saturday, Claire and I ran some errands at Country Corners Nursery, Harrison Hall of Antiques, and Heritage Family Market. The stores were busy but not overly crowded. It was festive to be out among Christmas shoppers. I bought four winter themed place mats and a few odds and ends at the Heritage Market. Daughter bought a vintage measuring cup. I had a chance to visit with old friends from New York who also happen to be our daughter's in-laws. They now live in Kentucky but come to Botetourt to visit two of their children who have settled here. It is always good to see old friends.

Audrey was very excited to begin Christmas preparations. She was the driving force behind the crafts and the walk to the tree farm on Sunday. Everyone caught her excitement and happily joined in. The kitchen and dining room smelled wonderfully of citrus and cloves from the orange pomanders they decorated. 

It was a cold day and we noticed snow flurries outside the window. We decided it was the perfect weather for a walk to the tree farm. Claire and her family needed to be off to make the drive home. After we said our good-byes, Audrey, Tess, Violet and I bundled up and walked up the hill and over to the Christmas tree farm. They were doing good business this day! We reveled in the snow that continuously fell as we searched for a tree. Rather than take the time to go home for the truck, the girls carried the tree home for us. Choosing the Christmas tree helped me shift gears from the Thanksgiving holiday into the Christmas season. Ready or not, it is coming!

Up the hill...

...up the road, then down the field to home.

Home for the Holiday, Meal Prep, Fancy Meeting You Here

Claire's family bustles in late after their long drive. Suitcases, bags, goodies and children are shuttled into the house. We pause on the front steps and look at the stars. I reach inside to turn off the lights. Turning back to the sky, the stars now appear brighter and the space between them is blacker. Two or three us point out constellations as we strain our eyes to see what is there. 

After greetings and hugs, they carry belongings off to their rooms. Then everyone returns to the kitchen for a little catching up before we are all off to bed.

It was a good day's work. The pies are baked, some side dishes are partially cooked and refrigerated, bread for stuffing is cubed, cranberry salad prepared, lists and recipes wait their turn on the counter. Everything is staged to perform on its big day.  I have prepared this meal every year for decades. It runs like a well oiled machine. The only variations have been the number of people sitting at the table to eat it. Sometimes there have been twenty-three and other times six or seven. It has never been two. 

I pulled into the gas station and waited behind a car being fueled. I realized it was my friend, Farhana. I turned off my engine and got out of the car to greet her. We hugged and chatted while she pumped her gas. She is on her way to Tennessee for the holiday. We agreed to meet up after she is back. She said has Christmas ornaments to give me and I said I have Steve's hot sauce to give her.

 

 

Food Love, More Food Love, A World Record Breaker

This year and last, Food Lion has Macintosh apples for sale by the pound. I grab a bag or two every time I shop. The label says they are from Glenmont, NY, which is near our old home town. I much prefer Macintosh apples for applesauce, pies, and crisps. It's funny how people get excited about certain grocery items. I wonder if this is how a squirrel feels when he finds a special nut somewhere. Let's grab it and scarf it away home and relish it!

I decided to make bread baking a new hobby. The King Arthur Flour website has tons of enticing recipes. I decided to begin with the English Muffin Toasting Bread since it only required one rising. Tomorrow I will make the Chocolate Babka Bread. We ate some of the English Muffin Bread for dinner tonight with eggs. It was a delight! The Babka will be our breakfast bread Wednesday morning after Claire's family arrives for the long weekend. The biggest challenge of this new hobby will be to not gain weight.

Our friends' grandson broke the Pan-American record for cycling from northern Alaska to the bottom of South America. He accomplished it in a little over seventy-five days. You can read about it HERE. He keeps a wonderful blog, loaded with beautiful photos. It boggles my mind to imagine such a feat. Reading his blog gives insight. When we read it, broken down day by day, we can see what type of human strength and character of mind such a feat requires. It is beyond amazing. This is the stuff explorers are made of. It is the type of person to venture into the Antarctic, cross a sea into uncharted realms, or climb into a rocket ship pointed toward outer space. Congratulations, Bond! 

Lovely Cold and Gray, Wintry Meals, Church

     Just like that, the weather turned to November. It is blustery, gray and cold. I revel in it because I need this cold air. It feels right. I drove past Willie Simmons wood turning shop and he had his wood stove going full blast. Smoke billowed out of the stove pipe and scented the air with sweet wood smoke. The scent was welcoming and cozy. Oh, to sit near a wood stove or fireplace and do noting but daydream would be divine! I'm sure Willie is working in his shop and maybe only daydreaming a little.

     I made a second pot roast this week, smaller than the first one that fed four of us last Sunday. I enjoyed one meal from this second roast and saved the rest for a beef pot pie for when Steve gets back. He and I will have two more meals from that. I never tire of meat pies. I also put together a chicken pot pie and brought it, uncooked, to Eleanor for her freezer. She happily exclaimed, "This is like money in the bank!" when I handed it to her. I can still hear her stressing the words, "Money- In- The- Bank!". Haha!

