One Year Ago

A year ago, I started blogging. Yes, I set up the blog in October, but I didn't really start using it until Christmas Day. To commemorate the event, here is a picture of our Christmas tree this year.

If you look closely in the middle towards the bottom, you'll see the Washington Nationals ornament I made and showcased in that first post. What you won't see are any of the ornaments I made for the Brides Tree SAL. Ornamentification awaits.



Our tree features an eclectic mix of ornaments that were handmade by family and friends over the years and ones that DH and I collected as we lived and travelled around the world. The spire on top was my grandmother's and dates from the 1950s or 1960s, I think. I made the tree skirt a couple of years ago. (That's our cat lurking on the bottom left. Both of our cats like to nap under the tree.)

Happy Christmas to those who celebrate it and a Peaceful New Year to All.

Card Types

I have lunch at work with the same group of friends just about every day I'm there. We often have lively discussions, about a wide range of topics. We're an opinionated bunch.

One of the hot topics last year around this time was on Christmas and seasonal holiday cards. Some of us preferred more traditional cards, others photo cards, and others combinations. I have strong preferences on this.

Before I give you my opinion, I thought I'd ask for yours. I've set up a poll in my sidebar. I've made it an exclusive choice, so pick the kind you like the most. I won't hold you to it, I promise. Please leave me a comment about your choice, if you'd like.

What I hate most are the ones that are commercially printed (what I labelled "pre-printed" in the poll) where people (not businesses) have also had their names pre-printed and include nothing personal at all in them - not even a signature. Why bother?

Booties

I received two sets of handmade baby booties. I had delusions that I was going to cross stitch two pairs myself, but, of course, I ran out of time. So it's really nice that my friends and family made some for me.

The first set is from my SIL and are made out of felt. I like the fact that she wasn't afraid to use blue in one set.

The second set comes from my college friend Lisa. These are knit. My mother is going to be delighted when she sees the ladybugs, as that's one of mom's "things".

I think both sets are great and will serve different purposes.

Sweaters

Today I'm showing you some of the sweaters we received as gifts. The first two, the aqua-colored ones, were made by my mom. You'll notice that they're the same color, but in different patterns.

These next two were made by a friend of my mom's whom I've not met. DDA is in the first picture. I love this little sweater, as it is a pullover and wears like a sweatshirt. It feels soft and comfortable and well broken in.

Here's DDL wearing the second sweater made by the same person.

These pictures of the girls were taken in September. They're now much bigger.