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.

Hand-knit gifts

I have received many gifts for the girls that were hand-made. They're all lovely. I thought I'd showcase some of them here, since I'm not crafting these days. My friend Kim from college made today's selection. The first is a pair of socks made from scrap yarn. Very cute.

She also knit two blankets in a spiral pattern with washable wool.

These are the perfect size to use as lap blankets in the car seats, as modelled by DDA (white hat) and DDL (pink) here.

Thanksgiving Meme

Started by Lee and added to by me.

Favorite part of the Thanksgiving Meal: Stuffing. Not too moist, not too dry. Hubby makes it with chestnuts and stuffing. Very yummy.

Least favorite part of the meal: Pumpkin pie. Hate the stuff. I'm not into any of the winter squashes nor the yams or sweet potatoes.

Anything new in the meal this year: No. We're very traditional.

Dishes that we don't make anymore, but I'll always miss them: The only things that are different from my childhood are fancy stuffing instead of plain and wheat rolls instead of Wonderbread rolls. I can't say that either of these changes are bad.

Things I am thankful for this year: my new daughters, my great hubby, the fact that my parents and siblings will be here for Thanksgiving. It's the first T-day that I will spend with the entire family of origin in about 5 years.

Things I will miss this year: My grandparents, especially Grandma A.; my sister's kids (who will be with their father for T-day); being able to sleep all day.

How would you answer?

In other news, my MIL is here this weekend (she has to go back home before T-day), and we are trying something new. We're having Turducken tomorrow night as a prelude to T-day. It should be interesting.

Favorites

And now for something a little different. Stolen from Geggie and Anna.

1. Political show - Ick. None.
2. Picnic food - Cole slaw
3. Mixed drink – Malibu and pineapple
4. U.S. President – Bill Clinton
5. Kind of student to teach – middle schoolers
6. Hobby you do or wish you still did - I wish I still made baskets.
7. Sports commentator – Diana Nyad
8. Sport to watch on TV – baseball
9. Animal to have as a pet - cat
10. Halloween costume you have worn – Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Box
11. Kind of dessert - chocolate
12. Comic strip - Foxtrot
13. Style or make of footwear - Joseph Siebel
14. Ice cream flavor - mint chocolate chip
15. College or university president – I can't answer this without telling you too much about me for this blog. It's definitely not the person who was president of my alma mater while I was there.
16. Internet news source – washingtonpost.com
17. Vacation spot - Crete
18. Wine – Pinot grigio
19. Way to waste time instead of working – reading blogs
20. Student excuse for late work – Received: My car broke down; Given: My sister's getting married
21. Reality show – Amazing Race (although I just started watching Chase and I'm amused)
22. Jewelry on a man – Cuff links
23. Pizza topping – Pepperoni
24. Children's movie - Beauty and the Beast
25. Celebrity you wish would retire - Ted Danson