It is the end of the year. I wanted to do a 12 days of Christmas, but life got in the way these past couple of weeks.

So, to your benefit, I'm having an end of year inventory reduction sale.

How about jelly rolls to start? I will put them up later today/tomorrow.

What would be fun for 2012? I have my Non e mai troppo tardi list almost ready to post. Care to join in?

I have a giveaway almost ready for you too. I need to increase my followers, so how about....

uh-oh, timer. Have to go.

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas

Not really. It was 46F out today. These are photos from other times of the year.



This is a closeup of one of our flowering plums. 

and our pond.

I hoping you have a very Merry Christmas.

The day before, the day before

Wow, can you believe Christmas is almost here? This year is a non-event at our house. Since we have no children/grandchildren we are not decorating. We don't have to be anywhere for the first time in over 12 years. A three day weekend. I see a movie or two in my future.

And, I have a stack of samples to make for the Kitsap Quilters show in February. My stress level will greatly increase January 1 2nd.

I would like to share another favorite Christmas story. I'm sure it's in the top three.

In October of xx, I retired from the Navy and came home (I wanted to go somewhere else, but my Mom & Dad wanted me home). So, I moved in. Time goes on.

My Mom and her friends Jeff & Mary were trying to 'fix me up' with someone, but that someone was seeing someone else. So, in February of  xx, we finally got to meet. We spoke on the phone to get acquainted, later on we decided to meet for a movie (VHS? DVD? don't remember) but we chose "Something about Mary". Definitely not my idea of a first date movie. But I digress. So I hear a knock at the door, and what do I see? This tall, skinny guy in a jeans jacket with longish blonde hair. Ahhh.

Fast forward a few years.

So, here I am spending the night before the night before Christmas at my (now) serious boyfriend's house. I woke up, threw on my robe and went downstairs in my wild hair early morning glory to make coffee. The next thing I know, this skinny (well, at least five pounds heavier) guy came down in his sweats and his wild hair glory to join me. Next thing I know, he is down on one knee and asking me 'the question'. Of course I said yes!

Now for the ring.

A year or so earlier my watch battery died. So, we went off to the mall (eeek) and stopped at Zales to get it repaired. So, I love sapphires and always look at them. Well, we wandered around the cases and I saw a diamond and sapphire ring in with the wedding rings. It was so pretty. But, I didn't need it (well I did, but I wasn't in the market for a ring, just a battery).

Refer back to the 'So, here I am' paragraph.

Little did I know that he went back to the store (amazing since he hates the mall and shopping in general) and bought that ring! He even had it sized. Pretty confident, eh? He hid it in the garage for over one year! He kept moving it because he thought I'd find it. Really, I am frightened in the garage. Lots of stuff and spiders. I don't like the webs! He told me he thought he might forget where he hid it.

So, now I'm an engaged woman. We called my parents to meet for breakfast (without spilling the beans) and I nonchalantly flashed my ring...my Mom and Dad starting laughing--they already knew!!

Merry Christmas Deano. I love you.

A hint of what's ahead

We live on 2-1/2 acres surrounded by woods. I love it here. These little guys are our second or third set of twins that spend their spring/summer here. We have a pond (where you see them playing) and lots of open area to jump around in and a large amount of weeds to be hidden in.

Just a little something to make you smile. Don't laugh at the weeds. When little ones like these are in the yard, we let it go. A little bambi will not move if momma puts it somewhere. My husband found a very new bambi hidden in the rocks by the waterfall one day. It was abou the size of a small dog.

Tonight is sewing night--let's see what I can get done.

Looking for a mountain climber

Yes, you can tell. Mount Wash Me is back.

This week has been a long one. Can you believe it's Christmas next week?

I need some ideas for easy cookies. I love to bake, but not really in the mood. And, double-stuffed Oreos are not an option.

Blue & whilte tape

Good morning! Thank you for the hugs. They were greatly appreciated.

On a happier note, I came home to a pile of boxes with blue & white tape--a instant smile on my face! Moda!

So, when I get home tonight, I'll dig out the camera and post some photos. I ordered a lot of Reunion charm packs. I LOVE this line. Sadly, the pattern I ordered for it is on backorder! I know that you will love it. It is perfect out of any fabric. Maybe I'll make one for H2H!

Almost forgot, have you seen the new Half Moon Modern? You will later. (hint hint)

How about a giveaway?

Death of a friend

My friend Jenna was killed Friday night. Her boyfriend is in the hospital in Seattle (airlifted out) as is the driver of the car that hit them. It seems that driver was drunk and driving on a tire rim.

Is it harder to grieve when it is this sudden?

Goodbye Jenna, you will be missed by all of us at work, and thank you for being my friend.

Love you.

PS Say hi to my Dad for me.

Tool Time Tuesday

I'm sorry, I'll have to postpone TTT. I woke up with a nasty sinus headache. Should be better later today.

Sundays & the 12 days of Christmas

My husband is not feeling well. Which is not normal for him. He is actually crashed out  on our "Coma Couch" napping. This is going to be a crazy week. We are (hopefully) rearranging our furniture and doing some computer wrangling. May have some down time, just depends on how much energy we can muster. And, it's COLD!

But, on a brighter note, my Mom is coming home today! She's been at her brother's house taking care of him for quite some time. I've already warned her I have several piles of blocks ready to set. You know there is a quilt show in February. I probably will do one more in October. Not sure if I can make it over to the other side for any shows this summer. I'm limited on space (I drive a Prius). We will be looking for a small trailer that can be pulled with DH's Tundra. I'm planning on getting some shelving that can just stay in the trailer and be used for shows. Less hassle!

Ok, so here's a question. I've been getting lots of 12 Days of Christmas ads lately. Really? When do the 12 days actually start? Maybe I'll just do my own.

Enjoy your day of rest! I have fabric to press and cut and sew back together. I have been designing a couple of quilts, hope to have something to show later this week!