Heading toward.....ahhh, winter!

When it comes to "de-decorating" after Christmas, I'm one of those "hang-on to January 6th" folks. I love the scent and sight of Christmas in the house, but I always get things decorated so late in the season that to take them down right after Christmas is just not one of my priorities.  I want to enjoy those reminders of Christmases past or moments enjoyed in Christmas present-albeit-passed.  So my tree is still up and the mantel still hung with now-emptied stockings.  The Christmas mugs remain on the hook, and Christmas napkins still fill the napkin basket. 

This year was actually a very late "deck-the-halls," with the tree going up on the 23rd and decorations on it going on Christmas Eve.  I do believe, though, that's an old tradition, with many folks not setting the tree in place until the evening of the Eve.....at least that sounds like a good connection!  I would like to claim "just following an old tradition," but I can't.  Life is hectic in this mountain home, tucked into Western Virginia, and we continute to fill the days with projects, not the least of which this year was replacing an old parquet floor with ceramic tile.  My husband is a handyman par excellence, and once again he proved his talent with a beautiful addition to our family/living area. 

We're still "grout-less," but I'm not complaining.  The old floor had begun to crumble right out from under our feet, so this beauty is a welcomed change and a lovely Christmas gift to ourselves.   

Norman, our Rhodesian-ridgeback mix hound, will be glad when it's all over, and he can relax on the sun-warmed tiles without interruption.  He's been grumbling now for weeks, bless his heart.  His companion, a little German pincher whose primary name is Ori, would like to see things settle down as well--when Norman's on the tile, she can steal his bed.  We all have reasons.

I did manage to get most everything done before Christmas morning--except for some little cotton scrubbies that were those little johnny-come-latelies.  They are so great, though, and simple to make!  The cotton yarn, combined with crochet thread, makes a great dishcloth that fits perfectly in hand.  I've whipped up four of them now, one for each daughter and one for home.  Yay!!

The pattern is a free one located on Ravelry and great for a next-step project for a beginner crocheter.  The creator, Laurie Laliberte, offers several free and useful patterns as well as some low-cost ones as well.  What makes these little jewels so great, along with their perfect size, is the double-sided scrubby that results--I know it will be durable and so easy to pitch in the wash and use over and over again.  Green-friendly for sure!

It's almost the new year, and while I know there will be many changes afoot in 2012, I am looking forward to what's ahead.  I hope your year is filled with good choices, simple pleasures, and a clear view of each day and its blessings.

What in the world......

I look back at the date and wonder how a year and almost a half have passed since my last post.  Can that be possible??  Well, obviously!  Life has definitely happened, and I sit here thinking about all the things I need to get done today and in the next week because.......CHRISTMAS IS COMING!  It is the age old story for this house and me....rushing to get ready.  Oh mercy.

In my knitting basket are several projects, not the least of which are some simple washcloths that will tuck in and amongst other small items in Christmas packages.  These little cloths, with their owl sentinels standing ready, came about when I spied this pattern on Ravelry and realized how perfectly delighted my sister would be with this fellow.  Owl-lover that she is, she has discreet tastes when it comes to what she collects.  It must have reason or show some distinct detail to be her "pick."  This fellow definitely has an air of distinction AND he certainly has purpose.  One of my daughter's saw the results and......yep, I'm making more.  She came up with a great idea--extend the pattern on to a full second section of just the seed stitch and the result would be a very nice little handtowel....again with distinction.  She's right--the yellow one seen in this pic on the needles is not that very thing and scheduled to land in her Christmas stocking.

Another daughter put in her order for some of these simple knitted cloths that she would like to use as the old time favorite dishcloth.  No frills, she said, though--just a simple cloth.  And then I found another pattern--geezz I love free patterns--for a scrubbie that will go perfectly with these little cloths.  My needles are flying because there is only a week to go.  There is a great pleasure in working up these little pieces, watching them stack up in the basket and knowing that someone I love will be using them daily.  Maybe that's why these washcloths seem to be seeing quite a revival in popularity.

Today screams for cooking as well, and I'll be making several pans of a delicious little chocolate treat called "Cocoa Blocks."  The recipe, a wonderful find on King Arthur Flour's website, is noted for making an amazing cup of hot cocoa, but I'll have to tell you that it takes two blocks to accomplish--one to swirl in the hot milk to melt and one to eat while you're waiting for the melting.  I spied a "Cappacino Blocks" as well while on the site, and we may just have to try that one as well......

So here's to simple things at Christmas--some handmade gifts, a relatively clean house, a warm cup of cocoa and a bit of fudge.  Yes, that will be good indeed.  A wonderful holiday to anyone reading.  May your days be blessed.