    Denyse came up to me at church and said she has been praying for someone whose name I wrote in the prayer book. Denyse is elderly in stature but not in spirit. She is quite a force. Age has bent her frame and she is stands to my waist; such that I feel the need to bend down to her when she talks to me. I may be taller, but I feel like I should be looking up to her and not vice versa. I let her know that I was thankful for her prayers. This is how Denyse serves God, now that her body cannot run around any more. She is a prayer warrior. The way I see it, one can ever have too many people praying for them.

     

Hiking, Keeping Busy, Weathering the Storm

 

I joined in a fall hike to Roaring Run with the Senior Summit group. Being in the woods, smelling the fallen leaves, and hearing the rushing water was invigorating. Since we were a group of seniors who enjoy hiking, no one was in a hurry. I have been on this hike several times over the years, with various people, in various seasons, yet it never gets old. We spotted a plant that is native to Virginia called a Rattlesnake Orchid. I would like to come back and see it in bloom. Even without a flower, the leaves were beautiful.

Steve was away for work and my week easily filled with busyness. Kay and I were finally able to have a good catch-up at Eleanor's over tea and sweet bread. It has been months since just the three of us got together. It was late afternoon when we were getting ready to leave Eleanor's that the rain started pouring and the wind kicked up. 

The forecast predicted a change in the weather today which included high winds. As is our routine, I filled up bottles and jugs of water before I headed out that morning in case we lost power. Sure enough, the power went out at 5:30pm. I was glad I had already warmed my dinner. Aside from that, there was nothing for me to do out here in the country, home alone, with no power. It is the blackest sort of dark. It was much too early for me to go to bed so I read magazines by candle and flashlight. I managed to pass two hours of time when I decided it was allowable to settle into bed for the night. I used a carafe of water to wash my face and brush my teeth by flashlight. Then I added an extra down comforter to the bed and accepted the fact that it was going be a long night. There was nothing to do but listen to the wind roar and slam against the house. One of the bedroom windows wasn't latched properly and the wind whistled through the cracks. All of this brought back memories of our childhood winters in New York. We slept cozy in our beds while snowstorms pummeled the house. I recall feeling safe with my sisters and parents nearby. The soothing sound of our water filled radiators ticked and lulled us to sleep. We fell asleep wishing for school to be closed the next day so we could play with our cousins and friends, uninhibited in the wonderland of snow.

Those were my thoughts as I fell asleep this night, smiling to myself at the memory. Although I was alone this dark night and the outside felt very loud and cold and scary, I was happy and calm. I congratulated myself for "being a big girl" and handling all this better than I expected. Ten hours later, the lights burst on. I got up early and made the coffee. There was no snow to greet me. But, the sun was out and the wind had calmed. Not even a tree was down. I took stock of the yard and field and breathed a sigh of relief. How different the world appears in daylight, with heat and water.

Published! Into Real Pages

 

I had two fun publishes this week. The first one was an article for the ATHA (Association of Traditional Hooking Artists) magazine. I wanted to highlight our rug hooking group's effort to build a workshop last spring that included all of our members. It pleases me to give this published gift to our group for everyone's hard work. I am especially happy that the founder of our group and my rug hooking guide, Eleanor, got to see herself in the magazine. She is in her nineties and still going strong. Her sweet spirit is the glue that binds us all together.

My second publishing effort was to get three more years of my blog printed into book form. I use the company "Into Real Pages". They currently have a 30% off winter sale going on (WINTER2024). The books are priced according to how many pages they contain. It can get pricey so, the discount helps a lot. The website guides you through the process with various formatting options. I found it to be fairly intuitive. The books are solid, eye appealing with good color photos, and use quality paper. I purchased softcover volumes but they offer hardcover as well. My one bit of advice is to be patient when your content is downloading on their website as it can take a while. Below are the four volumes I printed earlier this year. I added four more years in my recent order.

Blooms Not of the Imagination

"Come with me and you'll be in a world of pure imagination."

 

It used to be that we could only imagine the scent of lilacs and lavender in the month of November. Not so this year. The entire lilac bush is covered in blooms on top. We also have fresh dill and the peppers keep ripening like gangbusters. It is all very odd. I post it here just so I can look back and remember it one day in the future. The Willy Wonka song is in my head when I go out to smell the lilacs and lavender. 

"Reach out, touch what was once just in your imagination."

 

 

Family Visit 2024

 

I am still coming down from the high of our children's annual visit. Even though it was a big, loud, messy, noisy, endless-food-eating week, I miss everyone. Steve went out of town the day after the children left. His absence magnified the emptiness in the house. I found purpose in getting the rooms back in order, washing the floors, doing laundry, and having an occasional nap. 

The shoes lined up at the back door have disappeared. The wind has blown the big leaf pile across the field and the trees are suddenly bare. While I knock about the empty house I recollect their voices: the grandchildren calling my name, daughters discussing plans, a child asking for a drink, a snack, or a baggie to hold nature finds. The fullness of that week carries us happily back into our busy routines.

The trees and leaves provided a week of endless play.

Little guy's homemade owl costume

Trick-or-Treating in town

Mummy game at Aunt Tess's Halloween party

We always have a bonfire.

Ready to walk to the vineyard with daughters #3, 2, 1, and 4.