Holiday Finish!

 I was able to finish my Christmas quilt, just in time. I machine quilted the edges around the blocks and then I hand quilted around the mittens with black and used white in the patterned blocks. I didn't use any pattern, just made up a mitten template and used a variety of wool textures. It was a fun way to use up wool and some fun fabrics I had gotten, last year.

Last weekend we went to the mill to pick up corn meal. I spotted this guy, outside of the mill.

We also made a stop at the thrift store. This store always has fun things and great prices. I found fun snowmen to add to my collection.

And a nativity set, that I couldn't resist.

After some shopping, we drove around the salt water ponds and I spotted this guy. He was busy fishing, so he didn't mind me, taking photos.

Yesterday we went to the island and walked on a few beaches and around the lighthouse. Lots of Common Eiders and a few Harlequin ducks, braving the surf for a meal. A Downy Woodpecker was enjoying the berries at one parking lot.

We also got to spend time with the kids. Mom and dad went shopping, so the boys stayed with us. While here, we did a family shoot so Ivy could sent photos to her family in Malaysia. This was one of my favorites, the background is AI generated.

Now it is time to get ready for Christmas. We have the kids on Christmas Eve and go to their house on Christmas. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday, in whatever way you may celebrate. May you find peace, love and joy in the coming days.

Friday finish!

 This week I made up a simple, quick project to keep my hands busy and I needed a table topper for my guest room. I had enough left of a cheater print, to fit the table. I just hand quilted around the blocks, something mindless but relaxing.

The weather is still cold and most of the time, windy. Way to cool to do much, but last week we took a walk at the park on the back side, since it is more protected from the wind. It was an old air force training base, so remnants of the runways are still there.

Along another path, signs still dot the area. It is a nice place to walk with several areas and paths to explore.

Today I stayed home and got my quilt put together and quilted. Now I just need to do the binding and I will do hand stitching around the mittens. I might just finish it before Christmas. I hope you all are enjoying some crafting for the holidays and enjoy your weekend.

Busy week!

 

With the holidays, I have less time for working on my projects. Hopefully I can get to a few last minute things and spend some time relaxing and finishing my projects. I have the house decorated, the cards and packages mailed out and presents for the kids. 

My husband got a new vanity for the basement, but then found mold from using the wrong flooring. So that got redone and everything in, then he got stuck with the plumbing. It needs to be refitted for the new vanity, so plumbers are going to finish the jobs. 

The bad thing this week was, I cannot find my lighted trees and angels. I am afraid someone grabbed that box along with the ones for the church bazaar, so that has me upset, since I have no idea what else was in the box. 

One way I like to relax is to do puzzles. My son got me one last year, so I am working on that. Hopefully I can finish it this weekend, but the solid colors are going to be a pain to fill in.

With the cold weather, we haven't been able to get out as much. We like to take rides around the ocean drives and get out for brief moments and to enjoy the views. The breakaway campground is closed so it's a nice place to park and enjoy the views. They are still working on bracing up the breakaway with more stones. 

The island is another place we can ride around and enjoy the views. We took a walk around the lighthouse and the back paths, which help to keep the wind down. In that area are other beach heads and places to stop to enjoy the views. The winds were picking up when we got to the divers beach. 

                                        

We have a skinny tree, so I only put some many ornaments on it. The kids love checking out the kitty collection. I have been collecting for years, so I have a lot more than I can fit on the tree. Some are too big and breakable, so they stay in the boxes.

Every year I would get a new one from Hallmark, but they stopped making good ones and I have more than I need. I hope you all can finish up your holiday preparations and enjoy time for yourselves and creating.