Christmas Day

Today is a quiet day, just me at home alone.  Quite a contrast to Christmas Day, when we had twelve for lunch, and yesterday, when we went up to Lake Canobolas at Orange for another family get together with those who couldn’t make it on Christmas day.

The best Christmas gift was cool weather and some lovely, soaking rain.

Santa was kind to everyone.  My Mum heard a little birdy say that I may just like to receive this book.  I’m looking forward to making something from it in the New Year.

The grand finale of present opening was my gift from Berit in Norway.

Firstly, there was the little man, who is now sitting by my teeny Christmas tree.  Is he a troll?  I’m not sure, but he is very cute.

The main gift was a lovely redwork table runner. 

This could not have been planned better, as when I was setting up for Christmas I decided  that I would have to make a Christmassy redwork runner for Grandma’s dresser that lives in my dining room. Doesn’t it look festive, but still ideal for any time of the year. The workmanship is beautiful and the length – well I’m sure Berit must have been here taking measurements, it is perfect.

There was also a tasty little treat to eat as well.  So, all in all, I was extremely spoilt.

Another gift from the Northern Hemisphere was this cute Advent Calendar card from Loulee.  Not having kids, this was the first Advent Calendar we’ve ever had and we had fun opening all the little windows during the month of December.

There is one other sweet gift that I haven’t shared as yet.  This came from one of my friends from my little stitching group here in town.

The owl’s wings open up to reveal a needle case and pincushion.  The little purse is just the right size for loyalty cards.

And……when you turn the owl over, there is a handy pocket for scissors and quick unpick (not that I would ever need one of those…Ha ha ha).

It was a very clever little gift.

So now I am looking forward to a few peaceful days at home before heading back to work after New Year’s.  Mick, on the other hand, is back into it today, with long hot days each day for the next week, poor fellow.

Christmas Eve

I can’t believe that it is Christmas Eve.  After an incredibly busy month on all fronts I think everything has come together for a wonderful Christmas tomorrow.

Firstly, I had a whirlwind two day trip to Brisbane and the Gold Coast for work.  I was fortunate enough to sneak half an hour in the late afternoon to have a walk along the beach.

 

The night time view from the hotel was stunning.

Just a pity it was for work and not a holiday.

Each year I like to make a decoration for each of my nieces for their Christmas tree. I learnt how to make these quilted balls recently, so had some fun making them. 

They are easier than they look. That’s my sort of craft, maximum effect for minimum effort.

We have given ourselves an early Christmas present.  We have been having internet problems at high demand times.  We are on wireless and in a bit of a hollow, so from about 7.30 of an evening till about 9.30 we have been getting no internet access, which is rather frustrating.   Mick has now installed an aerial on the roof and it seems to have improved things.  Two happy campers here.

Finally, here is our tree and table all ready for tomorrow.  We will be having twelve family and friends for lunch. 

After an incredibly hot day, it is now cooler and raining, which is a great Christmas present in itself.

So, from Mick and I, have a wonderful Christmas with those you love.